Having a patio area in your yard is useful, as it means you can enjoy al fresco dining, sit and enjoy the view, or even set up a play area for kids. If you want to make the most of your patio, here are some pieces of outdoor furniture that are absolutely essential, especially when the weather is warm and you want to enjoy some fresh air.
1. An outdoor dining set
An outdoor dining set is ideal for a patio if you’ll be doing a lot of al fresco dining or entertaining. Around two-thirds of Australians own a barbecue, so why not both cook and eat outside? Consider how many people you usually have around and buy a table that can fit them all round, and make sure to get some spare chairs to ensure you have plenty when guests arrive.
2. An outdoor bar
If your barbecues are more about drinking than eating, then you may want to consider adding an outdoor bar to your patio to make cocktail hour more fun. Don’t have much space? You really don’t need a lot. You can buy a pre-built bar that has a few shelves inside, then add your own fittings like a mini-fridge or beer tap. Add some cool bar stools and you’ve got an area you and your friends will love.
3. Sun loungers
Sun loungers are a patio essential, as they let you lie back and enjoy the yard in comfort. Some features you should look for include:
4. An outdoor swing chair
If your patio has a great view, or you simply want to enjoy sitting outdoors and relaxing in comfort, then an outdoor swing chair is the ideal piece of furniture for your yard. These chairs have a retro pod shape, and they either come with a stand, so you can place them anywhere, or they are hung from a tree branch or any solid overhead structure, and they swing freely for a relaxing feel.
5. Something for heating
While it’s not technically furniture, another thing for your patio you may want to invest in is heating. Patio heaters are a popular choice, although they can be expensive to run, while a chimney or fire pit can be a stylish option. Adding heating means you can stay out later on chilly nights and enjoy your patio space year-round, especially if you also add some shelter.
If you want to spend more time out on your patio, the above items of furniture are ideal for creating an outdoor living space that’s comfortable and practical, as well as being stylish.