Winter is here. In most parts of the world, this is the time when people pack up their patio, backyard or balcony furniture and wave goodbye to all things outdoors. Not in Dubai, though. Here, winter is one of the liveliest seasons that most of the city’s residents look forward to.
Now that it’s finally here, as someone living in Dubai, you probably already filled your calendar with outdoor gatherings you intend to host in your home, be it barbecues with friends out on the patio or cozy family dinners in your backyard.
With this, you might have also realized that your outdoor furniture needs a major upgrade or perhaps a complete overhaul. Here’s where to get started on making big improvements to your outdoor space.
6 Tips for Shopping for Outdoor Furniture in Dubai
When looking for high-quality outdoor furniture in Dubai — something that’s as functional as it is aesthetically on point — keep these tips in mind:
1. Pay attention to getting the right textiles
You can’t just grab your living room pillows and expect them to adapt to life outside. Anything you use outdoors must be designed from all-weather materials that prevent water absorption and promote quick drying by being porous. Fabrics specifically designed for outdoor use have a few additional features.
For one, they are usually fade-resistant and UV-protected, which means that they’ll look good and feel soft and comfortable for long periods of time. They’re also mostly made from durable fabrics, such as acrylic, polyester or treated canvas, which are easy to clean and maintain.
Action items:
- Search for outdoor furniture with removable and detachable cushions for occasional airing, cleaning, repair or replacement.
- Opt for furniture with cushions that can be turned and flipped to maintain their shape, dry quickly and fade evenly.
- Check the cushion seams for heavy-duty thread and even stitching, and choose ones with vents that encourage airflow.
2. Choose the right furniture material
Making sure your furniture is made from the optimal material is key to getting maximum use, enjoyment and life out of it. To select the best material for your outdoor furniture, you first have to ask yourself two questions: How do I plan on using the furniture? And how hard are the choices of material to maintain?
Suppose you want to buy a hammock to relax in or read your favorite book on Sunday afternoons. You decided you want one that’s comfortable, weighs little enough so you can move it around to chase the sun or tuck it away for the night, requires zero to little maintenance and is water resistant since you want to put it by the pool.
In that case, an aluminum hammock would be an excellent choice. This material is rust-resistant, durable and light. On the maintenance front, you only have to apply mild soap, rinse it well with water and dry it with a soft cloth.
On the other hand, suppose you’re looking for an outdoor dining set to host all those barbecues and brunches you’ve been planning. In this scenario, you decided you want something aesthetically appealing and sturdy enough to withstand lots of use.
In that case, you might want to explore other materials like rattan, wicker or wood. They do require a little more maintenance, though. You’ll have to weatherproof rattan and wicker every couple of years, while wood needs regular treatment with a preservative and UV protection.
Action item: Think about the function you want your furniture to serve, consider the maintenance level you’re willing to take on and choose your material accordingly.
3. Focus on the quality
Some people think outdoor furniture is somewhat less important than indoor furniture because its use is infrequent and less heavy-handed. With that mindset, they tend to compromise on quality so long as it looks good and lives through the season.
But when you really think about it, outdoor furniture is often exposed to sun, wind, and rain (albeit less so in Dubai) and may be a little bit of mishandling every now and then. So, it only makes sense that you invest in high-quality furniture that can withstand the elements and last for years.
Action item: Inspect every piece of furniture before you buy it for flaws such as welding defects, cracked casters and amateurish paint finishes. Remember, if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
4. Don’t forget to consider size carefully
Outdoor furniture varies in size and how it accommodates guests. Some backyard chairs, for instance, are too narrow to seat anyone comfortably, while others may be built so low that getting out of them is a struggle, especially for someone with back problems.
The same goes for couches and loveseats. Some are so deep that people feel as though they’re sinking in, while others are too rigid to create a comfortable lounging experience.
Action item: When shopping for outdoor furniture, try before you buy. Think comfort and consider who will be using it.
5. Look for versatility
Furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes can save you money and space. Here are a few flexible outdoor furniture items you might want to add to your shopping list for home accessories in Dubai:
- An ottoman that can double as a coffee table or footrest.
- A magazine table that you can also sit your drink on.
- A bench with built-in storage space for cushions, blankets, decorative pillows and other items.
- An outdoor, cushioned gazebo that can function as a bed, sofa or chaise lounge.
Action item: Opt for multi-functional furniture pieces.
6. Match the colors to your outdoor space
Nowadays, you’re not limited to neutral colors when purchasing outdoor furniture. Wood, wicker, aluminum and steel pieces today come in various colorful finishes.
Even if you can’t find a specific color or pattern you’re looking for, reputable furniture manufacturers and stores offer customization services so you can design your own unique look.
Action items:
- Search for furniture that brings out the colors in your landscaping, the exterior of your home, or other outdoor elements.
- Save vibrant shades for cushions and decorative items. Since these pieces are typically used less frequently, they’ll be less susceptible to wear and tear and easier to replace if needed.
Liven Up Your Outdoor Living Space
Outdoor furniture can add a touch of elegance and style to your home. It also provides a comfortable and inviting space where you can relax, entertain and spend time with loved ones. So, follow these tips to capitalize on this season’s beautiful weather and build your ultimate outdoor oasis.
