How To Choose The Best Outdoor Set
Do you know how to choose the best dining outdoor set for your home? Choosing a new outdoor setting, whether it’s for dining or lounging, can be a big deal. There are so many different styles in stores that will catch your eye but there are several things you should consider before making that final purchase. Here are our top 5 tips to help you choose the best outdoor furniture for you.
Consider what you actually need
Start the shopping process by looking carefully at your outdoor space and how you want it to function. Are you looking for a new dining table and chairs for family and extended family and friends? Are you looking for something cute for your balcony? Or are you looking for some lounging furniture for those balmy summer evenings? Consider forward planning like outdoor birthday parties, quiet areas to read a book and chill, and the actual size of the space you have available. You may not need a huge dining table if you are only intending to host standing functions where you might be better off buying a bar table and stools.
Avoid cheap and nasty
The saying “you get what you pay for “ is a critical consideration when purchasing outdoor furniture. Plastic chairs and side tables might look amazing on the pages of a catalogue or computer screen, but may only keep their good looks for one or two years in the good old Aussie heat and sun, and you’ll then find yourself needing to replace these. This may work for some people, but if you’re looking for longevity, quality is the way forward. The same theory applies for timber dining tables and wicker or rattan chairs, where quality and a higher financial outlay will far outweigh the benefits of cheap, shorter life span pieces.
Plan for the colder months and storage
The first thing you need to consider is placement. Will your furniture be undercover all year round? Will you have covers for your chairs and table? Make sure you think of areas of your furniture that might be exposed to the elements such as rain, and look for cushioning that is resistant to mould and dries quickly. Durable fabrics are readily available so you still have plenty of options when shopping. Most quality outdoor furniture made of stainless steel or aluminium is rust-resistant meaning it can weather the storm year-round.
Try before you buy
When you’re out and about shopping for outdoor chairs, dining tables, lounges or other seating, be sure to sit and test before you take the plunge. For taller family members, consider seating height, comfort for older guests, and look for plush and squish-free seat cushions and seat backs. Firm is the way forward when you’re testing, as you don’t want sloppy seat back cushions or permanent butt-dents in seats.
Decorating the area
Last but certainly not least, have a think about how you want to decorate your new furniture investment. Do you want bold pops of colour using cushions? Do you want an outdoor rug to make it look as indoors/outdoors as possible? Choose patterns and textures that blend well with your garden and also indoor decor, to tie your overall home vibes together. Make 100% sure that your purchases are rated for outdoor use before you purchase.
Remember, House & Garden stocks a beautiful range of indoor and outdoor accessories and homewares to help you create your ideal space at home.
