The warm weather is finally upon us, leaving many Canadians eager to transform their outdoor spaces into comfortable retreats for relaxation and entertaining. Whether you have a sprawling backyard deck or a cozy apartment balcony, choosing the right patio furniture can make all the difference in creating an inviting outdoor sanctuary that truly reflects your style.
At Smitty's Furniture, we've been helping Canadian families create beautiful homes for over 75 years, and we understand that your outdoor living space is just as important as your indoor rooms. Here's our expert guide to selecting patio furniture that will serve you well through many Canadian seasons.
Tips on Selecting the Best Patio Furniture for Your Space
Assess Your Space and Set Your Layout
Before falling in love with that gorgeous sectional or dining set, take time to properly measure your outdoor area. Understanding your space limitations (and possibilities) is the foundation of any successful outdoor furniture selection.
- Start with accurate measurements: Use a measuring tape to determine the exact dimensions of your patio, deck, or balcony. Don't forget to account for doors that swing open, walkways, and any permanent fixtures like built-in planters or fire pits.
- Consider traffic flow: Just like indoor spaces, your patio needs clear pathways for people to move comfortably. Plan for at least 90 centimetres of walking space around furniture groupings, and ensure easy access to your home's interior.
- Think in zones: Even smaller spaces can benefit from designated areas. You might create a dining zone near your kitchen door and a relaxation area in a quieter corner. Larger patios can accommodate multiple seating areas, outdoor kitchens, or even dedicated spaces for children's activities.
- Account for seasonal changes: Remember that Canadian weather can be unpredictable. Consider how you'll store or protect your furniture during harsh weather, and whether you'll want pieces that can easily move indoors during shoulder seasons.
Choose Materials That Withstand Canadian Weather
Canadian outdoor furniture faces unique challenges, from intense summer UV rays to winter freeze-thaw cycles. Selecting the right materials will ensure your investment lasts for years to come.
- Teak and cedar: These naturally weather-resistant woods are excellent choices for Canadian climates. Teak develops a beautiful silver patina over time, while cedar offers natural insect resistance and a lovely aroma. Both require minimal maintenance when properly cared for.
- Aluminum and powder-coated metals: Lightweight yet durable, aluminum won't rust and handles temperature fluctuations well. Look for powder-coated finishes that resist chipping and fading – essential for withstanding our intense summer sun and winter storms.
- All-weather wicker: Modern synthetic wicker offers the classic look of traditional rattan while standing up to moisture, UV rays, and temperature changes. Quality resin wicker maintains its appearance and won't crack or fade like natural materials might.
- Weather-resistant fabrics: For cushions and pillows, choose solution-dyed acrylic fabrics that resist fading, mildew, and water damage. These fabrics clean easily and maintain their colour even after seasons of Canadian sun exposure.
- Avoid materials that won't last: While tempting for budget-conscious shoppers, untreated wood, basic metals, and cheap plastics often deteriorate quickly in our climate, ultimately costing more in replacements.
Integrate with Your Existing Style
Your outdoor space should feel like a natural extension of your home's interior design. Creating visual harmony between indoor and outdoor areas enhances the overall flow and makes your space feel larger and more cohesive.
- Complement your home's architecture: A modern home might call for sleek, linear furniture with clean lines, while a traditional house could benefit from classic designs with curves and decorative details. Consider your home's exterior colours, materials, and overall aesthetic when making selections.
- Echo interior colour schemes: You don't need to match exactly, but incorporating similar colour families creates pleasing continuity. If your living room features warm earth tones, consider outdoor furniture in complementary browns, creams, or muted greens.
- Mix textures thoughtfully: Combine smooth and textured surfaces just as you would indoors. Pair sleek metal frames with soft cushions, or contrast smooth teak with nubby outdoor rugs and woven accessories.
- Consider your view: Think about how your outdoor furniture will look from inside your home. Choose pieces that enhance rather than obstruct sightlines, and select colours that complement your indoor window treatments and décor.
- Scale appropriately: Oversized furniture can make a small space feel cramped, while tiny pieces might look lost on a large deck. Choose proportions that fit both your space and your home's overall scale.
Master the Art of Furniture Placement
Strategic placement can make even a modest outdoor space feel spacious and functional. Consider both practical needs and aesthetic appeal when arranging your pieces.
