Outdoor spaces are inviting for many reasons, but furnishing them can be tricky. People are drawn to the fresh air and open space that they offer, but finding furniture that can withstand the elements is often difficult.
Achieving a stylish and functional outdoor space doesn’t stop at picking any old patio furniture– there’s more to it than that.
Here are 11 common patio design mistakes with your outdoor to avoid when furnishing your outdoor space:
Don’t skimp on this – it’s essential!
Discount furniture may save you money upfront, but it will only last for a short time or look as good as more expensive pieces. Vita says, “Cheap furniture is often made of poor-quality materials that can break easily and is not durable.” Here are three reasons why you should build your outdoor space with High-value furniture:
- First, cheap furniture is often made of poor-quality materials that can break easily and is not durable. This together means you’ll have to replace your coffee table more often, costing you more money in the long run.
- Second, low-quality furniture can not withstand the elements as well as high-quality furniture. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, your cheap furniture will likely warp, crack, or fade and suffer damage.
- Finally, cheap furniture needs more style and sophistication than higher-end pieces. If you want your outdoor space to look its best, you’re better off investing in some beautiful furniture.
So, when furnishing your outdoor space, avoiding cheap furniture is best. Instead, choose high-quality furniture, which will reduce future maintenance costs and increase the exterior value of your home.
Do not try before you buy
A few things are worth taking into consideration when you’re testing out furniture for your outdoor space so that it fits both you and your yard perfectly. By trying out the coffee table before making a purchase, you can be optimistic about its comfort and if it works with the size and style of your outdoor area.
- Make sure that the furniture is comfortable. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your outdoor space, so you want to ensure that the table is comfy.
- Make sure that the furniture is sturdy. You want your furniture to stay intact after a few months of use.
- Make sure that the furniture fits your space. You want to avoid ending up with furniture that’s too big or too small for your area.
- Make sure that the furniture is easy to clean. You’ll want to be able to easily clean your furniture so that it stays looking its best.
By taking the time to try out your outdoor furniture before you buy it, you can be sure that you’re making a wise investment.
Furniture that can’t protect against the weather.
When furnishing your outdoor space, avoid buying furniture that is not weatherproof. Outdoor furniture just needs to be water-resistant, not waterproof like a roof. If water can’t seep in, then the surface will stay dry. PP plastic chair will be a more ideal choice. Waterproof and anti-ultraviolet properties can make your furniture last longer in sunny and rainy weather.
- Look for furniture made from weather-resistant materials like teak, aluminum, or wicker.
- If you live in a mainly sunny or rainy area, look for furniture with UV-resistant or waterproof finishes.
- Make sure the furniture you choose is comfortable and easy to clean – you don’t want to spend all your time caring for your coffee table instead of enjoying it!
Not considering the size of your space
According to Vita, one mistake that is easy to make, especially when shopping for outdoor furniture, is not considering the size of your space. You may get caught up in all those gorgeous parasols and beautiful sofas and then realize that they simply don’t fit into your outdoor space. A great way to avoid this is to use some of the tips listed below to help you better consider the size of your living room when shopping for outdoor furniture.
- Walk around and measure your outdoor space.
Walking around and measuring your outdoor space is a great way to start shopping for outdoor furniture. That way, when you see a piece of furniture you like, you can immediately assess whether it will fit in your space.
- Understand practicality
In addition to the size factor, consider the practicality factor as well. For example, if you have a modest outdoor space, then garden pots may not be the best choice, as they will take up a lot of space. Instead, you may choose a collapsible coffee table and a few chairs to store in a storage area when you’re not using them.
- Consider the surroundings
Finally, consider the surroundings. For example, if there are a lot of tall trees around, you’ll want to avoid materials that are prone to weathering or rusting; conversely (), if you’re surrounded by newer homes, you may like to contrast them, so choose furniture that is vintage or shabby chic Since
Need to identify and customize your needs.
It’s important to remember that functionality is just as important as aesthetics when designing your outdoor space, if not more so. This is especially true if you have specific needs and wants in mind for your area.
- For example, if you entertain often, you’ll want to ensure plenty of seating and perhaps even a cooking area.
- Or, if you have small children, consider adding a playground or sandbox.
- The bottom line is that you must consider your needs and wants when furnishing your outdoor space.
In other words, you can create a stylish and practical living room.
