Spring has arrived, and naturally we are spending more time outdoors. Comfortable, functional and beautiful patio furniture will enhance your outdoor spaces. If your patio is in need of new furnture, there are some things I want you to consider before you make a purchase.
Please read today’s article before making a purchase, because that sale item can cost you big in the long run!
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Not all patio furniture is created equal! I know it is tempting to buy discount patio furniture, because it looks so lovely in the store, and we naturally want our decorating dollars to stretch these days.
Form Follows Function: Give thought to where the furniture will be placed and the function of the space. Are you looking for a dining area, a conversation area or lounge chairs for sunning. If your patio is very large, you can accommodate zones of seating, dining and lounging. Also consider the sun exposure, will you need an umbrella during daytime hours?
Materials Matter: Certainly we want our furniture to look beautiful and compliment the decor of the house inside as well as the architecture of the home outside. Durability is a very important consideration, so that you can enjoy this purchase for many seasons to come. SCV summer sun can be brutal on your furniture, so here is a run down of the most common materials.
Wrought Iron: This is the gold standard for outdoor furniture, it is one tough surface, also very heavy and quite pricey. With proper care, wrought iron patio furniture will serve you well for decades.
Cast Aluminum: A great alternative to wrought iron, but looks very much like it. This is a lighter weight material, and friendlier price point than its look alike, wrought iron. This material will never rust, but will not last as long as wrought iron.
Woven Resin Wicker: Synthetic resin is wrapped around a steel frame, making this material a great choice for beauty and brawn. It looks so much like realy wicker without the worry of sun damage. This is a fine choice for deep seating or lounge chairs.
Teak: Wood adds a lovely organic element to a patio design. There are other species of outdoor wood furniture, but teak is the toughest and most expensive. Of course, left untreated, teak furniture will gray over time. This can be a welcomed look if you enjoy the washed hues of Long Island beach homes. However, to retain the rich warm brown tones of teak, annual sanding and oiling are necessary. This one may be a bit high maintenance for most homeowners.
Fabric Is Everything: Please know that the fabric on the cushions is a very important consideration for outdoor furniture. You want to purchase cushions made of solution dyed acrylic fabric. The most common brand is Sunbrella, although there are other manufacturers. With solution dyed fabric, every thread is coated in a solution to prolong the life of the fabric in the sun and exposure to water. Be cautious if the label says “Water Resistant” or “Fade Resistant”, because you will likely get one season out of your investment before the cushions are faded and moldy.
Outdoor rooms are my favorite design offering in spring time. With proper attention, your outdoor space can be a great spot to enjoy your family and friends. Don’t you deserve that? Please call so we can discuss your design project. (661) 430-0127
Tami Smight Interiors, a full-service interior design firm, has been gracing southern California homes with warm, accessible designs since 2004.
As a certified professional interior designer, Tami Smight shares expert design tips, tricks and trends in her column. Check out her articles in our SCV “Your Home Inside And Out” section.