Winter Blah’s? Focus on Outdoor Furnishings for Spring!
Yuck, yuck, and more yuck. I’m so tired of slush, gray snow, and the cold.
Right now, I need a tropical vacation and a colorful cocktail by the pool. The Southeast has endured weeks of cold temperatures, wind, and the occasional wintry mix. At first, I welcomed the winter weather because we had a warm December. But after a few weeks of the same old slop, I’m sick of winter.
To lift my spirits from the winter doldrum, I am writing about outdoor furniture. In case you haven’t shopped for furniture lately, expect some serious delays in obtaining merchandise–and I don’t think the supply line issues will resolve before springtime. My best advice? Start shopping now and order soon if you want new outdoor furnishings for the warm weather.
Plan now for what you will need in April
Take inventory of your outdoor furnishings while it’s still winter. Are the items still in good shape, or do they show signs of wear? Do you need new cushions and pillows, or do the old ones just need a good cleaning?
To plan your purchases, measure the outdoor space and ask yourself how you plan to use the area. If you plan to entertain around the fire pit, for example, how many people will you typically have over at one time? And if you’re planning a large outdoor living space, you will need to plan for coffee and side tables, coordinating cushions, and possibly an eating area.
Replacing vs. refurbishing outdoor furnishings
If you have outdoor furnishings already, you may not want to spend a bundle on new items. Your items may look dingy or worn, or have mildew after the snow melts. Consider refurbishing what you have, if the items still have good structural integrity. You might be surprised at what a can of Rustoleum paint can do to rehabilitate a piece of faded furniture.
Mildew disappears when it is treated with fungicidal solutions. Hydrogen peroxide eliminates mildew without fading, and it will typically not discolor fabrics. An outdoor bleach solution may be used for more difficult mildew or dirt stains, but be aware that chlorine bleach often fades or discolors items. Test it on a small hidden area before spraying.
Pressure washing on a low-pressure setting removes stubborn dirt, but if paint is loose or peeling, pressure washing may cause paint to peel off. As an alternative, scrub the furniture with dish soap and warm water, and rinse to remove soapy residue.
Good resources for new outdoor furnishings
Where you purchase new outdoor furnishings depends in part on how much you want to pay for them. Box stores such as Lowe’s, Target, and At Home offer a number of outdoor furnishings at reasonable price points, with acceptable quality. Retailers such as Frontgate, Ballard Designs, and Restoration Hardware offer higher-end merchandise, although the price point may be less attractive. Balance what you want with how it will be used, and what you are willing to afford.
Outdoor fabric selection
I highly recommend only using fabrics on outdoor furnishings that are specifically designed to withstand the outdoors! Because I create my own pillows for my outdor spaces, I shop for Sunbrella, Outdura, Kravet, or Waverly. Not only is the selection of colors and patterns substantive, the fabrics resist water and fading, and they’re easy to clean.
Shameless plug for Gate City Design!
Gate City Design offers custom envelope-style outdoor pillow coverings, made in the sizes that you need. Since the pillow coverings are custom-made, allow time for production and shipping–I ship anywhere within the continental United States. I also offer custom fabric shopping for any client who wants help selecting the perfect colors to accent their outdoor space.
Contact Hillary at 336.707.7324 to request a complimentary fabric consultation and quote for your project, or complete the client contact form. Please note: We do not offer seat cushion services, only decorative pillows.
