It’s that time of year again, folks. Although it is currently raining here in LA (boohoo), I think we can collectively feel spring right around the corner. I am a huge spring/summer gal so every morning I promptly pull up my weather app to see if the sun is going to make an appearance. Patience, as they say, is a virtue. So while I wait for warmer days I have been (like clockwork) thinking of ways I can spruce up my outdoor space. Right now you may be thinking, “woah lady, it’s freezing where I live – It’s way too early for outdoor furniture shopping!” but let me tell you this stuff sells out FAST and we don’t want you to miss out. So whether you are looking to furnish a new outdoor space or you just need one side table or chair to complete your outdoor oasis, we have you covered.
As a friendly reminder, these posts are meant to help you find what you are looking for but we also encourage scouring Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and thrift stores for second-hand or vintage options. You can even search the product name and retailer of a specific piece to see if anyone in your area is selling that item! Now if you are curious, here are our 2023 outdoor furniture picks:
Dining Tables
If you happen to have a small indoor space but a significant outdoor space, creating a dining area outside can make hosting guests so much easier and more fun. For example, my dining area is quite small so we have a pretty small dining table inside. Outside, however, I was able to fit a large outdoor dining table that fits up to 8 people! So when the weather is nice, we always opt to eat outside when hosting our weekly Sunday dinner with friends. If you are looking to elevate your outdoor dining experience, here are some options we love:
1. Indoor/Outdoor Dining Table | 2. Reclaimed Wood Dining Table | 3. Reed Extending Dining Table | 4. Marble & Metal Outdoor Bistro Table | 5. Teak Outdoor Dining Table | 6. Shoreham Teak Dining Table | 7. 48″ Round Dining Table | 8. Rectangle Steel Dining Table | 9. Teaka Dining Table
We are starting off strong with the round concrete table that has an incredible sculptural base. If you enjoy hosting outdoor dinner parties, I love #5 (the black accent around the top makes it extra special). For a small space, I love this gorgeous bistro table. If you are looking for a durable and affordable table, you can’t go wrong with #8. Hot tip: Something you might want to consider is that wood and faux wood tables are always more sensitive to the elements than metal or concrete pieces. If you opt for a wood table a good furniture cover is key.
Dining Chairs
If you have an outdoor dining table, you are going to need chairs. Here are some of our top picks:
1. Metal Bistro Chair | 2. Metal Dining Chair (Set of 2) | 3. Grey Mahogany Chair with Sunbrella Cushions | 4. Brava Wicker Dining Chair | 5. Dune Outdoor Dining Chair | 6. Canova Chair with Sunbrella Cushion | 7. Lofted Legs Dining Chair | 8. Wood Dining Chairs (Set of 2) | 9. Stackable Outdoor Dining Chair
I love this fresh take on the spindle back chair. It’s both modern and elegant. On the other hand, this chunky mahogany wood chair is really bold and cool. I also feel very drawn to #9 because it is a good shape and its metal base makes it durable for the outdoors. In fact, if you don’t want to stress about taking care of outdoor cushions, #2, #4, and #7 are great picks.
Sofas And Sectionals
If you are wondering how to carve out an enjoyable outdoor space that you will actually use, try to design/style it the way you would your indoor spaces. If space permits, you can create a full lounge area with a sofa, coffee table, lounge chairs, and side tables (just like an indoor living room). We have found that the more comfortable and functional your outdoor space is the more you will actually utilize it.
1. Studio McGee Wicker & Metal Patio Sofa | 2. Yama Sofa | 3. 3-Piece Outdoor Sectional | 4. Sora Sofa | 5. Teak Sofa with Sunbrella Cushions | 6. Loveseat with Storage Pockets | 7. 2-Piece L-Shaped Sectional | 8. Resin Wicker Sofa with Sunbrella Cushions | 9. Fen Outdoor Sofa | 10. Modern Black Sofa with Sunbrella Cushions | 11. Teak Sofa with Sunbrella Cushions | 12. Urba Sofa
#1 is a great affordable option and to make it a little cozier, you could add outdoor pillows and even a throw blanket. I am drooling over #5 (those legs are so pretty) and I also love the sleek modern look of #10. For an extremely cozy outdoor experience, #3 and #7 are my top picks. As you know sofas typically have cushions so to take care of them we suggest durable furniture covers or having a space (like a shed or outdoor storage bench) to stow away the cushions when it is wet outside.
