When beginning blinkdecor.com, we thought it important to have an outdoor category only to learn that the outdoor business was as exclusive as a 1940’s men’s club. Pool and patio areas have become luxurious sanctuaries for which many invest heavily, why then, is it so difficult to find outdoor furniture for the discerning consumer? Many outdoor companies advertise to the public but work through regional distributors and most are “to the trade” only. You can imagine how foreign the Internet is as a viable medium for showcasing their wares. The problem is that many consumers, even those who use design professionals, feel that they are tapped out in terms of energy when the interior is finally completed. So, as the decorator leaves and the outdoors beckon to whom is one to turn?

Today, the outdoor environment has become an extension of one’s interiors and the decision as to whether or not to have a sofa/seating area or a few chaises should not be taken lightly. Consideration should be made as to whether you will be entertaining outside or whether it is just a place for you and your family to enjoy the long summer days with a book. Also, think about the longevity of your furniture. Vintage wicker is beautiful but requires a lot more care than the new all- weather variety. Are you the type who will run outside with protective covers at the thought of rain? If not, one of the newer more durable selections may be for you.

Modern Outdoor is one of the frontrunners in forward thinking in the outdoor category. They not only have a website, but also list prices. At the high end of the spectrum for outdoor furniture is Gandia Blasco. Famous for the outdoor day bed, they offer very cool, chic, aluminum and white furniture. Giati also offers a stunning collection but not for the those with tight purse strings. The Fifty-five chaise mixes a stainless frame with teak slats and boasts of 18 adjustment positions. This may be appealing to many because they can be folded to a completely flat position if winter storage is a must.

Twentieth, traditionally an indoor furniture retailer, has a nice line of outdoor pieces for the Hollywood set. Their Yin Yang Easy chair and Croissant sofa offers a really tempting seating area, if intimate evenings under the stars is your idea of summer fun. Also, consider outdoor ottomans for extra seating at a party or poolside. Lebello makes inexpensive “wicker”poufs in a multitude of colors. The wicker like appearance is really anodized steel making it extremely durable. If you long a more New England vibe look to Archie's Island or Maine Cottage Furniture , where their brightly colored furniture will bring sunshine to any backyard.

Luckily, the fabric manufacturers have gotten wise and now offer a complete line of non-fading, non-mildew outdoor fabrics. Many consumers now use them indoors where fading or heavy wear and tear could be an issue. The Laurie Bell Company is an independent manufacturer that exclusively designs luxurious outdoor fabric for pillows and lounge cushions.

If you have a beautiful garden and don’t want your outdoor furniture to compete with the natural surroundings, teak furniture has a wonderful ability to meld into the background. Teak in particular is very durable and can withstand the elements with age and grace. If you crave something that is not as traditional, some retailers combine a bit of stainless as seen in Kingsley and Bate’s Ibiza line. Their line along with many other reasonably priced collections can be seen on Teak Wicker and More, which has some incredible values with style still present.

Home Infatuation is another all encompassing website that offers many different outdoor products including patio lighting, all -weather area rugs and outdoor dining accessories. Additionally, Curran Online is a diamond in the rough for seekers of outdoor furniture online. The dual lounger by Viteo made with stainless and slats of teak is a personal favorite. Its hard to believe but they promise it is comfortable even without a cushion. Yet, for ultimate comfort and true relaxation consider the Dune Day Bed designed by Vladmir Kagan exlusively for Barlow Tyrie.

Although highly fragmented, the outdoor furniture arena is available if you diligently comb the web. While most high end lines are still to the trade only, their are some exceptions. Some local gardening centers do carry exclusive lines but without a design professional they may charge you full retail. It is always worth a click or a call to have the perfect outdoor environment.