With so many options available, choosing the perfect patio furniture can be a daunting task. Where do you even begin? In this article, I’ll walk you through the process of choosing the right patio furniture to fit your style. With so many factors to consider, the most important thing, is that the patio furniture is both functional and stylish.
As I mentioned last week, the winter months are never kind to my outdoor living space. There’s always so much work to do! But once the deck and the outdoor rugs have been power washed. Along with everything else–haha! And the landscape beds have all been cleaned up. Sometimes, we realize the outdoor furnishings are just not looking good. And it’s time. Time for new patio furniture. But how do you choose the best patio furniture? New furniture that will last for many seasons to come.
Whether you prefer a more traditional look or a more modern feel, by the end of this post, you will have all the tools you need to choose the perfect patio furniture.
“Outdoor spaces are an extension of our homes and should be designed with as much care and attention as indoor spaces.” – Bunny Williams
Choosing The Right Patio Furniture to Fit Your Style
Make a list of patio furniture you need
First things first, it’s always a good idea to start with a plan. I am all about making a plan. And shopping for outdoor patio furniture is no exception. Without a plan, we’re going to head to the store or online and buy everything we fall in love with….or nothing at all.
So, let’s start with an idea of what we need. Do you need a dining table? Maybe a couple lounge chairs? Some benches for additional seating? A fire pit always accentuates an outdoor area. Determine how you plan to use your outdoor space, and create a list that reflects those needs.
Material matter
Not only are there so many styles to choose from, but deciding on the right materials is important too. Consider the best materials that will suit your space, lifestyle and climate.
For example, wicker patio furniture is classic and durable, while aluminum is lightweight and easy to move. But wood furniture, when finished right, is an excellent choice too.
I’m loving this beautiful furniture set from Amazon. The lighter wood tone is a very modern, yet timeless look. And for the price they have it marked at–it’s a great deal!
Amazon Affiliate Links Included
If you’re looking for the most durable and longest lasting outdoor furniture pieces, wrought iron is the number one choice. With its solid and heavy frame, it will hold firm during high winds. While it’s a bit of an investment, wrought iron is known for lasting decades.
WANT TO BUILD YOUR OWN OUTDOOR FURNITURE? HERE’S A LINK TO SHOW YOU HOW.
Measure your space and area
As a woodworker, I’m constantly saying to myself: “Measure twice, cut once.” When choosing the right patio furniture, measuring is important too. Of course, you’ll want to make sure it fits comfortably on your patio. Be sure to keep in mind traffic flow of the area. You’ll want to leave enough space for people to move around freely.
“When designing outdoor spaces, think about the purpose of the area and choose furniture and accessories that support that purpose.” – Nate Berkus
Additionally, consider the size and shape of your furniture. Round tables are great for small spaces, while rectangular tables are ideal for larger patios. It’s important to keep these factors in mind when choosing the right outdoor furniture to make the most of your patio space.
Match Colors with Your Patio Area
One important factor to consider when selecting patio furniture is the color scheme. To create a cohesive look, you’ll want to match the colors of your patio furniture with the colors of your patio area. If your patio area is dominated by stone or concrete, neutral hues such as beige, gray, or black furniture will complement it perfectly.
However, if you’re wanting more visual interest, you’ll want to create more of a contrast. To get this look, you could still go with neutral tone furniture and simply add in bold color pillows and throw blankets. Make your accessories, the thing that pops.
A benefit of sticking with neutral furniture and getting creative with the accessories is, accessories are easy to replace. Over time, your style and tastes may change. You can easily trade out your throw pillows for new pillows that fit your new style.
But changing up your entire patio furniture set can be expensive. Just the simple change of adding new accessories, can change the entire look and feel of an outdoor furniture set for a lot less money.
As I mentioned in my post a couple weeks ago, making your outside areas feel like an extension of the inside of your home, is a great way to elevate your space. Be sure to keep this in mind when planning your outdoor patio area and purchasing your outdoor pieces.
Consider Your Personal Style
It all comes down to your personal style. When it comes to choosing the right patio furniture, it’s important to consider what you like and don’t like. Your patio seating area should reflect your own unique taste and aesthetic.
Whether you prefer a minimalist look or a more eclectic vibe, there’s a wide range of designs and materials to choose from. Think about the colors you’re drawn to and how they’ll match with your existing decor.
“Functionality and durability are key factors when choosing patio furniture that will withstand the elements and last for years to come.” – Kelly Hoppen
While style is undoubtedly important, it means nothing without comfort and functionality. After all, your patio should be a space where you can relax and unwind. Look for furniture that’s comfortable to sit in and fits your needs. If you plan on using your patio for dining or entertaining, make sure there’s enough seating and available space to accommodate your guests.
Think About Comfort and Functionality
When choosing patio furniture, it’s important to consider more than just aesthetics. While choosing the right color tones is fun and an important part of the process, we also need to think about the comfort and functionality of the furniture too.
Are the chairs and sofas comfortable to sit on? How will they hold up in different weather conditions?
With a metal frame and wicker accents, this patio set is not only durable, but sturdy. And the 6″ cushion thickness makes it very comfortable too….
As we talked about earlier, wrought iron is the most durable outdoor material type.
But what about cushions and outdoor pillows? What do we need to consider when choosing these items? Of course, comfort is the number one thing to consider. But right behind comfort is, how will they hold up against direct sunlight and other weather factors?
While this is not a sponsored post, I have found that the best quality outdoor fabric is made by Sunbrella. Once again, it is an investment, but their cushions hold up against such factors as:
- sun-fading
- material breaking down; they stay firm
- mildew; they’re mildew resistant
- water damage
I have done research on their seat cushions in the past and know they come in a variety of colors too.
