If you’re like most homeowners with a pool on your property, you undoubtedly want to make the area surrounding it as comfortable and attractive as possible. You probably also understand that the same type of furnishings you use in your home interior won’t be suitable for an outdoor living space. Fortunately, strategies exist to help you find the right outdoor furniture for your poolside area. The following are seven tips designed to provide you with inspiration for selecting the perfect furniture pieces for your specific space.
1- Consider Weather Resistance
Outdoor furnishings are exposed to a wide range of weather conditions, such as wind, rain, sunlight, and humidity. Materials specifically designed for outdoor include weather-resistant wicker, teak, aluminum, and wrought iron. These are all durable materials that withstand exposure to the elements without fading, warping, or otherwise deteriorating over time.
2- Prioritize Comfort
When selecting poolside furniture, comfort is right up there with weather-resistance on the list of priorities. After all, it’s virtually impossible to relax by the pool with uncomfortable furniture. Look for seating with thick cushions or padding that provides good support for lounging or relaxing, and opt for adjustable pieces to accommodate a variety of personal needs and preferences.
3- Choose Easy-to-Clean Fabrics
Your poolside furniture is bound to be the recipient of spills, splashes, and exposure to sunscreen and pool chemicals. Choosing fabrics that are easy to clean and maintain helps ensure that your furniture remains fresh and clean throughout the pool season. Good choices include polyester and solution-dyed acrylic. Be sure to wipe your outdoor furniture down often to keep it looking good and prolong its lifespan.
4- Opt for Lightweight and Portable Pieces
Choosing flexible furniture for around the pool allows you to easily and quickly adapt to different needs and activities. Keep in mind that poolside areas often serve a multifunctional purpose, including dining, sunbathing, socializing, or simply catching some solitude in a serene setting after a long day of work. Furniture items such as folding chairs, wheeled carts, sectional chairs and sofas, and multi-tiered tables can be rearranged to accommodate changing preferences and group sizes. They’ll also be easier to store when summer is over and it’s time to put outdoor furnishings away for the season.
5- Embrace Functional Design
Furniture that serves a range of functions helps you maximize space and utility. For instance, storage benches and ottomans provide storage for towels, extra cushions, and various pool accessories while doubling as seating. Stackable nesting tables are excellent for servicing drinks and snacks while lounging by the pool
6- Coordinate with Your Outdoor Décor
Coordinating your poolside furniture creates a desirable cohesive and harmonious ambiance throughout your outdoor living space. Consider the general color scheme, materials, and design elements to complement the area’s aesthetics. For instance, if your outdoor theme reflects an old-school Victorian-era cottage garden, avoid outdoor furnishings that would be at home in a desert landscape — and vice versa.
7- Invest in Quality
By choosing quality when you purchase outdoor furniture, you’re making an investment that pays off in the long run. Quality furniture not only lasts longer than its cheaply constructed counterparts, but it also maintains its appearance and comfort over time providing you and your family with years of enjoyment by the pool.