A stylish terrace or balcony is the dream of many people. Even a small space arranged in the right way can encourage you to spend your free time outdoors. What can you do to enjoy your own relaxing corner in spring and summer? Here are some suggestions!
How to choose patio and balcony furniture for the available space?
The choice of garden furniture for a terrace or balcony depends largely on the space available. Therefore, you should measure it carefully before choosing the right set. If there is not much space, it is best to focus on light, openwork structures. They will visually enlarge the space and make it look more spacious. Larger terraces and balconies can be furnished with more massive models, e.g. sofas and armchairs made of technorattan or wooden pallet furniture. The most important thing is to provide seating for every household member and possible guests. For this reason, smaller spaces are better served by garden furniturewhose frames do not take up valuable space. It is also important to choose garden furniture in terms of design. Together, they should form a coherent, stylish arrangement.
Best materials for garden furniture – wood, metal or technorattan?
Wooden garden furniture is a classic that brings a warm, cosy atmosphere to an arrangement. The most commonly used species are larch, beech and ash. However, there is also no shortage of models made from teak or acacia wood. The latter provide furniture with particular durability and robustness. They are resistant to external conditions and are therefore ideal for the balcony or terrace.
Garden furniture made of metal will also be a good choice. This is a robust material that is resistant to mechanical damage and moisture. Metal lounge sets are often maintained in a modern, raw design, which is perfect for minimalist arrangements.
Technorattan furniture is also very popular. They look like natural, but require far less attention. This is due to the fact that they are characterised by much greater durability. This type of furniture can be left outdoors all season long, so it is an excellent choice for balconies and terraces.
How to arrange a functional and cosy seating area?
A seating area on a balcony or terrace should be functional and cosy. In the case of small spaces, it is advisable to opt for folding furniture, which provides more free space when not in use. The practicality of using the space will also be enhanced by carefully selected lighting. Solar lanterns, battery lamps, wall lamps or garlands can create a special atmosphere.
Textiles are also an important part of the seating area. Outdoor rugs, decorative cushions, plaids and even curtains. Soft accessories bring a cosy atmosphere to the arrangement. It is important that they are made of suitable outdoor-resistant materials such as polyester or acrylic. Such surfaces are easy to clean, as they do not absorb moisture and dirt. They are also not susceptible to mould growth.
What else can be included in a seating area? Consider an umbrella, a garden sail or an awning to protect from the sun and provide comfort on hot summer days.
Balcony and terrace in different styles – how to match garden furniture?
In order to keep the arrangement coherent, it is advisable to follow the main accepted style when buying garden furniture. Scandinavian balconies or terraces will look great when combined with furniture made of natural, light materials such as pine or oak. Models with straight lines and geometric shapes will fit in perfectly. On the other hand, the boho style requires a slightly different approach! Here you can opt for rounded shapes and a touch of artistic disorder. Technorattan armchairs and sofas, hammocks and a cocoon swing are ideal.
When it comes to modern arrangements, on the other hand, you can opt for minimalist garden furniture with unusual forms and shapes. Acapulco chairs are a good example of this, with deep, round seats made of taut braided cords that create an interesting openwork effect.
How do you look after your patio furniture so that it lasts for years?
The basic care of garden furniture, regardless of the material used, is always to clean it regularly of dust and any dirt. However, wooden elements (as well as individual types of wood) should be treated differently from metal or artificial ones.
Wood requires special treatments to protect it from weathering. Polish species of wood need special protection, exotic species need less. In the former case, the treatment consists in coating the furniture with a special impregnating agent. In the latter case, oiling is sufficient.
Metal garden furniture should be protected against corrosion. For this purpose, a special anti-corrosion agent will prove useful. If rust has already appeared on the furniture, first of all the varnish should be removed and only then the structure should be treated with a suitable agent.
