Being able to sit outside on your balcony in nice weather is one of the true joys of life.
After all, you may not be able to get away into nature for an extended time period, but at least you can walk out onto your balcony, settle into your comfy balcony furniture and watch the sunset and moonrise, listen to the birds and enjoy the sound of the wind blowing.
By thinking through in advance what you want and need your outdoor furniture to do, you will be able to make a smart choice that you can enjoy for years to come.
1. Match new furniture to your existing decor.
Today’s outdoor furnishings can be as au natural or colourful as you prefer. But be sure to take a look at the overall visual impact and style of your existing outdoor space before choosing your new balcony or patio furniture.
You want to choose furnishings that enhance the style of your outdoor space, whether classic, modern, contemporary or traditional.
2. Make sure your new furniture is weather-hardy.
If there is one thing you can be sure of, it is this: if your new outdoor furnishings are not weather-hardy, you will know it right away!
Different geographic areas have different weather challenges. Perhaps you live in a very hot, dry, desert climate where outdoor chairs and tables are prone to cracking and drying.
Or maybe your climate is sub-tropical, with humidity regularly reaching into the three digits, causing mold, mildew and warping.
Be sure the furniture you select is crafted and treated to withstand the elements in your local area.
3. Measure your available space for new balcony furniture.
Nothing feels worse than getting your new furniture home, unpacking it, putting it all together (if necessary) and then discovering it doesn’t fit!
Here, too-small furniture looks just as awkward as too-big furniture.
What you are aiming for is furnishings that are sized appropriately to allow easy traffic and air circulation around chairs and tables so you and your family will be comfortable.
4. Choose the right materials.
Different materials may serve you better in different climates. And some materials are considered to be all-weather. Teak is a natural wood that contains its own natural oil to hydrate and protects the wood against damp, dry, humid, cold, hot and other seasonal weather shifts.
Wicker is a more lightweight alternative to heavy teak and also comes in synthetic forms. Wicker can be treated to enhance its weather-resistant properties.
Ceramic is a great accent material for outdoor furnishings and is a frequent choice for table tops, side tables, planter pots and more. There are several types of ceramic, including ceramic-stone and ceramic-porcelain. The firing process used to make ceramic can weatherize ceramic furnishings for outdoor use.
Merbau is natural wood with a warm orange/red-brown patina that looks lovely and naturalistic when used in outdoor furnishings. Merbau wood is naturally resistant to mold, mildew and rot and has a strength and durability that makes it popular for use in crafting balcony and outside furniture.
5. Always opt for furniture that is easy to care for.
No matter what material, style, size and configuration you choose for your outside furnishings, you definitely don’t want to have to invest hours each month to keep them clean!
Ideally, try to pick furniture you can easily fold up and store away during inclement weather and off-seasons.
By paying close attention to whether cushions, frames, toppers and structures have been pre-treated and weatherized for your climate, you will have the best chance of selecting durable, long-lasting and attractive outdoor furnishings.
6. Make comfort a priority with your outdoor furniture.
Far too many shoppers have made the one mistake it is classically easy to overlook – comfort! Sure, the furniture you have your eye on may look amazing. It may be durable. It might be easy to set up, take down and store away. And you may be able to get a great deal on it.
But do you enjoy sitting on it? Is it comfortable? Is it a good fit with your size and the size of your family members? Are your guests comfy and cosy sharing your outdoor space when you entertain?
For this reason, always check the return policy before purchasing any balcony seating or furniture from an online or local brick-and-mortar store.
By following these tips, you can be sure you will love your new balcony furniture.