Remember, when laying out your outdoor space you can/should imitate how you style your indoor spaces so that it is functional and therefore enjoyable to use. A sofa’s best friend is a coffee table so we rounded up our favorite outdoor coffee table picks here:
1 Layered Travertine Outdoor Coffee Table | 2. Dune Outdoor Table with Painted Glass | 3. White Marble Outdoor Coffee Table | 4. Walker Metal Outdoor Coffee Table | 5. Wicker Patio Coffee Table | 6. Jonas Coffee Table | 7. Terrazzo Outdoor Coffee Table | 8. Segovia Eucalyptus Outdoor Coffee Table | 9. Krokholmen Coffee Table
I love the low height of #8 and it reminds me of the ones Emily used for the Portland project. For a sleek, modern option I am loving #2 but I can’t deny that this new one from Crate & Barrel is really cool and unexpected.
Comfortable, durable lounge chairs are essential for enjoying your backyard or patio. We love using lounge chairs to create additional conversational spaces. Also, if you have a small outdoor space that can’t accommodate a lot of furniture, simply one or two lounge chairs will make your space feel dialed in and inviting.
1. Bayocean Lounge Chair | 2. Rana Lounge Chair | 3. Aluminum Sling Chair | 4. Sling Chair | 5. Bonelli Modern Teak Outdoor Lounge Chair | 6. Modern Lounge Chair | 7. Natural Lounge Chair | 8. Tody Louge Chair | 9. Teak Lounge Chair Frame
I am so drawn to #3. The cushion looks insanely comfortable and I like that it leans far back. For an affordable non-cushion option, I would suggest #7. #4 is an affordable sling-back option, and side note: the company that makes it just launched new outdoor cushions and pillows that we LOVE. If you liked #5 from the sofa roundup above, this is its lounge chair counterpart. I can’t get over the gorgeous side detail.
If you are serious about lounging, a chaise lounge is going to be your best friend. These are great if you know you want to use your outdoor space to sunbathe and really relax. Here are some hot picks:
1 Dimitri Chaise | 2. Idle Cobalt Sun Lounger | 3. Pavilion Striped Sunbrella Chaise | 4. Outdoor Chaise with Sunbrella Cushion | 5. Lodi Woven Outdoor Chaise Lounge | 6. Aluminum Adjustable Checkered Chaise | 7. Cape Coral Chaise Lounge | 8. Preston Outdoor Lounger | 9. Acacia Double Chaise Lounger
I don’t typically adorn my home with bright colors but occasionally a cobalt blue number stops me in my tracks. That’s how I feel about #2. The color is just so vibrant and lovely! The millennial in me also loves the checkered option but I can’t deny that #9 looks really nice, too. For fans of minimal Scandinavian decor, #5 is so good (I love the woven detail!).
One thing you never want is to find yourself with no table to set a drink or snack on when you are trying to enjoy the great outdoors. Even if you only have space for one lounge chair or a loveseat, a side table is a necessary companion. Here are some we love:
1 Cubo Ceramic Accent Table | 2. Vardo Side Table | 3. Round Metal Accent Table | 4. Indoor/Outdoor C-Shaped Table | 5. Palissade Cone Table | 6. Indoor/Outdoor Side Table | 7. Faux Concrete Stump Table | 8. Black Granite 18″ Table | 9. Solid Acacia Accent Table
I am a sucker for anything sculptural so I am a big fan of #9. If you are working with a tight space, #4 is a great option. If you want something extra durable, #3 and #5 are awesome.
Rugs
Rugs are not technically furniture, but last year several of you asked if we could include outdoor rugs so I was happy to oblige. And to be honest, rugs are a key component of outdoor living/styling. They add color and pattern, and they help create conversational zones just as they do in our indoor spaces. If you want to really liven up your space, don’t skip a durable rug like one of these:
1. Arroyo Sonora Clay Rug | 2. Mahala Rug | 3. Kiel Indoor/Outdoor Rug | 4. Damas Washable Rug | 5. Striped Oblong Indoor/Outdoor Rug | 6. Black Venetian Pinstripes Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug | 7. Hannavan Jute Flatweave Rug | 8. Valencia Indoor / Outdoor Rug | 9. Lido Stripe Rug
Broken line patterns on rugs is not a new concept, but I’m pretty impressed with #8. It feels fresh and I think the colors are so warm and inviting. That said I love a good ‘normal’ stripe so I am a fan of #9 too. An oval rug like #5 is great if you want to add an organic shape to your outdoor space, and something like #3 would be ideal if you want something that will hide dirt really well.
This concludes this year’s outdoor furniture extravaganza. I hope this post was helpful for anyone who needed it. What other furniture and decor roundups would you like to see from us? Let us know below, and have a great Wednesday. xx
Opener Image Credit: Design by Orlando Soria | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Dreams Do Come True! The Londo Lodge Is Now A Vacation Rental
Thanks for this post! I’m in the market for new outdoor furniture this year. Crucial word of advice: try it out in store if it is at all possible! Some of the most stylish options that look the most quality can be incredibly uncomfortable! I was surprised when we ended up going with a cheaper/smaller option than we thought just because it was so much more comfortable than the rest. Why have it if you can’t lounge in it?
