subject: Outdoor Privacy Screens - New Outdoor Furnishings Help Americans Create A Relaxing Oasis [print this page] Americans are increasingly looking to outdoor spaces around their homes for a tranquil retreat. In a research carried out by the American Home Furnishings Alliance, 42% of the homeowners think of their outdoor area as "an outdoor room." When asked to list the most important attributes for that area, 86 percent said it ought to be "relaxing". Sixty% said it should be a spot for family and friends to "hang out" and 57 percent wanted "a sanctuary".
The most looked-after sanctuary may be the modular gazebo, now much more inexpensive than ever. Top attributes include removable screens and elegant canopies, as well as windows that can be opened and closed.
A more mobile option is a generously scaled sun lounger that provides a commodious retreat for one or an intimate oasis for two, when draped with privacy sheers or shaded with a canopy. When the cozy corner of the covered porch isn't available for that nostalgic emblem of tranquility- the porch swing- there are portable porch swing stands to change any spot in the garden into a spot for peaceful repose.
Other trends consist of:
Fire and Ice. Portable propane fireplaces made for the outdoor living room are stretching the season for outdoor entertaining and relaxation. Some have slate or marble tops, as well as faux stone materials. Coordinated seating gives backyard enthusiasts the capability to create comfortable conversation groups close to the firepit.
Cushion Innovations. High-tech cushions retain their plump looks and continue to provide excellent support. New filling blends add softness without sacrificing water resistance.
Innovation in outdoor fabrics also includes a new breathable polyurethane that looks and feels like leather. It is anti-fungal and resists mildew, stains, scratches and fading. Some other new fabrics bring the aesthetic of silk and linen to outdoor furnishings.
Comfort Underfoot. The maker of the premier line of hand-woven rope hammocks has included a designer line of unique outdoor rugs to provide the softness of cotton to the porch or patio floor. Other manufacturers provide braided textures, machine-woven patterns and vibrant colors to match umbrellas and cushions. All boast mold and mildew resistance, simple cleaning and fade resistance.
Protection Overhead. Lounge chairs, swings and hammocks all come with protective awnings or canopies. As for the umbrella, new designs rotate and pivot to block harmful rays all through the day.
New Life for Recycled Items. There might be more than meets the eye in new outdoor furnishings. Several companies take plastic bottles destined for landfills and recycle them into an amazingly strong and durable polymer that could be crafted to look and feel like wood.
