Guest Blogger #390, Entry #984, February 29, 2012
Everyone’s backyard or patio is different. However, everyone has a common goal when it comes to decorating their backyard, and that’s tranquility. It needs to be a place that you can escape to, an area to get some fresh hair, and a part of your home where you can escape noise. You also want to keep it welcoming enough for guests and have it designed in such a way that it can allow for the four seasons. Here is some outdoor furniture that should be at the top of your list.
Image via: Home Bunch
Table With An Umbrella
A table is an obvious thing to have. It should be big enough to fit six to eight people around it for when you have people over. However, it should also include a big enough umbrella. Why? Well, not only well it protect you from the scorching sun on hot days or keep your dry on the wet days, but an umbrella offers a feeling of safety and protection. People often gravitate to tables with umbrellas because of these feelings alone.
Fire pit or Fireplace
Probably not the first thing of when you think of furniture, huh? A good outdoor fireplace is often the focal point of any patio or backyard. It automatically draws people to it because of its potential for warmth and calmness. Now, you can choose between a fire pit that is open, or you can choose a fireplace that is contained within a casing. My favorite kind are the fire pits that can also be used as a table. These table fire pits tend to be really popular nowadays because they contribute to the design and feel of your theme. I particularly like them because I can use it during the summer to set drinks or food on whenever we don’t have a fire going.
Image via: Meg Duerksen.Typepad
Bar Table
This piece of furniture is mostly needed for having guests over. Not only is it good for serving drinks from, but you can use it as a good serving table as well. A bar table adds a social feeling to your patio or backyard and should definitely be part of the mix.
Lounge Chairs, Rocking Chairs, Swinging Chairs, And A Good Hammock
Oh yes, here is where the relaxation comes in. I have lounge chairs and a good hammock, and I use them a few times a week. Like I explained in the beginning of the article, you need these areas to escape to. Bring a good book with you or do some light work on your laptop. Sometimes I bring my significant other outside and it creates a good atmosphere for communication.
Image via: Architectural Digest
Storage Bench
You’ll probably have a few things laying around on your patio that you can probably afford to keep out of sight. But who wants to use an ugly storage compartment? Not me. In these cases, find a storage bench that matches well with your outdoor furniture. You can provide a nice sitting area that actually has a second purpose. Now that’s killing two birds with one stone.
Allison Kingsley is a proud home owner that love to share her decoration tips. She also writes reviews for portable fire pits like the Strathwood St. Thomas Fire Pit Table. Be sure to follow her on Twitter (@DomesticAllison) for more decoration tips!
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marcie says
Love the storage bench tip (can double as a cooler). Such a practical piece that can be jazzed up to compliment the decor. I always think a good outdoor fireplace is key.
Marcie
http://www.custommade.com/granite-modern-fire-vessel/by/DunisStone
franky says
outdoor fireplace is a great idea but sometimes they can be super expensive! this is a great post though! what about a patio heater as an alternative option?
http://www.eieihome.com/blog/let-s-talk-patio-heaters.html
franky says
What would you suggest if I have a small patio but I still want to include a fire pit, is it safe to have a fire pit on the deck though?
Ronique says
Hi Franky,
This is a tough one because different homes have different ventilation sources. They do make portable fire pits that are safe for small patios as well as chiminea (I think that’s how you spell it) – where they are small portable terra cotta fireplaces that are safe for small areas. I would search the internet for “small patio safe fire pits” to see who manufacturers pits just for your scenario.
franky says
Have you ever done anything like this before for your own home? Do you have any recommendations for fire retardant materials for decks and such?
Ronique says
I have not done this at my personal home, but know if you search the internet for “fire retardent outdoor cushions” you will find many manufacturers. When I did a quick search it sounds like “Cumulus” fiber is the material you want the cushions to contain. http://www.cushionsource.com/catalog/outdoor-cushion-filler – hope this helps! 🙂
Denver Patios says
I got small patio, but even though it is small I still can mange to set some furniture with it, its because I consider a double purpose sets, like my table with fire place attached at the top, well besides on being unique, it really saves space, which is really a big thing.