Great point!
Ooh, want to share what you picked? All ears!
Great roundup! I want to put a plug in for ordering directly from Polywood. We got a sectional for our screened-in porch and it is absolutely wonderful for parties as well as naps 😁. The customization options in color and sunbrella cushion fabrics are vast. We also got Adirondack chairs from them (the Nautical) in dark gray, for our fire pit area. Free shipping and good service; made from recycled plastics and indestructible.
Another yes to Plywood! All the roundup picks are gorgeous but after having to replace sets every five years or so in the Midwest—even with finding room for them in the basement during winter—we decided to go with Plywood. It sits out all winter and just needs sprayed off in the spring. Maybe not quite as aesthetically pleasing but there’s no stress and no waste and no weekends spent wire brushing and spray painting.
Plywood (fabricated wood) or Polywood (recycled plastic)?
Polywood ; ) stupid autocorrect. Uses recycled milk jugs.
Yes, great roundup! And I came here to say the same – that Polywood is missing from this list!! We have had a set on our dock at our lake house. It sits out there in all the bad weather yet still looks brand new. I’m looking to buy a set for our main house now. I’m currently agonizing over color choices and jumped on this roundup hoping Emily and her team could help save me a few (or maybe 10) hours with this decision! 🙂
another vote for polywood! love our table and chairs and feel like they are a very worthwhile investment given how long they should last!
Has anyone found a comfortable bench that doesn’t have cushions? I’m so tired of taking them out and putting them away!
For side tables I recommend ceramic garden stools. They look cute, last forever and are inexpensive.
I’d love a roundup of ceramic garden stools!
Frontgate’s Isola line doesn’t have cushions. I feel your pain!
I’m looking for benches too. Found these. Love the Chinoiserie one: https://www.polywood.com/styles/benches-swings-and-gliders.html?furniture_type=Benches&sp=2
I have a beautiful red vintage fireplace like the one you can see in the picture at the start of the rugs section. It cost 3,500 on Etsy and my dumbass didn’t make sure it was legal to use indoors in my state. (IT IS NOT). I’ve been debating what to do with it because that’s a lot of money obvi. I’ve tried selling it but have gotten no bites at my 2,500 asking price. My other idea is to keep it (because I do love it) and use it outside. But is that crazy???? Tell me what to do!!!
I don’t understand why using it outside is such a hesitation for you. Could you say more? It does seem like your only options are to get rid of it (sell, donate, give away) or to keep it and use it outside, or to keep it in storage.
Because of the money!! Spending that much money on an outdoor fireplace for me (a social worker in New England lol) feels so excessive!! But your comment makes me feel less crazy!
Yellow Brick Home put one outside: first post about it
https://yellowbrickhome.com/our-mid-century-fireplace/ and second post https://yellowbrickhome.com/converting-fireplace-to-natural-gas/
Thank you!!
I have a Preway and use it on my covered porch— I put different sizes of candles in it and it looks fabulous. Battery candles would work too if you’re in a warm climate and don’t actually need the heat. You might need to get it powder coated if you’re using in the elements. Yellow Brick Home has a post somewhere about using theirs outside and running a gas line to it. They also have a DIY for hooking one up to propane.
Thank you Lori!!
Ever since a wind storm earlier this year (I live in the Portland area!) took down a huge fir tree branch in our back yard and crushed our lounge chairs (thank goodness it didn’t fall on our roof), I’ve been browsing and saving a few brands/options as possible replacements. I didn’t see these on your list so in case it’s helpful for other readers (and one of my top priorities is low to zero maintenance):
Coming in to say 2 things:
So grateful for your plastics comment Orlando. Thanx! 🌏
Hi Emily,
I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your recent blog post on outdoor furniture picks. As someone who loves spending time outdoors, especially during the warmer months 😉 I found your article to be incredibly informative and inspiring.
Firstly, I appreciated how you highlighted a wide range of furniture styles and price points. Whether I’m looking for a cozy outdoor lounge chair or a sleek dining set, I know I can find something to suit my taste and budget from your recommendations. Your attention to detail and thorough descriptions made it easy for me to envision how each piece would look in my own backyard.
Additionally, I found your tips on outdoor furniture maintenance to be invaluable. Living in a climate with harsh weather conditions, I know how important it is to protect my furniture from the elements, it will certainly extend the life of my pieces.
I really appreciate all the time and effort you put into creating this post. Your passion for design and love of outdoor living has really shone through, and I feel inspired to make my own outdoor space more beautiful and functional. Thank you for helping us create spaces that we can truly love spending time in.
Regards,
Keith Merry
Owner & Lead Designer
https://ironrods.com/
Was this written by ChatGPT?? Go home Robot Keith
It’s a spam comment that links to a curtain rod website. If this is the only way they can get business the product must suck.
