Beat The Heat: Outdoor Furniture Worth Investing In

Warm weather is best enjoyed outdoors where you can bask in the sun during the day and enjoy the stars at night. Here in Arizona; we are fortunate to live outdoors year-round, so we know a thing or two about buying and caring for outdoor furniture and curating a space you’ll actually want to spend time in. You know an outdoor space will benefit you and your family; but you’re cautious because of the outside wear and tear, dirt and dust, and intense sun scorch…not to mention; the investment is steep. At Smyth House, we believe in creating outdoor spaces that provide the perfect setting for relaxation and QT with friends and family. Let’s design the outdoor oasis you’ve been dreaming of, worthy of investment. And if you’re a skip-to-the-point kind of person, we’ve put together an entire collection of pieces we love, just for you. Click here to shop.

WHY INVEST IN QUALITY OUTDOOR FURNITURE?

A well-thought-out space can be a natural extension of your home and expand your gathering spaces. A beautifully designed outdoor area can also add significant value to your home, with the furniture being the icing on the top. Investing in high-quality furniture will ensure your outdoor space gets used and lasts for years to come. Here’s what we consider when we’re sourcing for our clients:

1. Comfort: We’re all looking to chill. Kick back, and relax. Straight out of the pool or on a relaxing morning with the first sip of coffee, you want zen. Not falling apart after one season, withering away under the heat of the summer. Your investment should last season after season. Quality pieces tend to be more comfortable due to the attention to detail during construction including the foam and fabric used.
2. Durability: Your outdoor furniture is going to be outside, so it’s important that it’s durable, especially if it’s exposed to the elements. You’ll find higher quality materials and frame construction to be an important aspect within higher-end stores; whereas big box stores tend to focus less on construction and lasting materials, and more on aesthetics and fast fashion.
3. Maintenance: Low maintenance is something we always look for with outdoor furniture because it’s easy to clean and makes the space even more enjoyable, like if you know that drop of BBQ sauce will come off with just a wipe of a rag. Higher-end fabrics made for outdoor use emphasize easy maintenance because it really does make a difference.
4. Longevity: Like all things, outdoor furniture will probably need to be replaced at some point. Big box stores aren’t worried about your furniture lasting a long time. Higher-end outdoor brands do, and even though buying pieces from reputable sources may cost more, you won’t have to replace it every other year, saving you from spending more money in the long run.

HOW TO CHOOSE GOOD QUALITY FURNITURE

As you start your outdoor furniture shopping, you’ll discover that quality exists on a spectrum. We like to say, there are three elements and you can only have two: Quality, Price, and Speed. While big-box stores offer budget-friendly options that can get to you quickly, these pieces may not stand the test of time, and in our experience – do not. But that doesn’t mean all high-end stores are going to give you the best options either.  For durable and long-lasting furniture, we recommend consulting experienced interior designers, like us. We can help guide you in selecting furniture that fits your space, budget, and needs perfectly! We have also curated a collection of all of our favorite outdoor furniture pieces from brands we know, love, and use regularly as designers. 

CARING FOR YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND DECOR

Proper care is essential for maintaining the longevity and functionality of your outdoor furniture. Since it’s exposed to the elements, following a few guidelines will ensure its optimal condition. Additionally, each piece may come with specific care instructions, so be sure to read and keep any guides that accompany your purchase.

Our first, and probably most important, step in protecting your furniture is to cover it when it’s not in use. It may seem like a hassle, but it’s the easiest way to protect your investment and ensure you’re able to use your furniture for many years. Especially with the desert dust storms in the summer. 

Speaking of elements, it’s important to keep your pieces out of the sun, one of the most harmful elements to outdoor furniture. After a long day, the last thing you want is to sit down for a meal and be unexpectedly burned by a scorching chair. Or coming home from a vacation only to see your beautiful dark pillows bleached by the sun! If your space lacks natural shade, consider incorporating pergolas or umbrellas to provide a cool retreat for you and your guests, as well as additional protection for your furniture. 

FAVORITE PIECES & STYLING IDEAS

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some of our favorite outdoor pieces and how we’d style them. We’ve created three different outdoor living ideas that you can draw inspiration and shop from to create your own beautiful space! If you love the looks through out this post, you can shop the pieces and more here!

At Smyth House, we understand that finding the perfect outdoor furniture can be a challenging task. That’s why we offer our expertise and guidance to assist you in your design projects. If you’re interested in exploring our recommendations or seeking personalized advice, feel free to inquire with us! We are here to help you curate a beautiful outdoor space that matches your unique style and preferences.