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Spruce up your porch

Last Updated 14 March 2013, 21:14 IST

DECOR An excellent way to create a functional space in your garden is to make outdoor furniture that is simple. With a bit of craftsmanship, you could use basic wood elements and homemade cushions to convert your outdoor space into a cosy little place to unwind after a tiring day, suggests Vinaya Govind

Furniture and furnishings for our interiors becomes a priority when it comes to home decor. Most of us ignore the fact that a shabby porch or front yard is enough to mar the beauty of our home. As these are the first things your guest will notice before s/he enters the house, it makes sense to spruce up your porch, patio or front yard with some furniture. The right outdoor furniture can transform your patio into a stylish and comfortable place. What’s more, it can become a place where you can spend a balmy evening with family and friends.

If you are planning to buy or make your own furniture for your outdoor spaces, take into consideration the climate that you live in and the overall decor of the house.

Nothing can beat the beauty and appeal of wooden furniture for outdoor spaces. Wood is water, mold and mildew-resistant, nevertheless, a special coat of paint is a must to protect it from extreme weather conditions. Outdoor furniture made of teak, mahogany and rosewood are the best for a classic look.

An excellent way to create a functional space in your garden is to make outdoor furniture that is simple. Browse your garage and home for scrap wood. With a bit of craftsmanship, you could use basic wood elements and homemade cushions to convert your outdoor space into a cosy little place to unwind after a tiring day. Planks and slats of wood, old pieces of furniture, unused cushions or cushion material etc., can be used to create pieces of furniture that look rustic.

Benches

Use horizontal slats of wood for the seat and attach vertical slats for the legs. Use long screws instead of nails because they hold weathered wood together. When placing legs, ensure that they are at the outer edge of the seat. This gives a balancing seating surface. Treat wood with a weather-resistant glaze.

Opt for removable cushions, if you are living in a place that receives a lot of rain. Make a removable cushion by sewing a cushion for the length of the bench seat. Attach strings to each end and tie them to the legs or a slat that is thick. Another option is to make a cushion that uses the bench itself as one of its sides. Fill the material over the bench. Cover it with a natural fabric or plastic. Fasten the edges with knots and sew or staple the remaining length of the fabric to the underside of the bench seat. You could choose wrought iron benches with decorative patterns and use cushions.

Tabletops

You can use a couple of wooden slats or a piece of plywood to construct a tabletop, an ideal setting for a barbeque party. If you have a wooden frame, you can place a glass tabletop. Left over firewood logs could be stacked for the base of a side table. You can even build an open-ended rectangular base and attach a wood tabletop to the frame with screws. For low tables, you can consider tree stumps that are clustered together or placed individually paired with another low tree stump. A simple wooden table paired with two chairs and a garden umbrella makes a cosy setting for an evening.

Another stylish option for outdoor furniture is wicker. Wicker chairs painted in white, paired with pastel-shaded cushions in your patio look soothing. You can add a small round or square wicker coffee table to put down your newspaper or a coffee mug. Place a wicker love seat with subtle-shaded cushions or lacy edges for a cosy look. Equally attractive would be to install a porch swing. If you have huge shady tree, you can place a recliner or an easy chair. Those living in large sprawling bungalows can decorate their garden with wooden benches, a lawn chair and a recliner.

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(Published 14 March 2013, 11:52 IST)

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