If you’re counting down the days to sunny afternoon backyard BBQs and long leisurely nights catching up with friends on your back patio, now is the perfect time to start making those dreams a reality.
Spring is the best time to shop for outdoor furniture collections and buyers are eager to snap these pieces up. If there are specific pieces you were hoping to invest in this year, the recommendation from designers is the same across the board: don’t delay.
The size of your space doesn’t matter, as you can create the perfect outdoor oasis just as easily on a small balcony as you can in a big backyard. It doesn’t take much to create a welcoming space that you, your friends and family will enjoy lounging in. All you need is a few key pieces of outdoor furniture and décor.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
The first thing to take into account is the size of your space and your ideal layout. If you have a large patio, you’ll likely require more furniture to create an inviting atmosphere. For a small balcony, on the other hand, you’ll want to look for space-saving options and pieces that can be picked up and moved easily.
Think about where you would like to place your furniture and consider traffic flow. You’ll want to ensure that there is enough room for everyone to move around comfortably.
Of course, you also need to think about the aesthetics. What is your personal style? Are you looking to create a modern, minimalist vibe or do you prefer a more rustic, cozy feel? You can find patio furniture in a variety of colours, textures and finishes, so choose according to your style.
MATERIALS
This will take a bit of thought and research. While your outdoor space is an extension of your home, the materials you select should not only be stylish, they also need to be comfortable, durable and able to withstand the elements.
Nuvella
Nuvella is a high-performance fabric that is a worry-free choice for today’s lifestyle. It is kid-proof, pet-proof, weatherproof and life-proof, and is chemical-free. It is also fade-, stain- and mildew-resistant. Best of all, it is easy to care for and keep clean.
Nuvella fabrics have 100%-solution-dyed-through intensity, giving them long-lasting colour protection that will not rub off or fade—even when cleaned with bleach. The fabrics keep their colour for years, regardless of wear and tear and cleaning.
Made of eco-friendly materials, their carbon footprint is minimal. In the solution dye process, colour is added during the fibre extrusion stage—it’s a clean, environmentally-responsible manufacturing process and no effluents are produced, which protects our environment, air, rivers and oceans.
Nuvella’s solution-dyed fabrics are great for active people and families with pets. They exceed both indoor and outdoor UV requirements and are 100% recyclable.
Wood
Many love the look of wood furniture. It’s classic, has enduring appeal and over time develops a lovely patina. It does, however, require regular care and maintenance to protect it from weathering.
Metal
Metal also looks great and is both durable and weather resistant. Like a wrought-iron bistro set, it looks elegant and sophisticated. Other manufacturers’ metal furniture does tend to rust over time; however Ashley’s outdoor furniture is crafted to withstand the elements with powder-coated steel aluminum, creating a rust-free, wonderfully low maintenance product.
Synthetic resin wicker
Another great option is Ashley’s outdoor synthetic resin wicker. Natural wicker may fade in the sun, but synthetic resin wicker is infused with UV inhibitors that prevent fading. It won’t break, chip or scratch and is stain resistant.
Furniture pieces are available in a wide range of styles and colours and can withstand exposure to the weather. They’re also easy to clean. The Beachcroft sofa with cushion is a great example of a piece that offers style and elegance, but is also extremely comfortable and durable. The Danson swivel lounge chairs take that comfort up a notch.
Outdoor furniture made of woven wicker and powder-coated steel is great at withstanding the elements and has a modern, contemporary look. This Palm Bliss outdoor dining table with 4 chairs, for example, will add elegance to any al fresco meal.
SPACE-SAVING OPTIONS FOR SMALLER PATIOS
Whether it’s a pair of simple folding chairs, a bistro dining set or a foldable table, you can find multi-functional outdoor furniture pieces in smaller sizes too. This Coral Sand chairs and table set is so chic and would be the perfect addition to any patio or balcony.
Sectional sofas are perfect for smaller-sized patios, as you can configure them to fit the available space and choose a space-saving model. They also tend to be quite comfortable. This Cherry Point sectional with table and ottoman would suit a larger area and is just as stylish as any indoor furniture.
Think about some less traditional accents you can add in too. This counter table and two stool set would work perfectly as a small bar area and offers additional seating and serving space without taking up much room.
To decorate your small space, consider adding an area rug to your outdoor patio set. First and foremost, an outdoor rug helps to define the space and create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. It can also help to anchor furniture and prevent it from slipping or sliding around, which makes it safer and more comfortable for guests to sit and relax. Outdoor rugs can also protect your patio surface from scratches and other damage caused by furniture legs, foot traffic and weather conditions. It’s one way to elevate both the style and functionality of your outdoor living space.
Hanging planters allow you to add that needed touch of greenery and colour without sacrificing any valuable floor space; they also add atmosphere, warmth and personality. Hang your planters from the ceiling or walls to create a vertical garden. You can also use them to grow herbs for a functional, and fragrant, addition to your outdoor space.
ADD WARMTH
Fire pits serve as a warm and inviting focal point for outdoor gatherings and create a cozy atmosphere you can enjoy throughout the seasons. You can find them in a variety of sizes and styles; some are portable, while others (that tend to be larger) are built-in. Because they provide both warmth and light, having a fire pit can extend the use of your patio into the cooler months.
No matter the size of your space or budget, you can create an outdoor living area that is comfortable, stylish and functional. Many patio furniture options can also be tailored to your specific needs.
Ashley HomeStore offers a range of high-quality outdoor furniture that is designed to both enhance your outdoor living experience and withstand the elements. They can help you create the outdoor oasis you’ve always dreamed of.
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