[Kristin]

By: Abe Abbas

Source: www.urbangardensweb.com

Outdoor furniture trends have kept pace with the trend for making better use of outdoor spaces.
Now more than ever outside space is treated as another living area, especially if you're lucky enough to live in a climate where you can be outdoors almost round the year.

Here are some trends in outdoor furniture that will make the outside of your home as attractive as the inside. It's all about expanding the space you have and making it more usable.

Source: www.thomasdecks.com

Color and Pattern

Color and pattern have as much impact outdoors as they do indoors.

- Color in outdoors furnishings is increasingly bolder and vibrant. Colors that you use inside your home or in your apparel are finding their way outside. Pastel blues, turquoise, brown, fresh yellows and greens, as well as black and white are used to make outdoor furnishings more attractive.
- Patterns show a lot of variety, too. Polka dots, bold paisleys and stripes are all present, as well as solids.

Source: www.goodshomedesign.com

Material

Patio furniture comes in all kinds of material today and outdoor fabric is better made than ever before, offering luxurious textures that were previously available for indoor use only.

- Aluminum: Hand wrought aluminum is made by pouring aluminum into a mold. It is light weight and therefore easy to move around.
- Teak: Teak has become very popular of late, because it has the capacity to retain its good looks over a period of time. It is resistant to weathering, rot and insects and requires very little maintenance.
- Wicker: A longtime favorite, wicker still maintains its popularity, being easily available and affordable.

Source: www.pinterest.com

Outdoor Rooms

Outdoor rooms are created with groupings of deep seating sofas, stone and glass coffee tables and end tables. Pillows, indoor/outdoor rugs, and plants complete the look.
Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits can make the outdoor space warmer when evenings turn chilly.


Article Source: http://furniture.about.com/

[Kristin]

Quick Guide to Materials for Outdoor Furniture

Source: www.instructables.com

Today many different materials are available for outdoor furniture, so which kind should you pick? A lot depends on your own sense of style and preferences as there is no shortage of high quality, attractive furniture in a variety of materials that are suitable for outdoor use.

Take a look at your backyard or patio for cues. Is it very sunny? Does it have a lot of shade? What is the building style of your home? Is your lot level or uneven? Do you get strong wind or is there a lot of moisture? All of these conditions require different materials for the best performance, but unless you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you can pick any of these materials.


Wood

Source: www.wood-furniture-manufacturers.com

Wood furniture is a good pick for you if you prefer a casual, warm and natural style. Besides, the natural look of wood is a great fit for an outdoor setting.
It is a traditional and classic material that is available in a many varieties. Some popular wood choices for outdoors are teak, eucalyptus, cedar, pine and oak.
Its many benefits include durability and low maintenance. The natural oils in some types of wood, such as teak, protect it against rot and harsh weather, extreme temperatures and high humidity.


Wicker

Source: www.outdooridea.xyz

If you prefer a cozy, rustic or country style then consider wicker. Used indoors and out, it is a versatile and lightweight material made from many different naturally occurring materials such as bamboo, rattan, cane, etc.
Traditionally it was available in neutral colors, but now comes in many shades. All-weather wicker is suitable for outdoor use and is made from woven synthetics.


Aluminum

Source: www.houzz.com.au

For a contemporary, streamlined look aluminum seems to be a good choice. Since it is so popular, there are many designs and styles available in this material.
Aluminum is lightweight, sturdy and easily moved from one spot to the other. An additional benefit to choosing aluminum is that it is easy to maintain as it cleans easily, resists corrosion and can hold its own even when left outside for long periods.
Wicker is lightweight, sturdy and easy to clean which may account for the fact that its popularity doesn't seem to wane.


Wrought Iron

Source: http://foter.com

For a formal, classic outdoor environment wrought iron comes to mind.
It is a strong, hardy material and styles in wrought iron range from contemporary to traditional. It lends a look of luxury, and because of its weigh, wrought iron will not tip easily. This trait makes it ideal for windy environments.
Wrought iron furniture does require some care to prevent rusting and corrosion.


Concrete

Source: http://california.concretenetwork.com

Concrete furniture is probably the hardiest furniture that you can find, and also among the heaviest. The weather can be at its harshest without doing it much damage. You can find some very interesting finishes in concrete as well.
It is quite low maintenance as well, and can be easily cleaned with soapy water and brush


Mixed Materials

Source: www.summerhousepatio.com

If you have an eclectic style, why stop at just one material? You don't have to as you can mix different materials to get the look that you want. You can mix different design styles, too for a more eclectic and individual look.
So why not place a teak table with your wrought iron chairs? Or a glass top table with your wicker furniture? You can also find chairs that combines different materials such as wood combined with some kind of metal.
Metal or wood frames often provide support for mosaic or slate table tops.


Article Source: http://furniture.about.com/