Furniture
Caring For Wicker Furniture
Wicker furniture provides a luxurious, well made and comfortable addition to any veranda. It provides a bridge between the outside and the inside, combining the best aspects of indoor furniture with the more rustic demands of the outdoors.
But even while wicker furniture is quite rugged and well made, it still needs to be looked after if it is to last a long time. This is especially true since it spends so much time sitting outdoors; even if the weather is dry it can create problems for wicker furniture.
When it comes to caring for your wicker chairs and tables, you should find out first of all exactly what material they are made of. Wicker is merely the style in which a particular material has been used, which in this case is woven; the most commonly used types in this case are bamboo and willow.
Assuming you have bought the right piece of furniture to use outside (some wicker furniture is only meant to be used indoors, so be careful when you are buying it in order to ensure you get something robust enough to last outdoors) the first step is to make sure you clean it regularly. If you don’t then it is not likely to last as long since it will be less able to withstand the weather. Make sure you get into good cleaning habits as soon as you get your furniture, to stand a better chance of sticking with it.
Storing Furniture for the Winter
A veranda is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the good weather during the warmer months of the year, when you can sit back in your favourite chair and dream the days away.
But when winter draws in you’ll be venturing inside – which leaves you with the problem of what to do with your veranda furniture.
Whatever style of furniture you have, it’s advisable to bring it in out of the elements if you can. A garage or shed is a good place to store it, but make sure you cover it with a tarpaulin for additional protection against the inevitable leaks that can sometimes occur. It will also help to keep the furniture free from dust.
If you have wooden furniture consider treating it before bringing it inside, as it will help to protect it and keep it looking good for when you need to get it back out again.
Another good tip is to make sure any fixings, such as screws for example, are oiled just prior to storage. This will prevent the damp making them rusty.
Choosing Your Deck And Patio Accessories
Installing your deck or patio may seem like a big project, but it is just the first step towards creating the perfect garden space. It’s the accessories you buy to complement your finished design that make all the difference.
Patio heaters
Why restrict using your patio to the summer months? The cooler autumn evenings can still be spent enjoying the outdoors if you have a patio heater to keep things comfortable. They don’t take up much space and you can buy them in many different designs to suit the feel of your patio.
Planters and pots
Plants and flowers provide the perfect way to soften the often hard lines of a deck or patio, and they can also provide color all year round if you regularly plant varieties that will stay in flower during different seasons.
Arranging Furniture On Your Veranda
How you arrange furniture on your veranda can help define areas that are used for relaxing, talking, and eating. Because your veranda will most likely serve several purposes, placement of furniture and decorative items is very important when you want to create a space that is comfortable and intimate.
FURNITURE SIZE
The size of your furniture should be determined by the size of the space. If you have a smaller space, you should avoid the following:
• Oversized furniture
• Too many pieces
• Large plants
• Too many decorations
Smaller spaces that are crowded with furniture and decorations will look cluttered and small. Open up smaller spaces by limiting yourself to two or three pieces, an end table, and a few medium sized plants. If you enjoy eating on your veranda, choose a picnic table with benches and one or two small chairs.
Choosing The Right Patio Furniture
When choosing patio furniture, you want to be careful not to buy furniture that is too big for the space. This can make your patio seem small and uninviting. Oversized furniture doesn’t leave much room for adding accent pieces and accessories, either. Measuring the space before you buy furniture will save you a lot of time and reduce stress.
In addition to choosing the right size furniture, you will also have to consider the weather, how you want to use the space, and how much time you want to put into maintaining it.
Taking the Right Measurements
Knowing the square footage of your patio is all you really need when buying furniture. If you have an oddly shaped patio, then measure each section. In addition to learning the square footage, measure each side as this will give you a better idea of which size furniture you should purchase.