It's Time to Buy Outdoor Furniture for Your Vacation Home

Your vacation home is where you go to get away from it all, and now is the time to spruce up this cherished space and buy outdoor furniture. As you watch the temperatures dip, the last thing you might be thinking about is vacation home furniture, but there are many advantages to buying off-season. The teak outdoor furniture experts at TEAK + TABLE break down why now is the best time to buy outdoor furniture. 
 

The Best Time to Buy Outdoor Furniture 

Now that the winter months are just around the corner, warm weather lovers are daydreaming about summer plans. Those lazy afternoons by the pool, backyard cocktails with friends, and family barbecues you’ve been thinking about all require comfortable, durable, and stylish outdoor furniture. It may take more time than you realize to achieve an outdoor space that lives up to your dreams.
 

Many people buy their patio teak furniture when the temperatures start to warm up in the spring, but that may not give you enough time to find the perfect furniture that reflects your style and meets your needs. The average interior designer, for example, takes two to three months to complete a design project, and they have more advanced design skills and knowledge of the furniture market than most people. If you’re looking to create your own outdoor oasis, give yourself even longer to help achieve your vision.
 

If you wait until spring like everyone else, you could end up with an outdoor space that lacks cohesion and style. Additionally, you may not have time to research the furniture and make sure that it fits your space and is made from durable, high-quality materials that will last. Inspired design takes time and cannot be rushed. If you want the perfect look for your outdoor space, start thinking about it now. That way, you’ll have enough time to return something you don’t love, and you won’t be tempted to keep it just because it’s good enough and you need something for summer.
 

You may not find outdoor furniture in some stores this time of year. Many of them will have sold off the last of their patio furniture to make room for other seasonal items. You’ll have better luck shopping online or with a retailer dedicated solely to outdoor furniture. Sometimes shipping for in-demand furniture brands can take as long as three to four months, which is yet another reason to start shopping now.

Could Your Vacation Home Furniture Use a Refresh? 

You’ve worked hard for your vacation home. Making the best of its outdoor spaces ensures that you get the most value out of this second home. The right patio furniture will entice you to spend more time outside and may even provide you with more enjoyment than going out. Whether you haven’t purchased any patio furniture or your old furniture is showing signs of wear, it might be time to think about upgrading your outdoor space with the right furniture.
 

For some people, vacation home furniture is an afterthought, but it’s just as much a reflection of your style as your first home. You go to your vacation home to get away or to entertain friends and family, and the right furniture can set the tone for these moments of fun, rest, and relaxation. High-quality vacation home furniture lasts longer and looks better.

Tips for Buying Outdoor Furniture

Measure Your Outdoor Space

There’s nothing worse than ordering and eagerly awaiting the delivery of your outdoor furniture, only to find out that it is too large or too small for your space. Save yourself the hassle by measuring your outdoor space. It’s more common to buy furniture that’s too large for the area, so err on the side of smaller furniture. It needs to not only fit in the space but also leave enough room for comfortable walkways. If you plan to shop in a store, bring along a rough sketch of the shape of the space, along with the dimensions.

Consider the Weather

All outdoor furniture must withstand harsh elements regardless of the weather and climate regardless of the location, but some conditions are harsher than others. Think about what kind of weather you get at your vacation home to determine what type of materials you should look for. Is it hot or cold? How often does it rain? If you experience intense weather conditions at your vacation home, it may be worth investing in furniture made from more durable materials.
 

You also want to think about the location of your outdoor space and what kind of elements it is exposed to. Consider whether your outdoor space is exposed to direct sunlight or is close to a body of water. Outdoor furniture on beachfront or lakefront properties can take a beating from elements like wind, sand, sun, and moisture. Certain types of wood may not be able to stand up to these conditions.

Determine Outdoor Seating or Activity Areas

There are many questions to ask yourself as you plan your outdoor living space. What kinds of activities will take place in your outdoor space? If you have a small patio, you may be looking for a small dining table and chairs for morning coffee or chatting with a friend. If you have a big outdoor space to furnish, you can break it up with a few activity areas, such as a dining area with a table and chairs and a seating area equipped with an outdoor lounge set. If there’s a pool, you might want a few chaise lounges for sun tanning. Will you need an umbrella or a covering for any seating areas? If the spot where you’re planning to put your outdoor dining set gets hours of direct sunlight, a covering is necessary so that you get the most use out of your furniture.

Comfort Matters

The whole point of outdoor patio furniture is to have a space where you can lounge outdoors. If the furniture is not comfortable, you may as well not buy it because it won’t get used. Look for furniture that comes with plush cushions made with a high-quality fabric that’s pleasant to touch. Many outdoor fabrics are designed to resist fading and mildew formation, but they’re not pleasing to touch. Finding comfortable, durable, and stylish furniture takes time, which is why it’s essential to start looking now. Who doesn't want to relax on plush teak outdoor lounge chaises.
 

Keep Up with Trends

If you’re buying outdoor furniture that will last for decades, one concern you may have is how to keep your space on-trend throughout the years. While you should look for furniture in styles that will stand the test of time, you can use items like throw pillows, blankets, rugs, lanterns, and other design elements to keep up with the latest fashions.

Consider Your Storage Needs

Think about what kind of objects you want to store outside. Do you need to store blankets, beach towels, suntan lotion, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, bug spray, citronella candles, charcoal, grill brushes, and more? No matter what kind of design you go for, this kind of clutter will detract from the beauty of your outdoor living space. If you have storage needs, look for furniture, such as teak outdoor coffee tables that are functional and fit with your décor.

Find Inspiration

As you stare at your empty outdoor space or outdated patio furniture, you may feel overwhelmed. You can find inspiration for your décor anywhere, from conventional places, such as interior design blogs and magazines, to unconventional places like an art museum or your favorite hotel. Think about what kind of mood you want to be in when you’re in your outdoor space and look for design elements that inspire those feelings.
 

Look for Durable, High-Quality Furniture

Purchasing high-quality furniture ensures that it will last for many years to come. Look for furniture frames made from materials like wrought iron, wood, wicker (woven), and stainless steel, which can last for many years or even decades. Make sure that you research any materials if you’re looking for furniture that will last.
 

At TEAK + TABLE, we want you to have the perfect outdoor space when summer arrives. That’s why we offer high-quality, stylish, and durable teak furniture that can withstand harsh outdoor elements all year long. Whether your vacation home is in the mountains of Colorado or a beachfront property in South Carolina, our furniture can stand up to the weather conditions. No matter what style of décor suits your tastes, we are sure to have a bespoke furniture collection that speaks to you.