Creating a stylish and functional outdoor entertaining space starts with choosing the right outdoor furniture. Your patio is an extension of your home, and the furniture you select should combine comfort, functionality, and style. Given that outdoor furniture is often placed in areas that are exposed to a variety of weather conditions, making an informed choice is essential.
There are a number of key factors to consider when choosing outdoor furniture to achieve a stylish, comfortable and long-lasting result for your outdoor area.
You should consider four important things; conditions, usage, design and size.
Assess Your Weather Conditions
Where is the furniture going? For areas that are uncovered, you may need to consider the materials more critically. Resin and aluminium furniture are the most suited to uncovered areas.
Think about what maintenance may be required and other practicalities, like where to store cushions out of the elements. Dirty or dusty locations will not lend themselves well to light colours or materials that cannot very easily be washed off.
While modern materials specifically designed for outdoor use can cop a fair amount of punishment, anything left in harsh Australian conditions will eventually show signs of aging – some materials more than others.
For covered outdoor areas that offer both you and your furniture protection from the harsh elements, a greater choice of materials, including wicker and hardwood timber furniture opens up. A covered space offers these material protection, without needing to be too concerned with longevity or maintenance.
Knowing the environmental factors your outdoor furniture will encounter is key to making a smart purchase. If your patio furniture will be fully exposed to the elements, you need materials and designs that thrive in such conditions.
Some examples from the Kasule range:
- Sunny Locations: UV-resistant materials like resin and aluminum are ideal. The Splash Resin Chair in Black is a fantastic choice for sunny areas. It’s durable, lightweight, and is infused with UV-stabilisers to resist fading.
- Rainy or Humid Areas: Waterproof materials, such as powder-coated aluminum with Textaline slings, are excellent for withstanding moisture. Consider the Salsa 3-Position Outdoor Reclining Chair for comfort, style and weather resistance.
Usage: Define How You’ll Use the Space
Consider your lifestyle. Is your patio meant for lounging, hosting dinner parties, or a mix of both? Do you imagine a place where you will be able to relax and wind-down on an informal sofa lounge setting? Or do you need a more traditional table and chairs for comfortable outdoor dining?
Choosing patio furniture that suits your most common everyday needs will ensure the space is practical and inviting, meaning that you’ll use it more often.
While traditional settings will always be a popular choice for outdoor entertaining, many people are now looking for added versatility in their furniture. Larger, oversized pieces like daybeds or deep sofa chairs with plush cushions paired with higher coffee tables can serve dual dining and lounging purposes are becoming increasingly popular. This kind of set up saves space, provides versatility and creates a more relaxed feel in an outdoor area.
Modular corner units are best suited (as the name suggests) to be placed into a corner – great for outdoor areas where space is an issue, without compromising on comfort.
Some examples from the Kasule range:
- Relaxing: A daybed or outdoor sofa can transform your patio into a haven of relaxation. The Palm Aluminium Outdoor Daybed provides the ultimate lounging spot, perfect for a lazy afternoon reading or evening stargazing.
- Entertaining: If eating alfresco or hosting guests is your priority, opt for a traditional dining set or pieces that offer versatility. The Palm Aluminium Wide Slat Table is a great low-maintenance option for hosting meals outdoors (you can literally hose off any mess!), paired with a choice of chairs like the Toronto Bar Armchair.
Design Your Dream Outdoor Living Space
Your style. Your choice.
After 30 years in the outdoor furniture supply industry, the one thing we know for sure is that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to styling outdoor spaces.
That said, we do notice some trends.
Rich and dark, kwila timber has a versatile, timeless aesthetic and is very popular in traditionally styled homes, pubs and country cafes.
The golden honey hue of teak timber looks as lovely in beach-side bungalows as it does in modern Skandi styled homes.
Wicker and aluminium pieces come in such a wide range of styles to suit almost any space, from ultra modern to colonial, Old Queenslander and post-war style homes.
Resin furniture tends towards modern households, bright cafés, sleek restaurants and luxe hotels.
Some examples from the Kasule range:
- Classic & Rustic: Timber furniture and neutral tones work beautifully for a timeless look. Add a set of outdoor cushions to enhance comfort, tie the look together or add a pop of your favourite colour.
- Contemporary: Clean lines and modern materials like resin are perfect for minimalist designs. The Tokyo Resin Chair in Tuscan offers a chic and functional solution for trendy outdoor spaces.
- Elegant Comfort: Wicker furniture like the Warwick 3-piece outdoor sofa set offers ultimate luxury and relaxation.
Accessories like umbrellas, outdoor throw pillows, and outdoor rugs can further refine your outdoor aesthetic.
Size Matters
Not all furniture works well in every space.
How much space do you have in your outdoor area?
How many people use the space on a daily basis?
How many extras do you regularly entertain?
Consider where you may be able to repurpose some parts of the outdoor setting in another area, separating them for everyday use with the ability to bring them all together for a large gathering. If you are considering moving furniture around, keep in mind the weight of the items (a lightweight resin chair is waaaaaaay easier to lug around than a solid teak timber chair).
Have you considered an extension table? Extension tables offer a standard length for everyday use but are easily extendable when you have extras to entertain.
If space is not an issue, daybeds and 3-seater sofas are ultimate luxury pieces.
But if you’re working with a smaller space, a comfortable chair combined with an ottoman and small side table can be a great place to enjoy a morning coffee or afternoon glass of something in the great outdoors.
In the end, it’s all about what works best for the way you use your space.
Some examples from the Kasule range:
- For spacious covered outdoor areas, consider the Beachcomber Wicker Sofa Setting or Palm Daybed.
- For smaller patios, poolside spaces or garden nooks, consider more compact solutions like the Bini table and chairs in blush, grey or green-grey resin.
Want to see more?
Feel free to take a flip through our online catalogues at Kasule Imports for more inspiration.