Four tips on how to choose the ideal furniture for your backyard

Are you looking to make the most of your backyard? Your garden is an extension of your home and if you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, there is every reason to maximize its potential.

Do you need to find the top outdoor furniture to ensure a comfortable and cozy space for relaxing and entertaining? In this article, we bring you our top tips for choosing outdoor furniture to suit your own unique space.

Think about the size of your backyard

Size needs to be considered for both practical and design reasons.

Naturally, it makes sense to do some measurements before installing any sort of outdoor furniture. You can’t add a large gazebo and huge amounts of furniture to a tiny yard if it simply won’t fit.

The other consideration is how much space you are looking for in your backyard, and whether you opt for wide open expanses or a cozy enclosed space.

Many people prefer to use furniture and foliage to add points of interest and a more welcoming feel to a garden. Often, empty gardens can feel clinical and uninteresting.

Furniture can be decorative as well as functional, and even in small yards, there are plenty of design options.

Seating arrangements

Another vital consideration is the feel and ambience you are looking for when you spend time in your backyard.

Do you like to spend time chatting with friends over a few drinks? Maybe gathering the family for a BBQ?

There is furniture to fit whatever you want to get out of your yard, from full outdoor dining tables and chairs to these amazing outdoor swivel bar stools, perfect for drinks with friends.

Daybeds, swing chairs and even hammocks can all be suitable additions depending on the space you have, your budget, and the time you plan to spend in the backyard.

Take cover

 

When we imagine ourselves spending time in the backyard we probably don’t want to think about the rain, or even having to shelter from the sun.

However, these things are pretty essential, and deciding on whether you need a pergola or gazebo as shelter is an important outdoor furniture decision.

The climate of where you are living will come into play.

Whether your location is prone to rain or the sun can get overpowering, it is a good idea to have some sort of shelter.

A gazebo can also keep out the bugs, and make other aspects of outdoor living easier. Many people are even taking their office work outdoors, and a gazebo is vital to allow you to use electronics and spend long spells outside during your working day. For a great guide on choosing your gazebo, head here.

Consider your materials

 When we’re talking about materials in an outdoor furniture sense, we do not just mean the coverings such as cushions and other fabrics, we also mean the material the furniture itself is made of. Having a theme is a great way to ensure a professional outdoor look, but quality comes into play too.

Plastic furniture is cheap, and though it can be weather resistant and serve a purpose, it doesn’t exactly illuminate in terms of design.

Think about whether wooden furniture is suitable for your backyard, and even whether the classic garden furniture material rattan will win the day.

Rattan woven design, usually combined with a plastic or metal frame, make it an affordable but quality material.

Coverings should be considered, too.

Having cushions is great for your comfort, but if they aren’t waterproof they can be susceptible to the rain. This is especially true if you are unable to keep them somewhere dry such as under a gazebo.

Conclusion

Have you enjoyed our outdoor furniture tips?

Thinking ahead before diving in and purchasing furniture is always a good idea, and these tips help you to prioritize the most important aspects of your decision.

Feel free to comment or share this post with anyone who might be struggling with perfecting their backyard design.

About the author

Nadya Jones is a blogger and an entrepreneur.

She is the co-founder of Allen Roth HQ, a blog about home design and improvements that was established in 2014.

With her husband Brett, she writes tips and tricks they learned while renovating their house. Nadya handles the interior design and Brett implements her ideas in a cost-efficient way.

Follow Nadya on Twitter and Pinterest.