Before you decide to bring that old sofa outside, you must remember that outdoor and indoor furniture are made different. Outdoor furniture is built to last through different temperatures and environmental factors. For example, in the case of a tropical country such as Singapore, outdoor furniture must be able to endure the heat and the rain throughout the year. The high moisture content in our humid climate might cause unexpected wood warping or mould growth.
Buying outdoor furniture shouldn’t be a chore. However, with tons of choices in the market, which one should you choose? Here are some tips to help you make the best out of your outdoor furniture!
1. Check Your Space
As most of us Singaporeans live in high-rise flats or condos, the outdoor space we have is mostly confined to our balconies. Sometimes, our living rooms are tiny while our balconies are the same size or even bigger than our living rooms! This forces many of us to bring our dining room to the balcony, whether we like it or not. If you’re looking for an outdoor dining set, balcony coffee table and chairs are your best friends, especially those that are UV and water-resistant! Bonus tip: Modify your balcony to make the heat more bearable by adding roller blinds or 3M UV stickers!
2. Figure out What You Need
Do you want to have a big outdoor dining table to share with your family and friends or just a comfy outdoor lounge chair to escape to when you want to read? If you prefer something a little fancier, go for a bar table with barstools instead. Before getting any outdoor furniture, think about what kind of outdoor furniture suits your lifestyle best. To visualise the look you want to achieve, check Pinterest, Instagram, or furniture websites to get ideas on how to utilise your space.
3. Buy Within Your Budget
Now that you have taken a look at the space and have an idea of how you want the area to look like, it’s time to check your budget. Quality items do not necessarily mean more expensive items. The best way to save money? Look out for outdoor furniture that are on sale. Also, consider getting items in a bundle, such as outdoor dining table and chair sets – this is a great way to get more for less.
4. Get the Right Materials
Materials such as synthetic wicker, aluminium, UV-protected plastic and water-repellent fabrics are the ones to look for. Not only are they durable, but they are also easy to clean! Is your balcony fully sheltered or is it in full contact with the sun and rain? If your patio is sheltered, lucky you! This means you’re open to more material options like steel. However, if your balcony is in full contact with the rain and sun, then you must consider items that are UV-protected and rust-proof, so you can enjoy your furniture for many years to come. Other things to consider? The material should be quick-drying, and if possible, UV and fade resistant.
5. Don’t Break Your Style
Don’t forget, your outdoor area is a part of your home; it should still reflect your style. How you choose to decorate this spot should be complementary to your entire abode. If you’re into a minimalist style, choose simple outdoor sofas that are no-frills and aesthetically-pleasing. Meanwhile, adding colourful outdoor armchairs is an excellent way to add a touch of colour into your space.
6. Accessorise Your Space
Add a touch of greenery to your balcony to make it more inviting! Botanicals are still all the rage and will never go out of style – they’ll make a timeless addition to your outdoor space. Consider items such as grass – artificial ones so you’ll never have to worry about the upkeep – and trees. If your balcony is on the smaller side, tiny planters and vases for your outdoor tables will create the same effect too. Just add some green and your outdoor space will be cosier in no time!
Make the most of the summer-all-year-round weather and beat the heat in comfort and style. Be it a spacious patio or a cosy balcony, spend your time there with outdoor furniture pieces that will withstand the test of time.
