Outdoor furniture can add a much-needed breath of fresh air to your space.
The patio is a functional and appealing feature of a house. It’s an ideal haven for hanging out, lounging, dining, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors with your nearest and dearest. With the right patio furniture that marries function and form, you can turn your patio into the coziest and most inviting part of your home.
Whether your space is big or small, the right furniture can help transform it. A tiny balcony or pocket garden can come alive with a space-saving set of tables and chairs or a rack for houseplants. A stone patio can become a lively gathering hub with a fire pit, comfortable chairs, an umbrella, and a table. The possibilities are endless. Let us help you navigate your way through your options一here are some ways you can thoughtfully select the right furniture for your patio.
Have A Plan In Mind
Before diving into your project, it helps to plan the type of furniture you’ll need for your outdoor space. Are you working with limited space (e.g., an outdoor balcony or terrace), or do you have a larger space with a garden and pool? If space isn’t an issue, you can consider buying larger pieces that can fulfill the main functions of an outdoor patio: lounging, entertaining, and dining.
Knowing that will help you understand how to begin choosing the right pieces for your outdoor patio. Additionally, if you can afford the help of experts such as landscape designers or furniture designers, they can help you envision the best ways to decorate and utilize your space.
It’s also important to consider your outdoor patio’s function before investing in furniture. Consider the following sample questions:
- Will you be hosting dinner parties with an expandable dining table and chairs?
- Will you use the space to chill on a couch and play board games?
- Do you have a pool or a garden?
- Is your outdoor patio made with brick, wood, or other types of material?
- Are you going for a specific design aesthetic?
- Does the architecture or landscape of your outdoor space affect the design you have in mind?
These questions can help make buying outdoor furniture easier and breathe life into your dream patio design.
Do Your Research
Now that you’ve begun the planning phase for your outdoor patio design project, the next step is to research. It may be exciting to purchase critical pieces impulsively, but taking your time before buying outdoor furniture is much better.
Consider the following tips:
Look at reviews and inspiration
Reading reviews from people on online shops and design and furniture forums can help you get an idea of the quality of outdoor furniture you may be eyeing. That sleek dining table set you saw on sale with no reviews might look too good to be true and may not be of the best quality. Or, those lounge chairs that look visually stunning but have hard and uncomfortable material might take away the relaxing vibe of your space. Websites like Pinterest can hold a treasure trove of ideas for the right outdoor furniture.
Take measurements
Measuring the dimensions of your space can help avoid the hassle of returning outdoor furniture that doesn’t fit. Imagine the buyer’s remorse when you find out that the high-end teakwood table you bought for your patio deck is the wrong size and have to return it in place of something that fits. A good rule of thumb used by interior designers that can also apply to outdoor patio design is to leave at least 36 inches between a table and a physical object (e.g., a tree, wall, etc.) to prevent obstructing foot traffic around your space.
Analyze your outdoor space
Just like the rooms inside your house, taking note of the layout and proportions of your outdoor patio can give you a better idea of the kind of furniture that looks good and seamlessly fits into your design. For instance, a small four-seater square table will look out of place on a large wooden patio deck, while a long table might look better if your primary purpose for the patio is for outdoor dining. Conversely, getting a bulky set of outdoor furniture for a small space can make it look cramped and stifled when opting for dual-purpose, and space-saving options would be the better option.
Consider environmental factors
What is the climate like where you live? Whether you live in a country with all four seasons or in the tropics, knowing what the weather is like can help you choose tables, chairs, and décor that are weather-ready and easy to maintain.
Avoid impulsive purchases
Some people tend to get excited about decorating their patios and buy outdoor furniture based on their appearance. Still, it’s important to consider other factors before purchasing. There’s nothing more frustrating than buying a flimsy set of tables and chairs that don’t add to the beauty of your space and having to return it later.
Take photographs
It may sound overly simplistic, but taking pictures can help you better visualize how the outdoor furniture you need will fit into your patio. If you have a high vantage point where you can take photographs, this can help you supplement your measurements of your outdoor patio.
List Down Your Essentials
The process of designing your patio takes time, and this is equally true when it comes to selecting the right outdoor furniture and décor. These are some furniture pieces you’ll need to purchase to decorate your outdoor space’s canvas.
