Which Outdoor Wrought Iron Patio Furniture Style is Perfect for You?

Outdoor wrought iron patio furniture is not only strong and durable; it also comes in various styles to fit various moods. Some styles are highly ornate and are best used  with a central theme, while some are basic and are easily incorporated into practically any existing design. Black is their most common color, but you should also find them available in white and other distinctive hues. Here is a quick look at several styles of wrought iron furniture.

English Rose

These pieces are highly ornate, delicate and curved. They style feature lines and scrolls and various lattice and  rose patterns. The backs of such furniture are quite low, and are mostly bordered with curved lines and swirls. Their legs are also curved, sometimes finished  with scrolls and swirls. Such a look is reminiscent of a manor or country cottage. The Dimante 48″ Round Cast Aluminum Dining Table in Aged Iron Finish with Umbrella Hole by Alfresco Home is for sure  one fine example of this.

Tuscany

This furniture is large, thick and very heavy. It  come with bold lines that square off the pieces and are mostly decorated with bold scrolls, circles and swirls. The style can be ornate but is stays simple instead of being crowded with design. Its backs feature thick oblongs, circles and scrolls while legs that are generally straight or slightly curved outward. Such style evokes Old World charm.

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo iron furniture is also heavy, large and thick, perhaps more than the Tuscany style. It tends to be less ornate than the other styles, with bold circles accenting it once in a while. It has this sleek and urban feel instead of something that you would find in a country garden. An example of this is the Living Cast Iron Rim Stone Finish Fire Pit by Well Traveled Living. Notice its heavy frame and short and thick legs, giving it a somewhat brazen and harsh look.

Milano

The Milano style is similar to that of Monte Carlo, except that it has a slightly lighter touch. Its angles are less harsh which often feature rounded edges, while its lines are much more narrow. The backs of these furniture pieces mostly feature a simple outline and perhaps with a line or two while the legs are slightly curved. Check out the Westgate 6 Piece Loveseat Set by Tortuga Outdoor. It does invoke a relaxed and low vibe.

Lattice

This style is a standard that can easily be incorporated into the other wrought iron styles. Some furniture manufacturers refer to this style as Barcelona. On its most basic level, this style features crisscrossed iron slats that resemble a lattice pattern, gracing the seats, tables and  backs of furniture. its frames are relatively thinner and simpler, and they come with straight legs. This successfully puts the lattice design in center stage.

Top 7 Trends on Outdoor Modern Patio Furniture for 2013

As homeowners continue to spend more time and money on their outdoor spaces, outdoor modern patio furniture manufacturers have come up with new designs and innovative products to meet such growing needs and style preferences. This year, the latest outdoor furniture trends focus on design flexibility, indoor comfort and making great use of the outdoor area. Here are 7 trends you can expect to see for 2013.

1. Stackable patio chairs

Lightweight stackable patio chairs and table give versatile solutions for small yards, especially now that people are moving into smaller homes. They can be repositioned to maximize space and accommodate guests during outdoor gatherings. And when not in use, they can easily be stacked and stored away.

2. Outdoor rugs

Aside from bringing the look and comfort of indoors outdoors, rugs can also pull the entire space together. They come in all sizes, shapes, colors and patterns, making it easy for you to match your décor theme and extend the look of your home’s interior. Outdoor rugs are treated to resist water and fading.

3. Deep seating furniture

These furniture pieces continue to grow in popularity. Just like your indoor living room, this makes for a cozy and relaxing place to take refuge outdoors. Take for instance the North Mowing All Weather Wicker Love Seat Conversation Set by Alfresco Home that can seat the entire family.

4. Outdoor fabrics

Outdoor furniture fabrics continue to improve in texture, design and performance. They feel just as soft and comfy as their indoor counterparts while doing a good job of resisting stains, water and fading. Cleaning is also easy: simply wipe them down with mild soap and some warm water.

5. Multifunctional pieces

With the rise of outdoor rooms, backyards have now become multipurpose spaces for entertaining, cooking, lounging, swimming and dining. Firepit tables like the Basilica Mosaic Fire Pit and Beverage Cooler Table by Alfresco Home are one of the newest offerings that give warmth and ambience along with ample space for socializing and dining.

6. Motion seating

Swivel chairs, rockers and gliders are making a bigger presence in outdoor furniture collections this year. They are not exactly new, but motion seating like the Western Red Cedar Swing-A-Frame by All Things Cedar now comes in various styles and materials with contoured seats and deep-seating designs.

7. Transitional style

Overall, what might be the biggest trend in outdoor furniture this year is the move toward transitional design. This offers a mix of contemporary and classic styles, blending the comfort of traditional design and the clean lines of modern furniture, creating a simple and inviting look.

