If you’re like us, there’s nothing better than spending time outdoors in the yard, and relaxing on a comfy outdoor chair or sofa is peak outdoor time perfection. But how do you pick the perfect outdoor furniture? Often getting something right means knowing what not to do. Below are seven common mistakes to avoid to help ensure your furniture creates the relaxing environment you want in an outdoor space.
Not Planning Ahead
One common mistake people make when it comes to outdoor furniture is buying first and then trying to figure it out later. This method sometimes works, but often you are left with furniture that doesn’t fit the space quite right or is disproportionate to the yard and other elements. Before you even think about stepping foot into a store or logging onto Amazon, step back and come up with a plan for your outdoor space. What kind of seating areas do you want? Do you need a table for outdoor dining? How about a fire pit? Once you know what you want, get the tape measure out so you know how much space you have, and what different areas may work well in different spots in your yard. Do a rough sketch of what you want the yard to ultimately look like, including measurements of each area, figure out your budget, then start your furniture hunt. You’ll save yourself a lot of headaches and money by avoiding purchases that simply won’t work for you.
Buying Poor Quality
We get it, outdoor furniture can be expensive, but what you save now could ultimately cost you much more down the road when you have to replace poor-quality furniture that wore out. Instead of going for the cheapest option, look for items that are on the top end of your budget to get a higher quality that will last longer.
Choosing the Wrong Materials
Your outdoor furniture is going to be exposed to sun, water, and other elements, so you want to make sure the materials will hold up in those conditions. Read labels carefully for fabrics that are waterproof and resistant to fading and discoloration in the sun. Also, be aware of potential issues with other materials, such as metal frames that can rust in certain conditions.
Prioritizing Look Over Function
We all want our outdoor spaces to look great, but don’t sacrifice function for something that looks good. What’s the point of having furniture if it’s not comfortable and you don’t want to spend time on it? While shopping, do the “sit” test: You and a friend should sit on the furniture, lean back, and try to get comfortable on it. If it doesn’t pass the “sit” test, move onto something else. Also, consider the weight of items you will be buying. In addition to the initial move-in of items, make sure things aren’t so hard to move that you can’t make changes down the road.
Lack of Shade
We all know it can get HOT during the summer months in Utah, and no one wants to be miserable and sweating while trying to relax outdoors. So, as you are planning and purchasing furniture, make sure you have shade factored in. Adding shade may be as simple as adding umbrellas or a pergola or placing furniture in areas where shade is likely during times you plan to be outdoors.
No Focal Point
You’ve probably heard about focal points in interior design, and that same concept carries over into your outdoor spaces as well. A focal point can add visual interest and provide a central element to on which to base design choices. What to use as a focal point is up to you, but common choices are colorful rugs, water features, and fire pits. Choose whatever will help ground your overall design and make your yard not feel like something is missing or “off.”
Not Covering or Storing Furniture Properly
If you’re going to spend decent money on outdoor furniture like discussed earlier, you want to take good care of it so that it will last for many years. With the snow and other winter conditions we get in Utah, it is essential that you either cover furniture or store it in a shed, garage, or basement until you are ready to use it the next summer. If you opt for covers, make sure they fully cover the furniture and don’t allow any snow and moisture to get under them and onto the furniture. You may also want to consider covering furniture during other seasons to help prevent potential issues with sun and water exposure.
Looking for your dream home? Liberty Homes has been building new homes in Utah for nearly 30 years. We take pride in our trade, crafting each home as if it were our own. Our quality, affordable homes are energy smart and thoughtfully personalized for your active Utah lifestyle. We currently have townhomes available in Salt Lake County and single-family homes in West Jordan (now open to all ages!). Contact us today to find your dream home.
Want home decorating and maintenance tips, craft ideas, recipes, and more delivered right to your inbox?
Sign up for our monthly newsletter:
