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Lanai: Decorating From Top to Bottom

Monday, January 9th, 2017

Tommy Bahama Home Dining Room Lanai Side Chair 536-880

Lanai is a Hawaiian term for a tropicalized patio or porch. This often has screens, open sides or removable glass panels. If you love airiness and everything that’s open space then you would love this extension of your living room, kitchen or family room. Lanai is also the perfect spot for relaxation, entertaining guests and dining with your family. The next time you redecorate your home, remember this lovely part of your home.

A lot of people from Florida agree that one of the best things there is the outdoors and the pristine beaches, hence, a covered patio is just the right spot where they unwind on their own or with family and friends.

You, too, can enjoy this same benefit by taking advantage of your outdoor space. Here are some useful tips on how you could start with your lanai décor –

Begin from the Bottom

Bare concrete is a material that easily shows dirt and stains. Eventually, this can get difficult to maintain  so it is best to choose lanai flooring that’s easy to clean. Look for tiles or concrete stain. There are also water-based sealers that can keep your floors from fading, cracking, staining and accumulating moisture.

Lanai Furniture – How to Choose

Since your lanai is located outdoors, you will need to consider the harsh elements in your planning. There are three things that you need to remember when picking furniture for your outdoor haven –

First, consider the furniture size. Don’t cramp in a lot of furniture as this could lead to a feeling of being crowded. You can only do this if you have massive square footage. Then be sure to find pieces which will fulfill your requirements whether you would use the lanai for dining or mainly for reading, sunbathing and relaxation.

Just like sizing for your needs, the next thing that you need to remember is to pick materials that won’t give in once the rains or rays of sunshine hit. Look for plastic or wicker. If it’s the latter, be sure to cover the pieces once the elements start to ravage.

Cast aluminum, teak or synthetic resin will also do well in an outdoor setting. Metal is one of the greatest options so go for aluminum or wrought-iron. Each has unique designs to offer. Both of these can rust, though, so if you don’t want to worry about rust-proofing and such, you can also rely on stainless steel options.

As to fabric options for your outdoor cushion needs, you would want to find those that are waterproof. Rain might just last a few minutes but the damage it can bring can be huge.

Lanai furniture often gets wet so be sure to look for fabrics that can withstand the weather – whether it’s sunny or rainy, if not snowy. Sunbrella fabrics are examples of such fabrics since they don’t fade and they’re extremely durable. It’s a good idea to invest in a bit more money to purchase cushions that will last longer.

Lanai That Spells You

Begin with a theme that you chose. Whether you’re going for tropical, modern, classic, pastel or bright, it’s up to you. Define the mood that you would want to evoke. Will the place be soothing and calm because it’s where you’re going to relax? Or will it be hip and energetic because people will be entertained there most of the time?

If you choose to dine in your lanai, then have a table that’s weather-proofed and has a lovely centerpiece. This can be a group of glass vases containing colorful pebbles or stones. Seashells and colored sands are also wonderful glass vase fillers.

Throw in some pillows and rugs to add pops of colors in this area. Change these pillows as the seasons also change. For now, keep an eye out for winter colors that would turn the lanai into a warm and cozy space.

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