Transform your patio into a haven of comfort and style this season with the right patio furniture
Function is certainly important, but today’s patio furniture is embracing stylish sensibilities like never before. A chair should stand solidly on its four legs, yes, but why should the fun stop there? Throw on some mildew resistant cushions, add an outdoor area rug and a patio heater or fireplace, and you’ll have a pretty remarkable living room on your back deck.
Of course, as interior decorating principles begin to straddle the indoor/outdoor divide, you may begin to feel a bit overwhelmed with all of the new and flashy alternatives to the old white wicker stand-bys. Luckily, you can update your yard easily and infuse some living room comfort with a just a few well-chosen outdoor patio furniture pieces.
The trends that will work best for you will depend upon the main function of your patio area. Do you use it mostly to enjoy brunch in the dawn and dinner at dusk? A traditional full table and chair set with room for a patio umbrella will likely be your best bet, perhaps nestled within a mosquito netted gazebo or under a patio awning. An aluminum table with wrought-iron elegance can be a sophisticated focal point, or go ultra-modern with a tightly woven wicker patio set in sleek black.
Many of the season’s designs are inspired by European elegance—the gentle glamour of southern France or a traditional English garden charm—but comfort and function are also essential. If your space is often used for entertaining guests over a cocktail or hanging out with your family, the recent wave of living-room-worthy deep seating furniture and coffee tables may appeal to you more than a formal dining table set.
You can go all-out and get a complete matching patio set, but this can be a huge expense. Instead, consider purchasing one or two chairs or loveseats and functional outdoor coffee table plus a couple of versatile stools that can morph into seats, plant holders or end tables as needed. And while many specialty patio stores carry the hottest designs and top brands, look into reputable department stores for good deals on quality bar sets and dining sets. For instance, a sears patio set may boast a sleek new design at a much more affordable price, especially if you take advantage of their sales throughout the summer.
If you simply cannot afford many new pieces, you can use less expensive accessories to dress up the space. Colorful UV-resistant cushions will go nicely with a predominantly green garden, while a free-standing umbrella in a neutral color can bring the space together without overwhelming the eye. As with the larger pieces of furniture, accessories should marry function and style successfully. Mesh fabrics that will provide both shade and air circulation are a good call, as is sturdy material that can endure both sun and rain. Choose your materials wisely and the look and feel of your new patio should last for years to come.
