HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST OUTDOOR FURNITURE THAT FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE

Furnishing your outdoor space can be pretty daunting because there are many ways to do it. A family home can have a swimming pool and dining set, while a bachelor’s pad may only have space for a small patio. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to their home. While many kinds of patio furniture are designed with good quality materials, not all pieces are created equally.

It’s easy to maximize the potential of your space, whether it’s a city balcony or a spacious and lush backyard, once you know which things to consider. After all, everybody deserves a well-dressed outdoor space.

Consider Your Lifestyle 

For Families

Most family homes tend to have bigger spaces, so they have the freedom to bring in bigger furniture. Setting up a kitchen or dining area with big outdoor dining tables and chairs furnished with outdoor pillows would be great, especially during weekend BBQs or simple gatherings. 

For Couples

Getting your place as a couple is one of the most exciting chapters of your life. Add decorating to the equation, and you have a wonderful dilemma that allows you to get a little creative with your furniture. If you live in a small suburban home with a sprawling backyard, building a firepit with patio heating for cozy romantic nights is perfect. Having a nice outdoor lighting set-up can also make a world of difference.

For Bachelors and Bachelorettes

Since you have complete freedom to furnish your outdoor space however you want, let your imagination run wild! Bring those Pinterest inspirations to life and get your dream furniture pieces. Make sure to consider your location and the size of your outdoor space to avoid returns (and disappointments). Patio furniture like sofas and loveseats, patio sectionals, and garden benches are perfect for having friends over.  

For City Dwellers

Living in the city has pros and cons, but it’s better to look on the bright side when furnishing your outdoor space. If you’re working with a small space, you can turn it into a cozy entertainment nook by installing outdoor rugs and garden stools. Imagine spending weekends there, relaxing with a good book, or catching up with a friend. Think of a small coffee table and a couple of lounge chairs. 

For Nature Lovers

A lush and spacious backyard is the ideal investment for nature lovers. You can build your dream garden, a green playground for your kids, or an outdoor living room. Consider how much landscape you’ll need to work with and plan the furniture placements. Sculptures and decor and firepits and patio heating will make any outdoor space feel like an oasis.

For The Host With The Most

If you love planning parties or hosting dinners, decorating your space should be a breeze! Look for outdoor dining furniture, such as this Vincent Extendable 6-Piece Outdoor Patio Dining Set. It can sit at least eight guests, perfect for family dinners or wine nights with the ladies. 

For Fur Parents

An outdoor space is a must if you have pets around. How you select furniture depends on their needs because you’re also creating a comfortable space where they can rest and play around.

What To Consider When Buying Outdoor Furniture

When deciding what outdoor furniture to buy, you must look at your lifestyle and the kind of space you want to fill. Here are some points to consider when choosing the right piece: 

Lifestyle

Do you want to spend a lot of time outdoors? If so, you need something durable, easy to clean, and comfortable. Consider whether you’ll spend much time in it or use it occasionally.

Comfort and quality

Don’t skimp on comfort and style. You can find a lot of stylish pieces designed to withstand the elements and look good indoors as out, such as throw pillows, rugs, lounge chairs, and décor.

Usage

What’s the purpose of this furniture piece? Is it primarily decorative? Does it have multiple purposes? For example, if your outdoor dining table is used for serving food and playing games with friends, we recommend buying one with a top that’s easy to clean.

Customer reviews

It’s always wise to read reviews before making a big purchase. Doing so gives you confidence that you’re spending your money on something worthwhile (in this case, outdoor furniture). Add the item to your cart if it meets your needs and fits the budget.

Return policy

A good rule of thumb when shopping for furniture is to pay attention to return and exchange policies. Spare yourself from stressful returns or refunds by buying the item you really want.

Residential location

Your outdoor space may vary depending on where you live. For example, if you have a spacious patio, you can install patio sectionals, firepits and patio heating, and even sculptures. A deck would allow you to place a few outdoor chairs, giving you a nice view of the property. Or, if you have a front or back yard, a lounge area or outdoor kitchen would make a great addition. 

Ready To Shop? First, A Few Tips

Buying patio furniture can be overwhelming. However, it’s important to remember that you don’t need to spend a fortune on your new pieces. In fact, there are many affordable options out there that will work well for your needs. 

Here are some tips for buying outdoor furniture:

If possible, take a test drive in the afternoon or evening when you can see if it fits with the rest of your yard. You may also want to try sitting in different locations around your house to get a feel for where it sits best.

