With its curved teak scroll arms and gently arched woven frame, the Symphony armchairs and matching round dining table look at home in the garden. (http://www.gloster.com/)

Topsail Island, NC - (NAPSA)-"Good design is all about attention to detail," says Michael Glassman, award-winning landscape designer and co-host on the Discovery Home Channel. "When creating an outdoor room, the final elements are the outdoor furniture and accessories." Here is a list of helpful design tips when selecting outdoor furniture:

1. Comfort-In a recent national telephone survey of 1,000+ households commissioned by the American Home Furnishings Alliance, most Americans stated that comfort was the most important characteristic in selecting furniture. Whether it is a chair used while eating, a chaise lounge with an accent table for relaxing, or a sofa and loveseat used while engaging in conversation, furniture must be comfortable. Always test-drive the furniture before you buy it. Sit in it, lie on it and envision it in your personal space.

Right:  This 48-inch-square umbrella table features a sleek, modern look with an iron woven mesh top and matching dining chairs. (www.woodard-furniture.com)

2. Scale-Know your outdoor space. Make sure that your furniture fits the scale of your project. Measure the size of your entertainment space, draw the area to scale and lay out your furniture design. (Also visit AHFA's Web site at www.findyourfurniture.com and try out the Room Planner feature to create blueprints of your space and move the furniture around to create a variety of different arrangements.)

3. Style-Make sure that the style of your furniture is compatible with the style of your outdoor space. Whether you use wood, wrought iron, wicker, aluminum or mixed materials, the style of your furniture must fit the overall ambiance of your setting. Furniture in all of these materials can be found in rustic, casual, formal and modern styles, making it a breeze to find pieces that complement your outdoor design.

4. Sustainable-Think quality. A good piece of furniture can give you years of function, comfort and enjoyment. You may pay more for good quality, but in the long run it will last for many years and save you money by not having to be replaced. This is a fundamental principle of sustainability.

5. Design Solution-Your choice of specific furniture pieces could be a problem solver or provide a solution to a challenging space. For example, a teak storage bench can double as a table, seat, ice chest or storage for cushions when it rains. A baker's rack can be used to accent potted plants, provide storage for place mats or dishes, or display art pieces, as well as create interest on a blank wall. A daybed can serve as additional seating as well as act as a sleeping bed in the evening.

6. Focal Point-Shop for a focal point that personalizes your outdoor space. An interesting piece of art, an unusual fountain, a vibrant sofa, a stylish chair, an artistic coffee table or a warm firepit could serve as the key element that transforms your outdoor space into a stylish oasis.

The St. Lucia rocker is full of cottage charm. The powder-coated aluminum frame and handwoven resin wicker are well suited for coastal climates. (www.telescope casual.com)