| Picking patio furniture and accessories for your | | | | occasional hosing off when dirty. |
| outdoor space can be fun once you decide what you | | | | Once you have picked a material and style, you need |
| would like your area to be. If you have a large patio | | | | cushions for your patio furniture and accessories to |
| space, you may have room for a seating area and a | | | | match. Cushions can be bought in a variety of |
| dining area. Even if you have a smaller space and | | | | materials and colors to match almost any decor. If |
| must choose between eating or lounging, you still | | | | you have installed a wood or propane fireplace in |
| have the task of choosing the furniture material, | | | | your outdoor space, be sure that your cushions are |
| style, and cushions. | | | | made of flame retardant fabric and fill. Other |
| Your patio furniture and accessories should reflect | | | | accessories that can define your space include patio |
| your style, as well as your desire for upkeep. That is | | | | rugs, lights, fountains, and garden statues. Lighting |
| why it is important to choose the right material. | | | | can vary, depending on what activities you intend to |
| Wicker, wrought iron, teak, and cast aluminum are | | | | do in the space. For parties, softer lighting is better. |
| common outdoor furniture materials. Each requires a | | | | However, if you intend to sit on the patio and read, |
| different type of care. Wicker should be kept out of | | | | brighter lamps should be used near the seating. Rugs |
| direct sunlight and away from moisture. Sunlight will | | | | define specific places, so they can be used to |
| cause the reeds to dry out and moisture can cause | | | | distinguish areas from one another. |
| mildewing. Wrought iron should be properly covered | | | | Filling your outdoor space with the right patio |
| when not in use to prevent rust. Once rust appears, | | | | furniture and accessories can extend the living space |
| the furniture must be sanded and repainted. Teak will | | | | of your home. If you have purchased furniture that |
| turn from brown to grey if left out in the elements. | | | | has the right level of maintenance for you, keeping |
| While this doesn't lessen the quality of the furniture, | | | | your patio beautiful will be a breeze. Choosing the |
| it changes the look. Fading can be prevented by | | | | right accessories and furniture can take it from being |
| applying teak protectant yearly. Cast aluminum | | | | a patio to extra living space. |
| furniture is basically maintenance free. It only requires | | | | |