5 Important Factors for Choosing Outdoor Furniture

A beautifully arranged outdoor area is the epitome of cosy and inviting. It goes beyond the purposes of landscaping–it’s becoming a home extension or an extra room in natural surroundings that becomes our preferred choice for lounging, entertaining, and dining space. With summer days ahead, we’re increasingly thinking about how to make the most of it. Buying the right pieces of outdoor furniture, with some thoughtful planning and styling, can make any space more attractive, simply tempting you to spend time in the fresh air.

How to Choose Outdoor Furniture?

outdoor furniture next to fire pit
source: houzz.com

Whether remodelling it or starting from scratch, investing in high-quality furniture will help you make the most of your outdoor space. You may believe you’re an expert in interior design and that the process is somewhat the same as buying indoor furniture. However, besides the immense variety, some unique factors require careful consideration. Here are the most important factors to consider so you can buy outdoor furniture for your space without becoming overwhelmed by the various materials, styles, and design options.

1. Style and Comfort: Choose Your Pieces

If you’ve decided what you’ll use your outdoor space for, you’ve already done a great deal of the job. In that case, the first step is analysing your needs and how to make the space work in favour of them. If you haven’t decided yet, browsing the range of stylish and comfortable outdoor furniture online for home and commercial use can give you some ideas of what to do with your space. Here are some ideas to help you choose your pieces in both cases.

Creating an alfresco dining area might be the best way to use your outdoor space whether a patio, garden or backyard if hosting regular dinner parties for family and friends is your cup of tea. If you have enough space you can plan a kitchen and a dining area, which can double as a designated space for your daily family meals and easily become a home office. A complete dining set with five, seven or nine pieces including a table and chairs, depending on your needs and space size, would be the best choice in that case.

You can choose a separate table and chairs to create your own set if you can’t find one that suits you. For a distinctive look, you can also select other designs. Because of its many uses, a circular table is a great option if your space is larger. It works just as effectively for two individuals as for ten. A long rectangle table will work best in a smaller area.

A cosy lounge space might be a better choice if you’re for more relaxed gatherings. Since coffee tables and chairs often take up less room than dining sets, they might be a better option for tighter spaces. A small coffee table and two recliner chairs can work like magic to provide hours of enjoyment and relaxation. You can turn a little garden nook into a haven for reading. All you need is a couch bed and some pots. A bar with bar stools is an additional choice. Further, a poolside isn’t complete without a comfortable sunbed with an umbrella and side table. Here’s to many cocktail nights in the summer!

2. Durability: Consider Weather

Since many materials are available for outdoor furniture, you must consider your weather and choose accordingly if you want to pick pieces that’ll last for many years. While excessive humidity might encourage rot, hot, dry temperatures can cause wood to splinter and break. Materials that are heavier and bulkier and won’t blow off are needed in strong winds. Even though iron is sufficiently heavy, it won’t withstand environments with saline air. The most damaging factor is the sun, which deteriorates synthetic materials, bleaches wood and textiles, and discolours paint.

So, what furniture is best for outdoors? When you buy outdoor furniture, choose pieces specifically designed for outdoor use and made of quality materials that can withstand various elements, such as heavy-duty powder-coated aluminium, waterproof fabrics, and wicker. Even though large retailers and supermarkets frequently sell outdoor furniture, such commercial-grade furniture is rarely available there. Rather, look for reliable stores, specialising in supplying business outdoor furniture in Australia. In addition to having a large selection, these also carry some excellent items that will last for many years.

3. Storage: Optimise the Area

grey and wood lounge setting in the garden
source: outdoorsdomain.com.au

Designing a place to store the chosen outdoor furniture is just as crucial as selecting the appropriate materials. Only then can it remain weatherproof and have a long lifespan. If you have a shed or garage, think about keeping them there during the winter or when you don’t need them. Consider purchasing protective covers and folding furniture if you lack sufficient storage space. In this manner, even when it is left outside, it can remain safe.

4. Maintenance: Make It a Breeze

Get low-maintenance garden furniture if you like to spend your outdoor time relaxing and unwinding rather than cleaning. Most materials designed for outdoor use are resilient and able to withstand significant wear and tear. Choose pieces made of metal, teak, or all-weather wicker that, with a little routine cleaning, will withstand any condition. Choose machine-washable materials for the cushions’ detachable cases to quickly wash them in the machine and be done cleaning.

5. Cosiness: Don’t Forget to Accessorise

Remember to finish the look: add outdoor rugs, an outdoor heater, and outdoor lights for a cosy touch. A hanging chair can instantly improve the area. Since there is no such thing as too many pillows, you can always purchase or make extra cushions. Make them vibrant and allow them to blend in with the rest of your outside area.

Since outdoor space is frequently isolated from the interior, you can design it to match your interior decor or go entirely different. Cohesion can be attractively achieved through contrasted design. In addition to making your outdoor area seem fantastic, you’ll be able to realise your dreams of a design you were too scared to build within.