Whether you’re enjoying the first warm nights of June or September’s lazy afternoons, relaxing on the patio with family and friends never goes out of style. After all, your patio is the place of cool drinks, vibrant conversation, and all of summer’s star-lit magic.
As a result, your patio furniture should be every bit as magical.
By discussing all you need to know in our patio furniture buying guide, we’ll help you transform your patio into the perfect summer oasis. That way, you can capture summer’s magic all year long.
#1 Take Inventory of What You Have
If you recently moved into a new home, your patio may still be a blank canvas, an outdoor living space waiting for a chaise lounge or wicker furniture.
However, if you’ve lived in your home for a while, your patio may be a work-in-progress. You might have an outdoor table for your raved-about barbecues, but you’re still missing that finishing touch.
If this is the case, taking inventory of what you have is the first step in perfecting your patio. Here are a few common patio furniture items:
- Dining tables
- Chairs
- Lounges
- Grills
- Umbrellas
Once you know what you already have, you’ll be in a better position to transform your patio into the space you’ve always dreamed about.
#2 Consider Your Space and the Look You’re Going For
Before buying outdoor furniture, it’s essential to think about the look you’re trying to achieve.
Do you want to make your pool area as relaxing as the most serene days at the Hamptons? A few chaise lounges might be up your alley.
Or, do you envision a grill-masters paradise, a patio worthy of your famous grilled clams? If so, you might consider a few wicker dining chairs befitting a New England meal.
Whatever your vision, selecting furniture that best accentuates your patio is imperative. No two patios are the same. This means your patio has the chance to shine as bright as the summer moon however it’s designed.
#3 Think About Durability, Size, and Material
Searching for patio furniture involves a lot of (fun) decisions. The most important factors to consider include:
- Durability
- Size
- Material
Let’s take a deeper look at each.
Durability
Regardless of where you live, there’s a good chance your patio will be exposed to the elements. This is especially true if you live in an area that receives much precipitation. Furthermore, your patio will likely see a lot of use—from children playing to adults kicking back on outdoor ottomans.
As a result, you’ll want your outdoor patio set to be as durable and elegant as possible. The most durable are:
- Aluminum furniture
- Wood furniture
- Wicker furniture
- Wrought iron furniture
To protect your outdoor seating and furniture from sun damage and boost your patio’s style, you might also consider a retractable umbrella.
Size
Anyone who’s ever hosted or attended a large patio gathering has likely faced the dilemma of “no seating.” Fortunately, outdoor patio furniture comes in all shapes and sizes. That means you can make everybody comfortable on your outdoor sofas.
When considering patio furniture size, it’s helpful to think about the following:
- Your ideal number of guests – If you plan on throwing neighborhood bashes, large furniture like an outdoor sofa and chaise lounges may suffice. For smaller gatherings, a few adirondack chairs can bring the intimacy of a New England night right to your backyard.
- The size of your patio – For large patios, you may be able to fit an assortment of tables, outdoor chairs, and lounges. However, if your patio is on the smaller side, you may only be able to fit a few pieces of furniture. Fortunately, patio furniture looks fantastic regardless of the patio’s size.
Material
When we talk about outdoor seating or patio furniture’s material, we’re not only discussing the composition of the furniture. We’re also talking about the fabric of the furniture’s cushions.
While not all patio furniture has cushions, many pieces do. As a result, choosing the right outdoor fabrics can help your patio glisten in any season.
The most resilient outdoor fabrics include:
- Acrylic
- Canvas
- PVC mesh
- Polyester
Additionally, you’ll want to consider color. If your patio has a blue, nautical theme, for instance, you’ll likely want to select blue pieces. That said, adding a splash of color to your beige patio can reflect the fun and vibrancy of summer.
How to Care For Your Patio Furniture
Taking care of your patio furniture is just as crucial as selecting the right pieces. After all, you want your patio to entertain friends and family for years to come. So, how do you clean patio furniture?
Here are a few ways to keep your outdoor patio furniture looking spic and span:
- Move your furniture during inclement weather
- Clean your furniture with soap and water
- Take all outdoor cushions inside when not in use
- Inspect your furniture frequently
- Use your furniture gently
Harbor Classic: Where Traditional Outdoor Furniture Meets Luxury
From movie nights to backyard camping, barbecues to evening cocktails, your patio hosts many activities. Make it truly stand out with furniture every bit as magical as your summer evenings. Better yet, make your patio timeless with Harbor Classic.
By combining tradition and luxury, our outdoor patio furniture enables you to soak up the sun and time with loved ones.
Whatever your outdoor furniture needs, let us help turn your dream patio into a reality.
Sources:
Captain Patio. Patio Furniture Materials Ranked by Durability. https://captainpatio.com/durable-patio-furniture-materials
