Outdoor Furniture
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Modern Outdoor Furniture
If there’s one thing we know to be certain, it’s this: Outdoor furniture sets can make or break your space. The right pieces of backyard furniture will create an inviting outdoor area that begs daily use, while the wrong ones will altogether deter you from relaxing out of doors or dining alfresco. Our advice? Design a welcoming space with pieces that are equal parts unique and functional.
Whether you’re looking for deck furniture to encircle your pool or dining sets to outfit a paved terrace, our modern patio furniture combines of-the-moment silhouettes with high-performance materials to enhance durability. Bring style and comfort to your patio, courtyard, or balcony with contemporary outdoor furniture, including sofas and sectionals, side tables, chaise lounges, and more designer patio furniture pieces.
Types of Modern Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor Dining Tables
Like their indoor counterparts, outdoor dining tables are the centerpieces of every outdoor dining setup. They’re also some of the largest outdoor furniture pieces you can purchase, and often can’t be stored in a shed or garage when al fresco dining season is over. Thus, patio dining tables must be incredibly well designed, made to withstand the harshest of elements. Most outdoor dining tables are made of durable plastic, solid teak, or powder-coated steel or aluminum that can handle all kinds of weather. Patio dining tables come in all shapes and sizes, and many include a convenient hole for patio umbrellas.
Outdoor Dining Chairs
Made to complement outdoor dining tables and cafe tables, outdoor dining chairs are often available in sets that match a specific outdoor dining table or outdoor furniture collection. Like patio tables, patio chairs are durable but still stylish, often made of plastic, wood, or metal. Outdoor dining chairs may have additional features that facilitate storage during the off-season: Folding outdoor chairs and stackable outdoor chairs are popular choices for their ease of storage.
Outdoor Sofas & Sectionals
Though similar to indoor sofas and sectionals in function, outdoor sofas and sectionals typically differ in appearance from their indoor counterparts in one key way. Where indoor sofas and sectionals are usually fully upholstered, outdoor sofas and sectionals have durable wood, metal, wicker, or rattan frames and bases that are separate from their plush, upholstered cushions. Outdoor sofa and sectional cushions are upholstered with hardy fabrics made to resist fading, molding, and tearing, particularly Sunbrella® fabrics.
Outdoor Chaise Lounges
Ideal for a pool patio or sundeck, outdoor chaise lounges, also called sunbeds, encourage their occupants to sit back, relax, and soak up the sun. These outdoor chairs are mostly flat, typically with a single adjustable back panel that allows the occupant to adjust their position from sitting up to completely reclined. Comfortable and inviting, outdoor chaise lounges are available in a multitude of materials and styles, some with designated cushions to enhance their comfort. Some outdoor chaise lounges have wheels to allow you to position them wherever the sun is brightest, and others even have built-in side tables to hold drinks, books, and more.
Outdoor Lounge Chairs & Ottomans
Like outdoor chaises, outdoor lounge chairs and ottomans are pieces of lounge furniture made for relaxing. Patio lounge chairs are wide, comfortable chairs with deep seats, broad arms, and slightly reclined seat backs. Some are upholstered and others aren’t; some are available with removable seat cushions. Classic outdoor lounge chairs include Adirondack chairs, rocking chairs, and hammocks, while other modern lounge chairs are more unique and sculptural. Many outdoor lounge chairs are available with matching outdoor ottomans that further enhance their comfort.
Outdoor Coffee & Side Tables
Made to accompany outdoor lounge furniture, outdoor coffee tables and outdoor side tables are low, durable tables perfect for holding drinks and snacks. Patio coffee tables can pull an outdoor conversation set together, whereas outdoor side tables make the perfect complements to patio loungers and chaises. Patio end tables are especially functional if your seating centers around a fire pit. As with other outdoor furniture types, outdoor coffee and side tables are typically available as parts of matching outdoor furniture sets or collections.
Outdoor Stools
Must-have pieces of outdoor furniture if you have an outdoor bar or counter table, outdoor bar and counter stools are outdoor-friendly versions of indoor bar and counter stools. Like indoor stools, outdoor stools can be backless or armless and are available in a variety of weatherproof materials.
Outdoor Benches
Outdoor benches are long, backless, armless chairs that provide ample seating to an outdoor lounge area or dining setting. Outdoor benches can be used as picnic benches, providing versatile, high-capacity seating to a patio dining set, or as garden benches, where you can sit and enjoy the fresh air in your yard or garden. Outdoor dining benches are useful in more compact outdoor spaces, as they can be pushed under the dining table to save space when they’re not in use.
How to Choose Modern Outdoor Furniture
Choose smart materials.
No matter the size of your space or the style of your pieces, durable patio furniture is a must-have. Keep the following materials in mind when choosing outdoor furniture:
Recycled high-density polyethylene is waterproof, fade resistant, and maintenance-free. Similarly, powder-coated steel is both weatherproof and anti-rust. If you want a more natural-looking material, opt for solid teak, which weathers naturally and develops a beautiful silvery-grey patina. For those who love wicker, try woven resin cord. It mimics the look of wicker, but it boasts weatherproof properties.
Keep comfort in mind.
In addition to durability, comfortable patio furniture is a necessity. Seat cushions instantly soften solid wood- or steel-framed pieces. Choose cushions covered in UV- and mildew-resistant fabrics so that they withstand the elements.
Create functional arrangements.
Outdoor furniture arrangements may vary according to your needs and the size of your space, but these pieces are a surefire way to channel sophisticated ease and create a welcoming space — one that you’ll want to use on the daily.
If you’re looking for outdoor furniture for small spaces, opt for pieces that feature a streamlined silhouette. Think: a petite yet plush two-seater sofa, a café table and stools, or an accent table with a pedestal base and armless chairs.
For outdoor entertaining, select a patio furniture dining set. Pair a rectangular dining table with a mix of benches and chairs to accommodate a large dinner party. Lastly, if you have an outside kitchen and grill, consider outdoor patio bar sets with counter height bar stools.
At Design Within Reach, we’re here to answer questions and more, with complementary design services to support you at every step of your interior design journey. Our staff of in-store design professionals can give advice and recommendations via chat, photos, and live video. They can also do 3-D renderings of your rooms so you can see how an arrangement might work. Look for the black chat icon at the lower right of webpages.
What is the best material for outdoor furniture?
Teak, powder-coated steel, iron, and aluminum, and plastic are all some of the best materials for outdoor furniture. Discerning the best material for outdoor furniture out of these options comes down to your aesthetic preferences and maintenance capabilities.
Can outdoor furniture get wet?
Yes, outdoor furniture can get wet – it’s designed to withstand all sorts of weather conditions, including rain, humidity, and moisture.
What kind of patio furniture can stay out all year?
When maintained properly, teak and aluminum furniture will fare better than other types of outdoor furniture when left outdoors all year. Other outdoor furniture should be brought inside or covered carefully during the winter.