An expansive patio requires seating arrangements to fit the number of users who will utilize it, with loveseats being particularly flexible options that can easily adapt to changing family needs.
Choose furniture that complements the color palette of your garden, such as mahogany red and buttery yellow which enhance many different flowers and plants.
Wood
When it comes to patio furniture design, many homeowners appreciate the rustic charm and natural wood grain look and feel. But before opting for wood patio furniture it’s essential that we consider its advantages and disadvantages before making our decision.
Wood furniture brings an organic, natural touch to your patio and can be very durable if properly treated, yet is susceptible to damage caused by weather conditions like rain and moisture, which can warp, crack or split the wood over time. Wood may also absorb heat or sunlight which causes it to fade or discolor over time.
When selecting wooden patio furniture sets, it is essential that they feature wood species with good resistance against changing weather conditions. Teak, mahogany, redwood and cedar are popular choices that offer good durability for outdoor furniture use. When possible opt for tight grain wood with close cellular structures for greater resistance against rot, water damage and insect invasion.
Weight considerations must also be given when selecting wood pieces, with lighter woods such as cedar being suitable for smaller pieces that can easily be moved around, while more substantial choices like pine or oak work better in large seating or table situations.
Other aspects that affect the longevity of wooden furniture include its color and grain pattern. A tighter grain pattern will hold up better against weather exposure; however, if your patio furniture will only be exposed to shaded environments it might suffice with more open-grained woods.
Not everyone needs their patio furniture made of wood; other materials may also work perfectly well, including high-grade polyethylene and polypropylene plastics that offer unrivaled sculptural and color options. Molded plastic pieces such as these may be cheaper than natural or wrought iron options while still offering elegant decor on any patio space. Furthermore, maintenance of this kind is easy: just wash them regularly using mild soap and water and they should continue looking like new for years.
Wicker or Rattan
Wicker furniture is an ideal option for creating outdoor living spaces. Made of various materials and formed into intricate shapes, wicker can add variety and texture to your space while being lightweight enough to move around easily if rearranging needs arise. Plus, its superior resistance to sunlight and other elements means less fade over time!
Wicker furniture brings the outdoors in with its organic aesthetic that blends seamlessly into almost all designs. Crafted from natural reed grasses or bamboo as well as synthetic resin or vinyl materials, wicker can be stained or painted in various hues to complement traditional or contemporary home styles.
Rattan patio furniture design can also offer many advantages over its counterparts. Crafted from various materials, its light, flexible nature allows it to be woven into intricate patterns or bent into seats, chairs or tables for your patio furniture design needs. Furthermore, there are various colors and finishes of rattan available: from classic natural brown hues all the way through black or white options, allowing you to find one to suit any decor scheme.
Rattan and other eco-friendly, sustainable materials have seen an exponentially increasing demand in outdoor furniture due to an increasing preference for non-synthetic furnishings such as synthetic plastics. Rattan, made from the stems of tropical vines, makes an excellent material that is both renewable and environmentally-friendly – perfect for the growing number of people seeking synthetic alternatives for their furnishings.
Note that rattan and wicker furniture must be stored indoors or in areas protected from direct sunlight and rainfall to preserve its integrity, however if you plan to bring it outside for special events you can protect it by using covers or sealing with marine varnish or tung oil.
Plastic
Plastic patio furniture materials are among the most adaptable available, offering endless design possibilities that fit seamlessly with any space and decor. Moldable into unique shapes for a unique contemporary aesthetic that suits any space perfectly, unlike some other outdoor materials which often fade or crack with exposure to harsh elements. Recycled plastic outdoor furniture in particular stands up well to elements – for instance high-quality recycled plastic outdoor furniture often resembles wooden lumber in appearance and can even withstand weather extremes without becoming discolored over time.
Plastic furniture offers several advantages when it comes to maintenance: simple cleaning with mild dish soap and water is all it needs for keeping it looking brand new, while its light weight means it can easily be moved around to accommodate guests or changes in layout preferences.
If you want to lower your carbon footprint and contribute towards a sustainable environment, choose eco-friendly outdoor furniture from brands that use recycled or organic materials during manufacturing processes. When buying plastic outdoor furniture, be sure to research its source and manufacturing processes so you know whether or not it meets the criteria as eco-friendly furniture.
Modular outdoor furniture has become an increasingly popular design trend that allows for flexibility when meeting changing needs. Constructed with interchangeable modules that can be changed over time and rearrange to suit new arrangements, modular outdoor furniture offers sustainability in terms of its reusability. When selecting modular outdoor furniture styles to purchase it’s essential that they are durable yet simple to assemble to avoid damage or wear and tear over time.
Polycarbonate plastic provides excellent UV filter protection while being easy to shape into different designs, making it an eco-friendly alternative to glass or wrought iron that is also significantly less costly.
Polypropylene resin patio furniture materials are an extremely resilient and eco-friendly choice, composed of waste produced during natural gas processing and petroleum exploration processes. Polypropylene can even be molded to mimic more expensive natural materials like wicker and wood for an elegant finish in your outdoor retreat.
Metal
Metal patio furniture offers an ideal contemporary style for your patio space. Many types of metal can be easily formed into sleek and attractive lines that would not be possible using other materials like wood or wicker. Furthermore, metal frames tend to be lighter than others so you can quickly pack up and stow away when the temperature cools or rain starts pouring down – plus metal is highly durable against wear-and-tear better than most others!
When choosing metal patio furniture, both upfront costs and maintenance considerations need to be considered. While wrought iron has long been valued for its resilience against weathering elements, moisture or salt air exposure can cause it to rust over time unless coated with an anti-corrosion finish that protects it from oxidization and keeps the frame looking brand new. Aluminum is an attractive contemporary alternative, being easier to shape into unique designs while lighter weight than steel yet more resilient against corrosion than its rival. Stainless steel provides even more modern aesthetic that requires little to no maintenance over its lifespan!
Metal patio furniture tends to be less costly than its alternatives and can withstand even the harshest climate conditions, making it an excellent choice for outdoor living spaces located in both hot and cold climates.
Though some find metal chairs and sofas less than comfortable, there are ways to make them more inviting to sit in. Cushions that complement their frame’s color or design can add softness that makes these pieces more inviting to sit in; also, many fabrics designed specifically for plastic and wicker furniture can also be used on metal furniture cushions for additional softness.
Some may shy away from metals because of the maintenance involved, while others find them versatile enough to complement modern, classic, farmhouse, and other settings beautifully. Steel and aluminum accents can help create a look that’s uniquely your own no matter the overall style of your backyard.