When’s The Best Time to Buy Outdoor & Patio Furniture?
Outdoor spaces are such a wonderful extension of your home and can give you that breathing room you often need, especially in a small home. We’re suckers for some good outdoor furniture and have accumulated many tips and tricks about it over the years. But we also believe that your budget shouldn’t have to suffer to create the outdoor area of your dreams.
Is There Really A Good Time To Buy Outdoor And Patio Furniture?
Outdoor furniture is notorious for going up and down in price. Being in the industry of purchasing furniture regularly (it's a pretty cool job), we see how the prices fluctuate throughout the year. So, we're here to bring you all the details on when to buy and when waiting it out can save you hundreds!
January - February
The first timeframe is between January and February. Outdoor furniture tends to be marked down in the off-season. This makes it the perfect time to pick up that one table you’ve been eyeing.
Besties, keep in mind that if you want to buy furniture during this time, you need a place to store it so that it lasts longer. Even though it's intended for the outdoors, the weather can turn harsh, and nobody wants to buy new furniture again the following year.
Insider Tip!
No matter when you buy, always check the return policies and warranties. While you should always measure to ensure that pieces will fit, you may frequently find yourself disliking the furniture in the space as opposed to what you expected it to look like. So, always be aware of what can be returned and how long your warranty will last.
Late August - October
Between late August and October, you have another window to make a purchase for a bargain. The fact that it falls after Labor Day (when prices typically increase) makes this time ideal.
Outdoor furniture will typically be marked down by retailers and suppliers as they get ready for the cooler months to clear out their inventory and old stock, making it important to keep an eye out for sales!
Insider Tip!
Be patient! If you have your heart set on a certain piece of outdoor furniture, but it won't be the best time to buy for another month, consider waiting. While it’s much easier said than done, waiting a few weeks to a month could save you hundreds, if not more.
Outdoor Styling Tips
Oh, you didn’t think we’d let you get away without sharing any of our favorite outdoor styling tips, did you? That’s what we're here for! Like we said, your outdoor area is an extension of your home, so it should be a place where you can enjoy and relax.
Add In Washable and Fade Resistant Soft Touches
Now we’re all about being pretty and practical, and that’s basically outdoor furniture is all about, too! That being said, incorporating washable and fade-resistant soft touches is essential for giving your outdoor space a cozy feel while still being durable.
The best fabrics for outdoor use are those that are machine washable and require only a little upkeep. Having the prettier option outdoors is not worth it if you can’t clean it. Don’t worry, there are so many great options for outdoor pillows and throw blankets that can withstand constant changes in temperature.
Insider Tip!
If you can’t store your furniture inside during the colder months or when you’re not sitting outside having a drink with friends, grab some furniture covers. We personally love these from Amazon!
use Landscaping to create a lush oasis
If you’re already in the middle of redesigning or remodeling, why not turn it into a lush oasis?!
Use Native and Drought Tolerant Plants
If you’re worried about plants dying or not being able to care for a garden, fret not. We have a tip for you: get yourself some native plants and drought-tolerant plants. Not only will these kinds of plants look fabulous in the space, but they’ll naturally do well, and you won’t have to stress about trying to keep them alive.
To create varying heights throughout, try using a mix of both short and tall plants. This will keep the space looking exciting and interesting.
Create Zones And Paths
Our next tip is all about creating the right kind of zones and paths. It is important to give it the right kind of structure in a backyard or patio area. You can use stepping stones or gravel to create paths in your backyard. Not only does this give people a sense of where to go, but it also has a visual aspect that is so darn cute!
You obviously need a destination for the path you're trying to build. So, these are our top favorite ideas for what to put at the end of your path!
Firepit
Dining area
Outdoor kitchen
Grilling space
Hot tub
Plunge pool
Lighting, please!
In an outdoor space, you need lighting! It can make the difference between a space being used or not. This is also something you can have a bit of fun with. You will also want to use it in layers and play around with the different variations.
String Lights
Nothing quite screams summer nights like string lights in a zigzag pattern! Depending on the height of your space, you might want to consider using them. These are not only cute, but they also provide amazing mood lighting. It brings that chill vibe we all know and love.
Lanterns
If you want to create a more moody atmosphere, use lanterns and scatter them throughout the space, even hanging them from trees if possible! Something that makes these a fantastic option is the fact that they are usually solar-powered. Yay for the environment and us!
Wall Sconces and Landscape Lighting
Light up those walls and trees. Wall sconces and landscape lighting can make the biggest difference in a backyard that previously looked like nothing special. Seriously, we are big believers that lighting can transform a space! So if you’re on the lookout for outdoor lighting, head to your local Home Depot and ask what will work best with your weather conditions.
Tie It All Together With An Outdoor Rug
Oh, we can already feel this backyard coming together and being as cute as a button! Your backyard sometimes needs the anchoring feature of a rug, and we get so excited by all the outdoor rug options.
Have Fun With Color And Patterns!
There are so many colors and textures to choose from. So when you’re shopping around, make sure all of your outdoor furniture can sit on top of the rug; check out our rug guide for a full deep dive.
Be Mindful Of The Material
Try and pick a rug that will allow moisture to evaporate. Fabrics like polypropylene or olefin do a great job of this! You want to steer clear of options like sisal, jute, and seagrass. These guys don’t hold up very well outdoors.
Sun exposure can cause discoloration, leaving your rug less bright after a summer. This is why it is critical to keep it out of direct sunlight. While this may take some extra research, you will thank us later!
Insider Tip!
Have fun with colors and patterns! We sure did when designing Project GC, Ariels' outdoor workspace. Psst, notice the string lights. You can have fun with the styling, as it doesn’t have to match your home's interior completely. We’re giving you full permission to go out of your comfort zone!
When You Should Avoid Buying Outdoor Furniture And Why
Ok, now that we've covered our favorite tips and the best times to buy outdoor furniture, we will go over the times you should avoid buying them.
June-September
From June to September, outdoor furniture prices are most likely to rise and remain high. It’s around the time of Summer, and it’s also the middle of the year. Furniture suppliers won’t want to clear stock. As a result, if you have a certain budget in mind, we advise you to avoid purchasing at this time of year.
Final Thoughts
Well, I guess we’re off to go and redesign our backyard! Well, not really, but we’re always on board for a backyard redesign. So if you’re considering redesigning your backyard but need a little help, get in touch with us for a fun and informative design therapy sesh.