Too many items
Cramming too many items into an outdoor space can create a closed-off effect and make the area difficult to navigate. Here are a few tips to avoid furniture overcrowding in your outdoor space:
- Edit your furniture selections. When choosing pieces for your outdoor area, be selective and only pick the essentials. Ask yourself if each part serves a purpose and contributes to the space’s overall aesthetic.
- Arrange your furniture strategically. Once you have edited your furniture to only the essentials, arrange them to make the most use of the space. Place larger pieces towards the back and leave smaller pieces towards the front to create an illusion of more space.
- Make use of vertical space. If you’re tight on horizontal space, turn to vertical space instead. Utilize shelves, wall-mounted planters, and hanging string lights fixtures to save on-floor space.
These tips will show you how to avoid filling your outdoor space with too much furniture and instead create a chic, functional oasis.
Choosing the right furniture for your garden
What is the purpose of using the furniture?
Do you want comfort, style, or functionality? If you don’t plan how your items will look in an outdoor space, you may face a costly problem.
- For example, if you just want a comfortable bed to enjoy sunbathing in the summer but don’t plan to leave it outdoors, then it’s best to choose an inexpensive bed.
- If you want stylish furniture to decorate your outdoor space, but want to save money, consider buying secondhand furniture.
How long will it last?
The most common materials used for outdoor furniture include wood, plastic, steel, bamboo, and aluminum. The next consideration is that most people used to bring indoor furniture outdoors, but not all furniture is suitable for the longevity of the garden environment.
- For example, bedding, closets, desks, TV cabinets, etc., cannot be used directly outdoors;
- In addition, particularly fragile or easily deformed items are challenging to repair to new conditions afterward.
Failure to take safety into account
As you furnishing your outdoor space, keep safety as a top priority. A staggering number of accidents happen each year due to unsafe outdoor furniture. To avoid becoming a statistic, take the following precautions:
- When buying new furniture, check for sharp edges, loose bolts, and other hazards that could cause injury.
- If you’re using secondhand furniture, inspect it thoroughly before using it.
- Don’t put heavier items on top of lighter ones; this could cause the more delicate items to tip over and injure someone.
- Make sure all furniture is stable and not wobbly before sitting down or leaning on it.
- In high winds, take all unnecessary items indoors or secure them, so they don’t blow away and hurt someone.
Make your outdoor space enjoyable for everyone by following these tips.
Ignore the prompt to add storage.
Backyard storage is often overlooked when furnishing your outdoor space, but it is actually an good idea for many reasons:
- Storage provides a place to keep lawn care equipment, pool supplies, and other seasonal items.
- Furthermore, it makes for an excellent garden shed to organize your tools, potting soil, and other gardening supplies.
- Adding a storage shed can give you extra space for entertaining or relaxing if you have a small backyard.
- A shed can provide additional storage for holiday furniture and decor, sports equipment, and patio furniture.
- And finally, sheds can add value to your home if you sell them.
Stay caught with your chair legs!
While most people focus on the seat when furnishing their outdoor space, remember that the legs of your chairs are just as important! Consider the following when selecting chair legs for your porch or patio:
- Avoid chairs with weak or weak-looking legs. These are more likely to collapse or break, which could lead to serious injury.
- Avoid chairs with sharp edges on the legs if you have young children. These can be dangerous if your child falls or bumps into them.
- Make sure that the legs of your chairs are stable and even. Uneven legs can make it challenging to sit in the chair comfortably and can also be a trip hazard.
With these considerations in mind, you can pick chair legs that will elevate your yard’s style while keeping things safe!
Choosing colors that clash.
When furnishing your outdoor space, it is crucial to avoid choosing conflicting colors. A potential design disaster can be averted by taking the time to carefully select colors that complement each other. Doing so will allow your outdoor furniture to stand out and look its best.
- First, consider the overall theme of your space. If you are going for a natural look, then earth tones would be a good choice. For a more modern feel, opt for bolder shades.
- Second, take into account the existing colors in your space. If you have a lot of green in your landscaping, choosing furniture in complementary colors like blue or purple would work well.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different color combinations – you might be surprised at the stunning results!
Wrapping up
No matter your outdoor furniture needs, these tips will help you make the right choices and avoid common common patio design mistakes with your outdoor.
Vita Outdoors has been in the industry for over a decade and offers furniture to satiate all tastes. Need help finding what you’re looking for? We also do custom-made pieces. Choose us not only for our fantastic products but also for tips and advice on picking outdoor furniture that will perfectly complement your space. Give us a call today!