Mix and Match Outdoor Furniture Materials

Creating The Perfect Outdoor Setting

Mix and match materials for the ultimate outdoor space that matches anyone’s style

Spring and summer approaching always brings up the question: What is the best material for outdoor furniture? We’re going to let you in on a little secret, there isn’t just one or two perfect materials that’s better than the others. The best way to design your outdoor setting is to mix and match materials for the ultimate outdoor space that matches anyone’s style. Don’t fret, we’re here to walk you through the design aspects and guide you in the right direction to achieve your ideal space. The four most popular outdoor furniture materials include aluminum, wicker, teak, and concrete. If you are signed up for our newsletter, you’ve already received the 411 about advantages and disadvantages on these outdoor furniture materials. (If not, this short quiz will tell you your design style and get you on our email list).

Some important things to consider when planning your outdoor space(s) are:

• Permanent fixtures- siding of house, shutters, fireplaces, fences, flooring, ceiling/shelter, or anything that is unlikely to change
• Setting- plants, trees, amount of sunlight, landscaping (beach, mountains, rural areas) all impact design. Furniture should highlight the surrounding features and nature aspects.
• Color- Typically, neutral furniture is the best option for outdoor spaces along with a few accent colors; sticking to mostly warm tones to contrast against the greenery, or cool tones to blend in.

All For Aluminum

When you think of aluminum furniture what do you see? Most of the time, concentrated black framework is what comes to mind, but that’s not always the case. Aluminum can be any color and it can be cast into endless shapes! It can even be made with texture, such as wood or hammered metal. However, there’s nothing wrong with the traditional black line design of aluminum, it’s bold and contrasts beautifully with nature. Aluminum creates a sleek look regardless the color or shape. It’s an easy way to introduce geometric and/or organic shapes into a design.

What About Wicker

Wicker is timeless in design considering it’s so versatile in shape, color, and pattern. There are endless different materials and styles of wicker furniture. Resin wicker is considered to be the most durable for outdoor use, other options include rattan, bamboo, polyethylene, rope, etc. One reason why wicker is so popular is its numerous weaving techniques that create different patterns; two common examples are bird nest and brindle. Wicker can be found or made in any design style. It’s also a stunning way to create diversity with pattern and texture.

Lets Talk Teak

It’s hard to go wrong with wood in any style or setting. Teak is a common material used for outdoor furniture due to its durability. The honey/amber wood tone of teak creates a bright, tropical feel and calls attention to the greenery. Over time, teak ages like fine wine and turns into a silvery, light grey hue which creates a more modern look. Its natural colors blend wonderfully with nature and anything in-between. It’s also a great way to bring texture into a space!

Calling For Concrete

One of the reasons concrete is so unique is it creates a focus on form. It’s customizable to any shape and enhances the significance of line. Concrete brings unique texture with every piece, it can be smooth or it can be carved to introduce pattern in a design. Terrazzo with concrete creates a distinctive look, adding visual interest with the nature aspect of minerals. The natural neutral tones of concrete bring out the greenery surrounding it. Concrete is different from other materials considering it has the capability to achieve all the elements and principles of design in a single piece.

Mixing and Matching Materials

Now that we’ve explored some of the design aspects of outdoor materials and how they can impact a space, it’s time to take a look at the potential stunning and contrasting designs they create when mashed together!

Hover over a photo for a description of materials used

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