Fun in the Sun: A Buyer’s Guide to Outdoor Lounges
What better place to enjoy the outdoors than in your own backyard? You don’t have to drive anywhere. There aren’t any queues. Your fridge is nearby. There’s just one thing missing... a comfortable outdoor lounge! In this outdoor furniture buying guide, you’ll find quick and easy tips for planning and buying the perfect patio furniture pieces for your outdoor space.
Choose outdoor furniture that’s right for you
Do you love hosting parties? Or do you prefer a quiet life? Have you got a large or small yard? Who will be using your outdoor area and what will they be doing - dining or reclining? These are the sorts of questions to ask yourself to get to the heart of which outdoor furniture is best for you.
Explore Amart’s outdoor furniture range online or in-store to find:
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comfy pieces like outdoor sofas, outdoor chairs, day beds, sun lounges, hanging chairs, outdoor rugs, and outdoor cushions.
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small or large outdoor dining suites, outdoor lounge settings, outdoor bar sets, outdoor umbrellas, fire pits, and more for outdoor entertaining.
Consider the function & usage
If you consider how often you’ll be using your outdoor patio, whether it is covered or uncovered, and what you’d like to do out there, you’re on your way to choosing the right outdoor setting.
Outdoor furniture for dining has different features from outdoor pieces for lounging around. So, work out whether you’re dining outside, or curling up with a book and a cuppa.
You’ll also need to think about furniture durability. If your outdoor living space is uncovered, you should make sure the furniture materials you choose are durable and have UV protection.
Creating zones in your outdoor area
There are a few tips and tricks in an interior designer’s toolkit for creating zones in living spaces. And outdoor living spaces are no exception. Here are a few ways Amart’s outdoor settings and outdoor living accessories can be used to create zones.
Outdoor accessories: an outdoor rug placed underneath an outdoor setting ties the space together. While an outdoor umbrella not only shields you from the sun it also creates a resort bistro vibe over your bar setting, dining area or poolside sun lounges.
Demarcate lounge and dining: if you have a large outdoor area, an L-shaped setting like the Mornington Outdoor Lounge Suite can be positioned to demarcate your lounge zone from your outdoor dining zone - perfect as a breakaway space when entertaining large groups.
Size up your space
It’s important to be realistic about the size of the outdoor setting that will fit in your space. It’s always best to buy something that fits the space rather than something that holds the most people. Amart’s outdoor dining tables are available in 3-piece for small spaces up to large 11-piece outdoor dining sets. So you’re sure to find something that fits.
Identify your style
Link your outdoor style with your interior design style through your furniture choices. There are two ways you can create visual harmony between the zones:
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Colours and materials: Find a common element between your furniture - this could be colours, materials, or leg shape.
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Shop by style: Use our online filters to search by style for an outdoor lounge setting in coastal, traditional, or modern contemporary designs.
Comfort is your top priority
Beautiful furniture is nice but it’s not much fun if you don’t enjoy using it. Comfort is the priority. And at Amart, we’ve brought beauty and comfort together with our outdoor living furniture. Browse our comfy outdoor lounge sets with coffee tables, lounge chairs, day beds and sun lounges with sturdy frames and plush, quality chair pads so you can recline and enjoy. Add some outdoor cushions for extra support, colour, and a welcoming look.
Materials fit for your environment
In Australia, we like it hot, hot, hot! But it’s quite often cold, cold, cold, too. And wet. And humid.
All Amart’s high-quality outdoor furniture is manufactured to withstand Australian weather conditions including UV rays and rain. You can choose from low-maintenance powder-coated metal, aluminium, treated timber, galvanised steel, plastic, and UV-resistant wicker weaves. However, the less exposure your furniture has to the harsh Australian elements, the more long-lasting it will be. Consider an outdoor furniture cover for periods when your setting won’t be in regular use or stackable pieces that can be stored in your garage (storage space permitting).
Get planning
A little pre-thought and planning will go a long way when it comes to enjoying your outdoor space at home. List the activities you want to enjoy al fresco, from a garden or poolside daybed in summer to a fire pit with friends in the off-season. Then browse our range for the pieces that suit you.
Measure up
Not too small and not too large. Get your outdoor furniture sizing just right by measuring and marking out your space with tape or paper to get a feel for its footprint. You won’t regret it!
Maintenance of materials to ensure longevity
Cleaning your outdoor furniture will extend its life and keep it looking fresh and welcoming for years. It doesn’t have to be a long and laborious task. Just a little regular upkeep with the right equipment is all you’ll need. Simply wipe off dirt with a soft cloth or brush then follow with a wet cloth dipped in water and a mild detergent. Read the How to care for your outdoor furniture article in our blog for more detailed cleaning tips.
How to care for outdoor fabrics year-round
Built to last, Amart’s outdoor lounge upholstery and outdoor cushion fabrics are made from hard-wearing materials that are water and mildew-resistant resistant. However, for best performance and fabric longevity, we recommend a furniture cover if they won’t be under a covered patio and wiping them with a damp cloth if they’re dirty.
During long periods of rain or irregular use, consider storing them somewhere indoors like a garage or shed.
