Here’s Some Modern Architecture To Beautify Your Living Room

When it comes to furniture, many people think that it's a simple process that doesn't need a lot of deliberation and thinking. They might be right on some of it, however, buying furniture does involve a level of complexity. Now, this does not mean that buying furniture is a difficult job.

Furniture comes in various types of architectures, one of them being the Modernist architecture. The modernist architecture dates back to the immediate post-war era when designers were looking to create unique architectural styles. This need to create something different also pervaded in the world of furniture.

So what does modernist furniture exactly look like? Let's take the example of a sofa set. The shapes of the sofa and the chairs are mostly made up square sides. The color is either black, dark brown or beige which adequately suits the shape of the furniture. The furniture is stuffed with high-quality foam that can take a lot of weight and yet provide comfort to the sitter.

In the United States, Modernist furniture is mostly used with an outdoor patio as it suits the space and environs of that part of the house.

Nowadays, Modernist furniture is readily available everywhere. So you must be at your wit’s end that you don’t know what kind of furniture to buy.

The answer is Sunset West Modern outdoor patio furniture, which is available in many furniture studios. If you have a big outdoor patio in your home, this is the right type of furniture that will suit your patio. And not just patio, even if you have a large living room, this type of Modernist furniture will go well with the large living space of this room.

Home Furniture And Patio is your one-stop-shop to look for Modernist furniture that will go well with your Modernist living spaces.

Purchasing, Cleaning and Maintaining Resin Patio Furniture

Entertain your guests in style with resin patio furniture in your backyard. Resin is one of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture, and it is easy to see why. It is durable, inexpensive and looks great in many different settings. Resin outdoor furniture is also known for being easy to clean, making it the perfect choice for those with busy lifestyles. Whether you want resin furniture to freshen your patio’s look, or resin garden furniture for your landscaped backyard, the following suggestions will help you find the right furniture that complements your home and make entertaining all the more easier.

Tip #1: Look for resin furniture in a myriad of  colors

White resin furniture might be iconic and give your home a quaint, old-fashioned touch, but you might want to buy wicker furniture in darker colors, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain. Look for reddish-brown furniture sets to give your space a laid-back, earthy feeling, or black or green pieces for a more contemporary look. Update  these resin outdoor furniture sets with thick cushions in contrasting colors as well. Consider putting cream or white-colored cushions on black wicker patio furniture for a fresh, clean vibe.

Tip #2: Buy wicker furniture finished with vinyl or resin for durability

If you live in a snowy or rainy climate, you will want to look at resin or vinyl furniture that has been treated with water-resistant coatings like the Ares Resin Square Dining Set with 4 Chairs by Compamia. Resin wicker furniture is also able to resist fading and cracking in extreme color or eat. You can also buy furniture sets that feature aluminum frames if you are worried about natural wicker pieces being damaged or growing brittle over time.

Tip #3: Find resin furniture that complements your home

Resin patio furniture might seem cozy and simple when loveseats and armchairs are grouped together, but you can also make your favorite pieces look sophisticated with the right styles and colors. Purchase resin furniture sets with angular, boxy shapes if you want modern décor like the Club 5-Piece Deep Seating Group by POLYWOOD®. On the other hand, go with chairs, side tables and rocking chairs with rounded, smooth edges if you want to set a more traditional space.

While resin patio furniture is generally easy to clean, it is still important that you keep it well protected.  Keeping them in the shade as much as possible will help preserve their color.  During the winter, store them covered to keep it clean, and make it easier to get it ready for another season. Contrary to what many might think, cleaning resin patio furniture is not hard, but it is important that you use the right techniques. Here are a few tips to help you out.

1. Use a hose to wash off any surface grime and dirt. If you have one or you can get one, use a pressure washer set on the lowest setting.
2. Rub the whole surface of the furniture piece with a damp cloth dipped in soapy water. Use a mild dish detergent to remove any stuck grime and dirt.
3. Protect the surface of your furniture from getting dirty by applying a paste made from water and baking soda. Mix the paste together until it gets a thick consistency, rub it on the furniture, and rinse completely.
4. Use a mixture of detergent, bleach and water to remove stubborn stains from your resin furniture. Mix a cup of bleach, a gallon of warm water, and a couple of squirts of your favorite dishwashing liquid. Apply the mixture to the stains, and let it stand for at least 10 minutes, and rinse it away. Repeat this as necessary.
5. Remove scuff marks with a paste made from water and a quality cleanser like Ajax. Apply the paste and let it sit for 10 minutes before you hose it off.
6. Let the newly cleaned furniture dry, and wipe away any remaining moisture using a clean, soft cloth.

