As autumn’s golden hues begin to fade and the chilly breath of winter approaches, many garden enthusiasts face the annual conundrum: what to do with outdoor furniture. While some might invest in weatherproof covers or gamble with leaving their outdoor settings exposed to the elements, a more reliable approach for extending the life of your beloved pieces is to bring them indoors. This blog post explores practical tips and creative ideas for safely storing your outdoor furnishings inside, ensuring they are ready for another season of alfresco enjoyment.
Why Bring Outdoor Furniture Indoors?
Before diving into how to store your furniture, it’s essential to understand why this effort is worthwhile. Winter weather can be unkind to furniture. Heavy rain, snow, wind, and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on even the most durable outdoor materials. Wood can warp, metal can rust, and fabrics can fade and mold. By bringing your items indoors, you protect them from these harsh conditions and potentially save money on replacements or repairs.
Assess Your Space
Before hauling your outdoor ensemble inside, take stock of your indoor space. Consider available square footage and note any unused areas that could temporarily house your garden essentials. You might find overlooked nooks in your basement, attic, garage, or even spare rooms. Taking measurements of both your space and furniture ensures there are no surprise moments where a piece doesn’t fit through a door or down a hallway.
Clean Before You Store
Giving furniture a proper clean before storage is crucial for maintaining its condition. Start by wiping down surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime accumulated over the summer months. For wooden furniture, use a mild soap solution and treat the wood with a protective oil or sealant. Metals may benefit from a corrosion inhibitor spray, particularly if they’ve shown signs of rust in the past. Fabrics should be washed or vacuumed, and any removable cushions can be laundered according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Disassemble to Save Space
Whenever possible, disassemble your furniture to save space and reduce the risk of damage during the moving process. Tables with detachable legs, stackable chairs, and foldable loungers are excellent candidates for compact storage. Keep all screws, bolts, and nuts together in labeled bags to avoid any frustration come spring. This method not only maximizes your storage area but also simplifies transportation.
Multi-Purpose Your Pieces
Think creatively about how you can repurpose outdoor furniture inside your home during its downtime. An attractive wrought iron table could double as a hallway console with a few decorative accents. Sturdy benches and chairs provide additional seating for holiday gatherings, while an umbrella stand might serve as a quirky plant holder. By integrating these items into your home’s interior, you’re not just saving space; you’re giving new life to pieces that would otherwise be relegated to storage.
Protecting Floors and Surfaces
When storing furniture inside, it’s crucial to protect both the furniture and the floors or surfaces they rest upon. Place fabric or felt pads under metal legs to prevent scratches on wood or tile floors. Rugs and old towels can serve as barriers for heavier pieces. Additionally, use moving blankets or sheets to cover and protect surfaces from dust while storing the items away from sunlight to prevent fading.
Consider Microclimates
If you’re placing furniture in areas like basements or garages, be mindful of differing microclimates within your home. Some spaces might be prone to dampness, which could invite mold or rust. Using dehumidifiers or moisture-absorbing products like silica gel can help to manage the moisture levels and keep your furniture in premium condition throughout the winter.
Monitor Throughout Winter
Don’t just “set it and forget it” with stored furniture. Regular checks can preemptively catch any issues, like moisture build-up or pest invasions. This practice can prevent minor problems from becoming significant headaches by spring.
Prepare for the Move Back Outside
As winter wanes and the promise of spring draws near, start planning for your furniture’s return to the garden. Take the opportunity to address any repairs, touch up paint on metal parts, or restain wooden surfaces if needed. Reassemble pieces slowly and inspect them for any signs of damage that may have occurred despite your best efforts.
Conclusion
Bringing outdoor furniture indoors for winter storage is an excellent strategy to extend its lifespan and keep it looking great year after year. By assessing your space, cleaning thoroughly, disassembling when possible, and considering temporary indoor uses, you can effectively store your furniture through the colder months. With a bit of preparation and foresight, your beloved outdoor pieces will be ready to transform your garden into a welcoming oasis once more when the warm weather returns.
By following these suggestions, not only do you protect your investment in outdoor furniture, but you also create an opportunity to appreciate these pieces in a new light within your home. It’s a practice that, while requiring some effort, pays off in both extending the life of your furniture and enriching your living space year-round.
