Olga

Before you go out and buy all your patio needs, make sure you go through this short course on choosing and buying the correct patio furniture.

In today’s lesson, we will be going through some of the things to consider before buying your new furnishings. Let’s start!

1. The space. Take time to see the space where your new furniture will be situated. Measure the area you are trying to fill, as this will give you an idea of the size of the furniture that you need to buy.

2. Environment. Will the furniture be placed on a brick floor, natural wood flooring, or on grass? Certain pieces of furniture work better with different types of patios. Another important thing to consider is where you are going to store the furniture in the winter.

3. Material. What kind of material are you looking for? Outdoor furniture are made with different types of materials. Ask yourself: am I looking for something that’s lightweight or something a little sturdier?

4. Pillows and cushions. If your furniture would require pillows and cushion to make them look more inviting, make sure to store these indoors when you are not using them in the patio. Leaving them under the elements would eventually soil them and make them look dirty. For cushions, choose one that has patterns on both sides, so you can flip them when the other side is already dirty.

5. Hunt. Nothing beats a good hunt for the perfect furniture. Go to yard sales or furniture depots to broaden your choices. This is also a great way to save money, since you can practice and hone your bargaining skills.

6. Theme. Make sure that your furniture coincides with the general theme of the area. You do not want your patio to look like a patchwork of mismatched designs. Pick colors that are somewhat related to each other. If your theme is modern, stick to modern furnishing.

7. Research. Know what you want before venturing out. Check online for the latest patio furnishings, consult with the experts, or better yet, look for the opinions of the consumer.

8. Budget. Allocate a budget for the new purchase. This way, you will be able to track your finances, and be reminded to stick to what you have allocated for.

9. Test it. What’s a better way to help you decide than testing the furniture? Sit on that chair you have been eyeing. As you do, do the chair legs feel sturdy? Is it comfortable? Will it last?

10. Use it. Some people purchase patio furniture but rarely use them. Find time to dine outdoors, have a good cup of coffee, or even read a book outside. You worked hard to find these items so, enjoy them!

Having a patio is like having a little slice of nature right at your own backyard. So remember: pick right, use right.