Which outdoor furniture to choose?

Spain is a land of sun and good weather, we love to enjoy outdoor spaces such as terraces, patios, balconies, ... a moment of relaxation at noon under the warm sun or a nice meal with friends in the garden ... There is no better way to take advantage of the first rays of spring sunshine!

To start enjoying outdoor areas, we have prepared this post in which we will answer questions such as how to take care of it and how to select good furniture.

1. WHAT IS OUTDOOR FURNITURE?

It has this name (outdoor furniture) for a reason... it is furniture that is highly resistant to the elements, especially to humidity and direct sunlight and rain, that is, it is designed and manufactured to withstand inclement weather.

In addition, they are responsible for changing and transforming the composition of balconies, terraces, patios and gardens so... combine, enhance and add style to your outdoor areas

Undoubtedly, they are the center of attention during the hot season and to exploit their full potential you should treat them as an outdoor lounge; do not limit yourself and give this space the functions you need and want such as eating, relaxing or sunbathing.

2. HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT FURNITURE?

Decorating an outdoor space involves more than just furnishing it; calculating the available space and renewing the furniture covers, vacuuming the dust and placing them is only the first step.

Don't set yourself creative limits when it comes to preparing your exteriors. You can create your own space with two types of furniture that will adapt to any style:

* Furniture that needs maintenance: those that are built with natural woods (acacia, pine) are very resistant and have that sturdy look that we love. They are treated to be durable, but you will need to keep them clean and dry to prevent moisture from spoiling them.

* Maintenance-free furniture: plastic, waterproof textile, steel, artificial wood or aluminum. They are highly resistant to corrosion and extreme climates but make sure they have a special treatment to prevent deterioration.

No matter the type, the most important thing is to choose only outdoor tables, chairs, armchairs, outdoor armchairs and complements with materials that ensure high resistance to water and weathering.

The purpose of this furniture is twofold, to make the space cozy and to renew the aesthetics. Therefore, the furniture must be adapted to your style of decoration and lifestyle, always avoiding saturation, since it will dwarf the available space in your eyes and will make a privileged space uncomfortable.

3. HOW TO TAKE CARE OF IT?

The fact that they are outdoors means that we have to pay more attention to their conservation. So we give you some guidelines so that they last longer and are always perfect:

* Almost all outdoor furniture (wood, iron, fibers, resin...) can be cleaned with soap and water, but specific treatments should be applied to them so that they last much longer and are ready for the new season.

* For a good maintenance, glue the joints and store the furniture under cover whenever possible.

* To keep wooden furniture in perfect condition just keep them away from humidity, dust them from time to time with a sponge and a little neutral soap and apply twice a year an extra protection with special oils for them.

* Furniture made of rattan, bamboo or other vegetable fibers is very resistant and light, but like all furniture it accumulates dust. Remove it using a vacuum cleaner and washing with salt water.

* Synthetic fibers that imitate rattan, bamboo or wicker are durable and weather resistant. They are made from plastics and resins so they are very easy to maintain, you only need soap and water.  The only precaution to take is to dry them well with a cloth to prevent the water from leaving marks when it evaporates. 

* The best way to remove stains from cushions and textile mats is to remove the covers and wash them at the time, according to the instructions on the label, so that the dirt does not penetrate and leaves no trace.

* Resin furniture should be cleaned with a damp sponge and a little soap. Keep in mind that if they deteriorate badly and become stained, it may be impossible to recover them, so it is important to clean them often and cover them when not in use. 

* Among the most resistant and durable outdoor materials are iron and wrought iron. They withstand the weather well, but with humidity they can rust, especially at the joints. When this happens, the solution is to remove the rust with special sandpaper or a stiff wire brush. Next, the surface that has been sanded should be washed and dried thoroughly to remove the dust that forms. Once dry, apply an anti-rust product that will protect the iron all season long.

4. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM ALSO INDOORS

Outdoor furniture is suitable for indoors as well. As long as they are in good condition and do not distort or squeak with the rest of the furniture. In addition, due to climate change, the seasons are no longer marked, but we move between cold, heat and rain, so we must make the most of this furniture.

You don't need to change your living room or family room for the furniture you had in your patio or terrace, but the key is to complement your interior with outdoor furniture, a good option is our California armchair. Some ideas are:

* Incorporate patterned cushions and fabrics inside your home. This will give a renewed look full of color and freshness to your home.

* Incorporate the chairs from your terrace to the dining table, so you will have more seats.

* The bar cart is a tremendously versatile piece of furniture that works perfectly outdoors and indoors. Use it as a bar or coffee cart.

* If there's one thing that's in style, it's hanging chairs. Install it indoors, create reading areas and use it all year round.

PS: Do not forget to create a magical atmosphere with the best choice of lighting for it, combine indirect lighting that bathes everything with enough light without dazzling and creates a sense of peace, with another that highlights a particular element, such as a tree or wall, making it a focal point. 

All you have to do now is enjoy!