Patio & Porch Decorating
The smell of early spring is in the air, and it’s time to soft launch porch & patio season! When you finally emerge from your winter hibernation chamber, you’ll want to make sure you have a comfortable, vibrant outdoor space to bask in the sunlight.
Outdoor furniture can be tricky, however. Unless you live in a truly arid climate, inclement spring and summer weather is inevitable. Let’s explore a few ideas for how to maximize the potential of your outdoor space while also preserving the life of the furniture you use.
A particularly popular outdoor furniture choice is those made of rattan material. Rattan is extremely weather-resistant. While also being environmentally friendly, it can withstand all temperatures. As with all furniture that stays outside, coating a rattan piece with a layer of lacquer or varnish will wick away any moisture it encounters. One downside to rattan is that it doesn’t provide a whole lot of give when you sit on it. Adding some brightly colored cushions that can be easily stored during bad weather will counteract rattan’s stiffness.
At first, concrete tables sound like an ugly, industrial choice for your porch or patio. However, concrete furniture boasts the most longevity. It accrues almost no over-time weathering and is especially easy to clean. Though heavy, concrete is durable and reliable. Dressing a concrete table with some removable accessories and greenery will give it a much less sterile feel.
Teak wood furniture is a timeless choice for outdoor usage. Teak is one of the few woods that contains natural oil, which inherently prevents warping, cracking, or brittling. This makes it a valuable choice if you live in an area with volatile weather patterns. With teak, you won’t need to worry about varnishing or sealing it, as it has a natural preservation method already built in. Brand-new teak has a vibrant, honey-brown color that ages into more of an elegant grey, so its coloration will always be tasteful.
Lastly, decorating your outdoor space and dressing your furniture with vibrant colors will enhance the vibe you’re shooting for. Adding plants is an easy fix, and you don’t have to be as picky about them as they won’t be living inside. Sunlight will reflect beautifully off the bright colors and greenery and create a summer space you’ll never want to come inside from.