Choosing the right coastal living outdoor furniture for your space is essential to designing a coastal-style home. Whether you are a stone’s throw from the coast or several states away, you can still create a relaxing outdoor setting that feels like you’re at the beach. Colorful outdoor decorations and plush seating set the stage for long, lazy summer days.
Sand neutrals, grays, greens, and blues are common color palettes for coastal living outdoor furniture. Relaxing in coastal furniture is meant to make one feel on vacation. It is simple, laidback, and filled with a soothing seaside spirit. It can also be used to describe anything with a maritime theme.
Considerations when choosing coastal living outdoor furniture
Materials Matter
Softwood
The most widely used softwoods for outdoor furniture are redwood, cedar, and cypress. They’re more readily available and cost less than hardwoods; however, you can sacrifice durability for convenience.
Pros
- Remains comfy in cold and hot conditions
- Lighter than hardwoods but sturdy enough to withstand strong winds.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE lumber is costlier than some alternatives, but many homeowners see the long-term benefits of poly lumber and are willing to pay the extra. The fact that it’s usually produced from recycled materials also helps to reduce the price for many people.
Pros
- Simple to clean and maintain
- Resistant to salty ocean air, wind, moisture, insects, and humidity
- No chipping, splintering, rotting, peeling, warping, or fading.
- The temperature is maintained at a pleasant level in most situations
Aluminum
Aluminum is a popular material for coastal living outdoor furniture due to its low cost and long lifespan.
Pros
- There is no need for regular cleaning or maintenance.
- Powder-coated versions are much more long-lasting than the uncoated ones; they are rust-, water-, and pest-proof.
- convenient, portable, and easy to store due to its lightweight
Injection-molded plastic
Injection-molded plastic is the cheapest material for outdoor furniture. Therefore, it’s a popular choice for beachfront properties and vacation rentals.
Pros:
- Maintains a comfortable interior regardless of the outside temperature
- Resistant to salt, humidity, moisture, and rust corrosion
- A breeze to clean
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron furniture is frequently used in outdoor settings. This is because of its sturdy construction and sophisticated, even whimsical, look. Since this material rusts easily, it may need frequent upkeep in coastal conditions.
Teak Wood
You can’t go wrong with teak when it comes to coastal living outdoor furniture, and it’s worth considering for any outdoor setting. This sun-proof material also looks great and has a timeless beach vibe. To prevent the finish from wearing away, make sure to dust off and put away the furniture while it’s not in use. However, teak wood is resistant to the effects of sand and salt air. Additionally, it is highly resistant to moisture and rain.
Climate
Conditions on the coast can be different depending on where you live. But some outside factors affect every beach house:
- Wind
- Sand
- Salt spray
- Sun exposure
- Intense storms (hurricanes, nor’easters, etc.)
- Moisture
- Humidity
When shopping for coastal accessories, keep these considerations in mind. You need coastal living outdoor furniture that withstands the elements, including snow, sun, rain, salty air, and wind.
How do you protect coastal living outdoor furniture from water?
Make sure to keep your coastal living outdoor furniture well away from the water’s edge. Dry off your furniture as soon as possible if it gets damp. Place the furniture under a roof or in a dry place when it’s not in use to protect it from the elements. Applying protection to the surfaces will further protect them from the damaging effects of humidity and moisture.
Alternatives to coastal living outdoor furniture sets
An outdoor furniture set is a frequent choice for furnishing the outdoor area of coastal properties. Buying a set of coastal living outdoor furniture saves time and money by ensuring all pieces are the same style and size. However, there are many more wonderful options besides buying a set to consider when designing your coastal outdoor space.
There has been a rise in the popularity of mismatched patio sets in recent years among homeowners who want to make a statement with their decor. This style allows homeowners to exhibit their unique style without being constrained by a single choice of furnishings. Instead of purchasing a matching furniture set, combine pieces from different collections to create a unique look. It helps if you can think beyond the box.
Pieces from the same collection can be perfect to create a cohesive look using similar styles, colors, textures, and patterns. Mixing and matching options has its limitations, but it still provides more variety than purchasing a whole set would.
If you have a sufficiently large yard, divide it into distinct zones: dining and lounging. Casual and fun outdoor bean bags, big (faux) wicker seats, and Adirondack chairs are all great options for lounging around on a balcony, deck, or patio.
Conclusion
Seat cushions, throw pillows, outdoor rugs, and ambiance lighting (string lights, candle lanterns, etc.) will complete your coastal living outdoor furniture for a stunning outdoor space.
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