8 Tips for Choosing the Best Patio Furniture for Your Outdoor Space

8 Tips for Choosing the Best Patio Furniture for Your Outdoor Space
Make the patio your new favorite hangout with the best furniture that suits your taste and space. Mint Images/Getty Images/TNS
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Great patio furniture brings comfort and function to your outdoor spaces. With a spacious table and comfortable chairs, a basic stone patio can be transformed into an alfresco dining destination. Outfit a porch with a wicker sofa and classic rocking chair, both topped with plush cushions, and it can quickly become a second family room during the warm weather months.

When complemented with the right patio furniture, even small spaces such as balconies and pocket gardens will beckon you outside. Use the following tips to choose the best patio furniture for your space. Thoughtful planning will help make your backyard your new favorite spot for lounging, dining, and entertaining.

Make a List of Patio Furniture Needs

Begin by thinking about how you would like your outdoor space to function. Do you want it to serve as a dining area on warm summer nights? Do you plan to host your next dinner party or your child’s birthday party in the space? Or do you envision a peaceful reading nook tucked into your outdoor room?

Make a list of the activities you would like to do in the space and use it as a guide to determine what type of patio furniture is necessary. If the primary function of your 12-by-16-foot patio is to host casual evening cocktails, for example, there is no need for a dining table. Instead, opt for ample comfortable seating, several side tables, and a fire pit.