How to Buy the Right Outdoor Furniture for You!

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There are a nearly staggering number of options for outdoor furniture available at DeVries. We take pride in our ability to offer exceptional options for every style, need, and price point, but we also understand that this can be overwhelming for some customers! That’s why we wanted to compile a list of important elements to consider when you are browsing our show floor so you can hone in on the right furniture for you.

 

Consider the Utility of the Space

Each outdoor space has a purpose that it gets used for. Sometimes that purpose aligns with its design, like the decking around a pool or a covered patio being used for sitting, relaxing, and chatting. Sometimes, spaces take on unexpected utility: the deck you built to enjoy the view might become a dinner location once you discover how well the view goes with a glass of wine. Whatever the case is, consider the utility your outdoor space has currently, and what utility you might want it to have in the future. This will help narrow down your furniture choices and ensure that you don’t buy something that doesn’t get used.

 

Balance Budget and Comfort

The simple truth of outdoor furniture is this: You pay more for comfort. The main difference between expensive and cheap outdoor furniture is the long term durability and the comfort of the furniture in question. With this in mind, consider the last question. Do you want your outdoor space to be a relaxing space to spend multiple hours in? If so, it may be worth investing in higher quality seating so you can enjoy the space more fully. If you would rather the space be social, encouraging movement and through-traffic, consider buying stools, standing tables, or other items that are inviting but don’t allow for too much relaxation. If you know the kids are going to inevitably destroy anything you put poolside, feel free to go for the cheap option now and wait till they are a bit older before you invest in something nicer.

 

Storage is Critical!

An often ignored element of outdoor furniture is how you store it when it shouldn’t be out. When a storm is bearing down or the weather is getting colder by the day, the realization that you don’t have anywhere to store your lovely outdoor furniture can be heartbreaking. Always consider the compactness of any outdoor element you are considering purchasing, and take care to make space available for storing it. Many chair options are designed to stack and store together, but do not take this for granted! Always make sure you have a good plan in place before you purchase that new piece.

Looking to replace your old or damaged patio furniture? We have you covered! DeVries is New Jersey’s best selection of outdoor patio furniture with an expansive showroom of the latest in patio trends. We offer elegant and affordable pieces for all your patio furniture needs.

5 Amazing Christmas Decorations You Won’t Be Able To Live Without

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DeVries takes pride in offering only the best holiday decorations and fixtures to make your house sparkle and shimmer. Here are a few of our favorite pieces, must-haves for anyone trying to get the most out of their holiday decorations.

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New Jersey’s Best Christmas Showroom

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When decorating for the holidays, create intimate spaces that make you want to stop for a closer look: sheer and solid ribbons mixed on a Christmas tree, for example, or a garland of clear crystal-like shapes that come to life when the light hits them.

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4 Great Ways to Decorate Your Patio this Fall

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Fall is here! But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your patio. As the weather cools off and the leaves change colors, it’s time to swap out your summer decor with decorations more suited for the fall. Here are some great ways to decorate your patio this fall!

Seasonal Blooms

Adding seasonal flower varietals is a great way to add a pop of color to your patio this fall. Not only that, but the add look fantastic in contrast to the orange hues of fall. Some great looking fall blooms include: chrysanthemums, heniums, mums, New England asters, and more! 

Cozy Blankets and Cushions 

Fall is known for chilly weather and it can get too cold to spend time on your patio. In order to thoroughly enjoy your patio this fall, add patio accessories like cozy throw pillows and warm blankets for your patio furniture to keep your family and guests comfortable while enjoying your patio in the fall. While you’re at it, swap out your patio furniture cushions for ones better suited to the season.

A Roaring Fire

There’s nothing better to combat the chilly fall weather than a roaring fire. Add warmth and ambiance to your patio with a fireplace. Whether you choose a wood-burning, gas, or even electric fireplace, a roaring fire keeps your family and guests nice and toasty when the temperatures drop.

Set the Mood

Add fall ambiance to your patio by incorporating candles and lighting to your patio. Not only does this set a warm, comfy atmosphere, it also keeps things lit when it starts getting dark outside.

