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As temperatures drop and you spend more time indoors, you start to realize how you’ve taken the power of your outdoor space for granted. But seasons come and go, and with a blink of the eye it’s going to be summer again. And you don’t want it to catch you off guard again, do you? In that case, now’s the best time to start transforming your outdoor space into a place you’d want to lounge in all summer long. But outfitting an outdoor space with furniture can be more challenging than outfitting an indoor one. To help you face this challenge with ease, here are some great tips.
Choose Outdoor-Friendly Materials
The biggest difference between indoor and outdoor furniture is that outdoor pieces have to withstand everything nature throws at them. This means harsh sunlight, heavy rains, strong winds, and the occasional pests. Considering how metal can be prone to corrosion, and plastic is, you know, unattractive – that leaves you with either rattan or hardwood. If you go for hardwood and its luxury appeal, choose a type of wood that will age with grace, like for instance teak. A set of gorgeous teak outside armchairs and a table can serve as your outdoor dining spot for years to come, despite harsh weather conditions.
Consider Your Available Space
Your outdoor space should be a comfortable escape, and bumping into tables and chairs shouldn’t definitely be part of that image. If you are dealing with a small space, shoving a lot of bulky outdoor furniture in it might create a cramped atmosphere. The trick is to properly assess how much space you have to work with, as well as your needs – and find the best compromise. For instance, if you have a large family to accomodate, you can get a combo of a few outside armchairs and a bench. A bench can easily seat more people and take up less space than armchairs do. Another trick to save space is to consider dual purpose furniture. A large chest ottoman can act as a coffee table or extra seating, and at the same time as storage space for cushions or other outdoor accessories that are not in use.
Showcase Your Personality
Style is just as important outdoors as it is inside. After all, your outdoor space is an extension of your home. As such, it’s important that it mirrors your personality. To create a seamless flow of the style from the inside to the outside, you can use the same general colour palette. For instance, if your home is vibrant and eclectic, consider adding accessories such as exotic rugs or quilted pillows that will give a pop of colour to you outdoor furniture. If your interior is classic and monochromatic, use white and cream shades for your outdoor pieces.