Choosing Patio Furniture for Your Pool
A pool with ample patio space is the perfect way to bring family and friends together, both during the sweltering summer and all year round. There are limitless possibilities for how to furnish this space, from comfortable couches, a dining area, a fire pit, or even a hammock to lounge. But the sheer number of design possibilities can lead to tough decisions – what furniture should you pick for your specific space? Luckily, here at Shoreline Pools, we have over 50 years of experience in design and construction to help you decide on the right furniture for your patio.
Furniture Based on Family Size
One aspect to consider when choosing patio furniture is the size of your household, and how much space you will need to accommodate the new features. Regardless of your family’s size, a good rule of thumb is to always allow 2 feet around seating areas and 3 feet around dining areas to account for the flow of traffic.
Small (2-3 People)
For a small family and a small space to utilize, there are many furniture options to conserve space and still provide you with an outdoor oasis. Your best bet is to opt for folding or stacking furniture that you can store away when not in use. For minimum square footage, try some outdoor club chairs and a small bistro table set. Outdoor floor pillows can also double as seating and take up less space than chairs.
Medium (4-6 People)
For a bigger family with more space at your disposal, make your outdoor space comfortable with a sofa or loveseat. A patio swing is also a fun option, combining a hammock and a sofa to deliver the crux of relaxation. For dining, a picnic table is a great option for hosting outdoor meals while conserving space. You could even pull up a grill if your space allows it. Additionally, place a fire pit in the middle of your arrangements for added ambiance.
Large (Over 6 People)
Big families need entertainment and dining space with a big impact. Our best suggestion is to create activity zones in different areas to provide something for everyone. Lay down outdoor rugs and set up ottomans to designate areas for dining, relaxation, and entertainment. For relaxation, consider a daybed or a sectional for guests to stretch out on. Shop for outdoor patio dining sets to seat multiple guests. Consider an outdoor bar or kitchen to satisfy the crowd. To enclose your seating arrangements, a gazebo or pergola is a great option.
Choosing the Best Styles of Furniture to Buy
Now that you know what types of furniture to buy, the next step to consider is aesthetics. What style are you striving for with your outdoor space? What colors or materials already exist within your home design that you want to incorporate into your outdoor setup? Here are some things to think about when buying your patio furniture.
Easy-Care Outdoor Furniture
When buying furniture for outdoor patio space, you must remember that these pieces will brave the elements. It’s important to choose materials that can withstand whatever nature throws at them. Most metal, teak, cedar, and all-weather wicker pieces will stand the test of time with minimal upkeep and regular cleaning. Accessorize patio furniture with throw pillows, which have removable covers for easy cleaning.
Color Matching Your Furniture
Outdoor furniture comes in a wide variety of colorful finishes, which makes your design capabilities unlimited. Make sure that your furniture does not clash with other finishes around the house, and instead play up colors found in your landscaping, your home’s exterior, or any other décor found outside. Reserve bolder tones for accent pieces, like throw blankets and pillows. You can also DIY any piece of furniture by giving it a new paint job to match your other pieces.
Invest in Quality Furniture
Shop with the utmost care when buying your outdoor furniture. Some pieces may look great on the shelf, such as chairs made of plastic or resin, but they likely will not be able to withstand more than a year or two of wear. Invest in pieces that you plan to use most frequently, such as coffee tables or loveseats. Lesser of the budget can be spent on accent pieces.
Design Your Outdoor Patio Oasis with Shoreline Pools!
If you need additional guidance on how to style your outdoor space, Shoreline Pools is here to help! Our skilled professionals have built and serviced over 4,000 swimming pools in the New York Tri-State Area, and we specialize in outdoor design. To schedule an appointment with the Shoreline Pools service and maintenance team, dial (203) 357-1544 today!
