Well-made patio furniture adds comfort and functionality to your outside spaces. With the right furniture pieces, a simple patio can be transformed into an alfresco dining destination. Proper planning will make your backyard your new favorite area for sitting, dining, and entertaining. Read on for a few tips for picking the right patio furniture.
Make a List of Your Furniture Needs
Start by really thinking about how exactly you would like your outdoor space to function. For instance, do you want your patio to serve as a dining area when you have guests over? Or do you want it to be a peaceful reading nook that you can escape to after a long work day? List out all the activities you would like to do in the space to determine what sort of furniture would make sense. For example, if the primary purpose of your patio is to host your friends for evening cocktails, there’s no need for you to buy a large dining table. Instead, smaller side tables and comfortable seating will do.
Try Patio Furniture Before You Buy
As in the case of any furniture, make sure you test patio chairs and sofas, bringing them home. Patio furniture will likely see a lot of use, especially during warm months, so it’s important that they are comfortable. You and your guests are unlikely to enjoy the patio as much if it is outfitted with numerous uninviting furniture pieces. If you are buying metal or wood furniture, look for plush cushions that can make seating more comfortable.
Opt for Pieces that Are Easy to Maintain
You want to spend time enjoying your patio instead of wasting time caring for your outdoor furniture. Given this, make sure to buy furniture that is easy to maintain. Most teak, metal, cedar, and all-weather wicker furniture is durable and can stand up to rain, snow, and extreme heat. With some cleaning, furniture made using those materials will look great for years. You can also dress up outdoor furniture with pillows and cushions that can be tossed into the washing machine for quick cleaning.