Hi there, cuties! Is it starting to feel like fall, or what? I love summer, but I do love a crisp fall evening snuggled up in my favorite sweater. And it’s even better if I can find fun ways to continue enjoying outdoor spaces well into the fall–and even, dare I say it? The winter, too!
With a solid outdoor furniture shopping plan, the addition of the right accessories, and proper care for your outdoor pieces, there’s no reason that your garden, patio, deck, or terrace can’t be in use most of the year (depending on where in the world you live–sorry, to all our readers in Antartica).
With the temperatures staring to dip and the winter holidays right around the corner, I reached out to my friends at one of KKH’s fave outdoor furniture vendors, Sunset West, to get some insider info on how to ensure that your outdoor space remains comfy, cozy, merry, and bright all year!
“As we head into the fall and winter, on chillier nights incorporating a fire table and adding soft goods like blankets and pillows can be an easy way to turn your outdoor area into a cozy year-round outdoor space.”
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3 Simple Factors for Outdoor Furniture Shopping Success
As you make your outdoor furniture shopping list–with visions of crisp fall evenings with friends and serenely cozy winter afternoons with a cozy blanket–the overall quality of the pieces is very important. You want to invest in outdoor chairs, tables, and accessories that are going to stand the test of time and the wear and tear of the natural elements.
“The quality of the materials used and the construction are essential–the durability and longevity of the product will both root from those two factors…If you’re investing in outdoor furniture then you obviously want something that is going to withstand the elements and last for more than just one or two seasons.”
When shopping for outdoor furniture you can use all year (or almost all year) round, consider the following three factors that the Sunset West team swears will never steer you wrong:
- Fabric Quality: Sunbrella is a solution-dyed acrylic that is widely considered the gold standard in outdoor and performance fabrics, that is color fast and offers vibrant colors and soft to the touch textures.
- Frame Material: When it comes to outdoor furniture, frames that are made from premium materials and constructed for commercial environments are bound to last–make sure to select a material that suits your climate and lifestyle.
- Comfort Level: Consider the thickness of the cushions, the fill, and pitch of the chair–outdoor furniture is meant for endless lounging and entertaining outdoors, you’ll want something you can relax in all summer long.
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Add Warmth with a Luxe Fire Table
One luxe way to extend the amount of time your family spends in your outdoor space is to literally warm it up with a fire table.
“The No. 1 must-have is a heat source, like a fire pit,” the Sunset West team explains. “Whether it’s a coffee table-sized fire table or a bowl, these pieces are essential to a comfortable outdoor living space during the off-season months… When shopping for outdoor fire tables, having a good idea of what functionality you expect from your product will help.”
“If you’re using your fire table as a heat source, consider heat output (BTUs) and size of your deep seating, and if you’re using it in a dining setting, consider the height of the table ledge, and how much surface space the table offers for drinks or plates.”
Sunset West recommends that the following key questions be on your list when shopping for a designer fire table for your outdoor space:
- What type of space is this going in?
- Will it be used with a propane tank, or installed using a natural gas line?
- Will there be children or pets around?
- Does your outdoor environment experience harsh weather or high winds? If so, consider purchasing a glass wind guard to protect the flame (and any curious hands)!
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Maintenance Musts for Your Outdoor Pieces
Finally, a huge factor in getting the absolute most out of your carefully crafted outdoor living space is to properly care for and maintain your outdoor furniture pieces. “Caring for your furniture is essential to its longevity,” the Sunset West team says. They also shared some expert tips on caring for your outdoor chairs and tables:
- Invest in covers that will protect your frames during the winter months and off-season.
- Always bring cushions indoors when not in use for long periods/winter months.
- Wipe down furniture (especially the aluminum frames) periodically, and seal any natural stone surfaces or teak products.
- When not in use, protect the frames by covering them with water-resistant canvas covers.
- If needed, cushions can be cleaned by lightly shampooing and wiping down fabric.
