Top 5 Considerations for Modern Outdoor Furniture
Finding outdoor furniture for your home is tricky. Not only does the furniture have to be attractive, it must also be able to withstand the elements so that it will last for years to come. Finding outdoor furniture that is ideal for your home means that you evaluate every furniture option based on several factors before you select the best choice. To help you make the best decisions for your outdoor space, here are the top 5 things to look for in modern outdoor furniture.
1. Quality
Outdoor furniture has to be able to stand up to hot summers and cold winters to make it worth investing in. Furniture that is made from aluminum, plastic or PVC are good options for outdoor furniture because they can stand up to changing weather conditions and don't require much in the way of maintenance. Steel and wrought iron, on the other hand, will rust easily if they are not weatherproofed or painted on occasion.
Pay attention to the fabrics, as well. Fabrics that are intended for outdoor use are generally fade resistant and are UV protected. They should be able to stand up to outdoor use for at least a few seasons. When you are select fabrics for outdoor use, opt for fabrics that have high thread counts and are made from heavy duty fabrics.
You should also inspect the furniture to ensure that it doesn't have flaws that could cause it to wear out before you anticipated having to buy new furniture. Make sure chair legs are solid and sturdy. Furniture that uses stainless steel screws are a better option because they won't rust. For wooden and wrought iron furniture, make sure that the furniture has been properly weatherproofed with the coatings covering all exposed surfaces. Wooden furniture may also require UV protection.
2. Style
When you shop for modern outdoor furniture, you want to make sure that your furniture doesn’t only serve its functional purpose. Selecting furniture that is also beautiful can add to the outdoor experience. Look for furniture that features handcrafted details, natural materials, and modern upholstery patterns for the best results.
While it’s nice to think of your outdoor space as your own personal oasis, you also need to consider the neighborhood that your home is located in. If your outdoor furniture is visible to the neighbors or can be seen by people walking or driving by your home, opt for outdoor furniture that blends in with the exterior of your home. You shouldn't select furniture that will take away from the curb appeal of your home.
Many times people don't realize how much comfortable outdoor furniture can improve their experiences. However, you should remember that comfort is just as important for outdoor furniture as it is for indoor furniture.
Choose furniture that can be be used with plush cushions, especially for sofas, chairs, loungers. The cushions will help to keep you cool on hotter days and will allow you to enjoy your outdoor furniture for hours.
To ensure that you furniture doesn't attract mold and mildew, opt for outdoor furniture that has cushions with lightweight fillers. You should also select cushions that feature the same patterns on both sides of the cushion so that they can be turned periodically to ensure that they retain their shape.
4. Functionality
If your outdoor space is limited, you should invest in outdoor furniture that has earned top ratings for functionality. Some ideas are sectional pieces that are modular, or versatile tables with expandable tops. You may also prefer chairs that stack so that they can be easily stored away when not in use. To make it easier for you to move your outdoor furniture, choose furniture pieces that are lighter in weight or have wheels.
If you want to make the most of your outdoor space, choose furniture that will comfortably fit in the space. You shouldn't choose furniture that is too large or too small for your space. Before you shop, measure the area that you plan to furnish. Leave up to 2 feet of space between furniture pieces for high traffic areas and 1 foot of space between each furniture piece to ensure that the items don't look crowded.
5. Materials
When you shop for outdoor furniture make sure the materials not only work with your aesthetic, but for your space. If you're close to the ocean, it’s best to get outdoor furniture that is made from 316 grade stainless steel to prevent corrosion due to mist from the ocean.
If you have small kids and are in a very hot climate, be careful with metal that gets too hot so that the children don’t get burned on furniture that has been out in direct sunlight. Wood furniture is a better option and won’t get hot enough to burn skin. Wicker is also a good option if you have children because it is easy to keep clean.