Add colour outdoors

There has been a sea change in the outdoor furniture trends over the past few years. While the traditional wicker and cane furniture still remains strong,  materials including vinyl, plastic and aluminium and coloured pieces have made the outdoor furniture segment vibrant and extensive. A buyer nowadays is spoilt for choice with a large number of international as well as Indian companies offering furniture pieces. Here’s what Aditya Gupta, Founder, The Furniture Republic has to say about stylish outdoor furniture: 

What sort of furniture options are available for outdoors (gardens/ terrace/ lawns etc)?

Whether you have a spacious lawn, a compact patio or a balcony, outdoor furniture is now designed to get the most out of your space. Outdoor tables and chairs in advanced plastics and metal construction are popular these days.   

Talking about style, pattern and design, what sort of outdoor furniture pieces are trending this year?

Regarding the overall style of outdoor furniture, we have seen transitional and contemporary looks become more popular. Personal style and preference of the customer is a definite key factor, and it has become more acceptable, even encouraged, to mix and match.

What material  is the best for exteriors and why?

Globally different materials like aluminum, wood, and plastics are used for outdoor use. For India we feel the advanced plastics/synthetic material are good as these are most resistant to weather and comfortable to sit on. Putting permanent "cushions" on outdoor furniture is hard in India because of the weather and dust. Other materials need cushions to be used for comfort. 

Which material furniture should be avoided for exteriors and why?       

The outdoor furniture industry uses a whole host of materials differing in standards, properties, and prices. Each material in itself has differing levels of quality and standards. The old adage "you get what you pay for" is true for patio furniture. Plastic resin chairs or side tables will become brittle and lose their vibrant coloring. The same is true for some wood products and wicker pieces.

With brands coming up with coloured range, what is your opinion about the colour one should select for outdoor furniture and why?

When it comes to purchasing outdoor furniture you're not limited to the white or beige of wicker, the natural shades of wood, or the metal pieces it’s made from. Instead, colour finishes thrive with bright blues, summery yellows or bold reds. It is also becoming more popular than before to contrast neutral colours with brighter colours.

What points should be kept in mind while purchasing outdoor furniture?

Nothing adds more energy to a patio or deck than vibrant outdoor furniture. Unfortunately, many homeowners place more emphasis on appearance than functionality when shopping for outdoor furniture. While a set may look good, the materials used to construct the outdoor furniture can easily rot. 

Choosing the right material for outdoor furniture represents the most important decision consumers make during the buying process. Before shopping for outdoor furniture, consumers should understand why the chosen material matters, the materials to disregard, and the best materials for kicking off the shoes and lounging in an outdoor recliner.

 — Aditya Gupta, Founder, The Furniture Republic