Always wipe away any new spills so they do not have a chance to set it. Wash away tree sap or bird droppings before they  can damage the furniture’s surface or mar the finish. Clean every piece of furniture when you get the hose out to water your yard, garden or flowers. A few extra minutes a week can help keep your resin patio furniture looking like new, making the next spring cleaning a little easier.

Patio Dining Sets to Suit Your Outdoor Space

The months of spring and summer signal the return of barbecues and enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends. If you are thinking of sprucing up your outdoor area for al fresco dinners in the coming months, a dining set that gives ample table top surface area and comfortable seating is essential. A nice patio dining set will make you and your family comfortable when you entertain or just choose to relax and unwind outside.

From bistro-style chairs and tables to more traditional wood pieces, the best patio dining sets are those that will fit your outdoor space without making it feel overcrowded. Also, they should also be able to withstand the elements of the changing seasons. Most importantly, your outdoor dining set should complement your preference and style. If you are considering one right now, here are some general things you need to keep an eye out for.

Choose the best materials. Sturdy metals and wood like powder-coated aluminum and teak are popular choices for outdoor dining furniture. Teak furniture, like the 5 Piece Extension Javenese Teak Outdoor Patio Dining Set with Solid Brass Fittings by All Things Cedar, stands up to the elements very well, and is more durable than most other varieties. After sunlight and rain exposure, teak also develops a nice, shiny patina, aging well over time.

Consider versatility. On the other hand, aluminum furniture is best for seasonal use as it is lightweight, yet still sturdy. Also, the powder-coated varieties are usually available in a wide range of colors, making it versatile for many different outdoor environments. Also, rattan and wicker pieces are easy to move, and outdoor chairs crafted from these materials can usually give the most comfort because of their tight cushy weaves.

Decide on size. The size of your dining set will depend on your outdoor space. Usually, bistro-style sets (which are made up of one table and two chairs) are best for small decks and patios. So if you are looking to create a small corner for relaxing, these can be a great option. However, if you are considering taking your meals outdoors, opt for a full dining set, which can range from four- to eight-seaters depending on the amount of space you have available in your garden.

Think of the surface. Wood table tops need the least amount of maintenance because they can easily be wiped clean with some mild soap and water. Metal tables can heat up quickly hen left out in direct sun for long periods, so it is best that you put them in shaded areas or under a patio umbrella. Glass table tops are also easy to clean and should make for a pretty accent in a garden. However, their fragile nature means that they are best for covered porches, decks and patios. Also, they are weak against the elements so they should be moved indoors during colder months.

Sometimes, particularly when it comes to outdoor furniture, price does matter. This means that quality patio sets can be expensive, but there are a number of ways to get a good deal on outdoor furniture. Here are some tips to help you find an inexpensive patio dining set.

• Shop when summer is over. Many stores hold sales on patio furniture once the weather gets colder. You might get a good price as retailers would want space for seasonal winter items. Whatever the season may be, you can check for sales ads.
• Price does not guarantee quality. Not all costly outdoor furniture is high quality. Do not judge the quality of a dining set just by the price tag. When shopping for a set, try to go with a durable and beautiful patio dining set.
• Look for a set that lasts. Sit on the chairs to ensure that they are sturdy and comfortable. If the set comes with cushions, ensure that they are mildew resistant and are made to withstand outdoor conditions, like the ones in the Bellagio Dining Table Collection by Anderson Teak.
• Compare prices. Take some time to look for different patio sets at different stores. Take notes when doing your research. Then make a short list of your favorite sets, and pick the one that offers the best quality for the lowest price.

Make sure that you pick a patio set that will look good with your outdoor space and landscape. Use the simple tips above to find the best patio dining set that is perfect for you and your family without having to spend too much.

Patio Furniture Legs that Will Define Your Style!

