How to Choose the Best Outdoor Furniture for Your Space

Sunny areas need patio furniture that can withstand heat and the bleaching effects of the sun. To avoid fading fabrics and scorching materials, look for light colors that will deflect heat rather than absorb it. Darker colors, especially when made of metal or plastic, can get very hot to the touch.

For example, aluminum can reach high temperatures when directly exposed to the sun, so carefully consider this material if it will be placed in areas with little to no shade. If you choose fabric cushions, stick with white or light colors as these will keep the inevitable fading from sun’s rays less obvious. You may also want to consider outdoor furniture covers, which can withstand the harsh elements and will help keep your furniture looking its best.

Invest in a standing umbrella or sunshade to protect you from harsh rays and potential sunburns when sitting outside in the middle of the day. These days, you can even find umbrellas equipped with lights for nighttime enjoyment or even bug nets to keep pesky mosquitoes away.

If you’ve always wanted more of a porch or patio feel, you can enjoy a pergola or gazebo without having to build one from scratch. You can even add screening that makes the space a perfect bug-free outdoor haven.

Sitting under shady trees is a great way to enjoy nature. However, falling leaves and berries can get outdoor seating dirty much more quickly. For that reason, it’s often better to choose darker colors for these pieces.

Hammocks are also a great option when you have trees in your yard. To avoid having plant matter accumulating in your relaxation spot, choose a rope hammock that allows pieces to fall through to the ground. If don’t have trees that are big enough to support weight, there are many freestanding hammocks that come with their own sturdy stands that may be suitable for your space. Whatever model you choose, it is best to place hammocks in areas with some shade to prevent having to stare straight up at the sun while reading a book or trying to relax.

If your region of the country experiences a lot of rain, it is often wise to choose patio furniture sets that forego cushions. While this is not a must since you can store cushions inside when not in use, it can be easy to forget and find yourself soaked through the next time you sit down.

It is easier to see water and clear it off of furniture that does not have cushions on it. Another thing to keep in mind in particularly wet climates is that untreated wood and metals tend to warp/rot and rust. If you are set on either of these options, you can always buy weatherproofing products to apply after you bring your new furniture home.

Forgetting to measure ahead of time is the number one mistake that causes buyers to regret their purchases. Using a measuring tape, measure the outdoor living space you have available. Then, use your findings to decide the amount and size of furniture you can fit on your deck or patio. It’s a good idea to create a diagram that’s drawn to scale so you can visualize the finished product.

You can shrink it down and keep it in proportion by turning feet into inches. Then, you can make cut outs of the furniture items you’re considering that match the same scale measurement. Once the pieces are complete, spend time moving them around to see where they best fit before ordering.

For example, if you want to treat yourself to an outdoor dining set that can seat your family and a few extra guests, you need to make sure you’re not dreaming too large for your space. That said, don’t be discouraged by having smaller spaces to work with, like balconies. Fortunately, there are plenty of foldable and low-profile patio furniture options available that are easy to move around or take out of the way if necessary.

After you invest in high-quality patio furniture for your outdoor space, it’s wise to protect it so you can enjoy it for years to come. To keep outdoor sofa cushions and pillows from fading and getting dirty in between uses, buy outdoor furniture covers to fit each piece. Doing so is strongly advised if you live in a sunny area on one that’s prone to dust storms.

When the weather turns cold again, you can keep cushions protected in outdoor storage containers until you’re ready to bring them out again for another season of backyard barbecues. And if you aren’t already choosing winter-friendly patio furniture, another popular maintenance tip is to make a habit of cleaning your outdoor cushions each spring or summer when you bring them out of storage.