How to Choose the Perfect Patio Furniture For Your Home

patio furniture set

These days, your home is so much more than just the interior rooms. Your outdoor spaces such as the backyard and patio can also provide the perfect setting for fun and relaxation. Whether you plan on having friends over for dinner parties or simply want a place where you can hang out with the kids, the right patio furniture can go a long way in helping you turn your outdoor space into the perfect retreat.

Of course, with so many great patio furniture and outdoor decor options to choose from, it can be difficult to know exactly what will work best for your property and its needs. 

No matter what your space looks like, following these guidelines will help you choose furniture that helps complete your space.

1. Consider How You Will Use the Space

The way you plan to use your outdoor areas should help you prioritize which patio furniture and other decor options to purchase for your home. For example, if you plan on using your patio for barbecues, you’ll naturally want to consider where you will place your grill in comparison to the rest of your furniture. You’ll want to give the chef plenty of space to work with, while also ensuring that it’s not a long trek from the grill to the dining table!

Depending on your lifestyle, your actual outdoor furniture needs could vary widely. If you are going to use your patio to host your child’s birthday parties, you’ll need a large table and plenty of seating. On the other hand, if you want to transform your backyard into a private reading nook, you’ll want to complete the space with comfortable seating and a fire pit instead.

2. Measure It Out

Similar to getting furniture or decor for indoor spaces, it’s always a good idea to measure your outdoor space before you buy any patio furniture. The last thing you need is to buy a large sofa or conversation set that you don’t actually have room for. You should also consider the layout of your area — there’s a big difference between which furniture pieces are suitable for a narrow balcony as opposed to a wider patio.

Furniture sellers list the dimensions of their pieces online, so it is easy to compare these measurements to those of your outdoor space. Of course, you shouldn’t just focus on the furniture dimensions. You’ll need to leave adequate space around your patio furniture so people can walk without tripping. Generally speaking, you should leave a few feet between different furniture pieces.

3. Remember the Environment

While looks are certainly important, you also need to consider how local weather conditions could affect your patio furniture. Most households aren’t able to use their outdoor space for all four seasons — and some materials aren’t going to be well suited for your local climate. For example, if you have an uncovered porch in an area that receives frequent rainfall, you should probably avoid furniture made from soft wood, which could be prone to rotting. Strong winds could blow away aluminum, while heavier pieces would stay firmly in place.

On the other hand, constant sun exposure could fade fabrics and wicker sets (particularly in hot, dry areas). While outdoor furniture is typically designed to be more durable than indoor sets, opt for weather-resistant materials such as all-weather wicker, metal, or cedar. For fabric pieces, always choose fade- and mildew-resistant furniture.

4. Be Mindful of Storage and Maintenance Needs

Your patio furniture should be a source of relaxation and comfort — not work! Needless to say, you’ll find your outdoor space to be much more relaxing if you don’t have to spend hours cleaning and caring for your furniture. Choosing furniture that is properly suited for your local environment means you likely won’t have to worry about too much other than occasionally wiping the surface clean of dust and pollen.

Part of caring for your patio furniture involves storing it during the off-season. If you have space available, make room in your garage or a storage shed to protect your patio furniture and decor from the elements when the weather is going to be particularly harsh. If you don’t have enough storage space, try to at least make room for storing fabric cushions. Folding, stackable, or easily disassembled furniture pieces may also be easier to store. Otherwise, you may need to invest in extra furniture covers to protect them during the off-season.

5. Match the Rest of Your Space

By keeping the previously mentioned tips in mind, you’ll likely have narrowed down your patio furniture options based on factors like size and material. The good news is that regardless of these factors, you will still have plenty of style options to choose from as you design your outdoor space.

When it comes to color and other stylistic preferences, consider how a particular patio furniture piece would complement the rest of your home. Ideally, the patio furniture should be a good match for your landscaping, and the rest of the house in general. For example, if you have modern and contemporary furniture inside the home, choosing similarly designed pieces for your outdoor space will help your property feel like one cohesive whole, both inside and out. Bold colors can help draw attention to patio furniture pieces that you want to serve as a focal point. 

On the other hand, more traditional designs with muted, natural colors can help you create a more natural looking space that will blend well with ample plant life.

Find the Perfect Patio Furniture at Kitchen & Bath Authority

If you’re ready to spruce up your outdoor space, make Kitchen & Bath Authority your first stop! With a wide selection of patio furniture and outdoor decor, we have everything you need to transform your patio. Our stunning range of products makes it easy for you to find your preferred style, no matter what your space might look like.

With many products available for significant discounts off of MSRP and exclusive deals and promotions for those who sign up for our membership program, there are many ways to save as you redecorate your space. 

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