With the blue skies, warm temperatures, and sunny days, you surely want to spend more time outdoors. Your outdoor space becomes more enjoyable when you design a space you love spending time in. By choosing the right kind of furniture, cleverly arranging them, and adding a few design touches, your outdoor space can easily become one of the most lived-in spaces in your home. We’ve compiled a list of outdoor furniture ideas to help you along.
1. Choosing your outdoor furniture
While there are lots of outdoor furniture design ideas, the kind of furniture you choose will depend on such factors as:
- Your budget
- The available space
- The climatic conditions in your area
- Whether your space is open or covered
- The purpose of your outdoor space
Bulky furniture is not suitable for a small outdoor space and vice versa. Hot and dry climatic conditions tend to be harsh on wooden patio furniture. Wicker cannot withstand prolonged exposure to humidity. An outdoor space is meant to be a place where you can relax and unwind. Therefore, consider such furniture as recliners, rockers, hammocks, and chaise lounges.
2. Create a focal point
A focal point refers to the first thing visitors notice when they walk into your outdoor space. Fountains, gazebos, hot-tubs, large paintings, and fire pits are noticeable garden accessories that can also be great focal points. Arranging outdoor sofas or counter stools around a fireplace or a fire pit is an effective way of creating a conversational area.
When choosing a focal point, choose an item that appeals to your taste. Your focal point does not have to be monochromatic. Rather, play with different colors to make it stand out. For instance, a fire pit with smooth, unadorned surfaces will stand out when it is flanked by colorful outdoor loveseats.
3. Add a pop color with cushions and throw pillows
Adorning your outdoor sectionals, chairs, or benches with cushions is a perfect way of adding to its comfort. Add accent pillows in different shapes, sizes, and colors to create a custom look and plush feel. A mix of patterns on your cushions and pillows gives your outdoor space a sophisticated look. For instance, floral prints blend perfectly with monochromatic outdoor furniture. You can also mix zigzag prints with stripes or polka dot prints. Consider using colors that complement each other for a cohesive look.
4.  Light up your outdoor space
The kind of outdoor lighting you choose for your space depends on how you intend to use it. The best way of making your outdoor space more functional is by layering your lights. This way, you can switch the mood of your outdoor space from serene to party mode by simply flicking a switch.
Ambient lights should lighten up the entire outdoor space. You can use ceiling, wall, floor, or string lights for ambient lighting. Including a dimmer switch gives you control of how bright or dim your space is. Use task lights to illuminate areas designated for specific tasks. Accent lights are suitable if you want to make your outdoor space warm and inviting.
5.  Accessorize with nature
An outdoor space is meant to celebrate nature. Even a small patio can look stylish when you strategically position potted plants or flowers. If you are running low on space, consider hanging planters.
6.  Create a seamless transition between the indoors and your outdoor space
Creating a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors is an effective way of establishing a flow to create a larger living environment. This also adds aesthetic value to your property. You can easily achieve this transition through the use of glass, thus reducing visual obstructions. You can make use of glass by installing a sliding or in/outswing patio doors. You can also install bi-fold, stacking, or pocket glass walls. Blending the indoor and outdoor furniture is also an effective way of creating a seamless flow between the two living spaces.
7.  Create an outdoor kitchen
Outdoor kitchens and bars not only make your outdoor space more functional but are great for entertaining. It is easier, fun, and more convenient to gather guests around the grill or a bar table while you socialize in an outdoor kitchen. By adding a dining table, your outdoor kitchen can double up as an outdoor dining or living area, thus adding the usable space within your home. An outdoor kitchen is designed according to the available space and its layout. This enables you to customize it to your needs and add the appliances you want. Outdoor kitchens appeal to potential buyers should you decide to sell your property in the future.
8.  Shield the view of your outdoor space
An outdoor space is meant for a wide range of uses, including recreation, outdoor dining, and entertaining. All these should be carried out with reasonable levels of privacy. Secluding your outdoor space with privacy screens, picket fences, or shrubs of suitable height are add a sense of privacy and mystery.
9.     Shade your outdoor space
Shading your outdoor space can be achieved with something as simple as patio umbrellas. You can also achieve this by extending the roof of your home or use awnings. You are more likely to enjoy your outdoor space for longer hours as the shade makes it cool and comfortable. It also reduces exposure of your outdoor furniture and yourself to harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. A shade also acts as a barrier from the elements. Awnings or outdoor umbrellas are a perfect way of complementing your garden design.
10.  Accessorize with elegant decorations
As outdoor space is an extension of your home, you need to accessorize it. Use ceramics such as beverage coolers, decorative urns, pots, and hose holders that are meant for the outdoors. Accessorize the walls with vertical planters, mounted candle holders, paintings, wall clocks, and so on. Add throw blankets that coordinate with your outdoor furniture, cushions, and pillows. Outdoor ottomans can double up as coffee tables as well as additional storage. Do not forget to accessorize your outdoor space using area rugs.
Outdoor living spaces do much more than give you more living space. They are perfect for quality family time and adds to your entertaining space. These are some backyard furniture ideas that can turn your outdoor space into a warm and inviting space.
