Except for the days when the April showers are dripping down on us, it's the time of year that is finally nice enough to once again enjoy spending time outdoors. That means it's time to find some luxurious outdoor furniture at the Lake of the Ozarks to use during all of your extra time outside.


A few exquisite pieces from John Elliott Interiors in Lake Ozark can make your outdoors every bit as inviting as your indoors. If you live on that gorgeous lake we are lucky enough to have in the area, that sight alone will make you want to be outside often. A nice backyard that you love to hang out in or a pretty porch at the front of your home is also a wonderful reason to desire a comfortable outdoor living space as well.

Purchasing outdoor furniture is similar to buying indoor furniture in some ways, but there are a few additional things to keep in mind before choosing your pieces. These tips should help you to make an informed decision about outdoor furniture that will stand the test of time.


Decide What You Need
Just as you would for a room inside your home, take a good look at the outdoor space that you are designing and think about exactly what you want that space to be. Will it just be for you and the family to lounge and enjoy outdoor activities or will you be entertaining guests often? Do you want a relaxing oasis or a place where friends and family can get together and let loose?

Once you have that decided, it's time to figure out exactly how much room you have to work with. You'll want enough furniture to fill the space, but not so much that there's not enough room to move around it. If there is a lack of shade in your yard or on your patio, furniture that can provide that, such as umbrellas, is a good idea. All-weather rugs are an excellent addition too, providing comfort for bare feet and added beauty to a wooden deck or concrete floor.  Outdoor furniture needs to be able to handle whatever type of weather may occur where you live. Most pieces will remain outside, even if it storms, and plans to remove cushions when it rains don't work if you're not home when the rain starts. Also be aware that furniture outside is going to come in contact with a lot more dirt, water, and possibly food items than most of your indoor furniture will. Make sure you take a look at the care instructions before you fall in love with a piece of outdoor furniture.

Another thing to think about is whether or not the pieces will all stay in place, or if you prefer to be able to change the layout of the furniture when you need a new seating arrangement. If it's the latter, look for pieces that are lightweight and easy to move around. Be sure to keep in mind a plan for winter storage while you're at it. If you don't want to have to remove the furniture completely, you'll need to search for pieces that will stand up to snow and ice as well as sunshine and rain. Doubling up on function and beauty when designing your outdoor space is a nice bonus. Storage inside the seats of chairs or benches can hide cushions when you aren't using them or even outdoor equipment you want to keep out of sight. Ottomans that can be used as side tables or a place to sit offer flexibility. A bench that is the right height for an outdoor table can be used for extra seating when you dine outside, but it will also look lovely on its own in another part of the yard.  The look of your outdoor furniture should complement the outside of your home and the surrounding area. The goal is for the design to look like it belongs with the style of the house, not just random pieces that have been thrown together. Especially be aware of this if the furniture can be seen from the street. Curb appeal is a very important factor for any home.  You've all heard the old saying, "You get what you pay for." It may be tempting to pick up inexpensive furniture for the outside of your home, but that discounted price doesn't do you much good if all of that furniture has to be replaced every spring. Our Lake of the Ozarks furniture store takes pride in only offering the highest quality furniture for every room inside your home as well as the spaces you want to decorate outside. Each piece in our store is built to last and stand up to daily use so that you can truly enjoy it.

Summertime is a wonderful time to be outdoors, especially if you have a home in the beautiful lake area. If you are looking for the right type of outdoor furnishings at the Lake of the Ozarks to decorate your outdoor space, you will find that there are many different types to choose from.

The material used to make the furniture will make a big difference depending on how you want to use it and how much maintenance you want to give it. John Elliott Interiors has listed a few of the different materials below, along with some information on each, that may help you to make a decision on which type is best for your needs.


Wicker/Rattan
Wicker, rather than a material, is actually the name for the style of weave used to make the furniture. Rattan is the material most often used in wicker weaves. It is a naturally growing vine-like species that is native to tropical regions. A strong fibrous plant similar to bamboo. The furniture made from this is very lightweight, making it a good choice if you like to change the layout of your outdoor area often. It is fairly easy to maintain and usually does not require a lot of care. It actually works well both indoors and outdoors.

Aluminum
The good things about aluminum for patio furniture are that it is lightweight, durable, and doesn't rust or fade. This makes it a low maintenance choice and easy to move around. This material can get very hot when it sits in direct sunlight, so you will want to be careful of that.  

Stainless Steel
Steel is very sturdy and will last a long time when properly taken care of. While heavier than aluminum, steel is not the heaviest type of metal patio furniture out there. It also gets extremely hot when placed in the sun. To protect steel furniture from rust you should apply a protective finish.  


Wrought Iron
This is also very sturdy, extremely durable, and able to withstand the elements when it is left outside. Wrought iron can be very heavy, so if you want furniture that can be moved around easily, this is not the best choice. It will need to have a rust protector applied if it is not powder coated. Paint can be used to touch up cracks that may appear from wear. This type of material takes a bit of special care to keep it looking its best, but it offers a classic and elegant look to your outdoor area.

Wood
Wooden outdoor furniture will be sturdy and long-lasting, but it may need extra attention to keep to keep it in its best shape. A bonus is that wood doesn't absorb heat like metal furniture so it won't be too hot to touch if kept out in the sun. It will possibly need a preservative to protect the wood from both weathering and insects. You will want to check it occasionally to make sure no spots could cause splinters. 

Concrete
This material is able to withstand even the harshest of elements but is incredibly heavy, so you're best to decide on where you want it before it is delivered. Concrete is a good type of material to use for tables.


Outdoor furniture is made from many different materials, and the choices you will find at our Lake of the Ozarks luxury furniture store cover a wide variety of styles. That makes it easier for us to have access to furniture pieces that you will love, no matter what your personal style may be. Come in and take a look around John Elliott Interiors, and if you don't see exactly what you're looking for, tell us about it. There's an excellent chance that we can find it for you!