Patio chairs  are typically made up of a back, seat, legs and, at times, arm rests. Chairs come in various shapes and forms, from simple to ornate, and are made from various materials.  With patio chair furniture it is the  leg that gives the most  information about its character - like its style and the period where it came from or was inspired from.

• Cabriole Legs. These are shaped in two curves: a convex upper curve and concave lower curve. The front of the legs might be a ball and claw or a club. The knee is usually carved with an ornament like a scallop shell. This is originally from the ancient Greeks and Chinese, but in the 18th century, European chairs and tables were popularly fitted with cabriole legs. An example is the Fleur de Lis Cast Aluminum Bistro Set by Alfresco Home.

• Marlborough Legs. These are straight legs that are heavy, fluted and fitted with a block foot. These types of legs were used in English and American furniture, especially during the mid-18th century. The leg’s name is derived from the Duke of Marlborough for furniture designed for him. Thomas Chippendale favored this style of legs for his furniture.
• Spiral Legs. These are straight and carved so they look like a twisted or spiral rope with a winding groove or flute. Their roots originate in India and Portugal, and were popular during the Restoration period in the late 17th century.
• Hock Legs. These are a variation on the cabriole leg, and feature a broken curve on the inner side of the knee. This means that the legs feature a straight, perpendicular section between the upper convex section and their  foot. An example is the The Djursholm Arm Chair by Control Brand.

• Lyre-Shaped Legs. These two legs come together to form the shape of a lyre, a hard-like instrument used in many French and English designs. The lyre motif is also used extensively in back chairs. These were popular among chairs in the early 19th to mid-19th century during the Empire Period;  often referred to as the Classic Style.
• Tapered Legs. These are wide at the top, gradually becoming narrower at the bottom. English furniture designed by George Hepplewhite in the 18th century usually had tapered legs. Shield back chairs made by Hepplewhite had tapered legs, as were many of the early-classical style chairs.

The tips that cover the feet of your patio furniture might seem insignificant, but they provide  a lot more than just extra flourish. Depending on the size of your chair’s feet and its construction, there are many available options for tips.

• Nail Head Glides. Wood and wood frame wicker furniture with rectangular or square feet may use nail head glides. These glides put a PVC plastic head on a nail that is driven into the foot’s bottom. When installed on larger feet, they are completely hidden and will not spoil the design of the furniture while protecting the chair and your patio.
• Plastic Leg Inserts. Steel and aluminum furniture made from hollow tubing usually use plastic inserts as tips on their feet. These inserts pound into the open end of the chair leg with an overlap on the top that covers the leg’s metal edge. Because these feet attach to legs through friction, you should size them exactly to  the chair’s leg.
• Teflon Glides. Traditional felt glides soak up moisture and do not give the protective barrier to maintain your furniture against the elements, but Teflon versions of stick-on glides work well in an outdoor environment. Available in many sizes, opt for a low-profile teflon glide smaller than the leg so it is hidden underneath the leg while the chair is placed on its feet.
• Crutch Tips. Rubber tips that slip over the outside of a chair leg, they are available in several styles and colors, and are sized to match the leg size of the furniture.
• Forever Glides. They combine  the sliding and durability aspects of teflon glides with a self-leveling foam pad.  Forever Glides directly affix to the base of your chair legs and are available in shapes that fit inside recessed leg tips or screw directly into wood or the plastic bottom surface if the feet.

Aside from protecting the surface of your deck or patio, chair tips also help keep your furniture off the ground, preventing the quick deterioration or oxidation that come in constant contact hard surfaces.

Aluminum Patio Furniture Offers a Variety of Options

When we hear the words “aluminum patio furniture,” many people envision  standard, relatively basic pieces that probably look something like your garden variety resort furniture. Many people also associate aluminum furniture with low quality, perhaps a small step up from the flimsy plastic variety often found in discount department stores.   And there is indeed an abundance, low quality aluminum patio furniture out there. But there is also low quality patio furniture made of practically any material used to make patio furniture, from wicker to wrought iron.

Aluminum has Real Benefits

Contrary to the negative beliefs, many patio owners selectively choose aluminum in both residential and commercial settings for the several very real benefits it offers.

