How to Buy Patio Furniture
A Guide to Choosing the Right Pieces for Your Back Yard
Nowadays, our patios have become an extension of our homes, and every comfort is available to us. If you are fortunate enough to have a large yard, you can easily maximize the use of your space by creating different living areas with a combination of screens, potted plants, and furniture for different purposes. Unfortunately for many of us, multiple living areas not an option because of space limitations, which then forces us to determine a primary use for our outdoor entertaining area, and furnish accordingly.
Dining
If you intend to use your patio mostly for meals, you have many outdoor dining set options available to you. Look for a set that will be able to accommodate the maximum number of guests you envision yourself entertaining at any one time. Folding chairs provide additional seating and can be neatly stored away when you aren't using them. The addition of a buffet or service table provides valuable storage for extras and accessories like candles, plastic dishes etc., and if you do a lot of entertaining, a bar could also be a useful addition.
| Dining Sets (view all) | $599.00 at The Home Depot | $229.00 at The Home Depot |
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Living & Lounging
If you want relaxation after a hard day of work out of your patio living space, you might consider an outdoor living room set. Sectionals or small individual pieces are easy to move and provide flexibility when you need extra seating. If you like to relax with your feet up on the coffee table, make sure the design you choose is sturdy enough for weight-baring so that you don't have to replace it before the end of the summer.
Hammocks and lounge chairs cater to the ultimate backyard fantasy if you are looking to spend a relaxing afternoon in the sun with a good book. Unfortunately they can take up a lot of space while failing to provide good seating options for multiple guests, so keep that in mind when planning the layout of your space.
If budget permits, an outdoor fireplace will create a cozy ambiance while extending the enjoyment of your yard long into the cool spring/fall evenings.
| Lounge Chairs & Sets (view all) | | | $799.00 at The Home Depot |
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Storage
These days, storage is creatively integrated into functional pieces of furniture: benches transform into toy storage, beautiful armoires camouflage ugly gardening tools, and buffets - fit for any dining room - accommodate all your dining needs in one convenient place. For the most cohesive furniture layout, consider your storage needs before you purchase so that you aren't dealing with it as an afterthought.
Our Top Tip: for optimal safety, make sure to punch holes in storage chests in order to keep your little ones safe should they fall in.
| Deck Storage (view all) | $269.00 at The Home Depot | |
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Shade
The direction that your patio faces and the time of the day you most use your space will ultimately dictate your needs for shade. A lot of dining sets already come with an umbrella that sits in the table, but you can also get freestanding varieties that feature upgrades like flexible shafts, lights etc. There really is a model to suit every need! Another couple of options for creating shade are strategically placed, all-weather curtains for a romantic feel or, a motorized awning for practicality.
Our Top Tip: the use of mesh fabrics in umbrellas and awnings will filter the sun while still allowing air to circulate.
| | $149.00 at The Home Depot | |
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Cushions & Covers
Other than adding a level of comfort to a living space, fabrics set the design tone of your outdoor room. A few well-chosen textiles can brighten, warm, and dress any space or piece of furniture. Changing up fabrics is drastically less expensive than purchasing a new patio set and it provides an instant refresh to your furniture and outdoor decor. Rugs, curtains, cushions, and throw pillows are the key to personalizing your space so it feels truly your own.
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