Hey KJ,
That is not very nice, I always include my name and website in my signatures, when I post comments of in forums. It’s been pretty common practice, as far back as I can remember… which is a log time. And some of us are not worries about being anonymous online. Anyway, your welcome to your opinion, and hope you h a great day, regardless.
Keith
Hi Molly,
No this was written by me, I am a real person, look me up, I have worked in the design industry for 40+ years. Hop you have a wonderful day.
Keith
Appreciate the post! Can you share details on the umbrella in the picture at the top? Thanks!
It’s linked in this post, near the bottom: https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/orlandos-beautiful-yosemite-vacation-rental
If your current patio furniture is just rusty or you don’t like the color, you may be able to have it powdercoated. We bought our metal furniture from Home Depot 20+ years ago and had it refinished in 2015. The cost was $950 for 8 dining chairs, 1 dining table, 2 side tables and 3 loveseats and you can pick any color. Might be worth looking into.
Oh, this is good info. Thank you for sharing!
Powder coating is the gold standard, but you can also sand it gently and spray with rust oleum pant. Just make sure that if it’s old you test for lead paint and take precautions.
Yesss!!! I’m having my two front screen doors (original ancient) powder-coated.
There are a few metals that can’t be done, but that’s an easy web search away.
I would like to see a roundup for small porches, apartment balconies — outdoor ideas for not a lot of square footage. Thank you!
great idea!
Check out Caitlin’s and Jess’ balcony makeover posts!!!🤩
This has been covered pretty well.
WTF is wrong with you people/Numbnuts?!?
The 2 Pottery Barn tables shown (2&3) are not meant to be outdoor tables. I hope no one buys them thinking they are.
Yup… maybe for a cover porch or sunroom. I hate when outdoor furniture is not really for the outdoors. I have no room to bring things in for winter. It needs to be able to stand up for temperatures between 30-110F, 365 days a year. I donʻt mind covering it, but it has to remain outside.
I’ve learned over the years that powder coated aluminum furniture lasts the longest and is easiest to care for – just hose it off!
Two suggestions for next year/future post: stone/fire pits (and maybe some education on how/where you can safely use them? Can I use a propane fire pit in my screened-in, covered porch?) and cool coffee/side tables that also have storage for all the pillows/blankets!
Agree! Storage for the covers and cushions is a real challenge. Looking for options. I just found this one in case it helps other readers. https://www.polywood.com/68-console-table-with-storage-cts2368.html
I’d love to see outdoor storage (shelving units, buffets/sideboards, cabinets) and cool outdoor wall art if you’re up for it! I love these round-ups!
Emily & team, as the Portland farmhouse gets more use, may I make a suggestion for a future post? I’d LOVE to see a post on good outdoor furniture for a rainy area. I live in an area where summer thunderstorms are common, and Ima be honest: in no world am I actually taking cushions inside, outside, inside, outside, every time it rains. I have also tried keeping furniture covers on my outdoor furniture, and the result was that I never used the furniture: furniture covers are very large, wrestling them is a pain, and so is trying to stuff them into whatever storage space I have, when all I wanted to do was just take a nap on my outdoor couch. All the fancy outdoor-furniture catalogs show furniture conveniently located on a large, gorgeous ROOFED patio, which I do not have. I am a normal person with a normal-sized open-air patio. Help the normal people find outdoor furniture, lol!
I’m with you! This is a huge problem where I live (in the Southeast) — last summer it rained at least every other day.
PS On the up side, I have that round outdoor wicker coffee table from Target (so cute!) which handles rain well. I go out and drain it afterward, easy to do by tipping it on one side.
I hear you! We can definitely do an outdoor furniture roundup geared more toward rainy weather. Thanks for the feedback!
Ditto! The struggle is real. In the Southeast the rain storms come out of NOWHERE so by the time you get the cushions out, the storm has rolled in.
Practical question about all of this great looking furniture: what do you do about SPIDERS? Outdoor furniture with deep cushions or woven sides or slats looks like perfect homes for spiders. I would either 1) spend all of my time meticulously inspecting and cleaning the furniture, or 2) never actually sit in it. Is there a secret solution to this, or do most people not have this issue? Maybe we just have a particularly spider-y yard?
Yes, there is a secret! It’s a product called Miss Muffet’s Revenge – no joke. I spray it under the furniture and no spiders!
You can get Earth Kind Stay Away Spiders at Home Depot. But if this is outdoors – use plantings or potted plants to deter spiders with herbs like mint, lavender, sage, citrus, marigold, etc.
It no doubt varies. by where you live, but I’ve had great luck getting super affordable second-hand outdoor furniture off of Next Door, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. Seems to be a category that people often don’t want to take with them when moving to a new space.