By: Chelsea on May 10th, 2012
Once the weather starts warming up, it makes sense that you would want to spend as much time as possible in the Great Outdoors. Sometimes, the most convenient (and relaxing) way to enjoy Mother Nature is right in your own backyard. This is why it’s so nice to have some great outdoor furniture to set on a patio, porch or deck to optimize lounging al fresco.
Are you thinking about getting yourself some patio items but you aren’t sure what to select? Here are a couple of basic pieces that can get you started.
Tables
Tables are one of the first things you may want to look into buying for your yard space. From dining to playing board games and reading the paper, having a surface to place items on is one big step to making your living space cozy—both indoors and out.
There are a lot of choices when it comes to tables. You can get round pedestal style options in metal and/or glass. You can also choose from square wood possibilities if traditional or rustic is more your speed.
Folding Surfaces
One thing that is ideal for limited space is a folding table. There are both rectangular and circular choices for these surfaces, and they come in sizes ranging from around four feet in length to six or more.
Chairs
Chairs are arguably even more important than anything else when it comes to enjoying your al fresco spot. While a flat surface may be necessary for performing tasks and dining, a good chair (or several) is all you really need to relax.
Seating comes in a variety of colors and materials, from mocha brown to silver and black. You can also select from plastic, metal and resin.
Seating That Stacks
Just as folding tables are great options for those short on square footage, folding/stacking chairs are ideal for the space-challenged, too. Both modern and retro looks are available in a range of prices.
SitBetter.com is just one example of a place where you can get gorgeous furnishings for outside of your home. Go online today to start shopping!
By: Chelsea on May 20th, 2011
Perhaps the most comfortable and enjoyable environment to spend time with company is your home. Most homes are decorated with this very idea in mind, entertaining guests and visitors by keeping them comfortable while they spend time in your home environment. One area of homes that is often neglected and left out of the decorating process is the backyard, a perfect place to relax and spend time especially with summer quickly approaching. If you are looking for a place to hold summer parties or just want a place to spend time with friends while basking in the summer sun, consider sprucing up your outdoor area by making it presentable and attractive with new outdoor furniture. There are many different types of outdoor furniture available to liven up your back or front yard including chairs, tables, bar stools, and bar tables.
Shirley Outdoor Chair
Outdoor Chairs – Outdoor chairs and benches are perhaps the most important pieces of outdoor furniture as they increase the areas available for seating, and they also provide you and your guests with a place to sit while enjoying each other’s company. When considering how many outdoor chairs will be necessary, first take into consideration how many people are in your family or that live with you. This is a good number to start with, however, you also may also want to consider how regularly you have company over. If the answer to this question is often, then you may want to invest in another four or five chairs to ensure you will be able to provide adequate seating when having guests over rather than having people be forced to stand awkwardly while others sit comfortably.
Allan Stainless Steel Table
Outdoor Tables – Another important piece of outdoor furniture that should be purchased, along with chairs, is an outdoor table or two. Outdoor tables serve the same purpose as a dining table in that it allows for a surface to put food and drinks on and provides a place to share a meal all together. Wooden tables are a good choice for patio or outdoor furniture because they will uphold in most weather whether rain or shine. Plastic and metal tables are two other viable options and are easy to clean. With any outdoor area, it is always preferable to have some sort of screen or covering to ensure your furniture will be properly protected, especially if you live in an area where harsh climates are expected such as extreme heat or snow.
Milton Swivel Bar Stool
Outdoor Bar Stools – If your outdoor area is equipped with an outdoor bar, take advantage of this opportunity by adding some bar stools for you and your guests to sit in. There are less outdoor friendly bar stools available than chairs so it is crucial to ensure that you find out beforehand if your particular bar stool of interest is rated for the great outdoors rather than finding out after you have made your purchase. Fewer bar stools will be necessary than chairs as this is more of an option for guests to sit in when making a drink or having a conversation rather than sitting down to eat. Another benefit of owning bar stools is that they are highly portable and easy to move with their lightweight construction.
Outdoor Bar Tables – If you want to create a cafe style environment, opt for selecting a few bar stools to surround an outdoor bar table or two. While sitting at a raised height, your guests will have the feeling like they are sitting at an outdoor restaurant or bar providing a more casual environment. This laid back environment will be welcoming for your guests and make them feel more at ease when conversing with others. Bar tables are usually smaller than dining tables so be sure not to overcrowd the table with too many bar stools. Instead try opting for two or three different tables with two to four chairs surrounding each table.
Once you have decided upon the outdoor furniture that will be necessary to meet your needs and specifications, you will then have the freedom to decorate and design your outdoor area to your liking. Find your ideal placement for the furniture, typically most choose a central area or near a barbecue , pool, or bar if applicable. Make your outdoor furniture more comfortable and lively with the addition of seat cushions or throw pillows. These can also add to the overall design of your home, so if you are opting to keep your interior design similar to your exterior design opt for patterns and colors that already match your pre-existing furniture. Or create a whole new design and pick some fun and bright colors perfect for the outdoors. No matter what you decide, your home is your personal design canvas; you have the freedom to select exactly what you want and will need for your outdoor living space.
