| The pergola's been built, but how can you make it look | | | | atmosphere. There are some lovely small round tables |
| more inviting? Careful planning and design using the | | | | with iron frames and mosaic tops available, from |
| right furniture suited to outdoor living can perk up your | | | | striking black and white to a variety of terracotta |
| pergola and turn into it a favourite retreat for all the | | | | shades. |
| family. | | | | There's nothing wrong with an upturned barrel and a |
| There was a time when choices were limited to the | | | | colourful tablecloth on top either though. Cut a hole in |
| park bench style seating or plastic tables and chairs. | | | | the centre and add an umbrella if your pergola is open |
| These days the selection of patio furniture available is | | | | roofed. |
| as varied as the styles of pergolas themselves. | | | | Tropical Island Feel |
| The Dining Setting | | | | Cane furniture either in the natural earthy looks or |
| No pergola, veranda or outdoor living area would be | | | | painted in a variety of different shades and colours |
| complete without table and chairs. Somewhere to | | | | create a sense of the tropics and exotic island living. |
| entertain guests, serve a meal or simply enjoy a | | | | Choose from the tub style, chairs with curved backs |
| coffee and a magazine is imperative. If you have a | | | | or the grander high backed look of India. Add some |
| large area and the budget allows, why not look at the | | | | plump cushions with slip over covers for easy cleaning. |
| informal dining suites designed specifically for the | | | | Furniture on a budget |
| outdoors? Choose from coloured steel frames, glass | | | | Quality furniture can be sourced from second hand |
| table tops and chairs topped with comfy padded | | | | stores and flea markets. Give the item a coat of paint |
| cushions. | | | | designed for outdoors for a fresh and colourful look. |
| If your pergola is predominantly timber you may want | | | | Pieces of timber or specially cut glass sitting on top of |
| to continue that theme with your furnishings. Sturdy | | | | cut of logs can make great side tables or logs on their |
| Jarrah tables and chairs come in a range of sizes and | | | | own can provide extra seating around the edge of the |
| shapes from the basic square look four seater to | | | | patio or along the path. |
| massive ten place seatings or octagonal if your space | | | | Before you throw out that old sofa think about how it |
| allows. Mix and match the cushions with some slip | | | | might look on the veranda with a cheap throw rug |
| covers in plains, stripes or patterned fabric. | | | | over it. |
| The down side of timber is the maintenance to keep it | | | | Verandas and patios are a place to retreat at the end |
| looking pristine. A seasonal light sanding and a | | | | of a long day or relax and entertain friends and family |
| generous coat of furniture oil will protect your furniture | | | | on weekends. The more comfort you bring in to the |
| from the elements. | | | | area the more time you and your guests are going to |
| The Outdoor Café Look | | | | want to spend there. |
| Perhaps you want to retain a cosy, intimate | | | | |