8 out of 10 homeowners have or are creating an outdoor room for their home.[1] Outdoor living increases the value of your home and lifestyle. Whether the space is an open-air deck or an enclosed patio, homeowners must weigh aesthetics, comfort and price when decorating.

Form and Function

Consider your outdoor space and what you want out of your patio furniture before making a purchase. Every outdoor space is unique in shape and size. The shape and size of the outdoor space determines the patio furniture that will fit and the usage of the space will determine which type of furniture pieces are chosen. For example, a large patio used for entertaining will feature a dining set and sofas while a balcony may have small chairs and a tea table. For those looking to sell or rent property, good-looking patio furniture can increase the property’s value or attract renters easier.

The function of the furniture then forms which pieces you purchase. If you intend to spend a lot of time in the outdoor living area, invest in comfortable pieces. Consider cushions that contour to your body and how your lower back rests in a chair. If your lower back caves too much, consider buying pillows to arch the back or look for other furniture that provides better support for the spine. If you want something easy to maintain and comfortable, consider strap or sling seating that can simply be washed and dry quickly.

Quality Versus Quantity

Nearly every retailer sells furniture. Stores such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wal-Mart, Target, Sears, Costco, Big Lots, and Amazon.com, sell affordable furniture that fulfills the trends of the season. Specialty furniture stores including Patio World, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Leeders, and wayfair.com offer quality pieces that will last decades. When shopping for patio furniture, consider where you intend to make your purchase, how long you intend to keep the pieces, and the longevity and quality of the pieces themselves. Do you want generic furniture that needs to be replaced every year or two, or should you invest in furniture that will look good, remain comfortable, and last for more than a decade? Not only will you find furniture pieces that complement your house, but a little research will help you maximize your dollar. Overall, always seek quality in furniture over quantity. In the long run, fewer good-quality furniture pieces will prove more valuable.

Eye Candy

Generally, the outdoor space is an extension of the rest of the house, which means the design elements from the indoor furniture to the kitchen appliances to the bath towels will carry over to outdoor furniture. However, patio furniture has an advantage since the outdoor space is an opportunity to display stunning colors and designs. Outdoor furniture does not necessarily need to match indoor items because people outside may not see what lies inside the house. Take a cue from your abode’s architecture to select aesthetically pleasing outdoor furniture and décor. Browse retailors for modern patio furniture with sleek lines or traditional styles to fit an Italian or plantation influence.

Before finalizing a purchase, consider looking online and in stores to see the varieties of style and find the pieces that suit your needs. No matter how you decorate, creating an outdoor living space will add value to your investment and lifestyle. Build a patio or deck so that you can create memories, spend time with friends, or attract that high bidding buyer. Your patio deserves just as much love as the rest of your house, so treat it well with comfortable, stylish, and durable furniture.