How to furnish a modern terrace in a simple and economical way

How to furnish a terrace at low cost? With the arrival of spring, many people want to give their terrace or balcony a fresh, new look. In this article we will give you some important tips and advice on how to furnish your terrace in a simple, quick and inexpensive way. Here's everything you need to know about terrace decoration!

Furnishing a modern terrace: how to get started

In order to furnish a modern terrace intelligently and critically, it is necessary to consider a number of technical factors, which are often totally ignored by non-experts. Before proceeding with the selection and arrangement of the furniture it is important to consider the path of the sun in relation to the terrace, the frequency and direction of the prevailing wind and where to direct the water generated by rainfall. 

Only after answering these questions can we proceed with the realisation of an accurate project, aimed at enhancing the outdoor spaces available. Before proceeding, it is good to know that furnishing a terrace is not very different from furnishing a garden: the criteria to be considered and the decisions to be taken are more or less the same: in any case it is always important to start by considering the atmospheric conditions of the place. 

It is also important to try to create a strong relationship between the interior space of the house and the terrace, so as to create continuity and harmony between the environments. 

Furnishing a terrace: choosing the flooring 

The choice of flooring is an operation that will have to be tackled by those wondering how to furnish a large or small terrace. Apart from the size of the space, the choice of flooring is a very important and significant element. It is also true that it sometimes happens that terraces are not paved, but simply covered with a bitumen sheath or gravel. A paved terrace provides a completely different and in some ways better visual impact. 

When choosing flooring, we can say that the best terrace coverings are certainly of two types: 

• wooden decking (available in a wide variety of materials and colours);
• stoneware or terracotta slabs for outdoor use. 

Over the last few years, a number of new generation composite materials have made their appearance: the great advantage of these materials is their extremely limited maintenance requirements and costs.

Creating a sun-protected area of the terrace

Every terrace that can be called a terrace should have a sun-protected area where you can relax, enjoy an aperitif or lunch/dinner. Obviously we are not talking about covering the whole terrace, but about shading at least one corner. There are several possibilities for this 

• Installation of a pergola or gazebo with adjustable slats or sliding curtains; 
• installing one or more sails, anchored at three different points on the terrace;
• placing a simple parasol in a corner of the terrace - a simple and inexpensive solution. 

If you choose the parasol solution, it must be anchored with the utmost care to prevent a strong gust of wind from blowing it away and causing damage to neighbours. 

Creating a relaxation area on your terrace 

Once you have created a small corner sheltered from the sun - if the space on your terrace allows it - you can think about creating a place where you can enjoy moments of relaxation in the company of family and friends. Even on smaller terraces it is essential to create at least one small place with a small table and at least two chairs. On larger terraces, it is possible to create a small living room, consisting of an outdoor sofa and two or more armchairs, to which the inevitable coffee table can be added. 

Choice of terrace plants and flowers 

The most important thing in a terrace is the presence of plants and flowers. The most important thing when choosing and selecting plants for a terrace is the need to find plants that can withstand all seasons and require little attention and maintenance. Obviously you will need to pay attention to the positioning of the plants you choose, depending on their preference (full sun, shade or half shade). 

When choosing plants and flowers you can give free rein to your imagination and creativity: there are many possibilities to choose from; the advice we would like to give you is not to forget to choose some aromatic plants - such as mint to add flavour to your dishes or cocktails and to keep mosquitoes away in summer. 

Terrace lighting 

Proper lighting design is the basis for successful terrace design. The lighting of an outdoor space must be studied with great care and attention and cannot be limited to a few spotlights placed here and there without any criteria. 

As for the lighting of a garden, the lighting of a terrace must be designed ad hoc, creating an accurate project. 

The project must provide for the presence of a direct general light - perhaps realised with the help of a few spotlights placed in strategic points of the terrace. It is also necessary to foresee the presence of a soft or atmospheric light, suitable for all relaxing evening moments. To create a romantic and sophisticated ambience with soft lighting, you can use lanterns or light chains placed above the main table. 

Terrace furniture: other valuable ideas and tips 

In this article we have provided you with some valuable tips on how to furnish a small or large terrace. There is one more thing you should never forget: you will need to provide a protected area where you can store some of your outdoor furniture during the winter season. Even if they are made to be weatherproof, outdoor furniture will still need to be stored during the winter. If you do not have a cellar or garage for this purpose, you will need to make space for it on the terrace itself. 

Finally, never underestimate the problem of winter heating and summer cooling. Air conditioning systems always involve the installation of large, bulky machines. These machines are often installed on terraces. When designing your terrace furniture, think of a way to hide these machines that are not at all aesthetically pleasing.