Slowly but surely, we’re starting to warm up here in Manhattan and throughout New York City. You can already picture yourself hosting guests for drinks and dinner parties outside. But before you get too far ahead of yourself, take a look at the outdoor furniture you currently have.
It goes without saying that you should first check that the pieces are in good shape. From there, you’ll probably want to evaluate the look and feel of your outdoor furniture. Here’s the thing: If you plan to spend a lot of the upcoming spring and summer on your outdoor space, wouldn’t it make sense to invest in some quality furniture?
Let’s take a look at some buying tips as you make this decision:
Take the weather into account
Whether you’ve lived in NYC for a year or a decade, you know Mother Nature throws just about everything at us at some point or another. So how exactly does weather come into play as you look to purchase outdoor furniture? Well, hot, dry conditions occasionally make wood splinter and crack. It’s also a good idea to come up with an alternative to wicker items, as they have a hard time withstanding constant exposure to moisture.
Measure your space
This is an especially important tip. Sure, your first thought may be to “guesstimate” the amount of space you have on your deck or patio and go from there. But the last thing you want to do is return items because they’re too big or small.
As you determine the measurements, be sure to leave enough space around the items to be able to walk comfortably. Avoid trying to force a piece of furniture into this area just because you might love how it looks in the store. It’s okay to opt for a bar or bistro table in place of a regular dining set.
Figure out where to put your furniture
This is when the real fun begins. Perhaps your outdoor space is partially exposed to the elements. On the other hand, maybe you have the benefit of an overhead covering. However your outdoor area is situated, you will need to take some time deciding where to place your furniture.
Think about comfort
Let’s take a step back for a moment. The reason you’re purchasing outdoor furniture in the first place is to relax and make your space more comfortable. With that in mind, remember to choose a quality fabric that’s going to last for years to come. Especially with lounges, rockers, and recliners, cheaper may not necessarily mean better.
Plan for storage space
By this point, you’ve selected some weather-appropriate furniture that not only looks and feels good but also fits in your outdoor space. You’re good to go, right? Technically, there’s one other thing to account for — storage.
Especially in NYC, it’s imperative to provide storage for your outdoor furniture during the winter. Without reliable storage, you could be looking at purchasing new pieces of furniture every spring. Trust us when we say that will get expensive in a hurry!
Consult Our NYC Landscape Design Team
As you can see, buying outdoor furniture is easier said than done. That’s why we recommend teaming with a landscape design expert, such as Amber Freda, for your project.
It’s no secret why NYC residents have relied on Amber’s expertise over the years. As opposed to traditional lawn care or hardscaping companies, Amber has a real knack for landscape design. Part of what separates Amber from the competition is her ability to offer clients an aesthetic that feels like a seamless and natural extension of their homes.
Following an on-site consultation where Amber understands your vision and space, she gets right to work with the design phase. Whether your project entails decks, patios, pergolas, fences, or outdoor kitchens, Amber will show you how everything looks together before moving on to installation. Speaking of installation, our landscape design team installs all plants and planters ourselves, while our general contractors handle more of the custom features.
When it’s all said and done, you will have an incredible space for relaxing and entertaining.
You’d be amazed at how Amber Freda can completely transform your outdoor living space. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
