Does your outdoor furniture pass muster for the summer?

As the heat ramps up, it’s time to put away the warm colors and textiles you use in winter. Switch to cool, breathable fabrics to give your home a change of wardrobe as the season turns – not just inside, but outside the house as well.

Spring into summer with these easy fixes for so you can protect your outdoor furniture with a stunning array of IKEA products.

Paint it, protect it

• The best way to give your outdoor furniture the protection it needs in the summer is to give it a makeover by applying a coat of paint. This offers a relatively inexpensive level of protection and it’s easy to do by yourself.
• If you’d rather not paint, repositioning your furniture to shadier spots may be the next best thing.

Scrub and rinse

• Temperature variations can cause wood to crack. Start each season off with a mild scrubbing and rinsing that most outdoor furniture will benefit from.
• Wood furniture needs an annual sanding and a fresh coat of outdoor varnish to prevent drying or cracking.

Cushion your cushions

• Just like the furniture, cushions need protection too. Don’t store fabric sunbed cushions in plastic bags – this will prevent the material from breathing, creating an environment that encourages mold and mildew growth.
• Get cushion covers that are made from polyester, which helps prevent mildew and perspiration build-up.

Add some color

• Bright colors bring a playful energy that works wonders on your mood.
• Outdoor furniture is no exception – add pops of color in the form of art, picture frames and cushion covers to give your patio furniture a mini make-over.
• Place a couple of colorful side-tables with décor pieces and light some scented candles while you relax in the cooler evening breeze.

Go green

• Plants and flowers never go out of style. But, in the Gulf, flowering plants are not an option in the summer.
• Get hardy outdoor varieties like frangipani or bougainvillea in brightly colored plant stands
• And go green indoors too, with ficus, dwarf palms, hydrangeas, bamboo, bonsai, orchids, and yucca, to add life to your home.

Create shade and privacy

• If your patio or deck lacks shade, get a table-inset parasol or a free-standing one. Not only will it offer respite from the sun, it’ll also protect your garden furniture.
• Pick a color or pattern that compliments the furniture to jazz things up. Add a garden wall, trellis, lattice or pergola to ensure privacy and turn your space into a secluded oasis.