Outdoor furniture design has come a long way in recent years, with attractive fabrics, patterns, and materials that allow you to recreate the comfort of your living room outside. Birthdays, summer barbecues, or just relaxing on a nice evening are great reasons to enjoy your outdoor space. Follow the tips and trends we’ll outline here to upgrade your patio, porch, or poolside area with comfortable, fashionable outdoor furniture. 


    Homeowners want the same upscale look and feel outside that they have indoors. The increased popularity of outdoor living spaces has led manufacturers to create outdoor furniture with the same style and comfort level as indoor furniture. Integrating your indoor and outdoor spaces creates a seamless flow for entertaining or everyday enjoyment.

    Fabric Colors and Patterns

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    Updates in fabric technology now allow for attractive upholstered outdoor furniture that stands up to sun, rain, and humidity. When shopping for outdoor cushions and pillows, you have many options to choose from — solid, striped and geometric patterns, and more. Pillows make an excellent addition to outdoor chairs and couches, providing both visual appeal and comfort.

    Fabric technology advances also mean you can now enjoy fully upholstered outdoor furniture that holds up to elements like rain and frost.

    Retailers offer attractive outdoor fabric options that coordinate beautifully with your outdoor color palette. Popular outdoor fabric color trends include jewel tones like kiwi green, teal, and purple and neutral earth tones like brown and charcoal. Light-color stripes and geometrics pair well with these rich solids.

    Fashion Underfoot

    Don’t forget the floor. Permanent or removable outdoor floor coverings are essential for defining a space and making it feel polished. Outdoor rugs come in easy-care materials like polypropylene or olefin. For a modern look, opt for contrasting stripes or a geometric pattern.

    If you’re not interested in a rug, another option is painting your wood or concrete porch or patio floor. Popular colors include dark gray, navy, sage, forest, or chocolate. A fresh coat of paint on the floor can transform the entire feel of your outdoor room.

    Add Fire Glow

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    Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits extend the enjoyment of your yard into cool spring and autumn nights. A fire feature becomes a natural gathering place for family and friends.

    If you want the ambiance of fireside s’mores or cocktails, consider adding a built-in outdoor fireplace or portable fire pit. Get tips on incorporating fire features here.

    Outdoor Ceiling Fans

    In temperate climates, an overhead outdoor ceiling fan can maximize the use of porches, patios, and decks. Rustic, coastal, or sleek modern styles of outdoor ceiling fans keep the air circulating for comfort. For damp areas, choose a fan rated for humid conditions. Learn more outdoor ceiling fan tips here.

    Furniture Materials

    Outdoor furniture frames are available in maintenance-free materials like powder-coated metals, all-weather wicker, and synthetics like resin wicker. These materials hold up well to the sun, rain, salt air, and humidity. Natural teak wood is another premium outdoor furniture material prized for its beauty, durability, and natural weather resistance. The teak requires periodic oiling to maintain its warm, honey color.


    Design and Layout Ideas

    Carefully arranging your furniture, firepit, rug, and accessories will tie your outdoor space together. Use the principles we’ll outline below to create a comfortable, functional outdoor living space tailored to your needs.

    Group seating areas promote conversation. Include a variety of seating options — chairs, loveseats, sectionals, rocking chairs, or chaise lounges. Deep seating styles with plush cushions maximize comfort. If you have a great outdoor view, position some chairs to face it, optimizing the atmospheric vibes.

    A roof, pergola, or shade trees protect you and your furniture from harsh sunlight and rain showers. Shade helps block UV rays that can damage furnishings. If adding a permanent structure, check local zoning laws regarding setbacks and permits. For portable shade options, umbrellas or sail shades allow flexibility.

    Arrange furniture in logical conversation groupings, which avoids a cluttered feel. Allow enough space around pieces for traffic flow. Anchor the layout with an area rug.

    An outdoor dining table and counter-height bar table provide gathering spots for meals. Side tables give guests a place to set down drinks.

    Outdoor lighting extends daytime into the evening and creates cozy vibes. Ambient lighting ideas include string lights, lanterns, and landscape lighting. Position lighting to avoid glare, and ensure adequate illumination for safety on stairs or paths.

    Dedicated outdoor storage keeps items accessible but tidy. Storage benches, weatherproof cabinets, or a shed offer covered storage for patio cushions, grilling tools, and recreational equipment.


    Maintaining Outdoor Furniture

    You’ll want to make sure your outdoor furniture lasts for years to come in the face of harsh weather conditions. Follow the care tips below to protect your investment in outdoor furnishings.

    Vacuum or brush fabric to remove dirt and debris. Spot clean stains immediately before they are set. At the end of the season, clean thoroughly and allow to air dry fully before covering or storing.

    Vacuum wicker with a soft brush attachment. Remove cushions and hose down the frame to remove stuck-on dirt. Allow to dry fully before replacing cushions, and apply a protectant formulated for natural or synthetic wicker.

    Clean teak and other wood furniture with a solution of mild soap and water at least once per season — more often for pieces that sit in full sun. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. Apply teak protector oil to maintain the finish.

    Use a soft cloth to dust powder-coated metal frames. For stuck-on dirt, wipe down with a solution of mild dish soap and water, and rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the finish.

    At the end of the season, disassemble or fold furniture if needed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Cover with waterproof patio furniture covers or store inside a shed or garage until ready to use again next season.


    So, Is Investing in Quality Outdoor Furniture Worth It?

    Creating a comfortable, fully furnished outdoor living space can have significant up-front costs, but furnishings made with quality materials and craftsmanship are durable investments that will provide enjoyment for years to come.

    Initial costs pay off through years of use, and a decorated outdoor space adds value and appeal to your home. Your inviting outdoor space will quickly become the go-to spot for relaxation and entertaining family and friends.


    FAQs About Outdoor Furniture

    How much does a full patio furniture set cost?

    Expect to spend $1,500 to $5,000-plus for a complete six- to seven-piece patio furniture set from a premium brand. Cost depends on materials, construction quality, and features. Shop sales to find deals on clearance sets.


    What is the most comfortable outdoor furniture?

    Look for generously sized pieces with thick cushions for maximum comfort. Deep seating styles allow you to sink in and relax. Quality cushion materials retain their loft and feel over years of use.


    What is the most weather-resistant outdoor furniture material?

    Powder-coated metals, synthetic all-weather wicker, and teak wood have natural weather resistance. With proper care, these materials can withstand full exposure to sun, rain, and other elements for many years.


    Can you leave outdoor furniture cushions outside?

    Outdoor cushions should be brought inside or covered when not in use. Even weather-resistant fabrics will break down over time if left outdoors.


    How do I make my patio feel homey?

    Use furnishings and accessories that reflect your personal style, just as you would indoors. Florals, accent pillows, soft rugs, and ambient lighting all add cozy appeal to an outdoor room. Arrange furnishings into comfortable conversation groupings. Design a patio that matches your style.


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    Lauren Greene

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    Lauren Greene is a passionate storyteller with over 4 years of experience writing and editing. She attributes her expertise from working at local magazines, newspapers, and corporate marketing and communications teams. She has worked on content with topics ranging from plant care, home decor, and home improvement. Lauren resides in Raleigh with her adorable Shih Tzu. You can catch Lauren attending to her plants, spending time with her puppy, enjoying the greenway, or lifting weights at the gym when she’s not writing or researching the latest home improvement topics.

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    Lee Ann Merrill

    Chicago-based Lee Ann Merrill has decades of experience writing and editing across a wide range of technical and scientific subjects. Her love of DIY, gardening, and making led her to the realm of creating and honing quality content for homeowners. When she's not working on her craft, you can find her exploring her city by bike and plotting international adventures.

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