People in all parts of the country enjoy getting outside to relax, play with the kids, eat meals or just spend time socializing with family and friends. Outdoor furniture has come a long way since the days of the folding chairs set-up on your lawn. Today, outdoor furniture plays a key role in creating a welcoming outdoor space that is often an extension of the home’s interior, complete with many of the same (and sometimes even better) amenities.
Here are some of the key trends for outdoor furniture.
Conversational Seating
Having flexible seating arrangements that allow for easy conversation between small groups continues to be a key trend in 2016. Without walls, consumers can use furniture to define a “room,” and crescent-shaped seating helps achieve this goal of intimate conversation.
Rattan and Wicker
Because of their versatility and natural look, these two materials are becoming more popular, and technology has made them more durable to withstand the outdoor elements. Chairs, tables and sofas in white, gray and black (not the honey and light brown from previous years) are being used to create a contemporary outdoor space. Rattan and wicker wear well, are comfortable, and give the outdoor space a natural, organic, minimalist look.
Mixed Material Designs and Seamless Transition
These two trends go hand-in-hand as furniture made from a combination of materials makes the
indoor / outdoor transition easier. Mixed materials give a modern feel and are often easier to keep clean. Cement mixed with teak and woven materials with exposed aluminum are just a couple of the ways designers have mixed materials for 2016.
Color
Neutrals have always been a popular choice for outdoor furniture, blending in well with the natural surroundings. This year, the trend is to add a small amount of a bold color to those shades of gray. People are using throw pillows, table cloths and rugs to bring in some color and create a more interesting, vibrant outdoor space.
The BECK Fastener Group® answers the need for well constructed, on trend outdoor furniture by manufacturing and distributing innovative and versatile construction fasteners, including the family of SCRAIL® fasteners. All of the BECK Fastener Group® product lines were created with one goal: to make it easier and quicker to complete projects without sacrificing quality. For a firsthand look at how to build outdoor furniture with SCRAIL® fasteners, view our video.