Ensuring great summer days and enjoyable moments under the sun, requires an inviting outdoor home setting. And transforming your garden, backyard or patio into a comfortable and functional place for great family dinners or special occasions with friends, is all about equipping it with the right patio furniture.

Since there is no “one size fits all” solution for different outdoor settings, you’ll have to do your job in order to choose the right solution for your outdoor space. You have to consider several important factors such as the amount of space you have available, the overall home décor in your home, the time you can dedicate to cleaning and maintaining, and your budget.

Note: you can easily turn your outdated outdoor space into a comfortable oasis just by cleaning up the clutter.

Know What You Need To Buy

First and foremost, define what will you use your outdoor space and patio furniture for. For example, will it be for enjoying the morning coffee and breakfast; for relaxing and unwinding with a good book; for organizing great family dinners; or for hosting parties? Second, based on your previous decision and the space available, make a list of the patio furniture items that would best provide you the functionality you need. For instance is your plan to use your outdoor space mainly for having breakfasts alone or with your partner, all that you need to buy is one smaller table and two chairs. On the other side, if you plan to host dinner parties, a big dinning table and 5-6 chairs are a must.

Take a Seat vs. Online Shopping

Some would say that the best way to make sure the furniture you’re about to buy is comfortable, is to take a seat or test-drive it. But this requires time, and patience. And money for that matter; just think how much fuel you’ll spend driving from one store to another. For all-in-one option, the Internet is unsurpassed. Yes, you cannot take a seat and try out a piece, but it is convenient, gives you the possibility to compare prices from several retailers in a matter of minutes and saves you time, money and effort, not to mention the variety of outdoor settings options available. Plus, due to high competition in the online market, many suppliers and retailers offer discount deals.

Go for Easy Care

Unless you are prepared to spend your life washing, scrubbing and wiping your outdoor furniture and unless you are prepared to splurge on outdoor settings every year or two, settle with noting but easy care. When it comes to ease of maintenance, the most important factor you need to consider is the material the furniture is made of.

In brief, here’s a simple overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the most common materials.

Wicker

Advantages: There are many benefits of wicker furniture, among which some of the most important include: versatility, durability, flexibility.

Disadvantages: Higher cost; susceptible to mildew; the surface fades if exposed to sunlight for longer.

Teak

Advantages: Durable; resistant to termites; original and stylish aesthetic appeal.

Disadvantages: Expensive; hardly available.

Metal

Advantages: Durable; easy to clean; timeless style.

Disadvantages: Heavy and bulky; susceptible to rust; temperature absorbent.

In order to create the perfect outdoor setting and ensure style, comfort and functionality, take into account following simple yet practical tips:

• Make sure you have enough space indoors to store and keep the patio furniture off season;
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with colours. The best way to revive the atmosphere in your outdoor space is to enhance it with colourful furniture pieces.
• Settle with nothing but high quality;
• For increased functionality opt for multifunctional furniture items;
• Stick to your personal preferences to express your style and leave your personal mark.