Your outdoor space can say much about your personality with the right accessories and style. However, having comfortable, functional areas to relax outdoors can do so much more than that. Not only does it extend the amount of usable space in your home, giving you and your loved ones the option to hang out outdoors, but it also allows you to connect with nature, promoting relaxation and serenity. But before buying new outdoor furniture, you must make these important considerations to ensure your patio is ready for anything.
Backyard and Furniture Size
As the first step in deciding what type of outdoor furniture set you need, evaluate your space and figure out how you want to use it. Will you be hosting large gatherings for friends and family? Do you need somewhere suitable for small Sunday family dinners? Additionally, you must also think about the size of your backyard or patio area, as this can impact how you use it and what kind of furniture you can buy. Maybe you only have enough space for a couple of lounge chairs and a small fire pit. Or, perhaps you have plenty of room to hold a complete patio table and chair set.
For smaller patios, consider a small bistro set that’s multifunctional, versatile and compact. Options with foldable patio chairs and tables provide convenience, as you can store them away neatly when you’re done. Meanwhile, some come with benches that double as a patio storage box for cushions and other outdoor accessories.
Larger outdoor setups will require furniture that promotes good conversation and offers plenty of space for everyone to gather, such as conversation sets complete with a sofa and coffee table, or a dining set so everyone can comfortably eat outdoors. Outdoor sofas feature comfortable cushions, providing a relaxing area for loved ones to spend time with one another.
Depending on the size of your patio, choose a loveseat, which seats around two people, or a larger sofa, such as a three or four-seat design. Although sofas take up more space on your patio, you won’t need as many furniture pieces to fill up the area. As a general rule, you should have one side table per two chairs on your patio, so all guests have somewhere to put their drinks, phones or other items while they gather. For larger outdoor sofa setups, consider a round or rectangular-shaped coffee table to tie the whole design together.
Furniture Construction and Fabrics
One of the more important aspects to consider is the material and construction of your patio furniture, as the more durable it is, the longer it will hold up. Outdoor furniture withstands much wear and tear throughout the year. In summer, it sits in hot weather, taking in the sun’s harsh rays and leading to fading. But in winter, furniture must be able to handle cold weather and snow. Even if you usually store patio pieces in your garage or shed for the cold season, they can still build up with dirt, debris and moisture, potentially causing rot or mildew growth. That’s why it’s essential to think about the frame and cushion materials of your outdoor furniture.
The different types of patio furniture materials include:
- Wrought iron: This is a durable material that can be easily cleaned with mild soap, but it may rust with moisture exposure, so you must have added rust protection.
- Aluminum: This allows furniture to remain lightweight and can come with different coatings for rust and fade resistance.
- Wood: This is a common outdoor furniture material that offers a classic, durable touch, but may be susceptible to fading, with teak wood being your most durable and weather-resistant choice.
- Plastic: This is easy to clean, only requiring a quick rinse with a garden hose, and it can be made with recycled components.
- Wicker or rattan: This is a lightweight, flexible material that offers comfortable lounging, usually coming with cushions to provide enhanced support and stylish flair.
- PVC: This is a low-maintenance material that is lightweight for easy cleaning and moving around your backyard.
- Steel: This is durable and sturdy to hold up against the elements; however, it may rust over time, so consider adding a preventative finish.
In addition to the materials of your furniture’s frame, you also want to think about what your cushions and fabrics are made of. Make sure to choose options with water-, fade- and stain-resistant technologies, allowing furniture to hold up longer through whatever comes its way and making the most of your investment.
If you’re looking for something you can set up and take down with ease any time you want, consider a sling chair, which is made with soft materials around a sturdy frame to allow for lightweight portability. Warmer climates need easy-to-clean, heat tolerant materials, such as woven wicker or cane chair and tables. Some options include all-weather wicker, making them great for sunny weather, as well as rainy, wet days.
Style and Design
Next, you must think about how you want your patio space to look, starting with the style and design of your furniture pieces. The furniture you choose should come in colors and patterns that truly reflect your tastes and preferences, working to show off your personality and flair. Alongside fun colors and patterns, you should also experiment with unique styles of furniture.
For instance, chaise lounge chairs add a relaxing, high-end touch to your outdoor space, giving you and your guests somewhere to get away and enjoy the fresh breeze by the pool. Swings or glider chairs can be a great way to give areas whimsical charm, often hanging from your patio or a separate frame to allow for gentle, relaxing rocking and swinging. These look stunning in any space you put them, from larger backyard setups to smaller patio configurations.
For a multi-functional, visually appealing touch, opt for bar-height tables and chairs, which can also double as buffet tables so guests can easily grab food at your next party. Chairs with this design are also usually designed to fit compactly underneath bar-height tables, meaning setups can stay out of the way on smaller patio spaces.
Complete Your Space with Outdoor Accessories
Whether you’re looking to redo your patio, complete with new outdoor furniture, or want to switch up the color and style of your existing space, having the right accessories is essential to not only showing off your personal style, but also for adding functionality and convenience to our outdoor setups. For example, if you need somewhere to store cushions and other accessories, be sure to find the right size outdoor storage box. These keep items protected from the elements and forgo the need to drag accessories to the garage or storage shed when it rains.
You should also consider having an umbrella on your patio, especially if your outdoor space is particularly sunny throughout the day. This ensures you stay cool when needed, offering a shady space for you to retreat to and relax. Many outdoor furniture sets feature umbrella-compatible tables, meaning they come with holes in the center so you can slip umbrellas onto the table, allowing them to stay put and keep all spaces shaded.
If you want to make a big change to your patio space, consider installing a pergola or gazebo, which keeps patios shaded and covered from the sun. Or, purchase a fire pit, allowing you to roast marshmallows and have conversations by the fire with loved ones. Fire pits also keep you warm on cooler fall days, meaning you can enjoy your outdoor spaces longer by adding one of these accessories to your setup. Don’t forget to top everything off with stylish and colorful outdoor accent pillows.
Making Over Your Outdoor Space with Patio Furniture Sets from Tractor Supply
When it comes to our outdoor areas, we all want somewhere we can relax at the end of a long day, especially in warmer spring and summer weather. Create the patio space of your dreams with outdoor table and chair sets from our store and online. From outdoor rugs to decorative lighting, we have the accessories you need to complete your space and truly make it feel like your own. To learn more about what we offer, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.