Stephen King said that, “art is a support system for life. Not the other way around.” I listened to that remark and immediately rethought my approach to furniture design and arrangement inside my bedroom. Where my bed was once in the corner of my room, I now have my writers desk. My bed moved squarely in front of wall-to-wall windows where my desk once was, and I added a few chairs to the wall opposite of the desk for reading or thinking. When I come into my room now I don’t feel immediate pressure to begin writing, or working on a photography piece. My desk is a safe spot. I run to it, instead of avoid it, and I also don’t feel compelled to keep it clean and clear when I’m away. My bed meanwhile seems easier to rise from in the morning. It doesn’t have the safe, comforting feel some may want in a bed, but I prefer to spend time off the mattress. This new arrangement has made a subtle but important difference in the way I approach my work and sleep space.

Patio furniture is a great way to liven up your patio and make it comfortable for your family and guests alike to enjoy your patio. While patio furniture is specifically made of materials that can withstand the elements, you want to be sure that you are keeping your furniture in tip top condition to ensure it will last for a long time. Because patio furniture can be made of so many materials, there is no one way to keep it clean and well maintained. You will need to tailor your regime based on the materials your furniture is made from.

If your patio furniture is made from wicker, you can simply remove the cushions and spray the furniture down with a hose. If there is dirt or build up that cannot be cleaned by simply using a hose, get yourself a bucket of water with a mild soap and wash it down by hand. Be sure to remove the cushions and keep your wicker furniture covered during the off-season to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Wooden patio furniture can also be cleaned using a mild soap. However, be sure that you rinse the furniture thoroughly after washing with soap. Leaving soap on the furniture can lead to warping and discoloring of wood. It is also a good idea to move wooden patio furniture indoors during the off-season to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. For fabric that is attached to your patio furniture, you can typically machine was these. Be sure to line dry as opposed to using your dryer to avoid shrinkage.

It’s also a good idea to put them back onto your furniture before the fabric is completely dry. This allows the fabric to dry accordingly with the size and shape of your furniture and can help prevent shrinking. If your patio furniture includes an umbrella, be sure that you are maintaining this umbrella after it comes out of storage. Though you should store it under a cover, you will still want to wipe down the fabric part of the umbrella after you take it out of storage. You can use a soft bristled brush and mild soap. You’ll also want to oil the joints of the umbrella to prevent them from rusting. Taking proper care of your patio furniture is very important to ensure you are able to use your furniture for as long as possible. With proper care, your patio furniture can last for years to come.