- Know your space and your lifestyle. The right furniture for you depends on your space and your lifestyle. If you’re lucky enough to have a rooftop terrace, be sure to consider the wind’s ability to blow things away. Got kids? Maybe don’t get white cushions or pieces with sharp metal corners.
- Don’t overspend. For most of us, outdoor seating is a seasonal retreat, so it should be a low-cost investment. A good benchmark? Budget less than you would on your indoor living room, which is used year-round. You can find sofa sets from places like Amazon, Wayfair, The Home Depot, and Lowe’s, for around $1,000-$2,000. Stores like West Elm and CB2 might offer the sofa alone for the same price, and high-end vendors, like RH, Design Within Reach, Pottery Barn, or Crate & Barrel, will be at least double that amount for just a sofa.
- Read the online reviews. If you are going to buy from lower cost or mid-range sellers, I recommend going with items that already have a high volume of reviews. If there are any defects or other problems, those will be reflected in people’s comments.
- Consider artificial or composite wood. Real wood, while nice in theory, won’t last as long as artificial wood—and it will weather to gray unless you sand and oil it on a regular basis. There are very nice looking composite wood materials that give the look of wood, but are a lot more durable. If you do choose wood, steer clear of “solid woods that expand and contract due to natural elements.” Instead, opt for something more weather-resistant like teak or acacia.
- Choose something comfortable. Last but not least, prioritize seating you’ll actually want to sit in, whether that’s a sofa set, a standalone sofa, or a cozy lounge chair. People will use their outdoor space more if they feel comfortable being there for an extended period of time.
Remember:
If you’re starting from scratch and like to entertain: Get an outdoor seating set.
If you already have chairs and a coffee table: Splurge on a quality sofa.
Recent Comments