Buying garden furniture can be a daunting task. Choosing between a chair or table, knowing what colors to choose, and finding something that fits your style are just some of the things that go into making the right purchase.
But once you know what to look for, it doesn’t have to be so complicated! Here are some pointers on how to find the right pieces for your outdoor living space:
1. Consider the Climate/ Weather
If you live in a hot, dry climate, you might want to prioritize larger umbrellas to protect you from the sun. For wet regions, ensure the materials chosen can withstand the rain and won’t be damaged easily.
Choose materials wisely based on their ease of care and maintenance. Metal is an obvious choice as it requires little maintenance and holds up well against the elements.
2. Think About the Materials Used
When shopping for garden furniture, it’s important to consider the material used in each piece. The material will determine its durability, longevity, look and feel. Different materials have various benefits:
- Metal is more durable but can be heavier
- Plastic is cheaper but may not last as long as metal or wood versions of the same item
So choose depending on your specific needs. Look at the specifics of each piece of furniture before settling for one, and do your research to see if it’ll be an ideal choice.
3. Choose Pieces That Are Easy to Maintain
Another aspect to consider concerning the choice of materials is how easy it is to maintain the chosen furniture. You want to find pieces that are easy to maintain and clean. For example, if your piece has a fabric seat cover or cushion, you’ll want to look for weather-resistant fabric that is easy to wash.
You may benefit from getting pieces that can be dismantled so you can wash the covers easily. Also, go for wood that requires minimal attention and won’t rot or fall apart from exposure to the elements.
4. What’s Your Budget?
Before you start shopping, it’s important to know your budget. Are you going all out, or do you want low-cost replaceable options? If the latter is the case, look at wood and metal garden furniture in various styles and finishes.
Generally, if your budget allows for a high-quality material like handcrafted wicker weaving, go for it. Metals and plastic can also go a long way toward more affordable options. You could also purchase second-hand pieces and repaint them to make them look brand new!
Think about how much money will be needed for maintenance down the road–this includes keeping up with regular oiling of furniture pieces and replacing broken parts when necessary. Also, consider adding plants and flowers into the mix so they can beautify the property without breaking anyone’s bank account!
5. How Much Space Do You Have?
When buying furniture for your yard, it’s important to consider how much space you have. You don’t want to overcrowd your space and get stuck with too many pieces of furniture. Also, if you have room for only one or two pieces of garden furniture, they should be well-designed and stylish enough to impact the area.
If you’re not sure what kind of look is right for your yard, ask yourself these questions:
- What kind of design do I like?
- Are there any specific themes or styles that appeal most?
These questions will help determine which pieces would best suit what looks like yours. Work with a landscape professional to measure your space if you need to.
6. Type of Outdoor Setting
You should consider the type of outdoor setting you have. If you have a patio, deck, pool, or porch, then this will mean that your furniture needs to be placed in different ways than if you have a spacious garden. This can help make it easier for guests to find seats at parties or gatherings, with everyone else milling about on their decks!
If possible, ensure that what’s going into your home will work well with the space. People often opt to buy popular stuff simply because it’s trendy. Don’t fall for this. Instead, find beautiful but functional pieces at Out & Out Garden Furniture that fit into your space.
7. Think About the Arrangement
Think about how you want to use your outdoor space. Are you going to be hosting a lot of people and activities? Do you want an easy way for guests to move around and interact? Or do you want somewhere you can relax in the summer with your family?
Think about where your guests will sit and what they’ll see from where they sit. If there’s a view from the garden, face most of the chairs towards that site. Otherwise, keep the chairs turned towards each other for easier communication flow.
8. Optimize Comfort
In addition to finding the right style, consider the materials used and pair them with accessories that complement your home décor. For example, if you spend a lot of time in your garden area, you want to ensure your furniture is comfortable. You can test the different pieces before buying them by sitting on each one and testing its comfort level.
If you want to relax in the space, ensure you get daybeds or pieces that elevate your feet. For those who plan to host, upright chairs are more efficient, but make sure these are equally comfortable!
9. Think About Storage
You’ll also want to consider how much storage you have to accommodate the furniture over the winter. Generally, you likely won’t be lounging in your garden while it snows, so to protect your furniture pieces, it’s a good idea to put them away. Have a space large enough to fit in the movable furniture.
10. Search for Dual-Purpose Pieces
Wherever possible, find pieces of garden furniture that serve multiple purposes. This could be an ottoman double as additional storage space or as a side table. That way, you can declutter the space and only spend money on one thing that can be used in various ways!
11. Personal Style
Choose a style that fits your personality. You should consider what kind of furniture will work best in your home, whether it’s casual or formal, and if you have children.
Don’t just go with trendy styles; make sure they also suit your tastes. If you are lounging around the house, your choices might differ from those who plan to host parties and friends often–and vice versa!
Conclusion
Remember that you do not have to spend a fortune on garden furniture. Plenty of great pieces are available at reasonable prices, and you can find them online or in your local stores. The most important thing is to take your time and choose only what you need for your space and lifestyle.
