How to Choose Outdoor Furniture
Summer is here and it is time to take the fun outdoors. One of the biggest trends these days is having an outdoor living space that feels like an extension of your home. Your outdoors should provide a cozy, leisurely escape during the week and double as an entertaining space when you want to have friends over. Here in San Diego, we have amazing weather pretty much year round and if you have a front or backyard, you can turn it into a perfect outdoor entertaining space by picking out the right colors, textures and materials for your yard. Here are our top tips to help you choose the best outdoor furniture for your outdoor living space.
Plan it out.
Make sure to take measurements of your space and consider how it is shaped before thinking about what type of furniture you want in each area. You want to have enough space around your patio furniture so there is room to walk comfortably. You also want the space to flow well, so in smaller areas, stick to furniture along the outside of the room instead of clunky pieces in the middle. Also, be sure to keep a similar theme in your outdoor space as your indoor space. For example, if your home is modern, stick to pieces that mimic that style.
Consider Comfort.
Make sure to actually take a seat and try out all the patio furniture you are considering buying. You want to be sure to get furniture that you actually want to sit in, otherwise it will be a waste of money because you won’t use it. Just because a piece of furniture looks good, doesn’t mean you will actually sit in it. If your chairs don’t come with pillows, look into buying some and go for quality outdoor fabrics that won’t fade or become damaged by the elements quickly. Daybeds and hammocks add a great touch to an outdoor space and they are perfect for relaxing on beautiful, warm days.
Low Maintenance.
When picking furniture for your outdoor living space, you should opt for pieces that are easy to care for. Typically, metal, teak, cedar and all-weather wicker pieces of furniture will be durable and long-lasting regardless of what mother nature throws their way. These types of outdoor furniture pieces will look great for years to come and you won’t have to spend endless hours taking care of them or running out to grab them before the rain. If you do have furniture that can get damaged by the outdoor elements, get a weather-resistant cover to put over it at night or when it is going to rain. Don’t forget to look for pieces that have rust proof hardware.
Think Underfoot.
Placing a vibrant all-weather rug with a fun pattern under your furniture or entertaining pieces is a great way to bring some personality and texture to your space, not to mention up the comfort level. Rugs are soft underfoot and bring a luxurious feel to your yard that creates that trendy indoor-outdoor vibe that everyone is looking for.
You get What you pay for.
If you are looking to buy furniture for your outdoor living space, you should look at it as an investment. When you go for cheap plastic furniture pieces, they might be less expensive upfront and look nice for a short time, but eventually they will get warped and brittle from the sun and will need to be replaced. Cheap pieces will also lose their bright color quickly, changing the look and feel of your space. Do your research and look up reviews on products before making a big purchase. If you are on a budget, look at patio furniture around the end of July or August when it is often sold at a discounted rate before fall comes.
Look for Multifunctional pieces.
This is especially important for smaller spaces, but can be helpful in any yard. Getting an ottoman that has room for storage while also providing extra seating for your guests is key. You can also find other furniture pieces with dual uses like chairs that can be turned into tables or extra storage. Even some galvanized buckets can double as storage, or turn them upside down to create extra seating or a table. If you need more ideas on how to decorate your yard with limited room, check out this blog where we talk all about design inspiration for your small outdoor living space.
Simplicity is key.
If you want your outdoor living space to be an extension of your home, consider sticking to similar colors that you have throughout your house. Don’t go wild with the color and patterns on your outdoor furniture pieces. Instead, opt for simple, neutral colors and throw in pops of texture and personality with colorful throws, pillows, and accessories throughout your space. This is a great way to change the look and feel of your space whenever you want without having to spend time and money finding new furniture.
Sun Protection.
If you don’t have shade from trees, patio covers, or a pergola, you should look into providing some coverage for your outdoor living space. Here in San Diego, our summers can get pretty toasty and no one wants to spend hours in the direct sunlight. Patio umbrellas or shade covers are great for giving just enough coverage to keep your guests comfortable while not taking away from the landscape views and decor. Make sure to opt for weighted umbrella stands that won’t easily get knocked over on windy days, or by people bumping into them.
Picking out patio furniture for your outdoor living space should be fun. Don’t overthink it, but also don’t run out and buy the first thing you see. Consider things like comfort level, the vibe you are looking for, and opt for pieces that will last through many different seasons without getting damaged. Don’t forget to think about the flow of your space and stick to simple colors on furniture that you can make pop with patterned decor. If you are ready to turn your front or back yard into an outdoor living space that you can enjoy for years to come, let’s set up your free consultation and get to planning!