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Plan in zones: dining near the kitchen door, a lounge area where you get afternoon shade or sunset views, and paths of at least 36 inches between them. Observe sun and shade at different times of day before placing seating, especially in hot climates where shade matters as much as the view. Plan outdoor power before laying pavers or decking.

New collections arrive in early spring, when selection is widest. The deepest discounts usually come at the end of summer, around Labor Day, as stores clear inventory, though popular sets can sell out early. Comparing across retailers makes it easier to spot when a particular style is marked down. Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends also bring promotions.

A bistro set with a 24-inch table, folding chairs that hang on a wall, or a narrow bench along the railing all make good use of limited space. Check building or HOA rules and the balcony's weight limit before adding heavy planters or concrete tables, and choose stackable or folding pieces if you'll store them in winter.

Store cushions indoors, clean the frames and use breathable, water-resistant covers rather than plastic tarps, which trap moisture. In snowy regions, move wood and wrought iron into a garage or shed if possible. Aluminum and all-weather wicker handle winter better under covers. Raise pieces off wet ground on feet or pavers.

Give it the elements of an indoor room: something underfoot, like an outdoor rug or defined pavers, a sense of enclosure from planters, screens or trellises, and a ceiling of sorts from an umbrella, pergola or string lights. Add lighting for evenings and pillows in a palette that relates to the house, so indoors and out feel connected.

An umbrella is the most flexible and easiest to move with the sun; a cantilever umbrella shades a seating area without a pole in the middle. A pergola is a permanent structure that can support climbing plants or a fabric canopy. A retractable awning attached to the house suits a deck or patio right outside a door.

Garden & Outdoor

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Frequently Asked Questions

Garden & Outdoor

Popular searches

Design Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an outdoor living space?+

When is the best time to buy patio furniture?+

What outdoor furniture works on a small balcony or patio?+

How do I care for patio furniture in winter?+

How do I make a patio feel like an outdoor room?+

Should I choose an umbrella, a pergola or an awning for shade?+