Now that the perfect house is in order, it’s time to take care of what’s outside. Arranging and decorating your patio is just as essential as decorating the inside of your house.

Imagine a patio where you, your family and guest can unwind. Picture that warm sunny day where you lounge on a perfectly comfortable wicker chair, the pillows so soft they feel like clouds under your head. Now that, folks, is worth day dreaming about!

But just what do you really need to furnish your patio? Before setting out to go buy the pieces of furniture of your outdoor haven, consider asking yourself the following questions:

1. How do you plan to use your patio? Is it purely for family use or do you plan on entertaining outdoors?
2. Are you going for something casual, laidback style or a bit more modern?
3. What materials do you want? Wrought iron? Wicker? Wood?

These questions are geared to make you picture the general “feel” of your patio. This will make it easier for you to choose what furniture to purchase.

If you’re planning to adorn or redesign your patio, here are five essential outdoor furniture you need to include:

 Chairs

Chairs provide the most basic of comfort. It is easier to enjoy the outdoors when you are comfortably seated on a perfect piece of chair. Here are some examples of outdoor chairs you might want to check out:

• Brown long chair – banana shaped
• Round and white ‘’rocking’’ chair
• Natural rattan chair

A tip to remember when buying chairs: keep in mind that comfort comes first. Test the chair before purchasing it. You do not want to get stuck with a piece of furniture you will never use. 

Table

Tables also play a crucial role in completing an outdoor set up. Having a table to put something on—whether it is food, a flower vase, or your laptop—is just as important as having a chair. Usually, side tables are already included when you purchase a set of lounge furniture.

Examples of tables for your patio:

• Wood strip table with metal foot
• Round and white perforated metal table
• Medium dark wood strip table

 Lights

Lights help illuminate the surroundings. It accentuates the mood and feel of the environment. By livening up dark moonlit evenings, lights can also add depth to your patio.

These are some samples that can help you set the proper mood:

• Small and round lanterns – vertical garland
• Rectangle garden lights
• Small and multi-shaped lanterns – horizontal garland 

Shade

If you and your guests want to relax on your patio, you need protection from the sun. A good shade is needed to make the event an enjoyable one, despite the heat. You can go for a makeshift canopy, build a wide roofing structure, or use a big umbrella.

Below you will find a sample of each type of shade:

• Triangle garden shade
• Open wooden gazebo
• Self-standing parasol

Accents

To finalize and tie everything up, accents or ornaments are also needed. Go for something in tune with your theme. For instance: if you want to achieve an earthy feel, you might want to experiment with old vases, flower pots, or even an old grandfather clock.

These are some pictures of ornaments you can add to personalize your outdoor space:

• Flower box
• Metal  garden clock
• Wooden cart 

After picking out the right furnishings, bask in the glory of your new patio. Maximize and use it to its full potential. Have fun!

Pierre Angela Cruz is a Marketing Consultant for Open Brook, an excellent source of information and reviews about Patio and Outdoor Furniture