Outdoor Spaces are Ready for Cooler Weather
High Point, NC – Although the weather has turned cooler, you don’t need to pack up your outdoor furnishings and head inside. In fact, with today’s offerings, you can continue to enjoy your outdoor space for several more weeks – or even months. You could possibly even host Thanksgiving dinner in your outdoor space!
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“The importance of the outdoor room keeps growing, and manufacturers are increasingly addressing the consumer’s desire to continue using their outdoor spaces even when it’s cool outside,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of the American Home Furnishings Alliance and executive director of its outdoor division, the International Casual Furnishings Association. “We are seeing a number of products that will enhance outdoor spaces and make them comfortable, cozy and functional for fall entertaining and relaxing outdoors.”
Topping the list of products to prepare outdoor spaces for cooler weather is anything with fire, whether it’s a pit, a table or a bar. “There are so many options today – the consumer can get whatever fits their space and budget. Table heights go from conversation height to dining to counter to bar. And sizes go from extra-small for balconies to extra-large for those who want to seat a crowd of 10 to 14 people. These fire tables are perfect for extending the alfresco dining and entertaining season,” Hirschhaut said.
In addition to the traditional natural gas and propane fire pieces, manufacturers also are now offering alternatives. EcoSmart fire pits, which use ethanol, provide the comfort and warmth of traditional fire pits but eliminate the concern some homeowners have with fire. Plus, they don’t need to be connected to a gas or propane source. Lloyd Flanders introduced EcoSmart fire tables in its new Generations collection for 2016, and Brown Jordan Fires also offers EcoSmart fire tables.
Another source of heat for outdoor spaces can be found in umbrellas. TUUCI’s OMX Dual Cantilever umbrella has heaters and lighting for keeping the fun going well into the night.
Manufacturers are coming up with creative solutions for addressing the growing need for outdoor lighting. Gloster’s Voyager rechargeable lantern stays lit for eight to 10 hours after charging. The lantern won the prestigious Lillian B. Winchester Award for Best of Show at the Casual Market Chicago, a September trade show where new designs in outdoor furniture are introduced for the coming year. The lantern has a remote-controlled dimmer switch and a power cord for recharging.
Outdoor sectionals and modular pieces are hugely popular these days, and what better way to enjoy your outdoor space than to curl up in a big, deep-seated sectional. These pieces are customizable as well and designed to fit a variety of spaces. “And the fabrics today are amazing,” Hirschhaut said. “They are as soft to the touch as indoor fabrics, yet they withstand the elements. We’re even seeing faux leather for outdoors. It’s a perfect look for fall and the cooler weather.”
And outdoor accessories are just the thing for creating a fall look. You can easily change from summer to fall with pillows and rugs, which are available in an endless array of colors and patterns.
“We are really excited to see so many great new products available for consumers who want to continue enjoying their outdoor spaces well into the fall,” Hirschhaut said. “And I truly expect many will be hosting Thanksgiving outdoors with great style and warmth.”
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