• Does not retain heat like steel or iron
• Easy to refurbish
• Invulnerable to rust
• Lightweight, easy to move or stack
• Limitless colors and styles
• Requires very low maintenance

Interestingly, one of the biggest benefits of aluminum might also be one of its few drawbacks – its weight. Lightweight furniture has obvious advantages, but also makes it more susceptible to being blown around in even moderate winds. Closely related is durability, extremely lightweight aluminum furniture – inexpensive, folding camping chairs, for instance – is prone to bending under moderate use or if subjected to unusually heavy weight.

Again, both issues are largely a matter of quality. Although an aluminum chair is always going to be lighter than a wrought iron chair, for instance, a well-built aluminum product is not going to collapse under an oversize patron or blow away in the slightest breeze.

An Abundance of Options

Options in aluminum patio furniture are every bit as versatile as in other materials. You can get it in classic vinyl strap, or a more heavy-duty version with aluminum straps for added durability. But this is just the beginning.

Aluminum starts to get interesting in sling-style seating, from the startling severity of modern pieces to the gentle suggestion of traditional design. Some of the coloring options are also evident in aluminum sling furniture. Darker colors combined with lighter material can give the impression of wood. By using a combination of contrasting or coordinating textures and colors, aluminum furniture gives you the choice of making your furniture stand out or blend in.

If you are looking for something more comfortable, where you can sit on or lie on for hours on end without ending up with aching backs, aluminum with cushioning like the Kingston Loveseat by Meadow Decor should be a good choice for you. For something more ornate and offers unique elegance, you can go with furniture pieces with detailing like the Lipari 24 Inch Round Bistro Table and Base by Alfresco Home.

The above examples only scratch the surface of what aluminum patio furniture has to offer. These are all high quality pieces which will not bend, collapse or bow under moderate use. On the contrary, there are many which are extensively used in commercial applications.

Some Tips on Maintenance

Aluminum does not rust, making it perfect for use in outdoor furniture. However, this metal can get affected by moisture and pollution, and its surface can get rough or discolor. Below are some tips to help you take care of your furniture and make it last for as long it as possibly can.

• If you see that your furniture is slightly discolored, you need to wash it with some soap and water. Remember to add some gentle household acid, like vinegar, lemon juice or cream of tartar. Do not add ammonia, soda or TSP. Always perform this cleaning after the end of any particular season.
• If you notice that the aluminum has become pitted or is rough, you can smoothen or polish the surface with steel wool soaked in soap. Remember to remove all traces or the steel wool from the surface of your furniture. Otherwise, it can rust and stain the surface of the aluminum.
• If your furniture is extremely dry, there is a wide range of commercial cleaners available that can be used for cleaning. Remember to not use commercial cleaners on anodized aluminum.
• If you see that your furniture is prone to corroding and pitting, you can use a coat of car wax or silicon spray to protect it.
• If your furniture is made of colored anodized aluminum, take extra care to use only mild detergent and water to wash it.

Whether you enjoy entertaining guests on a bright sunny day or just want to enjoy a solitary day with a cup of tea and your favorite book, it is important that you are comfortable in your aluminum furniture and that it stays in prime condition for a long time.

Aluminum Patio Furniture For A LIfetime of Outdoor Living

Aluminum patio furniture is one of today’s best options to furnish your outdoor living spaces. It is classic and traditional, and gives the look and feel of wrought iron. At the same time, it is modern, lightweight and durable.

If you choose aluminum furniture for your patio, you will likely  going to need only one set in your lifetime. The furniture  is mostly finished with powder coat paint, which is a rock-hard finish that is very durable. Unlike many other types of patio furniture, aluminum products last for decades  with very little maintenance. There are two common types: hollow aluminum tube based and solid cast aluminum patio furniture. While both are made with the same material, they really have little less in common.

Benefits of Aluminum Furniture

• It does not rust, while steel and iron do.
• It is long lasting with durable finishes and strong construction. With a good set, you can expect 30 and more years of use.
• Aside from the occasional cleaning, there really is no upkeep.
• It is virtually  weather-proof, handling severe environments well. It handles cold better than other types of outdoor furniture.
• It is easy to clean; just hose down once in a while and use wild soap if necessary.
• Difficult  to bend and break, it can withstand many years of frequent use. It feels more stable than some other types of furniture.
• There are an abundance of styles and designs to choose from.
• While usually powder coated, many color options and textures are available.
• It can be used with or without pillows and cushions.
• It is light enough to be easily lifted and moved, yet heavy enough to feel firm and stable and not blow around in the wind.

