A couple of plastic chairs on a patio are sufficient to enjoy a drink there, while lounge sets invite you to relax. And that is what makes many households turn their patios into additional rooms where they would spend more time. Wicker lounge sets are at the heart of such an idea, comfortable and durable.
How a Set Determines the Way a Patio Would Be Used?
If you live in a warmer part of Australia, your patio, set up with wicker lounge sets, could be your backyard all year long. With a heater installed in it, cool evenings would not prevent you from using your outdoor space. A comfortable space would mean longer visits from your guests and more frequent meetings of your family in it.
But a wrong set would remain in its place covered for months. Comfort, layout and durability determine whether the patio furniture will be used or not.
Types of Layout and Their Suitability
There are several options of lounge sets, and it is the shape which determines its suitability rather than colour.
Modular sets are convenient for households which often have guests, as their parts could be separated and combined. Smaller spaces require thin arms and low backs.
Comfort Lives in the Details
You don’t always get to see what really makes a lounge set comfortable from a photo. The depth of the seat is a biggie; deep seats are great for just lounging around, but shallower seats work a lot better for chatting with friends in an upright position. At the other end of things, seat height is also very important, especially if you’ve got older guests coming over, as low sofas can be a real pain to get up from.
The thickness of the cushions and how much back support they give is what decides whether people are going to be happy sitting down for ten minutes or two hours. And then there’s the armrests; a broad one can hold a drink or a book, which adds a lot of everyday convenience to the set. But to be honest, the best way to get a feel for the comfort of a set is usually sitting on it in person before you even think about buying it.
Planning the Space Around the Set
You don’t want a lounge setting that feels cramped or like it’s closing in on you. Keeping clear paths to walk through is essential, and you should also make sure you’re not blocking off doors, steps or garden access, even when all the seats are taken.
Ideally, you want to position the set away from any wind or harsh sunlight that might be coming in through the windows; that makes a huge difference to the overall comfort of the space. And when it comes to the coffee table, try to get one that’s pretty close to the height of the seats, so you can easily grab a drink or snack without having to get up.
If you want to be able to use the space more of the year or want to be able to keep it going through winter, then having some kind of heating or lighting can be a good idea; a fire pit or some heaters can make a big difference.
Caring for Cushions and Covers
The cushions are probably the bit of the set that’s doing most of the hard work when it comes to comfort, so they’re also the bit that takes the most wear and tear. But if you leave them out in the rain or in damp conditions for too long, then they can end up getting all soggy and developing mould. A safe place for them when they’re not in use, like a dry shed or a storage box, will help keep them fresh between uses.
Using a cover to keep the set dry when you’re not using it is a good idea too, especially in winter when it’s likely to be out of use for a bit. Just make sure the cover is breathable, though; trapped moisture is basically the worst thing for your cushions and furniture. Some daily tasks, like giving the cushions a good brush to remove leaves and dust, will also go a long way to keeping them looking their best for longer.
Durability Questions to Ask Before Buying
When you’re buying outdoor furniture here in Australia, the reality is that you’re probably going to be putting it up against some pretty tough conditions, strong UV, storms and, in some places, salty air to contend with. So before you hand over your money, it’s worth asking a few key questions:
When the vendor can give you some specific answers that are backed up by details, that’s usually a good sign. On the other hand, if they’re being vague or can’t tell you what the materials are or what the warranty covers, that’s probably a red flag, even if the set looks great.
