Outdoor living spaces have grown in popularity in recent years. Along the way, they’ve evolved from basic patios and backyards to become true extensions of our indoor living environments. When it comes to curating these areas for functionality, aesthetics, and comfort, choosing the right outdoor furniture plays a pivotal role.
Whether you envision an alfresco dining haven, cozy “she-shed” or “man cave,” or versatile additional living area for relaxing and entertaining, proper furniture will set the stage for creating the outdoor oasis of your dreams.
In this blog, we’ll first address how to define your outdoor space by identifying its purpose. Then, we’ll zero in on factors to consider when selecting your outdoor furniture. Use this guide to hone in on how—and which—furniture will best help you achieve your outdoor living goals.
Defining Your Outdoor Space
Before you get into picking out your actual furniture, you’ll need to settle on the purpose of your outdoor area. Do you envision a space for cooking, dining, lounging, entertaining, or a combination of these activities? The more clearly you define your intentions for your space, the better you’ll be able to shop for furniture that will meet your needs.
Here are some of the most popular uses for outdoor rooms, along with an overview of the furniture types you’ll need to decorate each:
Outdoor Dining Area
Whether you’re looking for more room to host large gatherings or just to soak in the sunshine and fresh air while dining with your family, an outdoor dining area delivers.
At the top of the list for your outdoor dining area’s furniture needs? A sturdy, weather-resistant dining table and chairs. Materials like teak, aluminum, and resin wicker offer a winning combination of design and durability. The size and shape of your table will be determined by the specifics of your space as well as your plans.
Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are still having a major moment. Outdoor luxury kitchens, in particular, are surging in popularity.
Depending on your physical space constraints, budget, and other factors, you’ve got many options when it comes to designing and decorating your outdoor kitchen. Whether you’re looking at a full kitchen with everything from cooktops, fridges, sinks, and bars to smaller operations centered around basic grills or pizza ovens, there are near endless ways to bring to life your vision for an outdoor kitchen.
Your outdoor kitchen’s location is also important. For optimal convenience, situate it within easy proximity of your indoor kitchen.
Additionally, while it’s fine to have one or the other, outdoor kitchens and outdoor dining areas go hand-in-hand for many homeowners.
Outdoor Living Room
With creating more livable square footage at the top of the list for many homeowners, it’s not surprising that outdoor living rooms are trending.
While full-scale renovations and additions are expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive, outdoor living rooms offer a boost in space without the downsides. Not to mention that looking to your backyard, patio, porch, lanai porch, or other outdoor area for more livable square footage also comes with the many benefits of exposure to nature.
To create an inviting outdoor living room, incorporate comfortable deep seating, lounge chairs, hanging swings, and other pieces that will invite your guests to relax and linger. Be sure to look for furniture crafted from weather-resistant materials, such as powder-coated aluminum and outdoor-grade wicker.
And don’t forget about design elements and accents such as pillows and throws, rugs, lighting, and greenery.
Personal Retreats
Always yearned for a she-shed or man cave of your own for everything from yoga to poker nights? Mindfully using your exterior space can put this dream within your reach.
Your specific intentions for your private retreat will dictate your furniture needs. For example, cushy recliners, a built-in bar, and sports memorabilia may be suitable for a traditional man cave, while outdoor yoga spaces call for minimal furniture along with calming accessories.
One note about planning and designing your outdoor space? Failure to consider the impact of poor or cold weather can directly interfere with its use. Covering or enclosing these outdoor areas will amplify their usage thereby protecting your investment.
Factors Influencing Furniture Selection
Once you’ve landed on a specific use for your outdoor space, here are some factors to consider when selecting furnishings:
Climate
The climate where you live can significantly influence the type of outdoor furniture you choose. For example, homes in regions with lots of rain and high humidity may call for materials like teak, cedar, or synthetic wicker thanks to their resistance to moisture and decay while furniture in sunnier climates will benefit from UV-resistant finishes to prevent fading. As mentioned earlier, a porch enclosure system can mitigate furniture climate challenges—wherever you live.
Space and Layout
Be sure to consider the dimensions and layout of available space when choosing furniture sizes and configurations. If you’re working with a small space or striving for multifunctionality, modular pieces can be customized to fit various layouts.
Comfort and Style
The best outdoor spaces strike a beautiful balance between comfort and style. Choose furniture styles that reflect your personal taste and complement the overall aesthetic of your home without sacrificing comfort.
Maintenance and Durability
High-maintenance furniture means you’ll spend less time enjoying your outdoor space and more time cleaning it. Not to mention that failure to properly care for your outdoor furniture can detract from its longevity. Materials like stainless steel, powder-coated aluminum, and all-weather wicker are engineered to resist rust, corrosion, and fading, while regular care and maintenance will extend the lifespan of your outdoor furniture.
Accessorizing and Finishing Touches
Once the core furniture pieces are selected, accessories play a central role in tying outdoor spaces together. Here are a few quick tips for enhancing your space with thoughtful accessories and finishing touches:
- Use rugs to define areas and cultivate coziness
- Incorporate lighting for functionality and ambiance
- Infuse personality into the space with planters, outdoor artwork, pops of color, and other decorative accents
Create Your Dream Indoor-Outdoor Space with Eze-Breeze
Choosing the right outdoor furniture is the key to transforming your exterior space into a personalized outdoor environment for relaxation, recreation, and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for lanai porch ideas or you’re ready to maximize the potential of your space with a porch, patio, or garage enclosure system, Eze-Breeze offers perfect partnership.
To take a big step in the direction of creating the indoor-outdoor space of your dreams with porch enclosures, contact an EZE-Breeze dealer today.
