Patio Furniture – A Quick Introduction to Comfort

Patio furniture can be a pleasure to have and enjoyable to use. But the type of furniture you select to buy is very important. It should be based on 1) your taste in decor, 2) the amount of space you have available, and 3) and climate conditions.

1) Your Taste In Decor

It is better if you have an idea of the style of outdoor furniture you desire before you go shopping. Whether you prefer a traditional look, a rustic look, or a contemporary look, outdoor patio furniture is available in beautiful designs made from dramatic teak, a host of other natural woods, in gentle wickers, stately wrought iron, and practical aluminum or plastic.

I urge you to look at designs online and get some idea about what ‘type of look’ you wish to have. Online stores can offer you many pictures of many different design styles. You will fins this easier and faster than driving to several stores.

2) The Space Available

Before you purchase furniture for a porch, patio, or backyard area, carefully look at the size of the area you wish to furnish and visualize which pieces of furniture would best serve the area. No one likes a crowded patio or porch. You should have enough furniture to look aesthetically pleasing but without crowding. You should have enough space to comfortably walk by each piece without tripping or hitting your shin. This may sound obvious, but this is sometimes overlooked.

3) Climate Conditions

Will your patio furniture be kept under a covered porch or left outside under the sky? Will you leave it out all the time or store it in winter? These are factors when considering which type of outdoor furniture to purchase.

Natural wicker is naturally beautiful but it is not weather friendly. It should be kept dry at all times or carefully dried every time it becomes wet. Who is going to do that? Resin or plastic wicker is sturdier and for some people, it is more practical. But the look is different; and it also should be kept dry or mold will grow in all those tiny nooks and spaces.

Wood is heartier and can take some wet weather. Some woods are now weatherproofed which makes it more resilient. Some people do keep wood furniture outside in all weather conditions. It fairs well, but this will mean your wood surfaces will need yearly upkeep to keep it looking at its very best. Better yet, keep wood furniture away from wet weather.

Aluminum and resin (plastic) is now much more stylish. It is very strong and can take wet weather conditions best of all furniture materials. This is the choice if you wish to forget about your outdoor furniture off season. Of course, the cushions and fabrics should be taken inside in wet weather.

Some Tips:

It is always better to bring your outdoor furniture under cover in wet weather. Should you wish to keep your furniture outside and exposed to the elements year round, I would recommend that you buy covers and use them when your furniture is not in use.

Keep in mind that in tropical or sub-tropical climates, cushions, cloth padding, and other outdoor fabrics may fade due to the intense sun. You may wish to keep color-sensitive fabrics out of the sun when not in use. Patio furniture is a wonderful addition to an outdoor living space. With some thought to the selection, you will have its use and enjoyment for many years to come.