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A Closer Look at Outdoor Furniture: Trends, Fabrics and Commercial Usage

Written by Watson's | Oct 18, 2023 12:30:00 PM

Outdoor furniture is an essential component of any outdoor living space. Whether you're looking to upgrade your patio, create a cozy garden nook, or furnish a commercial space, it's important to stay informed about the latest trends and fabric choices From understanding the benefits of Sunbrella fabrics and waterproof options to learning how to choose and maintain your outdoor furniture, let's take a closer look at the world of outdoor furniture and its various applications.

 

Current Trends in Outdoor Furniture

Just as with interior design, outdoor furniture trends are ever-evolving. The industry is buzzing with innovations that render the concept of outdoor decor more versatile, engaging, and sophisticated. Each year, top designers introduce new styles, setting the pace in the outdoor furniture industry and keeping outdoor spaces dynamic and stylish.

 

Emergence of Sustainable and Eco-friendly Materials

With the rise of green initiatives and environmental consciousness, sustainable materials are gaining ground in the design of outdoor furniture products. Trends show a lean towards material types such as reclaimed wood, recycled plastic, and powder-coated metals, accentuating aesthetics without compromising on earth-friendly ethics.

 

Growing Popularity of Multifunctional Outdoor Furniture

Another hot trend in outdoor furniture is the increasing preference for multifunctional furniture items. People are maximizing their balcony spaces, patio furniture is seen housing storage spaces, and tables double up as coolers. This trend is only set to grow further as homeowners and commercial spaces, especially hotel chains, seek to make the most out of their external spaces.

Stay Ahead of Trends: Outdoor Furniture Trends for the New Decade

As we step into the new decade, staying ahead of outdoor furniture trends can transform your outdoor spaces into stylish and inviting retreats. Design experts have highlighted several trends that promise to shape the outdoor living experience in the coming years.

  • Natural Materials and Textures: Embrace the beauty of nature with outdoor furniture crafted from natural materials like rattan, teak, and wicker. These materials not only add an organic charm but also offer durability against varying weather conditions.
  • Bold Color Palettes: Vibrant and bold color choices are making their mark in outdoor spaces. Consider incorporating expressive shades like deep blues, rich greens, and warm oranges to add a pop of personality to your outdoor furniture.
  • Multi-Functional Furniture: In a world where space is valuable, multi-functional furniture pieces are gaining popularity. Look for versatile options that can serve as seating, storage, and even dining surfaces.
  • Tech-Integrated Furniture: With the integration of technology, outdoor furniture is becoming smarter. From built-in speakers to wireless charging, you can find furniture pieces that enhance the convenience and entertainment factor of your outdoor area.
  • Sustainable Choices: Environmentally conscious designs are on the rise. Furniture made from sustainable materials and utilizing eco-friendly production methods are becoming increasingly sought after.
  • Boho and Eclectic Styles: The bohemian and eclectic aesthetics are making their way outdoors. Mix and match different patterns, textures, and styles to create a laid-back and unique outdoor oasis.
  • Outdoor Rugs and Lighting: Just like indoors, rugs and lighting play a vital role outdoors too. Outdoor rugs define spaces, while well-placed outdoor lighting enhances the ambiance and extends usability into the evening.
  • Customization and DIY: Personalization is key. DIY projects and customizable furniture allow you to tailor your outdoor space to your preferences and needs.

By keeping these trends in mind, you can curate an outdoor living space that reflects your individual style while embracing the latest design movements.

Remember, the goal is to create an environment that not only looks stunning but also serves as a functional extension of your living space.

A Comprehensive Review Of Fabric Choices for Outdoor Furniture

It can be overwhelming sometimes when looking at all of the outdoor furniture fabric choices. Here's a closer look at some of the most common fabrics used in outdoor furniture and their unique benefits.

 

The Rise of Sunbrella Fabrics

When it comes to choosing the right fabric for outdoor furniture, Sunbrella has made a name for itself. Sunbrella offers vibrance, durability, and high-performance materials that are fade, water, and stain-resistant, perfect for outdoor decor. Reflecting on the growth of the outdoor furniture market, Sunbrella fabrics are versatile, easy to maintain, and breathe new life into spaces with their wide range of colors and patterns.

 

Benefits and Use of Vinyl and Polyester Fabrics

Vinyl and polyester fabrics are also great choices for outdoor furniture. These fabrics boast high durability, affordability, and resistance to outdoor elements such as UV rays and rain. Commercial usage of these materials has been beneficial to establishments like hotel chains, with easy wipe-clean maintenance making it a practical choice.