Aluminum Furniture vs. Other Types

Aluminum furniture is comparable to wrought iron furniture. They can have very similar designs and can look very much alike. Pricing tends to be similar. The major differences are in weight and durability as aluminum does not rust and the finish is less likely to chip.

Hardwood patio furniture is obviously very different than aluminum furniture. However, they can similar in  their long life durability, traditional styles, and mostly similar prices. Aside from generally bring more expensive and long lasting, aluminum furniture is really not comparable to other types of outdoor furniture like synthetic, resin and hollow aluminum pieces.

Aluminum Furniture Quality and Pricing

There are different quality levels in the cast aluminum category. Lesser quality sets are most likely machine assembled or manufactured. While there is nothing wrong with this, attention to detail might not be quite so evident. Also, watch out for finish quality; if a piece has a poor or damaged finish when it is new, it will develop further problems as it ages.

On the other hand, skilled craftsmen with high standards of perfection usually put high quality sets together. The molds forming the aluminum can be hand carved into intricate designs and patterns, like the ones in the Daffodil Cast Aluminum Garden Bench - Aged Iron by Alfresco Home. The finishes are going to be richer and more detailed. Also, the higher the  quality, the more likely it will be enhanced using thicker aluminum and more bracing.

Prices are usually directly proportional to the furniture quality. Higher prices most likely mean higher quality, although not always. Warranties also are a big factor when it comes to patio furniture pricing. The longer the warranty, the better a manufacturer expects the furniture to hold up. This is gauged in the price.

Aluminum Furniture Accessories

Consider getting cushions for your patio furniture, which you can find in various shapes, sizes, colors, designs and patterns. They might already be included if you buy a furniture set. Cushions will have to be stored when not in use to prolong their life and prevent mildew. Cushions usually do not last as long as the aluminum furniture, but replacement patio chair cushions are available.

While it is not absolutely necessary with cast aluminum, you might consider covers for your patio furniture like the Patio Table and Chair Set Cover - Up to 87"diameter by Duck Covers. Aluminum is durable on its own, but furniture covers will help prolong lifespan.

Aluminum Furniture Care

Even if cast furniture is thought to be low maintenance, it will still require cleaning from time to time. When this is necessary, you will want to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations closely. Usually, this involves wiping it down with a mild detergent using a soft sponge and rinsing it with water. Sometimes, it is advised to coat cast aluminum patio furniture yearly with a liquid spray wax. 

The Ideal Materials for Patio Umbrellas

Wilma, a mother of twin toddlers, asks: “What exactly is the best material for a patio umbrella? The one that is most durable and long-lasting, as well as one that requires the least maintenance. I’ve been looking online and have found that they come in an assortment of materials. What are the specific and unique characteristics of these materials? Which one should I choose?”

Patio umbrellas come in a wide assortment of sizes, styles and colors. Whether attached to patio tables or affixed to stands, patio umbrellas shade people from the sun and sometimes from other elements. Buying a patio umbrella is an investment that should last for several years. To ensure that the patio umbrella retains its usefulness as well as remains aesthetically pleasing, choose material that is waterproof and durable enough to stand up to wind and harsh weather. Many patio fabrics are available with mildew resistant additives that can also help prolong the lifespan of your umbrella. Here are three of the most popular outdoor umbrella materials.

Polyurethane-Coated Polyester

Many man-made fabrics are well suited for outdoor usage. Polyester is a lightweight fabric that retains its vibrant dyes over time. Polyurethane is a chemical used in many products to create a protective coating or finish. When polyester is treated with polyurethane, it makes the fabric waterproof. Waterproof, lightweight fabric is highly suited for patio umbrellas, making this one of today’s best choices. Polyurethane-coated patio umbrellas are flammable and should not be used near heaters, fireplaces and candles, like citronella candles.

Acrylic

Acrylic is another synthetic fabric with waterproof properties. Outdoor acrylic is dyed with chemical dyes to retain color when exposed to outside elements. Lightweight and long-wearing, acrylic is usually treated with UV-resistant chemicals to eliminate fading. An example is the 9' Wood Market Umbrella Red by Jordan Manufacturing Company. Treat your acrylic fabric with both mildew-resisting additives and high UV ratings for use in outdoor patio umbrellas. Acrylic is available in fabric widths of 46 and 60 inches wide and is sold from the bolt for sewing your own patio umbrella instead of purchasing a ready-made choice. Acrylic patio umbrellas maintain their usefulness for about 10 years with proper maintenance, like washing the umbrella with liquid dish detergent and off-season indoor storage.

