For many homeowners, cooling off in the heat of summer means heading to the backyard pool. While patios may be the place to seek shade, pool areas offer a combination of refreshing water and plenty of sunshine during the day. Many hours are spent splashing around or floating leisurely, but finding a comfortable spot to lounge around the pool also has its advantages. Wicker furniture at poolside is dictated by allowable space, lifestyle and the very nature of its location. Each piece will typically see an onslaught of UV rays, chlorine and the elements.
All-weather outdoor furniture that meets the above criteria includes premium resin wicker, which is impervious to anything Mother Nature offers. Additionally, it will never degrade with exposure to body oils, suntan lotions or chlorinated water. When dealing with narrower or smaller hard spaced areas that typically surround pools, finding the right pieces in sets or as singles is where the challenge begins. Larger expanses may also suffer from some logistical placement issues, especially with a tendency to overfill the space.
Cluster Arrangement Ideas for Pool Areas
When furniture overpowers the pool area, it looks ungainly and may become a safety issue. Crowding is often the greatest issue along with choosing pieces that seem out of sync with their surroundings. Trying to fit heavy, oversized chaises along a narrow apron, for instance, takes away from surroundings rather than adding a relaxed ambiance. Pools are natural places to entertain, but trying to fit a large dining ensemble into a cramped corner is another detraction.
Smaller clusters that are easy to rearrange as needed work best in tighter spaces, but they have appeal for breaking up larger areas as well. One or two chaises with a table or serving cart in between makes an attractive trio close to the pool or in a shadier spot. One double chaise with a table on each side is another option for clustering. As room permits, these combos can be repeated with several feet between each grouping to create a more open feel. Chaises with adjustable backs are a must-have, and resin wicker loungers with aluminum framing are light enough for almost any individual to move.
Bistro sets are down scaled to the right size for pool areas, and they are the perfect spot to enjoy a break for beverages while taking up less of a footprint. Side chairs with a smaller round table are the greatest space-savers, but ensembles with armchairs are naturally more comfortable. There is always room to add another chair, and they are easy to rearrange for gatherings of three, four or more.
When the area around a pool is even more limited, benches are attractive solutions. Rectangulars can accommodate children or adults, and they leave plenty of access space nearer the pool’s edge. At each end, open wicker storage shelving for towels and other amenities can double as tables. Ottomans rated for outdoor use are also compact solutions as extra seating. Many styles can support serving trays, and they are the ultimate in movability.
Purchasing larger ensembles is a smart money-saving choice if additional side tables are available as options. Move the chairs to pool areas with accompanying accent tables, and leave the sofas or loveseats with a matching cocktail table behind on the patio. They can always be regrouped for entertaining.
As a backyard getaway, the pool area deserves special treatment while becoming the space where everyone wants to gather. Clustering groups of furniture is a sensible way to add unique gathering spots that are flexible enough to provide solitude or follow the flow of a crowd.