Archive for March, 2009

Patio Furniture Accessories

Posted on March 26th, 2009 in Furniture Covers, Patio Furniture, furniture | 2 Comments »

Having great patio furniture can really enhance your outdoor space and make your summers more enjoyable but when you are shopping for furniture don’t forget about the accessories.

It’s not enough just to buy great patio furniture. In order to get the full enjoyment you need to make sure you have all the things that go with it. If you are buying a table and chair set, you’ll need a good umbrella in addition to making sure you have enough room to seat the whole family. If you are getting some chairs and a settee, you’ll need some end tables and maybe even a coffee table. Either way all your furniture will need great cushions and protective coverings.

Patio Umbrellas

No matter what type of patio furniture you have, an umbrella is a must to keep you out of the hot rays of the sun. You can invest in a wide variety of umbrellas and materials to create the cool place in the shade you have always wanted. Be sure to pick an umbrella that is sturdy to hold up against winds and that has a durable fabric. Sunbrella is the ultimate in out door fabric because of its breathable as well as durability against the harshest weather.

If your patio furniture doesn’t have a mechanism to hold a patio umbrella, an offset pole patio umbrella is a great way to move with the sun. You can place it over your patio furniture set while you dine on your morning brunch or have it over your chaise while you sip a cool drink in the afternoon.

Patio Cushions

When buying cushions for your patio furniture it is important to get materials that are comfortable, long lasting, weather resistant and beautiful. You should make sure your cushions have the right density per size to maximize it’s drainability and let water pass through it easily. If you go for cushions that are dacron wrapped, you’ll be sure to get almost the same comfort you get in your living room. Your patio furniture cushions shouldn’t feel like a flat box but should create an element of comfort and support for your back, dry out quickly when the get wet and last for years.

Patio Furniture Covers

When bad weather is on the horizon or at the end of the season, you’ll want to protect your patio furniture with covers. Most outdoor covers are designed to be durable and withstand harsh weather. Since you want your covers to stay on, you should buy only furniture covers that have a Velcro fastening system. For durable covers, purchase UV treated fabric so you never have to worry about deteriorating due to the strength of the sun.

Your cushions need special protection from unwanted dust and heaven forbid the nesting of insects or other small rodents. Your best bet is to store them inside in the off season, but if you must leave them out be sure the are protected in a sealed cover.

Accessorize Your Patio Furniture

Posted on March 16th, 2009 in Furniture Accessories, Patio Furniture | 2 Comments »

Creating the perfect outdoors space where to relax and entertain your friends and family is about finding the right balance between your home décor and your garden, to bring the two together harmoniously. At the beginning of this process comes the selection of a set of patio furniture. Once you have found the style, material and color scheme that works best for you it is time to think about bringing it to life with the right accessories so you can complete your design. This will allow you to set the tone for how this special space is used, whether you opt for an elegant entertaining area, a romantic hideaway or a relaxing haven. To achieve this you need to spend time about what the results you are shooting for, and take the time to find the right elements to reach your goal.

The first group of accessories to consider is soft furnishings. Whether you prefer vibrant colors or a more natural look this step will allow you to create a link between your interior and the colors of your garden. There is a wide range of weather resistant cushions available in the stores, allowing you to pick out a color scheme that reflects your personality while increasing the comfort level of your outdoor sanctuary. Soft furnishings also extend to rugs specially designed for outdoor use, to add both visual interest and a soft texture that you can enjoy barefoot.

The second area to look at is storage: there are a number of very practical pieces available that can have multiple uses. For instance a small storage table can be used to keep your candles and cocktail napkins handy, provide additional seating or the ideal spot to rest your tired feet after a long day.

The third element to think about is shade. You can opt for a permanent structure such as a cabana or buy a large sun umbrella to protect your deck so you can still enjoy those hot summer afternoons comfortably without turning into a piece of burnt toast.

The fourth thing on your ‘must do’ accessories list is to deck out the space with plenty of pots and plants to further cement the link between indoor styling and the outdoors. It needs not cost a lot of money yet will provide visual and scented interest to your space, bringing the whole scheme together.

Finally assemble the final touches that will allow you to enjoy the wonderful space you’ve created to the fullest, such as cleverly concealed speakers for your stereo and mood lighting.

Finding the right accessories to bring the decor of your patio together will not only ensure that you have everything you need to relax in style but also that the overall effect looks as special as it feels.