Outdoor seating
When designing your outdoor space, comfortable seating is an essential component. Investing in the right sofas and chairs also means keeping the outdoor space’s purpose in mind. Whether you envision benches for your wooden dining tables, decorative pod chairs for a modern twist, or a sofa you can sink into for a more loungey feel, consider your seating options first. Depending on the size of your space, you can incorporate additional seating to fill the space and accommodate more guests. In addition, make sure that you choose seats with plush cushions and have weather-resistant material to avoid damage from the elements.
Tables
In terms of essential outdoor furniture for your patio, tables are a key element in the blueprint. Whether you’re looking for tall cocktail tables, coffee tables, side tables, or dining tables, any outdoor space is incomplete without them. Tables offer a sense of community, comfort, and aesthetic value and can anchor your outdoor space. Even tables that aren’t the main focal point of your space, such as side tables, make it more enticing to gather with your loved ones outside.
Shade
Lounging outside isn’t as appealing if you don’t have any protection from the sun’s rays or a sudden rain shower. If your patio is completely exposed, it is important to find ideas to protect it from the elements. A movable umbrella, a pergola where you can drape textiles and sheets, or awnings are great ways to be weather-ready and create a comfortable ambiance for your outdoor patio.
Lighting
Choosing the right lighting is essential to setting the scene for your outdoor space, especially when the sun goes down. There are many ways to utilize lighting for your outdoor patio to make it come to life, such as stringing fairy lights among the trees for an ethereal atmosphere, or installing tiki lights for a fun, party-like ambiance. Unique light fixtures such as chandeliers, or lanterns hung from a tree can lend your space an intimate, romantic vibe. Mounted wall lights can also evenly illuminate your outdoor space to make it cozier. Even practical lighting solutions, such as adding lights on stairways or pathways, can seamlessly take your outdoor patio from day to night in style.
Greenery
Any outdoor space comes alive with the addition of plants or flowers. Not only is greenery pleasing to look at, but plants also increase oxygen levels and improve your overall quality of life. If your patio is in a garden, greenery can add an intimate touch to your surroundings. If your space is limited, vertical gardens with trellises are a great way to embellish your outdoor space with vines and flowers. Plants like pothos, bromeliads, and ivy are fast-growing and can quickly beautify a space. Hanging pots and plants or a plant rack are also great ways to utilize limited space and add visual elements. Tall potted plants such as rubber trees, palms, or monsteras are beautiful.
Accessories
This aspect is where you can have fun with your outdoor furniture. Adding a personal touch to your outdoor space can show off your home’s personality. If you’re on a budget, you can still find unique ways to make your outdoor patio shine. Whether it’s a fire pit, a bird bath, colorful all-weather rugs, or plush throw pillows, you’ll be able to design your space with outdoor furniture and decor uniquely you. Outdoor rugs are a great way to spruce up your space. Choose pieces with jute or sisal material, which hold up better than synthetic fibers. If you’re not a fan of the natural look, many options on the market are colorful and unique. Make sure they’re meant for outdoor use before you buy them!
Figure Out Your Style
Identifying your home’s design style is essential, even for the outdoors. Before you embark on your outdoor furniture shopping journey, remember that purchasing pieces that aren’t cohesive with your interior design scheme will make your outdoor space look unorganized and neglected. Here are some design trends to inspire you to lessen the confusion among the many trends for furnishing your outdoor space.
Balinese Villa
When one thinks of Bali, villas crafted with natural materials serve as restful havens for those that enter through their gateways. Taking inspiration from the lifestyle of traditional Balinese rice farmers, outdoor gazebos made with thatched roofs are perfect for protection against tropical rainstorms.
Wooden furniture in dark stained finishes is synonymous with Balinese style. Balinese furniture pieces made from the wood of mahogany, teakwood, or eucalyptus trees are standouts. Its characteristic ornate carving styles shine through in pieces like mirrors and daybeds adorned with simple white cotton fabrics and pillows. The stark simplicity of Balinese design makes it popular among those who possess a spirit of adventure and a love of simple yet elegant tropical design themes.
Rustic
Whether you have a lake house or a cabin in the woods, the rustic style is known for its classic look that stars Adirondack chairs and logs or wicker furniture. The Adirondack chair has long armrests, a tall slatted back, and a reclined seat that is higher in the front. These make this iconic American piece a must-have among rustic outdoor furniture enthusiasts and folks who take lounging in the outdoors seriously.
If you choose to go with this design route, opt for comfy chairs, sofas, and a fireplace or hearth to provide warmth or do some cooking. Depending on the size of your outdoor space, you can opt for a long wooden table and benches or a low coffee table for a more intimate and cozy feel. Add a pop of color with colorful pillows, textiles, potted greenery, and bright floral blooms.
Luxury Resort Hotel
To capture the vibe of a modern boutique hotel in a cosmopolitan coastal city in Southern California or Florida, imagine egg chairs, lounge chairs, or comfy daybeds made with synthetic rattan, such as plastic or metal, that can withstand the elements. The cushions and pillows for the seating typically come with monochromatic or striped fabric, usually white and blue.
Outdoor beach umbrellas or retractable canopies can make your outdoor area more conducive to spending leisurely days under the sun. Oversized potted plants such as palms and ferns can give your space a more luxurious feel. Hotel chic furniture pieces are easily stackable or stored away if you have limited space. An outdoor fire pit will add charm and warmth to your outdoor space on cooler days.
Tuscan Villa
Elegance and classic Italian romance characterize Tuscan villa-style design. The characteristic warm and earthy tones take inspiration from the rolling hills and picturesque villages of its Italian namesake, so, unsurprisingly, many homeowners choose to adorn their homes with furniture inspired by the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. For centuries, the lush landscape of Tuscany and its architecture have been adored and emulated worldwide.
Take inspiration by installing trellises for plants to grow on and deep-seated chairs made with dark wood finishes with olive green, sandy yellow, and brown colored throw pillows. Think about incorporating wrought-iron lighting and other accessories into your outdoor space to lend it a timeless air. Top the design with lush plants in terracotta pots around your outdoor space.
Southwestern Desert Ranch
If you live in the Southwestern United States or Mexico, the stunning natural beauty of sandy deserts, red rock mountains, and the majestic Grand Canyon will greet you. The colors of this terrain are where this design scheme draws inspiration. A warm, deep color palette and natural materials such as wood, leather, or colorful woven textile are key to Southwestern design.
Add some greenery to your outdoor space with cacti and succulents that make you feel as if you’re in the desert, even if you’re far away from it. Although it may sound macabre, cow or bull skulls are a decorating motif common when styling a Southwestern patio. If you’d rather skip this option but still want to incorporate it into your outdoor space, go for a skull replica instead. The Southwestern United States or Mexico has a rich weaving culture, which draws from Native American, Old Western, and Guatemalan weaving techniques. Incorporating these brightly-colored fabrics into your outdoor space as table cloths, cushion covers, throw pillows, or blankets, can add a cheery pop of color even when the weather is gloomy.
Try Before You Buy
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when purchasing new outdoor furniture is not trying the items before buying. Admittedly when designing a home, some homeowners are typically more focused on the quality of their indoor furniture and do not hold the outdoor furniture they own to the same standard.
For outdoor furniture that will be getting lots of regular use, especially during spring and summer, such as outdoor seating and tables, comfort and functionality should be top-of-mind factors. Comfy seat cushions are the key to an inviting outdoor space and will take away from the relaxing vibe of your area if you opt for cheap or uncomfortable seating that cannot withstand the elements. If you cannot purchase seating with comfy cushions and pillows, you can opt to purchase these separately instead.
Considering comfort and functionality is just as important for other types of furniture. For instance: you see outdoor furniture or accessories your favorite Instagram influencer recommends and quickly add to cart. Imitating her taste without testing the item first can seem like a good idea at the time, but if it fails to meet your expectations or is of subpar quality, this can lead to major buyer’s remorse.
Invest In Quality Pieces
Investing in quality pieces for your outdoor space is a must.