 

Ready to get started on the fall patio of your dreams? Contact the patio furnishing experts at DeVries! New Jersey’s best selection of outdoor patio furniture with an expansive showroom of the latest in patio trends. We offer elegant and affordable pieces for all your patio furniture needs.

3 Tips for Preparing Your Patio for the Fall 

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With fall almost here and winter right around the corner, it’s pretty likely that you won’t be doing many of the summer activities that the warm weather allows for. However, one thing you don’t have to give up on is spending time on your patio with your friends and family. With a few quick changes, you can make your just as attractive and inviting in the fall. Here are some tips to help.

Deep Clean Your Patio

The changing of the seasons is the perfect opportunity to start fresh, and that means giving your patio a deep clean. Use mild soap and a hose to wash away any stains or gunk that may have accumulated over the summer. For an ever deeper clean, you can rent a pressure washer to get into any crevices that a simple garden hose can’t reach.

Change Up Your Patio Furniture

Just like the leaves change in the fall, so should your patio decor. Your summer umbrella and bright furniture cushions stick out like a sore thumb when contrasted by falling leaves and cool crisp fall air. Swap out your decor with more seasonally appropriate patterns and colors. You should also consider swapping out some of your summer furniture pieces with other pieces that better suit the fall season.

Add an Element of Warmth

With temperatures dropping, it may be difficult to enjoy your newly decorated patio without a heat source. Adding a wood-burning or electric fireplace to your backyard is a great way to add warmth to your patio. We recommend a chiminea – a front loading fireplace with a vertical chimney. These are perfect for keeping warm (or roasting marshmallows) while keeping the smoke away from your face.  

Ready to get started on the fall patio of your dreams? Contact the patio furnishing experts at DeVries! New Jersey’s best selection of outdoor patio furniture with an expansive showroom of the latest in patio trends. We offer elegant and affordable pieces for all your patio furniture needs.

Why You Should Cover Your Patio Furniture

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While patio furniture is designed for outdoor use, extended exposure can lead to your furniture deteriorating at a faster rate. Here are some reasons to cover your patio furniture when it’s not in use. 

Rain and water damage

Furniture pieces made of natural materials like wicker and rattan can rot and decay as a result of becoming wet. Similarly, metal furniture can rust if it’s left out in the rain. Covering your outdoor furniture helps protect them from water damage and reduces the need for repair and replacement. 

Excess sun exposure

The sun’s harsh UV rays can cause significant damage to your patio furniture. Excess sun exposure can cause fading and discoloration. Not only can the sun affect the appearance of your patio furniture, overexposure can cause cracks to form in wicker furniture, leaving it vulnerable to impact and water damage. 

Animal activity and burrowing

Wild animals can also cause damage to your patio furnishings. Bird droppings on fabric and natural materials can leave stains that may be difficult to fully remove. Small critters can also burrow into rattan and wicker furniture, construct webs, or leave unwanted dirt and grime behind. 

How to cover your patio furniture

Patio umbrellas and awnings are great for protecting your patio furniture from sun damage and offer moderate protection from the rain. However they can also suffer the same damage as the rest of your patio furniture when constantly in use. Consider investing in waterproof, UV resistant, patio covers to fully protect your patio furniture when not in use.

Looking to replace your old or damaged patio furniture? We have you covered! DeVries is New Jersey’s best selection of outdoor patio furniture with an expansive showroom of the latest in patio trends. We offer elegant and affordable pieces for all your patio furniture needs.

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How to Clean Wicker and Rattan Furniture

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When it comes to patio furniture, natural fibers like wicker and rattan can be especially challenging to clean and keep clean. With wicker and rattan furniture, you need to take special precautions while cleaning to avoid harming the natural fibers. Here are some tips and tricks to help you clean your wicker and rattan patio furniture with ease. 

When cleaning furniture with natural fibers, it’s important to not get the material overly wet in order to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Get the fibers too wet and you risk increasing the chances of rot and causing irreparable damage to your furniture. The best way to avoid this is by using the “suds only” method when cleaning wicker and rattan furniture.