If Sunbrella or other quality cushions are out of the budget, a great way to make sure they last is to invest in furniture covers. Covering your patio chairs and outdoor sofas, during bad weather, will keep your furniture and cushions looking nice.
“Incorporate natural materials and colors into your outdoor design to create a harmonious and inviting space.” – Patricia Urquiola
Don’t Forget About Maintenance
When it comes to choosing the right patio furniture to fit your style, another important factor to keep in mind is the maintenance involved.
Although you may fall in love with a certain piece of furniture, if it requires a lot of upkeep, it may not be worth the hassle in the long run. Before making any purchases, do your research on the materials and care required for each item.
Some materials, such as teak wood, may require regular oiling, while others, such as aluminum, only need a quick wipe down. It’s also important to consider the climate in your area and how it may affect the longevity of your furniture.
By keeping maintenance in mind, you can find a beautiful and functional set of patio furniture that will be enjoyable for years to come. Don’t let the excitement of new furniture blind you to the realities of upkeep. Take the time to make an informed decision. It will pay off in the long-run.
Match Patio Furniture to Your Budget
When considering the perfect patio furniture for your outdoor space, the budget is an important factor to take into account.
It’s crucial to determine how much you’re willing to spend before making a purchase. This ensures that you don’t overspend or compromise on quality. Keep in mind that high-quality patio furniture may come at a higher price, but it’s a worthy investment in the long run.
If you’re wanting to save money, consider purchasing a furniture set. Buying a set of furniture is often more cost-effective than buying individual pieces.
However, mixing and matching different pieces will create a unique look that is visually appealing. Remember, it’s possible to find stylish and affordable patio furniture that fits your budget without sacrificing quality.
By matching patio furniture to your budget, you’ll ensure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck while still enjoying your outdoor space to the fullest.
Additional Features to Consider When Choosing the Right Patio Furniture to Fit Your Style
Umbrellas and shade options: If your patio lacks natural shade, consider adding an umbrella or other shade option to keep you and your furniture protected from the sun’s harsh rays.
Umbrellas are available in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles to match your outdoor decor. Some furniture sets even come with a built-in umbrella holder to make it easy to enjoy a shaded space.
My favorite place to shop for large outdoor shade umbrellas is, Crate & Barrel. We have had our umbrella from them for several years now and the bones of it are still as good as new. We are due for a new umbrella canopy this year. But the umbrella’s mechanics work as well as the day we bought it.
Once again, not a sponsored post, but I know from experience, Crate & Barrel has good quality umbrellas. Here’s the link to the one we have, if you’re in the market for a new umbrella.
Storage solutions for outdoor furniture: When not in use, it is important to store your outdoor furniture properly to ensure it lasts for years to come.
Look for furniture with built-in storage options, such as under-seat storage or benches with hinged lids. Alternatively, invest in weather-resistant covers to protect your furniture from the elements when not in use.
Overall, choosing the right patio furniture to fit your style involves:
- assessing your personal style
- considering material choices
- selecting the right colors and finishes
- determining the size and shape of the furniture
Additionally, adding features like outdoor cushions and pillows, umbrellas, and storage solutions can help enhance the functionality and comfort of your outdoor space. With these tips in mind, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that fits your personal style and needs.
“Consider the scale and proportions of your outdoor furniture in relation to the size of your patio to ensure a balanced and comfortable arrangement.” – Thomas O’Brien
Best ways to accessorize patio furniture: There are many ways to accessorize your patio furniture and make it feel more inviting and comfortable. One simple way is to add outdoor cushions or throw pillows in a variety of colors and patterns to match your personal style.
You can also add an outdoor rug to define the space and add texture. If you have a covered patio or deck, consider adding outdoor lighting, such as string lights or lanterns, to create a warm and inviting ambiance.
Outdoor curtains can also add privacy and create a cozy outdoor room feel.
Additionally, you can add plants or potted flowers to bring in a touch of nature and add color. Finally, consider incorporating outdoor decor, such as sculptures or wall art, to add interest and personality to your outdoor space.
Choosing Patio Furniture to Fit Your Style: 7 FAQ’s Answered
What is the best material for outdoor furniture in the sun?
Synthetic resin and Teak hold up best when exposed to long hours in the sun. If you prefer wicker furniture, stay away from PVC material. Instead spend the extra money on High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). PVC is more susceptible to fading.
What is the lowest maintenance outdoor furniture material?
Plastics and synthetic resin are the lowest maintenance outdoor furniture material.
Which is better for outdoor furniture wicker or rattan?
Wicker. Wicker furniture is water resistant and holds up better than rattan. Rattan is made of more durable material, but is not water-resistant.
What is the best outdoor furniture for high humidity?
Stainless and powder coated steel is made to withstand heavy humidity. Metal is prone to rust and therefore, not recommended for high humidity areas.
What is the best outdoor furniture fabric?
Microfiber and canvas are the two most durable outdoor fabric materials. Cotton and linen, when woven tightly together, are a close second in long-lasting against the outdoor elements.
How long will my outdoor furniture last?
Aluminum and wicker can last over 15 years. Wrought iron and teakwood are the longest lasting, coming in at 25+ years.
What style patio furniture works best for a small outdoor space?
When choosing patio furniture for a small outdoor space, it’s important to select furniture that is proportional to the size of the space. Look for furniture that is smaller in scale, such as a bistro set or a loveseat with matching chairs, rather than a large sectional or full dining set.
Additionally, choose furniture that has a slim profile and is visually lightweight, such as chairs with open backs and thin legs. Avoid bulky furniture and opt for pieces that can be easily moved or stacked for storage.
Finally, consider incorporating multi-functional furniture, such as benches with storage or coffee tables that can be used as additional seating. These tips will help maximize your small outdoor space while still providing functional and stylish furniture.
Let’s go beyond the design to build something beautiful together!
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