An outdoor loveseat or sofa can make a great addition to your patio furniture arrangement. A loveseat might be the perfect size for a balcony or small deck, while an outdoor sofa is ideal near the pool, under a pergola or gazebo or around a firepit. Add patio chairs to the sides or across from the sofa and give your guests a low table for drinks and snacks.

If you’ve ever looked into how to choose the best outdoor furniture for your space, then you should know that it is all about balancing practicality with aesthetics and budget. Start by measuring the space you have and looking for arrangements that will make the best use of the area without crowding it. Feel free to move around other outdoor staples, like a hammock or your grill, to accommodate the larger outdoor sofa and loveseat.

Try shopping by price categories if you need to stay within a certain budget. And always consider colors and materials based on what will complement your space while providing the best comfort. For instance, for sunny areas, you’ll want light-colored furniture that won’t heat up too much. You may also want a fade-resistant outdoor sofa that can handle lots of sunlight.

If you’ve found the best outdoor sofa for your backyard space, you will probably want to start using it as soon as possible and start thinking about the elements you’ll face outdoors. Choose a shady area for your furniture or invest in a patio umbrella and base. Pay attention to where plants drop a lot of debris and avoid putting your furniture there.

If you want to extend your outdoor time into the colder months of the year or later into the cooler evening, make use of patio heaters or a fire pit to keep you and your guests cozy. You’ll also want to look over some backyard and patio lighting tips and ideas to see how you can set the mood.

A patio furniture set can serve as a second living room, especially when you pair it with an outdoor TV and some outdoor speakers. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying your family movie nights outside! Wherever you start when choosing outdoor furniture, keep your big-picture plans in mind so that you can work towards creating the outdoor space of your dreams.