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Garden and Patio Furniture
So you’ve set up your patio, your garden is in full bloom, and summer is just kicking in. All you need is the perfect outdoor furniture. But for most people, that’s where the problem lies. Wood or iron, a bench or a table set, big or small—the choices are virtually endless. How do you know which ones will work? Here’s a quick guide to help you out.
Chairs
Unless you plan to sit in the dirt, your garden won’t be complete without a good chair. There’s a lot to choose from in terms of material, design, and capacity, so it’s easy to find something that will fit in. If you like having guests over, a set of club chairs will make them feel right at home. Club chairs are usually angular pieces with low backrests, full arm rests, and often plush upholstery. Pair them with matching cube ottomans for added comfort, or when necessary, added seating. Wicker love seats or sofas are perfect for setting a romantic mood.
Tables
Garden tables range from the strictly utilitarian to the ornate and whimsical, from little end tables to large dining sets. One thing’s sure though: they need to work with the rest of your furniture. If you have club chairs, for example, a low coffee table would work better than a full-size round table. End tables, just big enough for a vase and a coffee cup, can complement an elaborate couch or chaise lounge. Drum end tables offer extra storage for books, garden tools, or any stuff you like to keep on hand.
Chaise lounges
Originally spelled chaise longue (French for “long chair”), the chaise lounge is perfect for soaking up some sun on your patio or poolside. Some chaise lounges are designed for mobility, with wheels on the rear end, which may come in handy when you have to move them indoors. Those with slide-out tabletops are great for holding books, food or drinks. The usual vinyl padding may not hold up outdoors, so try using loose cushions instead.
Benches
Outdoor benches have gone a long way from the slatted green ones you see in parks. They now come in every material from plastic to wrought iron, and in all sorts of designs. A backless bench works if you’re going for a minimalist theme, but a backed one with armrests has a homier look to it. They’re not just for sitting anymore, either—potting benches come with shelves and a gardening workspace, so they can double as storage units and even serving stations.
Garden sets
If you don’t trust your own tastes, you can always get a garden set instead. A typical set consists of a table and two or more matching chairs, and sometimes a pool umbrella. The problem with sets, though, is that you can’t choose your pieces—if you want to add an end table, you’ll have to look for one that goes with the rest.
Outdoor furniture isn’t cheap, so it’s important to choose your pieces carefully. Quality and comfort should be your top considerations, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up style—after all, garden furniture is as much decorative as it is functional. If you take your time and stick to good manufacturers, your outdoor furniture can be a great investment that’s well worth your money.