Strathearn Herald

Sit back and relax in the garden in style

- Lorraine Howard

Great patio furniture brings comfort and function to your outdoor spaces.

With a spacious table and easy-to-use, comfortabl­e chairs a basic brick patio is transforme­d into a sensory-rich dining destinatio­n.

Outfit a cosy porch with a wicker sofa and a classic wicker rocking chair, both stocked with ample cushions, and the porch will quickly become a second family room during the warm weather months.

Don’t overlook the outdoor- living opportunit­ies on balconies and in pocket gardens.

When complement­ed with the right patio furniture, these petite garden getaways will beckon you outside time and again.

Begin by thinking about how you would like your outdoor space to function.

Would you like it to serve as a dining area on warm summer nights?

Would you like to host your next dinner party or your daughter’s birthday party in the space?

Is a peaceful reading nook more of what you’re looking for in your outdoor room?

Make a list of the many things you would like to do in the space and use it as a guide to determine what type of furniture is necessary.

If the primary function of your 12x16-foot patio is to host casual evening cocktails, there is no need for a dining table.

Opt for ample comfortabl­e seating, several side tables, and a fire pit.

Ta k e a seat before you buy. Comfortabl­e patio furniture,furniture just like interior furniture, will be used regularly as opposed to uninviting patio furniture, which might have good looks but not-so-good comfort. Reserve the bulk of your garden-side hours for enjoying your space as opposed to maintainin­g furniture when you purchase easy- care patio furniture. Most metal, teak, cedar, and all-weather wicker pieces are unfazed by whatever nature throws their way. Furniture made using these forgiving materials will look wonderful for years. When purchasing patio furniture,furniture you’re not limited to the natural tones of wood; the black, white, and beige of wicker; or metal pieces.

Colouirful finishes abound in the world of outdoor furniture. For stylish longevity, reserve bold splashes of colour for cushions and accent pieces. Look for hardworkin­g furniture. An ottoman that doubles as extra seating for your next backyard bash and a simple bench that will stand alone or cozy up to an alfresco dining table are essential for frequently used outdoor spaces.

Ground patio furniture by placing it on an all-weather rug. Textile advancemen­ts in recent years have brought many quickdryin­g outdoor rugs to the market.

Soft underfoot and rich in texture, an outdoor rug will lend the comforts of indoors to the great outdoors.

So as we begin to enjoy the spring and summer evenings, take a seat and create some living space outdoors.

 ??  ?? OUTDOOR SPACE Don’t overlook the outdoor-living opportunit­ies on balconies and in pocket gardens.
OUTDOOR SPACE Don’t overlook the outdoor-living opportunit­ies on balconies and in pocket gardens.
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom