With spring just around the corner, our thoughts turn to blossoming trees, spring bulbs and the freshening spring breezes signaling the end of the long winter. Spending time outside is so pleasant after spending much of the winter stuck indoors. Sometimes it's nice to just take a nap or read a book on the back porch, taking in that fresh springtime air. Although you may have lounge chairs or a chaise lounge, the ultimate kick back piece of furniture for such days is the wicker daybed.
The wicker daybed is such an attractive and inviting place to curl up with a cup of tea or a good book and is appealing to every age group.
Teenagers regard the wicker daybed as “upscale” porch furniture, suitable for doing homework or catching up with a friend on the latest happenings. Mom and Dad aren't averse to a little relaxation now and then. Older people especially enjoy the cushy comfort of a wicker daybed. Be warned. Once you've bought a wicker daybed for outdoor use, you'll be tempted to add other wicker furniture to complete the look of a new outdoor room.
Contrary to what you may think, a wicker daybed can be outdoor furniture with the proper care. You can find them unfinished, painted or stained. Sometimes they'll be varnished or oiled, which is what's required to protect the furniture from the elements, keeping that just-bought look.
For a custom finish, look for unfinished pieces, that you can stain or paint in just the right shade to complement your porch style. Just be sure to varnish or oil as your final finish coat.
In areas of high humidity, mold is the enemy of the wicker daybed, but varnish or oil will protect for the season. A once yearly washing, using a brush to reach in corners as necessary and touchup on spots where varnish may be cracked is all you need to keep your furniture in top condition. Where winters are very cold, you may want to store the furniture in the garage, or use covers to protect against cold.
The wicker daybed is a classic piece that never goes out of style, lending a little of the old fashioned romance of gentler times, when relaxing was a pleasure and comfort was indulged as a remedy to a hard day's work.
Although we've looked only at outdoor possibilities, this lovely furniture has lots of uses indoors as well. It's just that springtime breeze that sounds so inviting.
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