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5 Things To Consider When Buying Patio Furniture In New York

Living in New York City in the summer months can be a challenge. Apartment residents long to find their own space outdoors to enjoy the beautiful weather. Fortunate city dwellers have terraces to open their apartments onto, or live in beautiful brownstones with a private garden and patio space. People living in the outer boroughs and suburbs have the advantages of living in homes with patios.

Whatever the situation, in order to really enjoy patios and terraces in comfort, it is key to get the perfect furnishings to fit your situation. It is important to consider lifestyle as well as climate when purchasing patio furnishings. Following are decor choices for consideration when furnishing the patio.

Folding and Stacking Chairs: New York City is beautiful all year round, but New Yorkers only have about half a year to enjoy outdoor living. Many require furnishings that can easily be stored away from the harsh winter weather. Folding chairs are not just for the beach. They can be attractive and come in a variety of sizes and styles. Stacking chairs come in lightweight plastic as well as metal and wood. They are easily stored away in a corner under a cover during the months that they will not be in use.

Flooring: For permanent patio flooring, paving stones and bricks are wonderful choices, coming in a variety of designs and styles that can be installed in cement or sand. Renters can purchase interlocking deck tiles that can easily be installed over grass or to cover a cement surface, and then removed for the colder seasons.

Planters: Planters come in a huge variety of sizes and shapes to fit any size patio or terrace. They add beauty with colorful flowers. On a terrace, a planter can provide a space to grow vegetables. Add a trellis as a backdrop for ivy to creep up to provide privacy. Bring the planters inside for a touch of summer beauty during the winter months.

Privacy Screens: Coexisting comfortably with close neighbors in New York City is always a challenge but even more so during the warmer months when windows are open and everyone is sitting on terraces and patios. Privacy screens can provide the comfort of a retreat away from prying eyes. Folding screens can be perfect to shield from the outside world and can easily be stored away when not in use or during inclement weather. Bamboo shades can be installed on terrace and porch openings to roll down for privacy or to ward off the sun.

Outdoor Fireplaces and Heaters: In order to take full advantage of the outdoor patio, purchase an outdoor fireplace or heater. This stretches the use of a patio beyond just the summer months. Fireplaces provide a beautiful glowing flame to keep cozy around during the chillier evenings of spring and fall. Heaters provide warmth with the flick of a switch. These can even be used during the rare nice days in the winter months.

Below are some local businesses that may be able to help you get started.

Jamali Garden
149 W 28th St
New York, NY 10001
(212) 244-4025
jamaligarden.com

Add some life to your patio with plants from Jamali Garden. Buy decorative flowers or vegetable plants for your outdoor area.

Rainbow Ace Hardware
1449 1st Ave
New York, NY 10021
(212) 288-4868
rainbowacehardware.com

Purchase outdoor patio equipment at Rainbow Ace Hardware. They have various styles of chairs and tables.

Tarzian Hardware
193 7th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 788-4120
tarzianhardware.com

Tarzian Hardware has outdoor fireplaces and heaters for your patio.

Related: 9 Steps To Get Your Gas Grill Ready For The Season
Related: 5 Edible Items To Grow On Your New York Rooftop This Summer

For more great tricks, tips and advice about your home, visit CBSNewYork.com/YourHome.

Carol Ruth Weber began her career as a Theatrical Costume and Set Designer and segued into the world of Interior Design. As an interior designer she has twenty-eight years of experience in all phases of the business. You can read more of her work on Examiner.com and she can also be contacted at WeberLifeDesign.

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