Yes, you want your outdoor living room to be just as comfortable and beautiful as your indoor one. No, it’s not quite as simple as using coordinating furniture and decor. With factors like inclement weather, harsh UV rays, and humidity doing their worst, it’s important to safeguard your outdoor space so you can keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical ways to protect your outdoor living room, ensuring that it remains an inviting retreat no matter the season.
Table of Contents
Invest in Waterproof Furniture
First, choose furniture that has been specifically designed for the great outdoors. You can bring indoor furniture outside for short periods, but you don’t want to leave it there. These low-maintenance materials make for the best outdoor furniture:
Woods
- Teak
- Shorea
- Eucalyptus
- Acacia
- Cedar
- Cypress
Metals
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Wrought Iron
Plastics
- Polymer
- Resin
- Recycled Plastic
Wicker
- Rattan
- Plastic
Invest in Weatherproof Fabrics
Next, it’s important to note the fabric composition if you are shopping for outdoor pillows or choosing upholstery. Here are some high-quality, weatherproof fabrics that are designed for outdoor usage:
- Acrylic
- Polyester
- Olefin
- Textilene
- PVC mesh
- Marine vinyl
Use Waterproof Sprays and Sealants
On top of choosing the right materials and fabrics, you can take several additional measures to ward off wear and tear. Namely, many protective sprays and sealants are designed to protect your outdoor furniture. If you have a piece with white cushions like the Palecek Boca Outdoor Chaise Lounge, a protective spray like Scotchguard Sun and Water Shield is necessary. This not only helps prevent discoloration but also inhibits mold and mildew growth. Applying a sealant is essential for wooden furniture to prevent moisture, dirt, and dust from penetrating the wood.
Use Furniture Covers
Along with applying waterproof sprays and sealants, consider purchasing outdoor furniture covers, like the ones listed here to protect your pieces when they’re not in use. The best covers are both waterproof and durable. Typically made from vinyl or polyester, these covers offer full protection from the elements and can easily be folded and stored.
Install a Roof or Covering
Consider installing either a temporary or permanent shade solution, particularly for those who live in a hot climate. Popular options include a pergola, retractable awning, gazebo, or large umbrella. An awning or gazebo allows you to use the space in the rain, while an umbrella is designed primarily for sun protection.
Add Windbreaks
If you live in a windy area, or an area prone to frequent storms, adding windbreaks around your outdoor living room can help protect your furniture and make your outdoor living room a more enjoyable and private space to relax. Common windbreaks include hedges, walls, trees, shrubs, and gates.
Add a Heating Element
Enjoying the beauty of the outdoors shouldn’t be confined to just the summer months. To keep your space cozy year-round, you might consider installing an outdoor heater or fire pit. In the summer, you might only use these at night, but they are worth having for when the weather gets chilly. You can also keep some thick wool blankets on hand for guests.
Create a Weatherproofed Outdoor Living Room with Kaiyo
With all the extra measures to weatherproof your space, costs can run high. As you design your dreamy outdoor living room, remember that we sell pre-owned outdoor furniture pieces from top brands like West Elm and Pottery Barn. Shopping secondhand is a great way to get the look you want for less while also making a sustainable choice.
