Buying
1. Before you buy a metal patio set, make sure you accurately measure your designated space beforehand. You’ll want about 90cm (3ft) of space around the table to accommodate chairs and people. This will allow people to walk around the table even when others are seated.
2. Consider how you intend to use your metal garden furniture. How many people do you need it to seat? Do you do lots of entertaining? Square tables are more practical and will fit neatly into your space. Round require a lot more room and can look odd in an uneven shaped area. However, they are much better for entertaining, everyone can see each other.
3. Think about your style. Do you prefer a more formal dining setting or an informal environment? Does your garden lend itself towards any particular theme, such as contemporary or rustic? If money were no object, what would be your ideal look? This will help you choose the most fitting metal garden furniture for your tastes and lifestyle.
4. If you’re considering a glass top, tempered glass is safer. Fused glass is easier to maintain than transparent as the latter shows finger marks and needs more cleaning.
5. Make sure your metal garden furniture is galvanised or zinc coated to protect against the elements, this will keep maintenance to a minimum later on.
6. If you buy online, don’t be disappointed and choose a reputable, well established company, preferably a specialist. The quality of metal garden furniture can vary immensely. One of the main reasons for choosing metal is because of its durability. Lower quality furniture will rust and welded joints will corrode so don’t be swayed by a bargain.
Accessorising
7. Many people are reluctant when it comes to metal furniture as they see it as harsh, cold or even clinical. Cushions, outdoor rugs, drapes and other soft furnishings will help soften the look and feel of your metal garden furniture.
8. When choosing cushions and other accessories to adorn your metal garden furniture, pick out one colour from your existing plants, flowers or foliage. When you buy accessories to match that colour, it will help the furniture blend in with the rest of the garden.
9. Incorporate other metal or wrought iron accessories into your outdoor space such as lanterns, planters or wall art. Again, this will tie in the furniture with the entire garden.
10. Accessorising will depend on the style of metal garden furniture you’ve chosen and any theme you wish to create. A contemporary garden is minimalistic so don’t overdo the accessories and let the furniture itself do the talking, select bold coloured cushion covers and perhaps choose a feature piece to add another point of interest.
11. If elegance is what you’re aiming for then candelabras, ornate planters and even a metal mirror will look stunning. Use white or cream soft furnishings and twinkle lights to add a touch of romance.
12. Wrought iron furniture in a rustic style garden offers endless possibilities for accessorising. Whether it’s Victorian, country cottage, Old-world Tuscan or even the ancient Orient, you’ll be able to find wrought iron pieces that complement your furniture and theme. Use wrought iron ornaments, wall planters, hanging baskets, lanterns and sconces to decorate your space.
Maintenance
13. Regular cleaning is simple, just wipe it with a soft, damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
14. Quality modern metal garden furniture is treated with advanced anti-rust technologies so it is rust-resistant. If you do experience a problem, rust can be rubbed away with a wire brush but be gentle. Always do a test piece first and check the manufacturer’s instructions beforehand.
15. If your own old metal garden furniture that is painted, you may experience scratches or chips; simply sand the area down and touch up with metal paint.
Avi Reisman works on the design team at Metal Design Furniture Ltd. Avi's articles on interior design, landscaping, garden furniture, metal garden furniture and wrought iron furniture are a must read for anyone considering investing in a quality piece for their home.
Metal Design Furniture Ltd, based in London, produce quality metal furniture; using a merger of advanced robotic technology with traditional handicraft. The result is high-end, exquisite metal furniture that will stand the test of time. Furniture is all manufactured in Europe, and they retail their furniture all across the UK.
Far from being mass produced, many of their products have handcrafted details and finishes. In fact, you can customise every piece online before buying with options of colours, sizes and styles. For more articles and information visit the blog http://www.metaldesign-furniture.co.uk/blog
Avi Reisman works on the design team at Metal Design Furniture Ltd. Avi’s articles on interior design, landscaping, garden furniture and metal work are a must read for anyone considering investing in a feature piece of metal furniture for their home.