Now that you have some information on what’s in on the realm of outdoor furniture, perhaps it is time to make some updates to your alfresco space.

The 4 Most Important Tips on Buying Outdoor Wicker Patio Furniture

So you have decided to buy new outdoor wicker patio furniture for your alfresco sanctuary. There are so many brands to choose from of various construction and quality. Depending on what you are looking for, there are some things that you need to pay attention to before you make any purchase.

1. Tightness of the weave

One of the main things that you have to pay attention to is the tightness of the weave. Once of the most attractive characteristics about this kind of furniture is its ability to form and bend to the person’s body. If the weave of too loose, the material’s natural bending can lead to damage. This is why you need to pick a one with a weave that is tight enough to withstand the heaviest person. For extra comfort, get one that has cushions like the Take the Atlantic Bellagio Sectional Six Piece Set in Orange by International Home Miami.

2. Quality of the reeds

Individual reeds making the furniture has to be inspected before you purchase anything. They have to be pliable and somewhat shiny, without any tears or breaks. Damage on the individual reeds on a piece of wicker furniture can lead to major discomfort on the part of the person sitting or lying on it, not to mention ruin its aesthetics.

3. Paint job

Also take a look at the quality of the staining or paint used in the furniture. The stain or paint should not show any discoloration, and the coat has to be smooth and dry to the touch. Also, the furniture should not have any stain or paint odor associated with it. The Marshmellow Large Stool by Lebello, for example, is colored with high quality paint, making it 100% outdoors resistant and easily cleanable.

4. Weatherproofing treatments

Just like your outdoor space, wicker furniture will require regular upkeep and protection. But to spare yourself from complex maintenance procedures, getting furniture that already come pre-treated with weatherproofing elements would be a great idea. For instance, the Riviera End Table with Glass Top by Home Styles is made with moisture and weather resistant material, making it a low maintenance piece of furniture.

Sooner or later, you will have to clean your wicker pieces. While hosing it down with water would be very easy, this encourages mold growth. Instead, wipe it up with a damp cloth and follow it up with clean dry cloth.

Creative Contemporary Wicker Patio Furniture from Lebello

Many people are really  into contemporary wicker patio furniture because of its  innate durability and strength. And if you are someone who is always on the lookout for the latest in home décor, you might be interested about the line of outdoor wicker furniture from renowned brand Lebello.

Made from superior polyethylene-based synthetic fibers, their furniture come with easy maintenance, and is resistant from pool water and sea salt. Plus, these materials are 100% recyclable, with 70% of them manufactured by hand with minimal machine equipment. Below are some of their best pieces.

Chair 2 – High Back

This lounge chair is available with a padded back cushion and comes with an open body frame where you can store books and other objects in the center of the chair. It is available in several colors and comes available with a cushion add-on.

Circle Chair

Perfect for outdoor club seating, the feature a simple and modern design mixed with exciting colors. This is very comfortable and is made with aluminum tubing over all weather wicker. It is 100% outdoors resistant and is easy to maintain.

Double Hollow by Lebello

The Double Modern Hollow Bench comes with a 2-seater that provides an open frame body that allows books or objects to be placed in the center. Its design allows the ottoman to be placed on any of its sides for seating.

Counter Bistro Table

Resistant to pool water, sea salt and changes in climate, this bistro table is available with a round or square top and feature a tempered glass or solid aluminum insert. Its height is available to work with the Sun Set counter stool.

Here are other modern wicker furniture pieces that you might be interested in.

Wicker Bar Stool by Jordan Manufacturing Company

Made of aluminum frame and PE wicker construction, the Wicker Bar Stool by Jordan Manufacturing Company comes with a square top and in a set of two. It is easy to assemble and maintain, and is treated to prevent UV damage.

Riviera Arm Chair Harvest Fabric by Home Styles

An economical solution for upscale outdoor furniture, the Riviera Arm Chair Harvest Fabric by Home Styles is made from 100% recyclable, weather and moisture resistant, and low maintenance material. It features shaped legs with adjustable levelers to accommodate uneven surfaces.

Charleston Table Honey by Royal Teak Collection

A maintenance-free piece of furniture, the Charleston Table Honey by Royal Teak Collection is woven with top-of-the-like synthetic wicker fibers. This table is non fading and durable, and is also dirt and insect resistant. Its frame is made of powder coated aluminum for added durability.

A Short Buying Guide on Contemporary Patio Furniture Sets

If you want to spruce your outdoor space for al fresco dinners with friends and family, a dining set that offers ample table top surface and comfortable seating is essential. From traditional wood pieces to bistro-style chairs and tables, the best dining set should feed your space without making it feel overcrowded. Of course, it should also be able to withstand the elements of the changing seasons.

