Preparing for a Wet NZ Winter? Here’s Why Furniture Covers Are a Must-Have
Outdoor living is such a big part of the New Zealand lifestyle, but when winter rolls around with its frosts, rainstorms, and bitter winds, it’s time to start thinking about how to protect your outdoor furniture from the elements.
At Modern Style, we know all about Kiwi winters and offer smart, stylish solutions to keep your outdoor setup looking its best for longer.
One of the simplest and most effective winter preparation steps? Buying good furniture covers.
Why You Need Furniture Covers
New Zealand winters are not kind to outdoor furniture. With heavy rain, harsh UV rays, frosty mornings, and the occasional snowfall, your outdoor furniture is exposed to quite a wide variety of conditions.
Furniture covers provide a protective barrier against moisture, dirt, and sun exposure, keeping your outdoor furniture cleaner, drier, and in great condition until spring returns. It also takes away the hassle of bringing furniture inside or scrambling to hide cushions when the weather turns.
Custom Covers for a Snug, Secure Fit
At Modern Style, we have custom-made furniture covers designed to fit most of our lounge ranges. Whether you’re covering a whole outdoor suite or a pair of chairs, these custom-fitted covers prevent sagging, flapping, or water pooling, which are common issues with one-size-fits-all covers.
Made from a durable PVC/polyester combination, our covers are dustproof, waterproof, and are guaranteed for 2 years. They’re easy to use, easy to clean, and they’ll stay in place even during windy winter days.
We don’t recommend using covers on teak furniture, as teak needs to breathe. Regular cleaning is the best option for teak during winter.
Can Cushions Stay Out All Winter?
One of the frequent questions we get in the weeks before winter is: Is it okay to leave my outdoor cushions exposed to the rain and cold?
The answer depends on the materials…
Yes, if your furniture is made with Sunbrella® fabric and Quick Dry Foam, which is specially designed for outdoor use all year round. These cushions are:
- UV-resistant
- Moisture-resistant
- Mould and mildew-resistant
- Quick-drying after rain
It is not recommended if your furniture is equipped with standard foam or Olefin fabric. These are not made to withstand constant moisture and may degrade faster if subjected to the entire winter.
Despite weather-resistant fabrics, we still recommend using covers over the winter months to:
- Keep your furniture cleaner
- Reduce maintenance
- Reduce exposure to debris, frost, and inclement weather
If you’re not planning to use your outdoor furniture much over winter, consider covering or storing cushions indoors for maximum longevity.
The Best Fabrics for Outdoor Furniture
Winter protection starts with the right materials. At Modern Style, our outdoor furniture uses fabrics known for their all-weather performance:
- Sunbrella®: Designed for harsh conditions with a 5-year anti-fade warranty. It resists water, UV damage, mould, and mildew.
- Solution Dyed Acrylic: Has the same long-term durability, weather, and fade resistance.
- Olefin: Economical and reasonably durable, but better suited for seasonal use or cushions that have the benefit of storage when not being used.
The fabrics are easy to clean with simple cleaning regimes and continue to look and feel good even after harsh winters.
5 Winter Furniture Protection Tips
To maximise your outdoor setup through the winter months, take note of the following:
- Cover It Up: Apply a custom-fit cover to all lounge and cushion items unless they are specifically made to remain outdoors all year round.
- Allow for Airflow: Do not cover furniture too tightly. Breathable covers or small openings prevent trapped moisture and mould.
- Store What You Can: If there is room, bring in cushions or items not designed for winter use.
- Clean Before Covering: Brush off dirt and debris, and make sure surfaces are dry before covering.
- Maintain Regularly: Remove the covers every few weeks and make sure everything is dry and clean.
Prepare for Winter with Contemporary Style
Winter doesn’t need to mean the end of enjoying time outdoors. With durable, custom-fit covers and top-quality outdoor materials, Modern Style makes it simple to protect your furniture during the colder months.
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