 

2. Consider the weather conditions where you live. 

If you live in an area with snow on the ground all winter long or if it gets very hot in the summertime, then your outdoor furniture will probably be used year-round. They need to be built from sturdy materials that can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions (such as UV rays). Also, consider whether your furniture will need protection from rain since this could mean higher maintenance costs over time if they’re not coated properly beforehand.

 
For practical reasons, choose low-maintenance furniture pieces instead of expensive ones with too many bells and whistles.

For practical reasons, choose low-maintenance furniture pieces instead of expensive ones with too many bells and whistles.

The biggest mistakes to avoid when buying outdoor furniture

When you're shopping for outdoor furniture, it's natural to want to get the best bang for your buck. But many people make mistakes when buying outdoor furniture that could cost them more in the long run than they thought. Here are the biggest ones: 

Not measuring the space

Let's say you've got an excellent idea for your backyard, but you're not sure how much space you have to work with. If you don’t measure, it’s impossible to know if something will work! Don’t just assume that a big beautiful outdoor dining furniture will fit in your yard—take the time to measure and make sure it will work before you commit.

Ignoring weather conditions

You may think that if it's sunny out right now, it will be sunny tomorrow too—but this isn't always true! If there's any chance of rain in the forecast, then even if it looks nice outside today, putting away those chairs (especially if they're made from fabric) and outdoor cushions might not be worth it later.

Not choosing the right materials

If you live in an area where the average temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit and usually goes through about four seasons per year, acrylic would be one of your best bets for outdoor furniture because it won't melt in the summer heat. 

However, if your house gets snowy during the winter months and stays cold all year round, vinyl might be the better option for keeping your furniture safe from harsh weather conditions.

Long-Lasting Luxury vs. Low-Cost Options

Pros and cons of luxury furniture

Luxury furniture is expensive, but it lasts for years and years. The wood used in high-quality items is usually kiln-dried and sanded down until it has a smooth surface. This means the wood won’t chip or crack with use, even after many years. It’s not just a trend but an integral part of our culture and homes. 

We love it because it feels like a treat, and we know that we can get something nice for less money than you’d spend on cheap furniture. Pier 1 offers many luxury furniture options, from patio decor to dining sets, so you will surely find something that suits your taste.

Pros and cons of low-cost furniture

The variety of styles and colors allows you to find the perfect piece for your patio or deck. Additionally, many models are designed with easy-to-clean surfaces that can be wiped down with a damp cloth, such as rattan or wooden chairs. Others are made from materials that don't require much more than a simple hose. Lastly, unlike luxury furniture, you can buy low-cost options in larger quantities, such as lamps and lighting decor—perfect for parties or other outdoor gatherings.

Types Of Outdoor Furniture

Dual-purpose outdoor furniture

This kind of furniture is made for both indoors and outdoors, although it will usually be used primarily indoors. It's a great choice if you want to add some extra seating or storage to an area with limited space. Great examples are coffee and accent tables, patio sectionals, and garden stools.

Living area essentials

These are pieces that are designed specifically for indoor use and can still be used outdoors. They include sofas and loveseats, outdoor cushions, and accessories like pillows, outdoor rugs, and planters, all of which will make your space look more polished than it would without them.

Outdoor dining

This is ideal for people looking for ways to entertain guests or just enjoy the outdoors on their own time. Our outdoor dining furniture pieces are available in many different styles, so you can find something that suits your tastes perfectly. 

Don’t Forget The Accessories!

If you’ve ever thought about what to do with your outdoor furniture other than leaving it sitting around, you know how much of a pain it can be to take care of it. You must remember to water it (metaphorically, of course) because if you don’t, it will die. And that’s not good for anyone—not even the squirrels! 

But there is hope for those who want to avoid this fate: accessories. Accessories are one of the best ways to give your outdoor furniture personality and ensure it's always looking its best. They add color and life to your furniture, making it fun and interesting. Try out a few different accessories on your patio chairs or tables, and see which ones you like best. You'll be amazed at how much better your furniture looks when you add these touches. Some examples are planters, lighting, outdoor pillows, sculptures and decor, and outdoor rugs.

Putting It All Together

The home is a special place where we come to relax, unwind, and just be. Opting for your own style of outdoor furniture can bring a real sense of personality to your space, making it feel like yours. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, you know that spending time outside on the patio or garden is one of the most pleasurable activities in life. 

However, choosing the right type of furniture is extremely important. At the end of the day, the best furniture for you depends on what your preferences are. Just think about your lifestyle and what activities you plan to use furniture for, and choose a set that addresses those needs. It'll make your choice much easier, and you'll enjoy using the furniture for years to come.