The Best Furniture Pieces to Upgrade Your Outdoor Area
Benches
Benches are ideal for any outdoor space, especially for gardens and patios. There are so many choices that sometimes it’s challenging to pick the right one. When combined with the right plants and greenery, these benches look fantastic and ideal for enjoying your free time. However, there are a few factors to consider before buying a bench.
The Material
Depending on what kind of materials you already have, you can choose from various materials. Plastic, for example, won’t rot in the sun or rain, but it may fade in colour after some time. Metal can be aesthetically pleasing because of its diverse look and is more durable than plastic. Wood is one of the best options, especially hardwoods such as teak. They are dense and hard and don’t require much maintenance. Softwood needs more care, like painting and varnishing and may not last as long as hardwood.
Your Budget
There is a saying that goes, “When you buy cheap, you buy twice”, which is is entirely true. Especially when it comes to plastic or softwood benches. They will damage faster, and you’ll spend more money on maintenance. On the other hand, metal and hardwood may be an expensive investment, but they will be worth it in the long run.
The Bench’s Size
Depending on the size of the space, you should pick the size of the bench. Buy a big one, and it’ll close the seating area, buy a small one, and it’ll be of no use. A normal-sized bench should fit two people comfortably. But if the space allows, you can get one to accommodate 3-4 or even more persons.
The Bench’s Style
The standard, flat, straight bench will fit any style and design. But if you want to add something more to the space, you can choose benches with different curves, interesting details, bright colours and asymmetrical shapes.
Dining Set
Eating outside on a beautiful day surrounded by your friends or family can be an amazing experience. Lounging outdoors brings people together and creates new memories. You should have the most comfortable dining furniture to make this even more special. The right table combined with the best contemporary outdoor chairs can make eating outside much more enjoyable.
Table
This can be the centrepiece of your outdoor space and dining area if you make the right choice. If you want to make the place more formal, choosing a long table with round or square edges will work best. But if you’re trying to create a relaxing atmosphere that simulates closeness, a round-shaped table will fit perfectly. We recommend adding some centimetres to the desired size because you’ll always need a couple of more seats. Also, considering the weather conditions will influence the choice of material and storage space.
Chairs
Modern outdoor chairs are perfect for you and your guests to relax and have a good time. Whether you’re eating, watching TV, playing a board game or having a cup of coffee, you’ll want to feel comfortable. You can buy a complete dining set or get separate chairs and mix and match their design. If you do this, be careful with the height and size of the chairs so they fit with the table. The style and design should complement the table and make it look wholesome.
No matter what you choose, contemporary outdoor chairs or rustic, old-fashioned ones, always consider their:
- Price;
- Surface;
- Durability;
- Maintenance;
- Comfort;
- Appearance;
- Weight.
Coffee Table
If you own an outdoor sofa, the coffee table should be one-third of its size. This is a basic proportion, but it doesn’t mean you should blindly stick to it. Measure the space you have and choose the dimensions accordingly. You can even get two or more tables to create a bigger one or split them up to accommodate every guest in the sitting area. If you choose multiple tables, you can combine different materials and shapes that complement each other. High-quality materials such as hardwood or aluminium will only make your furniture last longer. Check for dents and scratches occasionally so you can fix them on time.
There are many interesting designs and combined materials that will give your outdoor space a unique look. You can pair these tables with sun-lounges by the pool or benches under the umbrella. You can also have them custom made and add storage space to them. Here, you can fit some blankets, board games, pillows, and more.
Umbrellas
Summertime sun can be harsh for our skin and damage it in many ways. One of the ways to keep you and your family safe while you’re outdoors is with an umbrella. But choosing the right umbrella for your outdoor space can be challenging. You’ll need to consider size, space, material and features.
First, you’ll need to measure the space that needs to be under shade. Choose one that shades as much sitting area as possible. Your umbrella should be at least 2.5-3m tall to achieve your desired shade. The shape is also important, round, square or asymmetrical; they all have different coverage. Second, it needs to have a sturdy base. You should get a base that weighs at least 20kg to keep the umbrella sturdy and safe.
The frame and material of the shade should be firm enough to withstand all weather conditions. Heavy rain, strong winds and the sun shouldn’t be a problem. Also, the material needs to stand up to fading, holes or mould. The best materials to do all of this are vinyl and canvas. Nowadays, there are a lot of different designs and styles to choose from. But most of all, it should be durable and practical, so investing a couple of dollars more on your umbrella will be a long-term investment that will keep you safe and cool for a long time.
