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If you live in a house, with an outdoor area, then you know that the most beautiful periods are those when the days and nights are warm, and where you can spend some time outside. The entire experience can be even better if you have proper furniture pieces in your garden. With many possibilities available, most of them very affordable, you can make your own haven, and spend quality and fun time outside, with your family, friends and neighbors.
The offer of outdoor furniture is outstanding, with many different choices of designs, and materials available. No matter how big or small the space you have is, there is something suitable and simply perfect for every garden.
What options are there?
For the garden areas, there are two main types of furniture usually placed, and those are:
- Relaxing and lounging furniture – this includes various pieces, such as: chairs, loveseats, sofas, lounge chairs, end tables, etc.
- Dining furniture – chairs, benches, tables, etc.
With all these pieces, there are additional ones, as well as the accessories which can be included, such as cushions, torches, lanterns, umbrellas, flowerpots, storage boxes, sculptures and many other things used mostly for decorating which will add to the area a very special touch.
How to choose the right furniture for your garden?
Choosing the right furniture may seem like a simple task, until you check out all the amazing possibilities out there. However, in order to actually pick something, you will have to set your budget, and that way, you will eliminate some options.
Always choose comfort – when purchasing the pieces of furniture you will use, comfort is one of the most important things. That does not mean that benches are not the right choice. Of course they are, just place some nice cushions on it, and you will make the wonderful and comfortable option.
Pick the right material – when doing this, make sure to consider all the advantages and disadvantages of certain material. Also, consider where you will store it during the winter, because some pieces are heavy, which is why moving them is not simple at all.
- Wrought iron or steel are heavy and sturdy. These materials are prone to rust as well, which is why they require special maintenance, or you will have to paint them from time to time.
- Wood always looks outstanding when placed in the garden, but it is a material which also requires proper treatment. If your final decision is wood, make sure to choose a type of wood which is weather-resistant.
- Aluminum is rust free, as well as plastic. Pieces made of those materials are lightweight, which means you will be able to move them from one place to another with ease. Also, these materials are among the most affordable ones.
Choose the furniture according to weather conditions in your area – some areas have more wind than others, which means furniture should be capable of withstanding it. On the other hand, maybe you live in a sunny or rainy area, and again, you need to pieces which are designed to stand such weather conditions.
Where to buy the furniture?
When it comes to purchasing, you have many options, and which ones you will pick mainly depends on your budget.
- Home and garden centers – in these centers, you can find any material, style, and type of furniture you want.
- Specialized furniture stores – if you are looking for a particular furniture outdoor style, these stores are probably the best idea, because they offer special furniture collections, so you can purchase everything at once, including chairs, tables, lounge chairs, benches, etc.
- Online retailers – if you are busy, and if you don’t have time to visit many stores, then online retailers are the best option for you. Place your order online, and everything you selected will be delivered.
- Garage sales – if you are short on budget, garage sales are the perfect option. People tend to get rid of the things they no longer use, and you can buy pieces you can restore, with just a bit of patience, creativity and effort. With cushions or blankets, old bench, sofa or chair, can become your favorite piece.
What to do if you are short on budget?
As mentioned before, garage sales are an excellent option. Another option you have is your old furniture. In case you have some old chairs, tables, or anything else which is in a decent condition, you can try to refresh those pieces and place them in the outdoor living area. Maybe you don’t have everything, but maybe some old table can be painted and placed in the garden. If you have an old rocking chair, try to restore it, add some blankets and cushions, and place it in the yard. You can use it in the lazy afternoons, to read a book, or simply enjoy the day. That way, you can save some money.
Since décor is important as well, even though decorating pieces are not expensive, you can create some of them yourself. For example, you can use old jars, rope and candles to make DIY lanterns. With outdoor decorating, the entire space will look outstanding.
How to maintain the furniture in your garden?
Most of the materials from which the furniture is made, do not require too much work, during and off the season. If the pieces are light, you can move them into your garage, or some other storing place. If you don’t have such a place, special covers are necessary to protect the furniture from rain, snow, and wind. When it comes to cleaning, you should do that before you place them in the storage, and before you put them back in the garden. Also, you can clean them properly (depending on the material), during the season, if there is dust or dirt.
Properly chosen furniture will make the outdoor living area comfortable, pleasant and enjoyable. As you can see, even if you are short on budget that won’t stop you, and you will make your garden fun and beautiful. Most importantly, you will be extremely satisfied and happy, and you will spend wonderful times in your garden with family and friends.
