Outdoor furniture may look fabulous in a store, but end up seeming oddly flat after being installed on your own patio. It is not about the furniture, but the planning involved. Rather than seeing the space as “my wicker corner”, you are purchasing furniture.

Focusing on How the Space Will Be Used

Each outdoor space will serve a unique function depending on the specific home and family needs. There may be a requirement for a secluded spot where one can have their morning coffee, while others would like room for weekend barbecuing. Young families would be concerned more about durable furniture than elegance.

Measuring the size of your outdoor space before purchasing the furniture from My Wicker will prevent you from the mistake of having too large furniture in a small deck. You should take into account paths, doors and gardens that will be accessible through the furniture. Also, take a look at the space during different times of the day, since the areas of shade and sun are not static.

Shade, Shelter and Continuous Comfort

There will be no use of a stylish arrangement if it is left in the sun during the hot hours of the day. Shade sails, market umbrellas and pergolas will change an unpleasant corner into a favourite retreat. Retractable awnings allow the sun to come in during winter days and keep out the heat in summer.

Protection from the wind is very important, especially for balconies and open decks. Hedges, planters, and screens will break the wind without creating a closed feeling. Such comfort add-ons like heaters or ceiling fans under the pergola will increase the usability of the space. Comfort is what makes people use the space.

Colour and Texture That Reflect Personal Style

Wicker comes in more shades and weaves than many buyers realise. Grey and charcoal tones suit modern homes with clean lines. Natural brown and honey shades feel warmer and sit comfortably beside timber decks and leafy gardens.

Cushions offer the easiest way to show personality, since they can change with the seasons. Mixing wicker with timber, stone and potted plants adds depth that a perfectly matched set often lacks. A little contrast stops the space from looking like a page torn from a catalogue.

Layers That Turn a Patio Into a Room

Furniture? It usually isn’t what first comes to mind when you think of making a space feel like home; it’s the little extras that really do the trick. A nice outdoor rug can instantly make you feel like you’re lounging on a porch in a living room on a breezy evening. And then there’s the lighting; once the sun goes down, it’s all about how you set the mood.

Adding just a bit of flair can really make a big difference:

As for bigger patios, try breaking it up into different areas, like a little dining nook and a lounge corner; it’ll give each bit of the space its own purpose.

Keeping the Patio Looking Fresh

The key to keeping your wicker furniture looking great for years to come is to take care of it. A bit of mild soap and warm water in a soft brush will keep the dust off without damaging the weave. And whenever you get a chance, flip those cushions over so one side doesn’t fade faster than the other.

You’d be amazed how easily you can fix small weave damage if you catch it early, before it spreads and starts to snag everywhere. And storing your cushions indoors during the off-season is a good idea; it keeps them safe from the elements and from taking on that damp smell.

It all adds up to just a minute or two of your time, but trust us, it’s worth it to protect a purchase that’s meant to last for years to come.

The Time to Upgrade or Replace

Outdoor spaces are constantly changing and your furniture should change too. You know: if your family is growing, you might suddenly need a few extra chairs or a bigger table in just a couple of years. And if you’re finding that cushions are just a bit too faded or flat, that’s a good time to upgrade.

But on the other hand, if you’ve got some bits and bobs with rust, cracks, or just generally looking a bit wobbly, it might be time to call in the big guns; a brand-new piece of furniture might be the safer bet. Older pieces can still find a home around the garden bed or out on the side balcony, and who knows, over time your space will start to tell the story of the people who live there.