Does your outdoor area need a little work?
If you have a patio, porch, deck, or any other type of the outdoor area to work with, don’t pass up the opportunity of turning it into a space of rest and relaxation for you, your family, and your friends to enjoy.
Of course, outdoor furniture is a key element in any outdoor area. So, here are four important tips on how to choose and arrange furniture for your outdoor area!
1. Determine the Purpose of Your Space First
Before you purchase any furniture or décor, take some time to envision your space and how it will be used.
In most cases, an outdoor space is used in one of three ways—as a dining area, living area, or lounge area. If your space is located by a pool, for example, you may want to transform it into an area where people can kick back, relax, and sunbathe.
If your space is a patio just outside your kitchen, on the other hand, you might want to turn it into a dining area—complete with a grill, tables, and chairs.
Finally, if your space is located elsewhere on your property—perhaps somewhere with a scenic backdrop—you may want to convert it into a lounge area with couches and maybe even a fire pit!
2. Visualize Your Furniture Arrangement
Next, begin planning your furniture arrangement. There are a few factors to consider here.
To start, consider where the space is located. If your furniture will be arranged poolside, you can often place them in a linear fashion facing the pool. If you need outdoor furniture for a lounge or dining area, on the other hand, you will want to arrange it in a way that encourages conversation—such as having it face a central table, bar, or fire pit.
You will also need to think about the size of your space and the number of guests you’ll be accommodating. If you’re working with a very limited amount of porch space, you’ll want to opt for single pieces of furniture in lieu of large sofas. If you have an entire pool deck or large patio to work with, however, you may have room for larger items.
3. Identify the Materials You Will Need
Almost all outdoor furniture can be categorized as weatherproof or non-weatherproof. Needless to say, furniture that will be exposed to moisture, leaves, dirt, and debris should be weatherproof. This will allow it to maintain its like-new appearance for years to come. Common materials include wood, aluminum, stainless steel, and certain plastics.
With that said, there are some circumstances in which you may be able to opt for non-weatherproof furniture instead.
If your space is screened in or located beneath an overhang, for example, you don’t necessarily need to invest in weatherproof furniture. This will leave you with a much broader range of options, and it will be easier to implement cushions, pillows, and absorbent materials.
4. Choose the Right Colour Scheme
Finally, dream up the ideal colour palette for your outdoor space. On a practical level, consider the effect that dirt might have on certain colours—particularly brighter tones, such as whites and yellows.
Be sure to factor in your space’s surroundings, whether it’s the wood of your porch, the concrete of your pool deck, or the backdrop of your home’s exterior.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match colours, especially when it comes to cushions and other accessories!
For the best quality furniture store and interior design services in Ontario, contact Direct Interiors today or book an in-person consultation with one of our design experts!
For more inspiration, visit our website to see our portfolio, read testimonials or get in touch.
TESTIMONIALS
– Julie
– Karnjit
– Yulia
– Jeff
– Niusha
– Shelley
– Rocky
– Nataile Froom
– Anita B
I have always found the sales and support staff at Direct to be very accommodating and service oriented. I highly recommend Direct Interiors to design professionals and anyone who is interested in creating a beautiful home.”
