It doesn’t matter how beautiful your outdoor space is: If you don’t have it furnished with the right patio set. Without a patio set, you aren’t going to get the maximum amount of use out of your outdoor space. The right outdoor patio set can transform your yard, patio or deck into an outdoor living space. This allows you to gather, celebrate and relax with family and friends. When choosing the right patio set, there are several factors to keep in mind.

Usage

First, you have to know how you want to use your outdoor patio space. If you want a comfortable space in which to relax with cocktails and friends or a cup of coffee and a book, you’ll probably gravitate more toward comfortable couches and chairs. If you’re looking to move your family meals outdoors, a dining table makes the most sense. And if you want your outdoor space to be the spot for summertime fun, a bar set might be the way to go.

Space

Your patio furniture also has to fit your outdoor living space. Be sure to take measurements and figure out how different patio sets will fit into your outdoor spaces. A set that’s too large can make your patio feel crowded and make it difficult to move around. An undersized set might be dwarfed by the scale of your backyard or your patio.

Staging

Usage and space go along with one additional factor: Staging. Patio furniture can define your outdoor living spaces. If you have enough area, you might be able to create different zones defined for different uses. In fact, if you have a particularly large outdoor living space, staging your outdoor furniture set might make the space more cohesive and usable. You might have a couch, chair and coffee table set for relaxing and a dining set for eating. Even in a small yard, you might be able to find pockets of space to serve different uses. You might occupy your main patio with a dining table for family meals. Or you could find a nook for a cozy café set to allow you to sit with a cup of coffee and the morning paper.

Materials

Patio sets come in a variety of materials, from natural teak and wicker to light-weight aluminum and traditional, heavy-duty iron. When you choose a patio set, you’ll have to choose which material fits your patio’s style, your storage needs, the time you’re willing to spend on maintenance and your budget. Regardless of which material you choose, make sure you invest in well-constructed patio furniture that will last you for years to come. You might find a set with a bargain price, but will it be durable enough to last more than one season?

Style

Of course, you want to find a patio set that fits with your style and the look and style of your home! Patio sets come in a range of styles and colors; you want to find a patio set with a look you love and with a look that fits your home’s style and your home’s décor.

If you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor space, stop by the Tri-County Hearth & Patio showroom to find the patio set that’s right for you!