Cleaning wicker and rattan furniture can be done in four easy steps:

  1. Add a small amount of dish detergent to water.
  2. Agitate the water until suds appear on the surface.
  3. Skim off the suds and use them to wipe off the furniture without getting the fibers wet. 
  4. Wipe dry with a clean, dry towel.

For small cracks and holes in the weaving, you can use a toothbrush with the same “suds only” method to remove any mildew and buildup.

Your wicker and rattan furniture can also benefit from thorough cleaning once a year. This can help remove any major buildup and prevent further damage. To do this, scrub the surface with detergent and water and set outside as soon as possible to dry. Deep cleanings are recommended on especially sunny days so the furniture can properly dry. Alternatively, a hair dryer can be used to dry the wood, but this is not recommended. Once the fibers are completely dry, a coat of shellac or lacquer can be applied to seal the wood.

If your wicker and rattan furniture is in disrepair, we have you covered! DeVries is New Jersey’s best selection of outdoor patio furniture with an expansive showroom of the latest in patio trends. We offer elegant and affordable pieces for all your patio furniture needs. To get started contact us or call (732) 297-1244 today!

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Wicker Furniture

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Wicker furniture is a great way to bring a natural element to your patio. Not only is wicker attractive, it is comfortable and breathable. However just like any other patio furniture pieces, wicker patio furniture will eventually take on damage over time. Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your wicker furniture

Signs of Sun Damage

Just like UV radiation damages your skin, it can damage your patio furniture and accessories as well. Wicker is no exception. Sun damage can cause wicker to become discolored, which can lead to the fibers of your wicker furniture to weaken and become brittle. While most wicker furniture is reinforced, they can still be prone to breaking and become unreliable.

Signs of Rot and Fraying

Wicker is made from natural plant fibers, meaning they are especially prone to incurring damage from the elements. Rain damage can lead to the material rotting and exposure to the sun and heavy use can lead to the material to fray. While wicker repairs can help restore your wicker furniture, if the damage exceeds a few rows, it might be time to consider new wicker furniture. 

Signs of Burrowing

Wicker has a tendency to attract small critters, especially during the winter months. After storing your wicker for the winter, you might find that your wicker furniture has become a new home for an unwelcome visitor. Check for signs of droppings or fraying as a result of chewing.

Looking for new wicker furniture for your patio? We have you covered! DeVries is New Jersey’s best selection of outdoor patio furniture with an expansive showroom of the latest in patio trends. We offer elegant and affordable pieces for all your patio furniture needs. 

How to Turn Your Patio into an Outdoor Office

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The summer is a great time to be outdoors, but did you know it can also be a great place to be productive. While the patio is often thought of as a spot for weekend barbecues, it can also easily be converted into an outdoor office. Working outdoors has been linked to higher productivity, creativity as well as better mood overall. Interested in your very own outdoor office? Read on to find out how to turn your patio into an outdoor workspace.

Incorporate shading

While to point of being outside is to enjoy the natural lighting, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is harmful for your skin. Too much sunlight can also make it extremely difficult to see the screens of electronic devices, making it nearly impossible to read text or do edit images. An outdoor shading system such as a patio umbrella is perfect for blocking those pesky rays. A more permanent shading solution would be to install a retractable awning which blocks the sun and has more benefits like protection from the elements and keeping your house cooler.

Give yourself space

Nothing is worse than working in a cramped space. That’s why giving yourself enough “desk” space is crucial to an outdoor office. Ditch that tiny wobbly end table and upgrade to a more spacious option. A 55-inch square or round table gives you more than enough space to spread out everything you need to be productive and accommodate others comfortably. Just remember to utilize paperweights to keep any important documents from flying away.

Comfortable seating

While an office chair provides all the comfort and lumbar support you need, they aren’t exactly designed for outdoor use and will suffer damage if not brought indoors after use. Not to mention office chairs are notoriously clunky. For this purpose, you should find a comfortable patio chair with good enough lumbar support for extended periods of sitting, preferably one with a waterproof cushion for maximum comfort.

DeVries is New Jersey’s best selection of outdoor patio furniture with an expansive showroom of the latest in patio trends. We offer elegant and affordable pieces for all your patio furniture needs. To get started on the ultimate outdoor office, contact us or call (732) 297-1244 today!