- Create conversation areas: Arrange seating to encourage interaction by placing chairs and sofas close enough for comfortable conversation, typically within 2.5 metres of each other. Angle pieces slightly toward each other rather than lining them up against walls.
- Anchor with area rugs: Outdoor rugs define seating areas, add colour and texture, and help furniture groupings feel intentional rather than scattered. Choose rugs that extend at least 15 centimetres beyond your furniture on all sides.
- Provide surfaces within reach: Ensure every seat has access to a side table or surface for drinks, books, or personal items. This might mean a central coffee table, individual side tables, or a combination of both.
- Consider sun and shade patterns: Observe how sunlight moves across your space throughout the day. Position dining areas where they'll have comfortable shade during meal times, and place lounging spots where you can choose sun or shade as desired.
- Leave room for movement: Don't push all furniture against the walls. Floating furniture pieces and creating multiple pathways make spaces feel larger and more dynamic.
- Think about privacy: Use taller pieces or planters to create intimate spaces within larger areas, or position furniture to take advantage of natural privacy screens like mature shrubs or fencing.
Prioritize Functionality for Canadian Living
Successful outdoor furniture must work hard in our climate while providing the comfort and convenience that make spending time outdoors truly enjoyable.
- Consider storage solutions: Built-in storage benches, ottomans with hidden compartments, and side tables with shelving help keep outdoor essentials organized while protecting them from the weather.
- Plan for entertaining: If you love hosting gatherings, ensure you have adequate seating that can expand when needed. Stackable chairs, folding tables, and modular seating make it easy to accommodate various group sizes.
- Think about maintenance: Choose pieces that match your lifestyle and maintenance preferences. If you prefer low-maintenance options, avoid materials that require regular staining, frequent cleaning, or seasonal treatments.
- Account for seasonal storage: Consider how and where you'll store cushions, accessories, and smaller pieces during winter months. Built-in storage, nearby sheds, or basement space should influence your furniture choices.
- Include lighting considerations: Plan for evening use by ensuring your furniture arrangement accommodates string lights, lanterns, or built-in lighting. Side tables should be able to hold portable lighting options.
- Weather protection features: Look for quick-dry cushions, drainage holes in tables, and covers or storage solutions that make protecting your investment simple and convenient.
We Have a Large Selection of Sunset West & Enclover Outdoor Furniture
Sunset West is a premium outdoor furniture manufacturer founded in 2004 in Vista, California and specializes in creating high-quality outdoor furnishings. They provide various types of premium patio furniture, ranging from dining to lounge solutions, with a modern, refined appearance. Their products include deep-seating cushioned furniture and stately table options, designed to transform any patio space into an outdoor oasis. They are also known for their attention to detail, with seat height, frame depth, cushion thickness and firmness all uniquely specified to provide ultimate comfort.
Enclover is a Canadian patio furniture brand based in Oakville, Ontario. The company was founded to connect people with the world beyond walls by elevating even the smallest, simplest pleasures of stepping outdoors. They specialize in outdoor furniture made specifically for Canadian weather, featuring sleek designs and colours with something for every yard. Their product line includes soft seating and dining options, ranging from wicker to metal pieces, fire tables, and décor. Enclover takes pride in their work, with each piece combining artful design and careful handiwork to deliver exceptional quality for furniture that will stay with customers season after season. The company is committed to delivering on quality, starting with great furniture and following through with exceptional service.
Final Thoughts: Creating Your Perfect Outdoor Retreat
Choosing patio furniture is about more than selecting individual pieces – it's about creating an outdoor environment that enhances your quality of life and reflects your personal style. Take time to plan thoughtfully, invest in quality pieces that will withstand Canadian weather, and don't be afraid to start small and build your collection over time.
Remember that the best outdoor furniture is what works for your specific needs, space, and lifestyle. Whether you're creating a quiet morning coffee spot, an entertaining hub for summer barbecues, or a peaceful evening retreat, the right choices will help you make the most of Canada's beautiful outdoor seasons.
At Smitty's Furniture, our design consultants are always here to help you navigate these choices and find pieces that will bring years of enjoyment to your outdoor living space. Visit our showrooms to see our curated selection of quality patio furniture designed to thrive in Canadian conditions.