Backyard Blogging.

Are you ready for some help choosing patio furniture?

Outdoor living has never been more popular as people forgo vacations for staycations. Outdoor spaces have taken on a whole new meaning as they’ve become extensions of the home in the last year during the Covid pandemic.

Because your outdoor room is a place you spend a great deal of time, you want to look, feel and function well.

You’ll find there are a myriad of choices when it comes to outfitting your outdoor space from comfortable chairs in metal, aluminum and wicker to cozy sofas for relaxing and reading a great book.

Your outdoor space can be a second family room – a space for gathering with your spouse, children and family. In the Wichita area, you might utilize this room for most of the year.

To help you make the most of your outdoor space, whether it’s a spacious patio, enclosed area or balcony, we look at seven tips for choosing patio furniture that works with your lifestyle.

#1: Start with a List

Brainstorm ideas with your family. How do you want to use your outdoor space? What are its main functions? Relaxing? Grilling? Eating? Or all of these?

Consider if you’ll entertaining and how often. Think about how many people you’ll have at one time.

Do you also need a cozy reading nook? Or a place to gaze at your landscaping?

#2: Visit the Store

Before you purchase any furniture, do what you’d do if you were picking furniture for your home. Sit in it.

Sit in the chairs and the sofa. Pull a chair up to the dining table. See what it feels like.

Make sure your seating is comfortable so you utilize it as much as possible.

#3: Consider Care Issues

If your outdoor space is exposed to the elements, you want to think about maintenance issues.

Most furniture is easy care – think metal, aluminum, wicker, cedar and more. Be sure and ask the store to tell you about care requirements.

#4: Think About Storage

Will you need to store your furniture during the winter? Or will simple furniture covers do in the coldest part of the winter?

If you’d like to store the furniture, decide how much space you have before you begin purchasing furniture. Ask if you can take pieces apart if you’ll need to do this.

#5: Decorate to Match Your Home

When outfitting your outdoor space, consider it an extension of your home. You want your color and fabric choices to work well with your home.

Pick a color scheme for the cushions and pillows. and decide on the frame colors as well.

You can also decorate the side tables and dining tables, so look for weather-friendly pieces.

#6: Know That Quality Matters

You probably know the old saying, “you get what you pay for.” This pertains to patio furniture as well.

While cheaper furniture looks good in the store, you can bet it won’t stand up to Kansas sun and wind.

Spend a little more and invest in quality furniture that you’ll have for a lifetime. Don’t forget to ask about the warranty.

#7: Look for Flexible Furniture

To get the best bang for your money, look for pieces that can serve two purposes.

For example, you choose an ottoman to go with your cozy chair. The initial purpose is a place for you to curl up at night and read a good book.

The second purpose for the ottoman during a big backyard party is as extra seating.

Final Thoughts

Your outdoor room is an extension of your home, so decorate it to work with your existing décor.

By creating a space you love that’s both comfortable and beautiful, you’ll enjoy it for years to come.