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7 Tips to Keep Your Outdoor Pillows Looking Their Best 0

Outdoor pillows are one of our favorite accessories at Patio 34. They’re easy to add to any outdoor entertaining area, big or small, and our affordable prices make it a breeze to fit them into your budget–what’s not to love? From contemporary styles, like this 18”x18” Dupione Laurel option, to big and bold styles, like the 24”x24” “Canvas Turf,” we have plenty of outdoor pillows for you to consider for your home.

Because they feature soil- and stain-resistant Sunbrella fabric, keeping your outdoor pillows in like-new condition is simple. Here are 7 tips to get the most out of your newest deck, porch, or patio accessory:

  • Dust off crumbs and loose debris right away. This will keep the chances of staining or the growth of mildew to a minimum. 
  • Spot clean using a sponge or soft bristle brush. Use a small amount of mild soap and lukewarm water to create a bubbly solution, then dab or gently scrub the area. After spot cleaning outdoor pillows, rinse the affected area thoroughly and allow them to air dry. 
  • A natural fabric stain remover may be used on stains that do not respond to spot cleaning. Follow the instructions on the packaging and be sure to rinse thoroughly to eliminate all residue and avoid the appearance of water rings or stains. 
  • For larger spills or more persistent stains, machine wash removable pillowcases in cold water. Be sure that zippers are closed completely before putting them in the washing machine. Use the recommended amount of mild laundry detergent and rinse well before hanging the pillowcases to air dry. A color-safe bleach may be used if necessary. 
  • Those outdoor pillows that do not have removable pillowcases can be washed with a mixture that contains 1 cup of bleach, 1/4 cup mild detergent, and 1 gallon of water. Spray the affected area, allow it to sit for 15 minutes, then blot with a sponge or soft bristle brush. Set them in a ventilated area where they can air dry completely. 
  • Eliminate wrinkles by using the synthetic setting on your iron. Be sure to use low heat and test a small area before ironing all of the fabric. 
  • Make sure pillows are completely dry before storing them. Whether you’re stashing outdoor pillows away for a few days or a few months, it’s critical that you allow them to air dry completely first. Stand them up on the narrow side for better drying. 

If you’re looking for more tips on keeping your outdoor furniture and accessories looking their very best, check out this recent blog post on cleaning outdoor curtains. And if you have questions about outfitting your outdoor space, feel free to contact us at any time.

4 Unexpected Uses for Outdoor Curtains 0

If you’ve decorated your home’s deck or patio and looked to the Internet for inspiration, you know just how much more beautiful an outdoor space can appear when accented with outdoor curtains. They serve as the perfect way to frame an entranceway or add volume and color to rigid roof or pergola posts. But there are lots of other ways to use outdoor curtains, too. Keep reading for some fun ideas:

 

1) Build an outdoor shower.

An outdoor shower is the ideal place for everyone in the family to clean up. You and your spouse will love breaking away from your typical routine and taking a shower beneath the stars instead. Kids will get a kick out of the novelty of outdoor bathing, and you’ll be happy that they can avoid tracking all that mud and dirt inside!

 

2) Cover a pergola or open roofed patio space.

If you have a new pergola and are waiting for just planted vines or ornamental trees to grow and provide coverage, outdoor curtains are the perfect accessory to give much-needed shade. They can also be hung strategically over an open patio or deck to block the sun over seating areas.

 

3) Create a changing area for pool guests.

No one wants to sit around in a soaking wet suit or swim trunks, yet some guests may feel uneasy getting the floors of your home wet as they venture inside to change after taking a dip in your pool. A private outdoor changing area is the perfect solution!

 

4) Make an outdoor reading area.

Outdoor curtains can be used to create your own private outdoor sanctuary where you can cuddle up with a good book or settle in for a refreshing Saturday nap. Make a personal outdoor nook with a cozy bench or comfy rocking chair, some throw pillows, and a spot to place your glass of wine.

 

If you’re feeling inspired to add some outdoor curtains to your deck or patio, be sure to check out our collection. And don’t hesitate to contact us for advice or to get help picking out the perfect products for your home. Our friendly staff would just love to help you make your home’s outdoor living space even more special and personalized!

Tips to Make Your Patio Cozier this Fall 0

Just because cooler fall weather is around the corner doesn’t mean you should plan on saying “goodbye” to your home’s patio or other outdoor entertaining area until spring. To the contrary, the change in seasons gives you the perfect reason to make a few updates and re-invigorate your love of your outdoor space. Here are a few can’t-go-wrong tips to make sure your patio or deck is cozy, warm, and ready for fall:

 

1) Warm things up with a patio heater.

Patio heaters not only ensure you and your guests will be toasty warm, but they also add visual appeal to your outdoor space. This square flame heater adds a dramatic artistic element with a singular vertical flame that shoots up through its center. We have heaters for every aesthetic, ranging from the boldly colored aqua patio heater to this all weather heater that features a woven wicker base and heats up to 9 feet of space around it.

 

2) Add pillows to chairs and other seating.

Sitting down on bare outdoor furniture can have you shivering in a matter of seconds this time of year. Make sure every chair has a pillow or two so that guests can sit back without touching their backs against exposed metal, wood, or plastic. Extra pillows provide cushioning and warmth.

 

3) Keep a few extra throw blankets handy.

Most of us enjoy the cool fall air on our cheeks, but when it comes to the rest of our body, we prefer to keep things a little toastier! Get some throw blankets that match your patio decor or color palette and drape them casually over love seats and chairs for guests to use. You can also roll them and place them in a dramatic, oversized basket.

 

4) Lay down an outdoor rug.

Placing an outdoor rug on your patio or deck can block cool air and make the whole space feel cozier, too. This Hammock Cottage Terra Cotta rug from our collection comes in 3 sizes and perfectly complements the colors of fall–it will look great with any pumpkins or gourds you have on display! And those who are looking for something practical that will camouflage dirt and debris, check out the Pawleys Island Outdoor Rug in Lowcountry Gray.

 

5) Serve warm drinks!

Last, but not least, don’t forget to plan on some comforting hot drinks to keep you, your family, and your friends warm while out enjoying your home’s patio and outdoor space this fall. A hot, steaming mug full of spiced apple cider, homemade chai, or mulled wine is the perfect addition to a crisp fall day outside!

 

Don’t let the cooler temperatures of fall keep you locked up inside. Follow our tips to make your patio warm and cozy and you’ll be ready to enjoy those lovely fall months all season long! And if you have more tips to get your patio ready for fall, please share them with us in the comments section below. Happy Fall, from all of us at Patio34!

Outdoor Entertaining: Tips to Throw the Perfect Backyard Party 0

Throwing a great get-together this summer doesn't have to be complicated! There are 3 basic elements to outdoor entertaining: tasty food and libations, a comfortable atmosphere, and good company. Follow these tips to coordinate the perfect backyard party and your house will be the go-to hangout spot for your friends and family before you know it!

Tips for Cleaning Outdoor Curtains 0


Cleaning your outdoor curtains periodically is just one way you can ensure your deck, patio, or other outside entertaining area looks its absolute best. Simple maintenance and upkeep, like cleaning outdoor curtains, won’t take much effort at all, yet can pay off big time in the long run, as you enjoy your investment for years to come. Here are some tips every homeowner should follow to keep their Sunbrella goods from Patio34 looking their best: