Revitalize your Outdoor Space by Mixing and Matching Old and New Outdoor Furniture
Jul 22nd, 2010 by Hazel
I think we’re all guilty of not appreciating what we have. So often we look out to our porches and outdoor spaces and wish we could have that front page worthy living or dining area. And then, deciding we can’t completely furnish a new outdoor room, we walk away and let our backyards and patios stay non-functional and boring.
But, on a tight budget, it’s still completely possible to create an outdoor space that you feel comfortable entertaining in. The first step is to assess what you already have. Adirondack chairs are great because they can be used in large numbers, alone in the corner, or as a part of a varied outdoor furniture set. If it’s crafted from pine or cypress, you can change the look and brighten it up by adding a coat of paint. Plus, indoor pieces can often transition to outdoor furniture. Have a side table that just doesn’t fit into your living room anymore? Paint it or stain it, then use it in your outdoor space!
When looking at new outdoor furniture, look for pieces that are both versatile and durable. Going with the most inexpensive furniture you can find might save you money now, but you’ll be in this same predicament by next spring. Invest now so you can enjoy it for a lifetime. A good way to see how long-lasting a piece will be is to consider its material, hardware, and construction. Teak, Eucalyptus, and Cedar are some of the most durable woods available. While Cypress and Pine also do very well when properly painted, treated, or maintained. Stainless steel hardware will last you your whole life, and definitely worth looking for, but galvanized steel will serve you well too. Finally, pieces individually handcrafted from artisans and made in the United State will last infinitely longer than those mass produced overseas. It’s important to spend your money wisely. As your outdoor furniture will come into contact with the elements on a regular basis, it’s vital to ensure that it’ll last!
Well, now that you know that criteria… the fun part is picking out your outdoor furniture (of course!) How do you envision yourself using your outdoor space and who is going to be using it most? Al fresco dining is fantastic and patio dining sets come in all shapes and sizes. Looking for just a cozy spot to escape with a loved one? Try an outdoor bistro set that can nestle into a corner. Hoping to host raucous backyard bashes full of kids and family? Better go with an ultra heavy-duty picnic table that’s big enough to accommodate all the hungry eaters. Of course, if you’re looking for more of a lounge area than an eating area, you can always take your plates out to the deep seating or patio chairs anyway. A great deep seating collection is going to be luxurious, hugely functional, and incredibly long lasting. But, if money’s tight, you can always go with a nice garden bench or patio chair and add an outdoor cushion to still lend comfort.
Outdoor design is not about how much money you can spend. It’s about getting creative about what you already have and deciding on pieces that are worth your investment. If you choose your outdoor furniture wisely to serve your needs while mix and matching it with pieces you already have… you’ll have a wonderful outdoor space that you’ll love to come home to!
Have Fun!
Hazel
