I have always enjoyed the appeal of French patio doors in a home. The natural light that enters the room is healthy as long as it does not warm up the home too much. The small panes of glass add a touch of elegance and old world styling. French patio doors typically open up in at least two of the main frames of the door way. There are varieties that can slide on a track for more space challenged room settings. I remember the old sliding track glass doors of the 1980s where you put a safety rod in the door to prevent it being opened and prayed that the glass never broke. They were not very attractive. French patio doors on the other hand, are very attractive. Many home owners choose to put up small curtains or hang blinds on the door to prevent unwanted sunlight in warmer months or to make the room darker for sleeping. The doors pictured here are available from Peachtree Windows. You can also find French patio doors at many hardware stores. Typically, they can be custom cut to fit the dimensions that you are seeking for the room. The biggest thing to remember is how much space will be needed to effectively open up the door and not hit a wall or nearby furniture. The most common mistake is not accounting for enough room for the doors to swing open.
I recently sat under patio heaters at a nearby restaurant and was reminded of their usefulness. In my book, there is nothing better than enjoying the crisp, clean air of sitting outdoors. As a writer, I am always looking for the next story and in this case, it was right above me. How many of us don't get outside, because it is a little too cool? I know me for one. That does not have to be the case. With patio heaters you have the flexibility of adding heat if you need it and then turning it off when you don't need it. I found a nice stainless steel model called the TillMark Deluxe available at the PatioHeaterStore. The TillMark Deluxe can produce up to 40,000 BTUs of heat and comes with an adjustable temperature setting to put you in control. The TillMark runs on standard propane which has wide availability throughout the world. Dimensions: 20" x 20" x 93"; Price: $299
Scoop is a new release from Gloster in their patio furniture line. Scoop features woven teak patterns criss-crossed across the frame of the chair or table. I find that woven chairs are more comfortable since the weave gives a little bit when sat upon. That extra give provides more cushioning for prolonged seating. The darker stain looks much like the color of coconuts drawing upon its island theme. The scoop is named from the shape of the chair in the back and seating area. You can see where it is concave providing a place for the body to nestle into. I like the angle of the chair backs as I prefer a more relaxed posture in patio seating as opposed to a more upright angle. Available at Frontgate.
Lounge Chair - $1,050; Small table - $630; Ottoman - $420.
There is a natural evolution to just about every thing and it is often fueled by necessity and sometimes simple want. The Easy Bean Collection of "modern bean bags" is much more than you might expect, with of coarse the standard big floppy bean bag chair and so much more for a relaxed environment. The Easy Bean Collection has shapes, colors, sizes, and seating concepts, perfect for the child in your life or the child in you. Their products are an easy and cost effective way to add extra seating, ottomans, or pillows anywhere you want to get comfortable. One of my favorites is the Eb Day 2000 daybed / lounger that measures 76" x 26" x 5" perfect for an extra bed room or outside for some really casual patio furniture.
Teak is obviously the best choice in wood for patio furniture. I am a big fan of it for its durability, look, and feel. I found a great set of nesting tables from Gloster. Gloster's products are always very high quality, built to last for many years.
Nesting tables help conserve space when you have a smaller patio or even a balcony in an apartment or loft. If it is just you without company, you don't have to bring out all tables. Besides on your day off when you are sun bathing on your patio, you don't want to have to reach down to the floor for your beverage. Having a beverage on the floor may be a tripping hazard as well. Why not have a nice side table so that you don't over extend yourself as you escape the day to day rigor of unfulfilling employment.
Back to the product. These nesting tables feature a classic look with trim legs and small square tops. The tops come with ridges offering stylish appeal as well as proper traction so that your beverage does not slide off the table. Available at Frontgate for $683.
