Summer! Time to kick it outdoors, but are you set up? There is a lot to consider when buying outdoor furniture for your home. We've made it easier with this list of key factors to keep in mind before making your outdoor furniture purchase.
Redecorate Your Outdoor Living Space
As the season’s turn, warmer weather has us filled with anticipation about redecorating our outdoor living spaces. The right furniture is the difference between just having an outdoor living space and actually using it. The many available choices can make buying outdoor furniture an intimidating process. Think of your deck or patio as an extension of your home and the process gets easier. So before you start your buying journey, here are some tips and bits to keep in mind when choosing the right outdoor furniture for your space!
Our Tips For Buying Outdoor Furniture:
First & Foremost, Know Your Style
Think about what you’d appreciate in your space long-term. A wildly colorful Caribbean-inspired outdoor room sounds like a fun idea, but if your style is really more on the traditional and serene side, wild and colorful probably won’t stand the test of time. Ultimately, it depends on what works for you, your tastes, and your personality. We aren’t trying to steer you away from that magnificent tropical-themed retreat, but rather to ensure you pick furniture that you’ll appreciate in the long term. Outdoor furniture is an investment, never settle and truly pick something that aligns with your style and feels incredible.
Measure Twice, Buy Once
You may have your heart set on that huge, luxurious outdoor sectional, but will it actually fit on your deck or patio? Consider traffic flow and safety in outdoor furniture placement just as you would indoors. Furniture should not block doorways or exits, and it should not be placed perilously close to the un-railed edges or stairways. Once those limitations are factored in, you may have much less room for furniture than you realize. Store displays can look larger or smaller than they actually are, so take measurements with you when shopping.
What’s the Weather?
Lightweight aluminum is not an ideal choice for windy areas. High temperatures and dry air can make wood or wicker furniture crack and splinter. Too much moisture increases the chance of mold and mildew ruining upholstered cushions. Weather matters! Occasional rain or heat is normal, but do think about the challenges your environment may present before making a purchase.
Keep Your Location In Mind
Nearly every type of outdoor furniture is well-suited for a deck or smooth concrete patio, but if you’re placing items on the lawn, directly onto bare soil, or on pavers, take extra care to choose pieces that will do well in that location. Some wooden furniture can rot if placed on grass, moisture from the ground may cause corrosion on metal, and the small feet of a chair with graceful legs can get stuck in the spaces between stones or bricks. And even the most comfortable furniture in the world won’t be used if it’s placed in the blazing sun without any shade. Balance your personal tastes with shapes and materials that will function where you want to use them.
Sit Down and Relax
Buying Online is so simple, but it’s not always the best way to find furniture that you and your family will feel comfortable in. If you can, go to more than one showroom, and try furniture in different styles and price points to get a better sense of what feels good. No matter how big or small your budget, you don’t want to end up with outdoor furniture that makes your back hurt after 10 minutes! Once you know the brands and item numbers of the pieces you like, you can comparison shop to find the best deals.
Budget and Quality
Everyone’s budget will vary. Spending $600 on a patio sofa might be considered cheap by some or expensive to others. But when you consider the quality, reviews, your own personal tastes, and comfortability, investing a little more in a fundamentally superior product might be worth it. Think about how long you intend on keeping the furniture. If you’re planning to move in the next couple of years, would you want to move the furniture? Would it work in your new home? Ask these questions and you’ll be able to decide if purchasing some cheaper alternatives is the way to go.
If you are tight on a budget and looking to purchase some outdoor furniture, there are still some great options. It’s common for patio furniture to be sold second hand so you should absolutely try your luck thrifting, shopping around, or checking out the Facebook marketplace. You’d be surprised at what you can find.
If you’re purchasing from a retailer, consider buying for the next year at the end of the season (Sept-Oct) for discounts on furniture.
Retail Picks for Outdoor Furniture
Crate and Barrel has a variety of trendy outdoor furniture and appeals to a wide audience.
Wayfair has outdoor furniture sets, almost anything you’d need to find.
Article is filled with stylish and quality outdoor furniture. You’ll find some truly unique pieces here.
You’ll find a large selection and reap the perk of finding a location to try out the furniture before you buy.
Lowe’s also has a huge selection of furniture, accessories, and again, the perks of finding a location near you to experience the furniture before you buy.
Browse overstock and you’ll find loads of furniture, often at discounted prices.
If you’re looking for something more modern, head on over to West Elm. You’ll find tons of great options and even get inspiration on how to decorate your space.
In Closing
We hope you’ve taken in these valuable tips when buying outdoor furniture. Remember, it all comes down to personal preference which is why we encourage you to do your research and try something out before you settle (if possible). Think about the setting, how long you intend to have the furniture, your budget, and which stylistic features you prefer. We gave you some recommendations on where to start looking for outdoor furniture but there are of course many other options.
We’d love to see your outdoor setup this season! Tag us on Instagram @homechanneltv. For more home tips, head on over and explore the Home Channel TV blog!