Spring is Here: Here’s How to Properly Prepare Your Porch or Patio

According to a U.S. Department of Commerce report, furniture and home furnishings store sales totaled $9.51 billion in June 2017, up from $9.27 billion in June 2016. And as spring approaches, many homeowners are shifting their focuses from their indoor furniture setups to their outdoor furniture setups. This is especially the case with porches, which often need revitalizing after a long winter of disuse. But with a few quick an easy steps, you can make sure your porch is ready for the spring season as well as the influx of guests and company. Here are just a few ways to add some pizzazz to your porch and prepare for springtime.

Evaluate Rug and Flooring

Before you take a look at your current patio furniture or call an outdoor furniture company, take a look at your patio’s current flooring. Ideally, your patio flooring should be comfortable enough to stand on while barefoot, so don’t hesitate to invest in a new rug to add some comfort and style to the area. In most cases, it’s best to look for rugs that can be used both indoors and outdoors, but don’t neglect your personal style either. In a survey of over 2,000 consumers, 72.7% of respondents agreed that, “The design of my furniture reflects my personality,” and 67% of respondents agreed with the statement, “A lot can be said about a person from the furniture s/he owns.” With that in mind, if you can find a rug with a unique pattern that speaks to your personality, go for it!

Choose Comfortable Furniture

When you’ve adequately prepared the surrounding area, you can then shift your focus to the furniture itself. The key is to find pieces that have the perfect balance of functionality, durability, style, and affordability.

“Think: sturdy pieces with deep and cushioned seats. Double check for wonky dining chairs and tables… Don’t worry about having a fully matching set if you’re on a budget. Look for similar color and finish options and remember that comfort is your priority,” writes Zoe Gowen on Southern Living.

The Freedonia Group forecasts household furnishings demand to reach $34.9 billion in 2021.