Creating the perfect backyard sanctuary is an art. It requires balancing aesthetics with functionality, and luxury with durability. But with so many options on the market, understanding what truly matters when selecting outdoor furniture can feel overwhelming.
At Sissonne Outdoor, we believe your exterior space should be an extension of your home's interior—just as comfortable, just as stylish, and built to last a lifetime. Here are seven key factors to consider when curating your outdoor oasis.
1. Measure Your Outdoor Space
Before you fall in love with a dining set or any outdoor piece, you need to know exactly what your space can handle.
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The Essentials: Measure the full length and width of your patio or deck. Note fixed features like doors, windows, pillars, or built-in planters that could dictate placement.
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The "Breathe" Room: Avoid the common mistake of overcrowding. Large furniture pieces are luxurious, but they need space around them to shine. Ensure there is ample room to pull out dining chairs or walk around a sofa without squeezing through.
2. Determine Your Needs & Lifestyle
How do you envision spending your time outdoors?
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The Entertainer: If you host large dinner parties, prioritize a spacious dining table with ample seating.
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The Lounger: If your goal is relaxation, focus on deep-seating sectionals, lounge chairs, or daybeds.
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The Family Hub: If you have children or pets, you need durable materials that can withstand high traffic and the occasional spill.
Understanding your primary use case will guide your investment.
3. Test Your Layout
Visualising furniture in an empty space can be tricky. Before purchasing, try to physically map out the arrangement.
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The Tape Method: Use painter's tape to outline the dimensions of the furniture directly on your deck or patio.
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The Walk-Through: Once taped, walk through the space. Does the flow feel natural? Is the coffee table too far from the sofa? This simple step can save you from purchasing pieces that are too large or too small for your specific area.
4. Create a Flow Around Your Space
A well-designed outdoor room is all about movement. You should be able to navigate the area effortlessly.
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Traffic Patterns: Aim for at least 24-30 inches of clear walkway space between furniture pieces.
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Sightlines: Consider the view from inside your home looking out. Ensure your furniture arrangement doesn't block beautiful vistas or make the space feel closed off. Low-profile furniture often works best to maintain an open, airy atmosphere that invites you outside.
5. Plan for Storage and Seasonality
Even the highest quality outdoor furniture needs protection to maintain its pristine condition over decades.
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Storage Solutions: If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider where you will store cushions or smaller items. Stackable chairs are a great space-saving solution for off-season storage.
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The Importance of Covers: We cannot stress this enough—invest in custom-fit covers. Even durable teak benefits from coverage during extreme weather or when not in use for extended periods. Covers protect against UV fading, pollen, bird droppings, and snow, significantly extending the life and look of your investment.
6. Invest in Quality Materials
The material you choose dictates the longevity of your furniture. While premium materials have a higher upfront cost, their resistance to the elements makes them a smarter financial decision in the long run.
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Teak: The gold standard for outdoor luxury. It is a dense, naturally oily hardwood that is highly resistant to rot, pests, and moisture. Over time, it weathers to a beautiful silvery-grey.
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Aluminum: Lightweight, strong, and rust-proof. It is perfect for modern frames and requires very little maintenance.
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Performance Fabrics: For cushions, accept nothing less than solution-dyed acrylics. These fabrics are engineered to resist fading, mold, and mildew while remaining soft to the touch.
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Synthetic Wicker: Look for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) weaves rather than cheap PVC. HDPE resists cracking and peeling even under intense sun. All Sissonne Outdoor wicker is made form Ecolene.
7. Match With Accessories and Style
Once the foundation is set with your main furniture, accessories bring the space to life.
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Textiles: Use throw pillows and blankets in high-performance fabrics to add pops of color and texture.
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Rugs: An outdoor rug can ground a seating area, defining the "room" without walls.
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Shade: A premium umbrella not only offers relief from the sun but acts as a vertical focal point.
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Lighting: Extend your enjoyment into the evening with ambient lighting. Lanterns, string lights, or fire tables create a warm, inviting glow.
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Greenery: Use planters to soften the hard lines of furniture and integrate your patio with the surrounding landscape.