 

Waterproof and UV Resistant Fabrics

Using waterproof and UV-resistant fabrics for outdoor furniture can be a game-changer. These fabrics protect the furniture from harmful UV rays, rain, and humidity, significantly extending its lifespan. These high-tech fabrics prove essential in maximizing the ROI in the furniture business, by maintaining the furniture's aesthetics and structural integrity for longer durations.

 

Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Maintaining Outdoor Furniture

Designing an ideal outdoor living space means selecting durable, functional furniture tailored to your lifestyle. The right outdoor furniture choices and proper maintenance are key to creating an outdoor oasis you can enjoy for years.

Movable, multifunctional modular furniture makes reconfiguring your space for different occasions a breeze. Patio sectionals, dining sets, deep seating chat areas, and weatherproof chaise lounges enable both relaxation and entertaining outdoors. Tables with handy built-in features keep drinks and devices handy.

Caring for your outdoor furniture properly is also key to enjoying it for years. We'll provide tips on cleaning different materials like woven and metal to prevent damage and staining. Checklists of what to bring inside or cover for protection in inclement weather will help your furniture stay in top shape. Be prepared to refresh faded fabric and re-treat wood.

Check out our comprehensive outdoor furniture guide to walk you through everything you need to consider when choosing outdoor furniture to match your needs and style, along with best practices for protecting your investment.

An In-Depth Look At Outdoor Furniture in Commercial Spaces

Commercial spaces, especially those in the hospitality sector, are making major shifts towards enhancing their outdoor areas with quality commercial outdoor furniture. The shift is driven by the increasing consumer demand for outdoor relaxation and dining experiences. Hotel chains, in particular, are investing significantly in commercial outdoor furniture products.

 

Outdoor Commercial Spaces: Cafes, Restaurants, and Resorts

Cafes, restaurants, and resorts all over the world have started to acknowledge the pivotal role outdoor furniture pieces play in creating a perfect ambiance for their customers. Many furniture businesses have crafted exquisite collections of patio furniture exclusively for commercial usage. When browsing their product pages, one can find in-depth product specifications that facilitate informed purchase decisions.

 

Role of Outdoor Furniture in Office Spaces

The usage of outdoor furniture in office spaces is another growing trend. Recognizing the benefits of allowing employees to work, relax, or have meetings in an open-air environment, many corporate offices are investing in high-quality outdoor furniture. This not only improves employee satisfaction and productivity but also elevates the overall aesthetic appeal of the office premises.

 

Browse our Range of Outdoor Furniture

If you’re interested in finding new outdoor furniture, Watson’s has everything you need.

When you shop with us, you’ll find an amazing selection and personalized service, along with the guaranteed lowest prices in the USA. We have a wide variety of outdoor furniture from the leading outdoor furniture brands along with tons of accessories to make your outdoor space complete. Shop online or stop by your nearest Watson’s location today.

FAQs

What is the best fabric for outdoor furniture?

The best fabric for outdoor furniture is typically polypropylene fabric. This material is highly regarded for its durability, water resistance, and resistance to fading from sunlight. Polypropylene was one of the first marine fabrics due to its ability to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Another suitable option is solution-dyed acrylic fabric, known for its vibrant colors and resistance to both UV rays and water. While slightly more expensive, it offers a luxurious feel.

 

What type of outdoor furniture is more popular?

The popularity of outdoor furniture varies depending on personal preferences and design trends. Traditional designs featuring intricate details and materials like wrought iron or teak are enduringly popular. On the other hand, modern outdoor furniture with sleek lines and contemporary materials has gained traction.

 

What is the most durable fabric for outdoor furniture?

Some of the most durable fabrics for outdoor furniture include:

  • Olefin: Known for its water resistance, Olefin performs exceptionally well in cushions and pillows, offering superior durability in outdoor settings.
  • Solution-Dyed Acrylic: This fabric is often used by outdoor fabric brands like Sunbrella. It provides a good balance of durability and weather resistance, making it suitable for various outdoor furniture pieces.
  • Polyester Fabric: While less expensive, polyester fabric offers decent durability and can withstand outdoor conditions.

When selecting the most durable fabric for your outdoor furniture, consider factors such as the specific furniture piece, your climate, and the level of exposure to the elements. Different fabrics have varying levels of water resistance, UV protection, and overall longevity. It's important to choose a fabric that suits your needs and the intended use of the furniture.