Canvas

Sometimes referred to as cotton duck or painted duck fabric, canvas sometimes make use of waterproofing additives to prolong the durability of canvas fabric. Examples are Teak Furniture Umbrella by All Things Cedar and Half Umbrella by Jordan Manufacturing Company. Know that the best type of canvas for patio umbrellas is painted duck. Painted duck is canvas treated with an acrylic paint solution which fares even better than a canvas umbrella with waterproofing applied. Painted duck will typically last for about eight years when properly maintained. Uncoated canvas will mildew if not properly cared for but is strong enough to withstand cleaning. Store canvas patio umbrellas in a covered area during the off-season, or use patio umbrella covers and tarps to give shelter from the elements.

Ideas for Replacing Glass on Patio Dining Tables

Glass patio dining tables are a reliable piece of furniture for the outdoors. They are relatively easy to clean, as opposed to a wooden table that is prone to  warping  and weathering over time. These also look very stylish and are much easier to maintain than most of the other table styles. Here are a few beautiful examples of glass outdoor dining tables.

• Bermuda Dining Table by Nuevo Living. With a frame made from natural and durable Teak wood, this dining table has a clean brown finish that is topped off with a rounded clear glass top. It suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

• Venice Round Dining Table by Vifah Modern Patio. Made of cast aluminum, this modern dining table features a Desert Bronze finish to complement your outdoors. It captures a piece of that wonderful California sunshine and casual lifestyle.
• Kross Square Table Incl. Glass Top by Sifas In-Outdoor Living. Authentic and weather resistant, this table offers rustic simplicity and expressive strength. This creation in "ultra light" forged aluminum allows it to resist the worst outdoor conditions.

The glass from  a patio table, however, can become scratched and worn and may need to be replaced. There are a few ways to do this, including changing what the surface of the table is actually made from.

Replace the Glass

By simply replacing the glass in a patio table, you will have removed the weathered look and made your table look as good as new. Depending on the size of your table, replacement glass, textured or clear, cost around $250 to $350 to cut and ship to you, complete with a hole in the center for your umbrella. You might also want to consider buying colored or painted glass to change up the whole look.

Replace with Synthetic Resin

Because glass tables are a bit fragile, replacing a glass patio tabletop with a plastic one  might appear to be a great option. These table tops are more durable to shocks and scratches penetrating  their surfaces. Plastic tabletops are made of acrylic Plexiglas and are almost unbreakable. They can be patterned, textured  or clear in their design. This is an inexpensive option that that will save you in the long run.

Stone Tabletops

A much more expensive but also more expressive and aesthetically pleasing alternative to a glass patio is a round stone-top patio table. These tables are usually ornately designed out of mortar, stones and cement, with patterns of different colored tiles and stones decorating their tops. Durable to both weather and human abuse, these tables will outlast the house itself, if given the opportunity. However, if you are just replacing the glass on your patio table, a stone tabletop may not work, as they need rather specific frames. Most stone tabletops have supports holding them that are made out of a strong metal. Many glass and plastic patio tables have plastic supports holding them up, as they are designed to hold much less weight. 

How to Decorate with Modern Wicker Patio Furniture

Many homes feature modern wicker patio furniture. Aside from the fact that it is inexpensive and durable, it also lends itself to many decorating styles. Indeed, you can find wicker furniture in homes on the beaches of the East Coast as well as in homes that strive to recreate British Colonial décor. Wicker is a natural choice for many rooms of the house, because it not only looks lovely in its natural state, but it can also be painted and adorned with colorful blankets and pillows to completely change the look of your outdoor space.

Decorating your patio, porch or garden with patio furniture is pretty easy, for as long as you have a plan or vision on what you want your space to look like and you follow through with it. Still, many homeowners find themselves at a loss on how and where to get started. If you are one of them, do not get frustrated just yet. Read on and learn from these tips.

