Can I keep using my outdoor furniture beyond summer?
Yes! You and your outdoor furniture should keep living your best life – the sun on your shoulders is often more welcome when the days have a chill in the air and the nights have grown longer. Post-summer is also the time to be sure you have a fire table or firepit to center your gathering as well as provide ambient heat. And if your outdoor living space is entirely exposed, it’s a good idea to protect your furniture from inclement weather, even in the summer. Start by having and using covers for any furniture not on a covered porch, patio, or balcony. You may want to roll up and store your outdoor rugs if your weather tends to get very wet or snowy. Provide an easily accessible storage space or bin for cushions and pillows – make it easy to grab and use them whenever your mood and the weather align. A little preparation and protection means you can enjoy your outdoor living space any time you want.
How can I protect my outdoor furniture in the winter?
While high-quality outdoor furniture is made to withstand the elements, protecting it from winter’s harsher conditions contributes significantly to its longevity and beauty. If your outdoor space is somewhat protected by a roof or overhang, then your winter plan may be to cover outdoor seating and tables with heavy-duty furniture covers. This will allow you the flexibility to use your furniture whenever the weather permits, whether winter or not!
If your outdoor living or dining room is entirely outside and exposed to the elements – and you live in a place that gets snow and ice – then you should consider bringing indoors any pieces you can. Understanding that there may not be room for that option, there are several protective measures you can take. Make it a priority to have enough sheltered or indoor space to store outdoor rugs, cushions and pillows to prevent mold and mildew growth. Cover outdoor seats and tables with heavy-duty furniture covers, making sure they fit tightly to prevent rain, snow and sleet from entering. Periodically check on your furniture to ensure covers remain secure and no moisture has worked its way in. Keep a broom or brush handy to clear snow, ice, sleet, and still water from surfaces for further protection.
What should I consider when buying outdoor furniture?
Before embarking on your search for outdoor furniture, it's important to consider its function, materials, style and size. Do you live in a climate that can accommodate an extended use of your outdoor living space? How much protection does your outdoor living space have, ranging from none to some to partially roofed?? Consider the design segue from outdoor to inside your home or vice versa -- do your style choices flow in the same way they do from room to room indoors? Compare how you want to use the space with the size of the space you have available, and tailor your plan to one that considers both factors.
Why does it matter how I want to use my outdoor space?
Will you be using your furniture for alfresco dining, regular entertaining or lounging under the sun? Knowing how and where you will be using your pieces will help define your choices. A quick drying, easy-care chaise lounge is ideal for summer splashing by the pool while an upholstered outdoor sectional sofa and fire table can provide cozy warmth to a sprawling patio. If you live in a climate that allows for both, your design plan will expand your opportunities for cross-season outdoor living.
How do I choose the right style and best materials?
Outdoor furniture comes in a variety of durable weather-resistant materials. Consider which complements your environment both aesthetically and functionally. Upholstered performance wicker seats provide lounge-worthy comfort with a classic look that stylistically aligns with coastal and traditional homes. Sleek, powder-coated metal furniture, like our Bonavista Outdoor Rectangle Dining Table offers modern simplicity and is easy to wipe clean–ideal for al fresco entertaining. Visit our blog, Patio Living – A Room With a View,
for more insights and information.
How do I make the best use of my outdoor space?
Be sure to measure your outdoor space to ensure the size and scale of your pieces fit, with plenty of room for you and your guests to move around. For a small porch or patio, consider pieces that maximize seating, like outdoor accent chairs and ottomans rather than larger sofas and sectionals that could overwhelm your space. For larger spaces, consider the function of the space (see above) so you can select pieces that optimize your accommodations and enjoyment.
