Aussies love outdoor entertainment, so it makes sense that you want your patio or backyard to live up to its purpose and become your new favourite hangout space. Regardless of the size of your outdoor area, there is a lot you can do to add style and functionality to it and it all begins with outdoor furniture shopping. Thoughtful planning can take you a long way, so here are a few tips that might help.
Consider Your Outdoor Furniture Needs
Think about how you’re going to use the patio furniture. Try making a list of what you want to do in your outdoor space as it can help you decide what pieces of furniture you might need and how many people you want to accommodate. If you want to create an inviting and welcoming setting where you can relax and enjoy time with family and friends, buy patio lounge furniture that’s comfortable and durable as it will likely be used regularly, especially during the warmer months. Look for pieces with backs and plush cushions on the seats, just make sure the fabrics are weather-resistant to prevent colour fading or mildew growth and keep the furniture longer.
Consider the Size of Your Outdoor Furniture
Patios come in various shapes and sizes and it’s always a good idea to measure where the furniture will go, so you can get the right scale. Measure the space you have available to avoid buying furniture that is too big for the area. Keep the traffic flow in mind and think about how much room you need to stand up and move around with ease. Ask yourself how many people you want to seat comfortably as frequent entertaining and larger families and groups of friends need bigger seats. Keep your budget in mind, too, as larger pieces come with a higher price tag. You can make a list of must-haves and prioritise where to splurge.
Invest in High-Quality Furniture
Stick to your budget, but don’t compromise quality. Replacing outdoor furniture quickly takes time and money and even though buying high-quality pieces may seem like a big investment up front, it pays off in the long run. Compare brands, quality and value when you shop. Pay attention to prices, reviews and warranties, so you can make an informed decision and get the highest quality you can afford.
Choose Easy-Care Outdoor Furniture
You don’t want to spend more time maintaining the furniture than enjoying your time outside. That’s why it’s always better to search for easy-care furniture and minimise the need for upkeep. Aluminium is currently the most popular metal for patio lounge furniture because it’s lightweight, durable and easy to clean. It can stand up to all weather conditions and with a bit of regular cleaning, it can look as good as new for many years.
No matter which material you choose, make sure it’s designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. That being said, go for locally produced items as they are made with the Australian weather conditions in mind. Give everything a regular wipe-down to prevent dirt build-up and mildew growth. Immediately clean spills before they stain. Prevention is the key if you want to keep your outdoor furniture for years to come.
Pick Colours Carefully
When purchasing outdoor lounge furniture, you can choose from a variety of finishes, however, many of the modern options out there come in neutral tones such as white, beige or grey. The great thing about them is that they provide a subtle background and can easily play up colours found in your landscaping or your home’s exterior. You can go with bolder tones in your outdoor décor, including cushions and outdoor rugs. Choose colours and patterns that coordinate with your outdoor furniture to tie the space together and take the look of your patio to the next level.
Final Thoughts
Having an outdoor space is a great benefit, especially when you need to get away from everyday stress and worries. If you’re thinking about redecorating your outdoor area and making it feel more relaxing and comfy, use the space wisely and make the most of it.
Carefully consider your space and budget while choosing furniture pieces for creating a stylish and comfortable oasis in your outdoor area. Make sure you opt for pieces made to withstand the elements, so you get quality, longevity and value. Once it’s all set, sit down and enjoy your personal getaway.
An extra tip: Extend the life of your patio furniture by storing it in a protected location during the off-season, whether it’s a garage or shed. Make sure it’s shielded from the elements to prevent damage or additional wear. Even the toughest furniture will last longer if it’s properly stored when not in use.
If you’re working with limited storage space, you can opt for outdoor furniture covers made of waterproof, breathable materials to shield your investment from rain, snow and sun. Before buying any, ensure that you measure the dimensions of your furniture to get covers that fit nicely and snugly.
Keeping furniture pieces dry cuts down on damage. Don’t forget to allow metals to dry completely before covering to avoid trapping moisture, which leads to rust corrosion. Lastly, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for more intense deep cleaning and repairs.