As part of your research into decorating your outdoor space with the right furniture, it can be easy to fall into the trap of opting for cheaply-made budget pieces because it looks good at the moment. For instance, if you buy chairs made with cheap plastic instead of an enduring material like metal or wood, long exposure to the elements will cause the chairs to become brittle and crack, and the color will fade and look dull. Inviting guests to spend time on your outdoor patio may not seem like such a great idea if your furniture looks cheap and neglected. Here are some reasons why it’s better to invest in quality outdoor furniture:
It lasts longer
By purchasing furniture with quality materials, you can count on it lasting for decades outdoors if given the proper care and maintenance.
It is more aesthetically pleasing
The old saying “you get what you pay for” holds some truth because you can tell that something is cheap simply by looking at it. Will a cheap furniture set worth $100 look good in three years or last longer than five years? Overall, it’s worth investing in better-looking and more durable pieces of furniture for your outdoor space.
It is more comfortable than cheap furniture
When you buy cheap furniture, you’ll feel it. High-end outdoor furniture is durable and made to last, with your comfort in mind. Remember this when considering whether a cheap-looking piece of furniture is better than something with quality materials.
It is more valuable
If you have the budget to invest in high-end furniture, it will reward you for years. Items made with well-made materials can last for generations if you take care of them properly. Your patio will look good, feel cozy and inviting, and be a haven for you and your guests with the right outdoor furniture.
Consider Your Lifestyle
When you shop for outdoor furniture, it is worth noting how your lifestyle factors into your decision-making process. What is the main purpose of your outdoor space? Do you plan to have guests for large parties, or keep your gatherings small and intimate? When was the last time you had guests over? Maximizing the amount of space in your patio helps you envision what type of furniture you need to make it into the relaxing space you want it to be.
If you plan to spend a lot of time in your outdoor area, figure out what kind of furniture will best complement your space and what you want to achieve. If you plan to entertain guests, ensure comfortable seating options and that a table big enough to accommodate everyone is available.
Choose Furniture That’s Easy To Maintain
Outdoor furniture should be able to hold up against the elements and be able to last a long time with minimal maintenance. Choosing pieces with weather-resistant materials while also keeping in mind where you live allows you to spend more time outside enjoying your outdoor space instead of worrying about your furniture. Here’s a rundown of most outdoor furniture materials and their durability.
Wood
Wood has been one of the most durable materials used by people to build furniture for millennia. It’s sturdy and natural and provides the framework for building most tables, chairs, and other types of furnishings. Furniture made with soft woods such as pine, cedar, and fir is good indoors but may not hold up well against the elements. So, hardwood such as mahogany, teak, eucalyptus, and acacia are better options for outdoor furniture. Despite the heavy price tag, outdoor furniture made with wood will last longer.
Metal
More than wood, metal is usually a stronger type of material that is well-suited for outdoor furniture. Due to its strength it can also be cut into thinner shapes and is good for making furniture with more complex designs. On the flip side, metal heats up in the sun, making it uncomfortable to touch. Some types of metal can also be more prone to rust and corrosion, so it’s important to choose outdoor furniture that is more resistant to rust, like stainless steel. Aluminum is also a popular option for outdoor furniture because it’s lightweight, never rusts, and is low-maintenance. However, due to its lightweight nature, it can easily be blown away by strong winds.
Resin and Plastic
Outdoor furniture made with these synthetic materials is becoming more common. Out of all the materials listed, outdoor furniture made with resin and plastic can be easily shaped into unique designs and is also much less expensive than wood or metal, which is ideal if you’re on a budget. Almost all outdoor wicker furniture with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a greener option than outdoor wicker made with the cheaper polyvinyl chloride (PVC) because it emits fewer chemicals and is 100% recyclable. Many furniture designers also choose to make items with recycled plastic as a more sustainable option. However, resin and plastic materials are not as heavy or durable in windy or rainy conditions.
Store Your Pieces Properly
During the off-season, you’ll need to consider where you’ll store your outdoor furniture to maintain it. Ideally, the best places to keep your outdoor furniture would be a garage, shed, or basement. If you have a smaller space, such as an outdoor balcony, it can remain outside as long as it comes with a waterproof material such as oxford polyester. No matter how durable your outdoor furniture is, it will still last longer if it’s been properly kept away or shielded from the elements when it’s not in use. Stackable furniture or modular furniture can easily be stored and is better for maximizing whatever space you have.
Also Read: Is Outdoor Furniture Weatherproof?