We’ve all creaked open the screen door and grimaced at the same washed-out, splintery patio furniture we’ve had since…how many years has it been? If you can’t even remember the color of the original finish on your loungers, or you avoid certain chairs because they’re rickety and rusty, it’s time to replace the furniture.

At AFW, we make designing an idyllic backyard easier than setting up a kiddie pool or hummingbird feeder! Follow our expert design steps to transform your porch, patio, and yard.

Step One: Make a Wishlist of the Patio Furniture You Have

Once you’ve cleared out the old, think about the new. Envision the patio set you’ll snuggle up on under the stars, or the backyard-barbeque-host’s dream outdoor party spot! What’s missing?

Consider investing in a firepit to keep you warm for late-night chats (or s’mores!), outdoor dining sets for hosting, and chaises for soaking up that vitamin D.

Outdoor furniture isn’t just limited to lawn-chairs—you can find comfortable outdoor sofas, swivel chairs, and even sectionals for added comfort! Upgraded patio furniture can turn any backyard space into an open-air living room.

Step Two: Throw Some Shade

Stunning, sun-shielding umbrellas can keep you cool and preserve your perfect patio furniture. Just like you, your patio furniture needs a little protection from those UV rays! Exposure to unfiltered sunlight can wear down the fabric on your outdoor cushions or weather the wood framing on your furniture.

Before you buy the first umbrella you see online, ask yourself these questions:

• How much space do you need to shade? Are you creating shade for a dining area, a few loungers, or shading an entire sandbox? (Now would be a good time to whip out that tape measure and get specific!)
• Are there special details you need to keep in mind? You may need to consider how windy your outdoor space gets during the spring and summer.

Once you’ve ironed out those details, finding the right-sized patio umbrella is easy with this simple chart:

You can use these same measurements for chaise loungers or clustered club chairs by using their combined square footage!

Step Three: Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

Personalizing your patio can transform it from an outdoor space to a paradise. Planters, pots, and solar lights can break up the space in your backyard and give your porch a unique flair.

You can define zones using outdoor rugs, add color and texture with outdoor throw pillows, and even sprinkle in some magic mood with outdoor sculptures in your garden. Preparing for an evening under starlight? Hang string lights or placing lanterns and LED lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. We also LOVE a summer evening around the firepit for the ultimate campfire experience!

Always Low-Priced Outdoor and Patio Furniture

Whether you’re a sunny stay-cationer or the neighborhood outdoor entertainer, a few simple changes can make your yard THE destination for the summer!

From loungers to umbrellas to solar lights accents, you can find all of your patio needs and more at your local AFW or online anytime at AFW.com.