If you’re in the market for some new patio furniture, you’re in luck! We’re breaking down some of the key steps to planning your ideal outdoor space. Outdoor furniture is a great way to make the most of your backyard or patio space. You can create a comfortable and functional outdoor living area by choosing the right pieces. Here are some things to look for when shopping for outdoor furniture.

Define your Needs

Start by deciding what you need from your outdoor space. Think about how you would like your outdoor space to function. Will you use it as a dining area, hosting events, or a peaceful reading nook? What activities will be going on? Will you host kids’ parties, play games, or tan by the pool? Use this to help guide you to find the best furniture for you.

Some items to consider:

• Comfortable seating
• Fire Pit
• Hammock
• Lounge Chairs
• Tables

Consider your Space

Your terrain and climate will impact what you can do with your space. If you live on a steep hill, you may not want to put your seating area at the bottom. If you’re in a cold climate, you might consider adding a fire pit to your list. If you have a lot of trees, you may want to think about hanging a hammock. No matter what your space looks like, there’s furniture to fit it.

What to use as your Base

Designing starts at the bottom. What do you want your outdoor space to be sitting on? Odds are you’re going to want to create a base for your furniture. This will help define your space and make it feel more pulled together. It will also help with drainage and level out any uneven ground.

Some popular options:

• Concrete Patio
• Natural Stone Patio
• Pavers
• Wooden Deck

When designing this space, the base often gets overlooked, but it has a significant impact on the overall look. Look at some designs in magazines or online and pay attention to your preferred bases.

Choose your Aesthetic

Outdoor areas are not only comfortable but can be a highlight of your home. Take some time to look at inspiration photos and settle on a design scheme that best fits your style. Choose something that will grow with you. You may decide to choose a more neutral chair and cushion, then spice it up with some accent pieces. Adding pillows, throws, and greenery can help make your outdoor space feel like home.

Some items to consider:

• Pillows
• Throw Blankets
• Greenery
• Planters
• Lighting

Or if you know that you will love a bright pink outdoor sofa, go for it! You may need to design custom cushions to create your dream neon pink outdoor space.

Choose a Focal Point

Most outdoor spaces revolve around something. Look back at that list of what you want to use this space for. Maybe it’s an outdoor kitchen, a pool, or a fire-pit. Make sure that the furniture you select works with it and enhances it. If your focal point is a fire pit, you will want additional lighting and seating that encourages people to gather around it.

If your focal point is more on dining, you’re going to want a different setup. A large table with additional chairs for guests is going to be key. You may even enjoy a sideboard or buffet to help with hosting duties.

Now it’s time to take this to the next level; seating selection.

Select Comfortable Seating

To truly turn your outdoor space into your favourite part of your home, you will need comfortable, quality outdoor furniture. This is non-negotiable. If you spend any significant amount of time outdoors, you will want furnishings that won’t leave you feeling sore the next day.

Many different materials are available for outdoor furniture, but not all of them are created equal. Look for natural materials such as wicker, rattan, teak, or cedar. These materials are comfortable, durable, and will last you for years to come.

Absolute comfort comes from the cushions you use. Don’t just buy one size fits all options available at the local improvement store. Instead, invest in cushions that fit your furniture, provide superior comfort, and last for years.

Things to look for:

✓ Quality foam – this will be more comfortable and will last much longer. There is nothing worse than a flat cushion only one month after buying it.

✓ Quality Fabric – You want it to look good and stand up to the elements since this is what you see most. Please choose a fabric meant for outdoor use; they protect the foam and don’t fade or stain as quickly as other fabric options.

Decide how you will care for your Furniture

With all the time and money you will spend selecting the best outdoor furniture, make sure you keep it in good shape. The best way to do this is by ensuring you have the proper care supplies.

If you have natural materials, such as wicker or rattan, you will want to invest in a quality sealant. This will help protect it from damage and make it easier to clean.

If you plan on using your outdoor furniture a lot, consider investing in covers for your cushions. This will protect them from dirt, stains, and the elements when not in use.

If you live in an area where it gets too cold winter or have heavy rains at different times of the year, consider storage options that better protect your furniture. There are containers or sheds designed explicitly for this purpose.

Now that you know all of the things to consider when designing your perfect outdoor space, it’s time to get started! Please look at some of the custom cushions we create and see what speaks to you. From there, it’s easy to find furniture and accessories that fit your chosen aesthetic. Once you have your furniture picked out, don’t forget to accessorise! Planters, lighting, and greenery can help make your space feel like home. And finally, make sure you have the proper care supplies so that your furniture will last for years. With a little bit of effort, you can quickly turn your outdoor space into your favourite part of the house.