1. Decide how you would like to use the wicker furniture in your space. For example. Many decorating styles, including beach and British Colonial, use wicker furniture as a key element. Once you have made a decision about the decorating style, you will not have such a hard time choosing pieces that complement the wicker furniture.
2. Consider painting your picker furniture. Many pieces of wicker furniture are painted already (usually with white – like the Club 6 Chair by Lebello) but you can pull different decorative elements together in your space by adding a painted trim to your wicker piece.
   
3. Buy smaller furniture pieces made from wicker. Look for items like wicker trunks (the Lexington Wicker Large Storage Box by Tortuga Outdoor is one fine choice) or a wicker footstool (like the All-Weather Wicker Ottoman with 1 pc. Rave Cherry Cushion by Outdoor Greatroom Company). If you have opted to paint the trim on some of the larger wicker furniture pieces, consider painting these items completely one color.
   
4. Add an element of comfort to your wicker couch by investing in an abundance of throw pillows of various sizes. If you are painting your wicker furniture, look for pillows with patterns that feature your paint colors to pull the decorative elements in the room together. Then choose a few pillows in contrasting colors to add a bit of visual interest through contrast.
5. Remember the smaller details in your decorating scheme by incorporating pictures and mirrors with wicker frames into your room.
6. Break up the wicker-only look of the space by buying larger pieces of furniture that complement wicker. For example, British Colonial style decorating uses a lot of wicker, but it also incorporates heavy mahogany tables or dressers.
7. Shop for accessories like handmade quilts or cotton afghans at local flea markets or country fairs. These accessories add color to your wicker if you opt not to paint it and bring an inviting and homey look to the room as well.

How to Make Your Very Own Patio Bench Cushions

Cushions from patio furniture benches, dining chairs or  stools can have a limited lifespan;  especially when they are exposed to the outside elements for an extended period of time. Also, styles change and designs become outdated. Whether you need to replace them or simply want an update, you can make your own outdoor cushions actually quite easily.

1. Measure an existing cushion or the seat space of the  piece of furniture. You need to know the width and length, as well as the height if you are making one with side panels. Add an inch to all measurements for seam allowance.
2. Draw lines with a pencil onto the underside of the material to transfer these measurements. Cut the material along the lines.
3. Put two pieces of material together so the undersides are showing, lining up the edges so the pieces are even. Sew a basic running stitch ½-inch in from the edge, and another row of ¼-inch from the end.

• If you are sewing a basic cushion with only a top and bottom piece, sew three sides, with the fourth side 1/8 of the way from each corner to leave an opening in the middle.
• If you are sewing a cushion with side panels, sew all the side panels to the top edges. Sew the front and side panels to the bottom piece of the cushion, and then the back panel to the bottom piece 1/ of the way in from each corner.

4. Reach your hand into the opening and grab the material. Pull it through the opening to turn the cushion right side out.
5. Use a knife to cut a piece of durable foam the size of the cushion, and squeeze the foam into the opening of the cushion. Use your hands to tug and push until it is in correctly.
6. Fold the material of the opening in so that it matches the rest of the edge. Sew along the fold to close up the cushion.

If sewing or DIY projects are just  not your thing,  consider buying new cushions instead. With the wide range of selections available in the market today, you should have no problem choosing the one that fits your style, needs and budget.

Comfort Care Barstool Sunbrella Cushion Set by Infinita

Featuring seat bottom and seat back cushion, the Comfort Care Barstool Sunbrella Cushion Set by Infinita comes with straps so you can securely fix it to the barstool frame. It is available in six colors: Natural (white), Jockey Red, Cocoa, Parrot (Green), True Blue and Coal.

Folding Chair Cushion (Set of 2) by All Things Cedar

Make your folding chairs even more comfortable with the thick and washable Folding Chair Cushion (Set of 2) by All Things Cedar. Made with 2 inches of Hi Density foam and cotton canvas, this cushion is comes with reinforced piping on the edges and two tie-downs. Available in Blue, Green and White.

Patio Chair Cushion (All Sunbrella Fabric Choices) by Meadow Décor

Perfect for your dining chair, barstool and swivel rocker, the Patio Chair Cushion (All Sunbrella Fabric Choices) by Meadow Décor is made with polyester fiber batting, and polyester and olefin fabric covers. Generously sized at 6 inches thick, it has piped edging for a finished look.