Most importantly, it should complement your preference and style. If you are thinking of getting an outdoor dining set, here are some things to keep an eye out for.

Consider the best materials. Sturdy metals and woods like powder-coated aluminum and teak are popular choices. Teak stands up to the elements and is more durable than most varieties. After rain and light exposure, it develops a shiny patina and age well over time.

Consider versatility. On the other hand, aluminum is the best choice for seasonal use since it is lightweight but sturdy and versatile at the same time. Also, wicker and rattan pieces are very easy to move. Outdoor chairs from these materials often give the most comfort because of their tight weaves.

Decide on size. This will depend on your outdoor space. Bistro-style sets are best for small patio and decks. But if you are thinking of taking meals outdoors, go with a full dining set that can range from four to eight seats depending on the amount of space in your garden or backyard.

Think about the surface. Wood table tops require the least maintenance since they can easily be wiped clean with some soap. Metal tables, when left under the heat of the sun, can heat up quickly so they are best in covered areas. And while glass tables are easy to clean, their fragile nature requires that they be used in covered areas as well.

Below are some great picks on contemporary patio furniture sets for your outdoor area.

Biscayne Bronze 3 Piece Bistro Set by Home Styles

Made of cast aluminum in a UV resistant, the Biscayne Bronze 3 Piece Bistro Set by Home Styles is a rubbed bronze rust finish oval dining table. It is adjustable and comes with nylon glides to prevent damage to surfaces.

5 Piece Extension Javenese Teak Outdoor Patio Dining Set with Solid Brass Fittings by All Things Cedar

Constructed from solid 100% genuine Javanese teak, the 5 Piece Extension Javenese Teak Outdoor Patio Dining Set with Solid Brass Fittings by All Things Cedar includes 1 table and 4 chairs. It features mortise and tenon joinery for exceptional strength and longevity.

Hemingway All Weather Wicker Dining Set by Alfresco Home

The Hemingway All Weather Wicker Dining Set by Alfresco Home includes 6 stackable dining chairs and 2 swivel dining chairs, along with an 86-inch dining table. It is made with durable cast aluminum frames will never rust and includes with an umbrella hole with plug.

Breathe New Life into Contemporary Patio Furniture Clearance Finds

You just found a great piece from a contemporary patio furniture clearance sale that will be perfect seating for your outdoor space. The problem is that it looks rather old and is showing signs of wear and tear.  Follow these tips to give it a whole new look and vibe.

Add jewel tone

A basic black iron might look good all on its own, but you can make it better. Just dress it up with some jewelry. An oversized wrought iron chair, a comfortable classic, can get more vibrant by adding a skirt of beaded fringe and jewel-painted accents.

Give a touch of tropics

Throwing a tropical-themed party? Get an old plastic lawn chair ready by making it a festive showpiece. Attach fabric lei and grass skirts from a party supply store and top it off with a comfy cushion covered in outdoor-safe fabric.

Employ beautiful fabric

For an instant makeover to any outdoor furniture, use fabric. With outdoor-friendly fabrics, you can easily dress up any old piece of furniture in a matter of minutes. Plus, you can change up the look from time to time.

Slip one on

Another easy and quick way to dress up old plastic furniture is with the use of slip covers. You should find readymade and outdoor friendly covers from craft stores in a wide selection of style and colors. Simply slip it on and off when you need.

Create a perfect design

Paint colorful patterns on your chair with ease by using a painter’s tape. With a few minutes of prep of time for covering areas of your furniture that you want to remain white, you can have super straight lines for a professional look.

Add contemporary style

A quick coat of silver spray and a boldly-hued cushion will turn any old plastic chair into a work of art, perhaps as good as the ones on high rise balconies in New York. Check out sales on throw pillows and buy various styles so you can personalize your chair to your mood.

Ramblas Garden Bench by Alfresco Home

The Ramblas Garden Bench by Alfresco Home features rust-proof polished cast aluminum with a durable powder coat finish. It is then finished with exquisite patterns and detailing for a stylish look, a perfect addition to your outdoor garden.

Java Teak Outdoor Furniture Dining Chair by All Things Cedar

Constructed of Java Teak, the Java Teak Outdoor Furniture Dining Chair by All Things Cedar assures you of extreme durability. It is made with mortise and tenon joinery for exceptional longevity and strength, and is finished with light teak oil stain.

Dejavu Polycarbonate Arm Chair Transparent Black – Set of 4 by Compamia

Made from unbreakable polycarbonate, the Dejavu Polycarbonate Arm Chair Transparent Black – Set of 4 by Compamia is perfect for heavy use in your outdoor area. It is extremely durable and is stackable for easy storage.