Having a patio in your home is an excellent idea. You get a lovely space to spend leisure time, especially when the weather is ideal for relaxation. The patio can also be your favorite spot for lounging, entertaining, and dining. However, thoughtful planning and placing of the furniture and accessories is crucial. Here, we list a few helpful tips to keep in mind while selecting patio furniture.

List your furniture needs
First and foremost, list the activities you will use your outdoor patio for. It will act as a guideline to plan the furniture. You might want a patio for summer brunches, birthday parties, lounging in the sun, reading, or a cocktail party. Prioritize the activities and choose the furniture accordingly. Let some furniture double up, like a center table can be used for dining too. Also, buy a couple of lounge chairs to relax; but ensure not to clutter the space. Go for dual-purpose furniture if your activity list is long.

Coordinate the colors to your home outdoors
The furniture should suit your home’s exteriors and landscaping. Neutral and matching colors are not the rule. So be creative. Choose a splash of colors to brighten up a neutral-colored exterior. But the paint should be such that despite exposure to the climate, it does not fade and become dull. You can spice up or vary the finish with different upholstery to match the seasons.

Ensure the furniture is comfortable
The seating furniture should be comfortable. So remember to take some time and try the chairs and sofas before you buy them. The cushions and angle of the sofas or seaters should be comfortable as the outdoor patio is a place to spend time relaxing. Uncomfortable furniture defeats this very purpose.

Consider the climatic outside
Outdoor patio furniture needs to retain its structure and appearance over the years, passing through many seasons and harsh climates. So take into account your weather conditions across seasons and select a material that will endure. Though no patio furniture is 100 percent weatherproof, certain materials will suit certain climatic conditions better. Below are key points to consider for different situations:

• Rain and moisture: If your house is exposed to frequent showers, ensure the furniture can withstand rain damage. The humidity levels should also be kept in mind. Dampness can cause fungi to thrive on the furniture, making it a breeding ground for mold and mildew. So buy furniture that is water-resistant and has been treated to prevent fungus. If you live in a coastal area, the metal in the furniture can rust easily due to corrosion.
• Sun and high temperature: If you live in regions with high heat in summer and extreme colds in winter, buy furniture that can withstand harsh UV rays and fluctuating weather conditions. Some materials can crack when exposed to extreme heat and cold. Fading is another problem with sun exposure. The material should not absorb too much heat as it can be uncomfortable to use in summer.
• Wind: Living in a windy area can make it challenging to maintain patio furniture that is not heavy enough to withstand the winds. Heavy furniture can be an added blessing as you will not have to keep spending time lugging your furniture indoors or into storage during windy periods. Lamps and accessories should be able to withstand the breeze.

Plan your budget
The cost of setting up a patio varies based on the material of the furniture. And since the tables and chairs are required to be more durable, you can expect them to be more expensive than your indoor setup. Plus, do not forget the added cost of maintenance over the years. It is best to plan out your budget beforehand and determine how much you are willing to pay.