Furnish Your outdoor Space With Style

In the past post we briefly touched on where to begin to enhance your outdoor space and deck. Now that you've taken some time to research your ideas and think about the styles you like most we can talk about seating and dining furniture. In the next post we'll more in depth with decorating styles.

Seating Styles

There several varieties of seating that are suitable for outdoor use. Cushion seating sits on top of a framed piece of furniture and can be easily removed for cleaning. Sling seating has one piece of fabric that is secured to a form, it dries quickly and holds its shape well. Strap seating includes woven strips of canvas or plastic that is secured to the chair frame. Finally, vinyl-mesh seating is similar to beach chairs that is made from woven plastic.

Wood furniture blends very naturally into outdoor spaces and can look great treated or untreated. Cypress and teak are harder and more weather-resistant than other types of woods. If you like metal, wrought iron and glass make a great combo, just be aware that metal can get hot, you'll want to add cushions.

Dining Tables

When choosing a dining table for your deck, it should meet the same requirements for one you would choose to use indoors. You want the right size for it's use, for your family and entertaining. Depending on your space you may want a few small tables that you can put together when entertaining an intimate group. Or you can place them around the space for larger gatherings. The most durable tables are made from teak and cypress and weather very well. Other types such as wrought iron, plastic, glass, and aluminum are popular as well and when taken care of can last a long time.

A long rectangular table that seats about eight will work for most families. An oval table will seat people more comfortably and is more functional for smaller groups.

Less is More

Especially if your deck is small, choosing furniture with a dual purpose is ideal. For example, using a daybed that works as a settee and sofa. Provide ample room for sliding chairs in and out from the table. Keep the high-traffic areas open and unimpeded by furniture. Consider issues like floor surfaces, good lighting and accessories to make your outdoor space safe, comfortable and welcoming.

Now that you know all the types of seating and dining options available you can begin to brainstorm about colors, and styles that you want to bring into your space. In our next post we will go further with decorating styles like Mediterranean, English, Modern, cabin, Zen, and more.