Which Outdoor Furniture is Right for You?

Does your outdoor space call for a big teakwood dining set with a huge colorful umbrella? Or is your summer entertaining style and space more refined, with a smaller bar-height patio set? There are so many options available for creating the perfect outdoor area at your home -- let's consider how you plan on entertaining outdoors and the space you have available to find the best outdoor furniture set for you! SMALL AND CHIC Not everyone has a huge outdoor space -- if you're a city-dweller with a small deck for entertaining or have a little patio off the back of your townhouse, a full-size set of outdoor furniture just won't do. Try a bar-height patio set to extend your space -- the extra height will make you feel like there's more room, and these sets tend to have a smaller footprint, which will take up less space on your deck or patio. SECRET GARDEN For those of us with green thumbs and gorgeous green backyards to match, you'll need outdoor furniture that blends easily into the beauty. Go with a natural wood patio set with simple lines and fresh accents of white cushions -- this way, your flowers, not your furniture, will take center stage! Teak is a great option because it stands up well to the elements. BEACH DREAMING You don't have to live on the beach -- or even anywhere near it -- to create a backyard space that will make you swear that the ocean is right next door. The perfect way to get that beach feel is with some fun, colorful Adirondack chairs. Add some side tables for a place to set your drink and a huge striped stand-alone umbrella to complete the look. Adirondack chairs now even come in plastic -- great for stacking them for storage in the off-season. OUTDOOR LIVING This summer, bring the indoors outside! Most companies that make patio furniture are now also making sets that look and feel like your living room furniture, but are made from materials that are completely weather-resistant. If you have a large outdoor space to fill or spend a lot of time outside, this is a creative option. They even make great looking outdoor rugs, so you can really kick-off your flipflops and relax outside! MODERN AND CLEAN Having a hard time finding a patio set that matches the clean lines in your home? Fed up with all the wrought-iron, ivy-motif furniture you keep finding? Go with something sleek and fresh with easy square lines and cushions. Complete this outdoor look with lots of large white column candles, put in bunches around your patio or deck.