I have Lloyd Flanders all-weather wicker - sofa, rocker, chair & ottoman. Have had ours for 11 yrs. Replaced original cushions about 6 yrs. ago w/ some from another online custom cushion vendor. Looked very pretty but they were not comfortable at all - solid foam and a little batting without much give. Bit the bullet & got new LF cushions 2 yrs. later, even though replacement cushions didn't show any wear (so uncomfortable no one wanted to sit on them..) Set looks brand new and is so comfortable and inviting. My advice would be to try to find a place where you can try sitting on the set - or at least one with the same type frame and cushions - before purchasing. Some of the lower priced sets are fine if they're for occasional seating, or mostly for looks. But if you're planning to spend a lot of time entertaining in the space or relax on weekends with the Sunday paper or a good book, I'd highly recommend a test drive.

Check out Brown Jordan. It is expensive but is extremely well made. After 15 years with our set (table and 4 chairs), we only now have to replace the cushions - absolutely nothing wrong with the table or chair frames. The paint still looks like new. Because the table is 8 or 9 ft. wide, we usually leave it out during the winter (just the frame, we take the glass out). Plus the cusions are very comfortable and soft. I've had wicker on a covered sun porch and, although, it wasn't used that much, it started to fade from the sun and looked dusty (which it probably was but I couldn't wash it). It had cheap Pier One cushions on it that also faded and picked up mold really bad.

I have one piece real wicker and one piece resin "all weather" wicker. The all weather was purchased from Lowes several years ago and looks like new. The real wicker has to be repainted (mine is white) every couple of years and the seat is starting to wear out but it's 20 years old. The cushions go inside when it rains otherwise it just sits outside all the time. Of course I live in SoCal but near the ocean so lots of moisture.

I use a lot of these clear plastic drawers. I cut the stoppers off, so I can pull the whole drawer out to go be creative. Some people decorate & label. I have them under a thin table with table cloth to hide when not in use. Even though I don't usually use plastic, it is useful in the art studio to see thru & water proof which is important for paper storage. I have had many for years. When buying these plastic bins don't expect the wheels to last. They often break within a year. I throw them away & get solid wheel casters at Walmart put on wood then put the plastic storage on top. There a lot of plastic bins out there that are cheaper, buttoo thin to keep firm or crack, so buy the thicker durable ones that'll last for years. Also, A lot of these cute plastic art carts are unfortunately junk, the thin metal warps, comes unlined, wheels break off, knobs pop out... I made the mistake several times, no way again. It upsets me to go into these craft stores and see their outright expensive prices for plain out cheap,junk. I highly suggest buying durable made storage items. There are solutions out there. Get creative and possibly let a creative project be to make a DIY storage system.