It’s important to take the specific weather conditions in your area into consideration when choosing outdoor furniture. Sun, wind and rain impact the way furniture wears, and can cause fading, mold and mildew.
Another important factor is matching your new furniture to the aesthetic of your home. There are a variety of styles to complement any architectural style.
Durability
From poolside chaise lounges to picnic tables perfect for summer barbeques, outdoor furniture must withstand a myriad of elements all year round. It must also be comfortable enough for guests to enjoy, especially if it is used often for meals and other social activities. Durability plays a role in comfort as well, so be sure to check the material’s sturdiness and general durability before buying.
While some people may think that any type of furniture can withstand a bit of rain or wind, the reality is that only certain materials are built to last. Some types of wood, for example, will crack or warp under pressure, while others have a tendency to absorb moisture from the air. This can lead to mildew or mold build-up and may even compromise the structural integrity of the furniture.
When choosing durable outdoor furniture, look for pieces made from weather-resistant materials like teak, Acacia or eucalyptus. Metal is another good option, as it resists rust and corrosion better than other materials. Some metals, such as aluminum, are lightweight and flexible, but steel is typically heavier and more sturdy. It is also resistant to dents and can stand up to high winds without becoming damaged or dislodged, but plain steel is susceptible to rust unless it is coated in protective finishes.
Plastic is also a versatile and durable outdoor furniture material. It is available in a wide range of colors and can be used to create unique shapes, making it easy for manufacturers to design stylish and comfortable outdoor furniture. It is also waterproof and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but be aware that it might not feel as comfortable as some other furniture materials.
Wrought iron is another long lasting and durable option for outdoor furniture, with a timeless style that blends with any garden or patio space. It is not as aesthetically pleasing as wood or plastic, but it is easy to clean and can withstand a lot of wear. It is also fairly inexpensive compared to other outdoor furniture material options.
Comfort
Whether it’s for lounging, dining or entertaining, your backyard furniture should be comfortable enough to encourage lingering. Look for cushions that are soft, supportive and sag-resistant. If possible, opt for cushion fabrics made specifically for outdoor use that are water-, mildew- and fade-resistant. These fabrics also dry more quickly after spring and summer showers.
Style should be a consideration as well. Choose seating and tables that complement your aesthetics, including the color scheme of your exterior home and its landscaping. If your house leans contemporary and modern, for example, consider a sleek lounge set or stylish outdoor bar stools that will add a bold touch to your backyard oasis. If your taste is more rustic and bohemian, on the other hand, you can’t go wrong with a dreamy outdoor daybed or cozy hammock in a vibrant color palette.
When it comes to dining, make sure your table is tall enough for guests to sit comfortably. Choose chairs that don’t strain your guests’ backs if they plan to sit for long periods of time, and consider using a chair arm or ottoman to create a footrest. You can also add a stylish side table to your patio to hold drinks and appetizers.
For larger groups, try a nontraditional seating option like a bench or swing. They can be a unique focal point that will draw attention to your yard and provide more comfortable seating than a traditional table and chairs. If space is limited, however, a loveseat for two or three people takes up less physical space than a standard patio table and chairs.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, a rise in consumer desire to improve their residential living spaces is expected to drive the global outdoor furniture market over the next several years. This is especially true for homes with outdoor seating areas where families and friends gather for social functions, meals, and entertainment. In addition, the trend for traveling to seaside areas and hill stations is encouraging the procurement of outdoor furniture by hotels and resorts to enhance guest comfort and satisfaction.
Style
There are a number of styles available in outdoor furniture to fit any aesthetic. Wooden tables and chairs bring a natural look that blends with gardens and lawns, while metal pieces offer sleek contemporary styling. Metals are a durable choice for outdoor furniture since they will not rust or fade over time. However, a stainless steel design may not be suitable for every climate since it can become hot to the touch. Concrete is another option that offers a cool, industrial appearance but can be heavy and expensive to move around.
The ability to accommodate family functions, dinners and socializing in residential garden spaces is driving demand for outdoor furniture. This trend is also encouraging hotels and resorts to procure more of this type of furniture. Consumers are willing to spend more on leisure activities and this is further boosting the market.
If you are looking to transform your backyard into a modern oasis, consider a sectional outdoor sofa set with a modular design. These pieces can be combined and rearranged to create the ideal layout for your space. Many of these types of sets include accent pillows and a throw blanket to create added comfort. Manufacturers are focusing on enhancing their products with varied colors, textures and accessories to help them stand out in the competitive market. The use of fabrics that are made especially for outdoors is a popular option since they can resist moisture, mildew and staining. The addition of a carpet that is made specifically for outdoor use will also allow cushions to dry more quickly after spring and summer rains.
For a functional backyard that is also stylish, you can choose from several types of outdoor shelves to store items like plants, glass encased candles and even ornamental gardening pitchers. Some shelves are built to collapse and come apart for easy storage, while others feature adjustable feet for steady support on uneven surfaces. You can also find some shelving options that are mounted on wheels to provide added mobility and convenience.
Storage
If your outdoor furniture is going to spend most of its time in the elements, it’s important that it has good storage options. Surprise rainstorms, muddy paw prints and even sangria spills can damage wood or metal furniture that is left out in the open. Investing in storage for your patio set will ensure it stays clean, dry and in tip-top shape season after season.
A great way to get more out of your patio set is to choose furniture that has hidden storage spaces for things like blankets, pillows, and toys. Modular pieces of furniture are a fantastic choice for this, with seating that has a large space underneath that can be used to store anything you need. This kind of patio furniture looks stylish and functional and can really make your backyard feel like a resort-style oasis.
Another option is to simply get a storage chest or bench that can hold your cushions and other items that you may not be using as often. This is especially helpful if your outdoor cushions have removable covers, which will help keep them clean and fresh. This also allows you to swap out different covers for a fresh look in the spring or fall.
There are many types of outdoor storage that can be purchased, but you might want to consider a more creative way to store your furniture and other things when they are not in use. For example, there are fun and functional storage benches made from rattan or natural wicker that can be incorporated into your backyard design. There are also wicker and resin storage trunks that have a barrel-like shape, which can add a fun and rustic look to your patio.
The best part about all of these outdoor storage options is that they can be found at your local big box store. This makes it super easy to find the perfect solution that works with your home and yard. So, if you’re ready to take your backyard to the next level, be sure to check out some of these amazing storage solutions and create a beautiful space that will be the envy of all of your friends and neighbors!