5 Steps to Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Furniture

Every spring, people emerge from their homes and begin to shake off the “winter blues” as they start various outdoor projects. Once the yard is clean and everything is starting to look green, you’re going to want to enjoy it. That’s where outdoor furniture comes in. But how can you choose the perfect furniture?

1) Know Your Yard
Look around your yard. Note where the flat spaces are and where the ground is uneven. If you have a garden or are planning on planting one, take a look at that space too. Map out what the yard is going to look like once everything is growing and blooming. This will give you a basic idea of the best places to put new outdoor furniture pieces.

2) Coordinate Your Colors
Whether you plant a flower garden, put in a vegetable patch or let the existing foliage in your yard grow, there’s going to be a predominant color scheme. Take this into account when choosing lawn and patio furniture. The colors of the tables, chairs and other pieces that you settle on should coordinate with the natural colors around the yard.

3) Rustic or Modern?
Whatever style you’re using inside your home, consider extending it to the outside. Remember, visitors are going to see your outdoor area first. The furniture you choose for your patio or lawn is going to serve as their first impression of your home and its style. If the interior of your home is modern, you may wish to incorporate sleek outdoor furniture made from metal and glass. But if your preferred style leans toward cottage or cabin decor, rustic furniture is the best choice. Rustic pieces come in many styles ranging from bright pine log pieces to deep teak and hickory that look right at home in any country setting. 

4) Combine Comfort and Style
Though style is important, comfort is paramount when it comes to outdoor decorating.

Seating needs to be especially comfortable since outdoor gatherings have a tendency to last for many hours. Furniture of any kind is an investment, so you want to be sure you get something that will give you years of enjoyment. If you can’t relax in a patio or lawn chair until the last rays of summer sun have disappeared, chances are you’re not going to want to use it for another season. 

5) Finalize the Layout
After you’ve taken stock of the yard and its primary color scheme, assessed your personal home style and looked for the ultimate in comfort, you’re ready to purchase new furniture pieces. But you don’t want to forget about layout. The position of your furniture can make or break the look of your outdoor decor.

Choosing the perfect outdoor furniture is all about coordinating the style you want with the overall layout of your yard. With a little planning and preparation, you can have an outdoor seating area that you and your family can enjoy this season and for a long time to come.