Bring comfort and style to your patio with a simple lounge chair, whether you make it yourself or buy pre-made cushions for a more contemporary aesthetic.
U-shaped sectionals are great for seating more than two people in small patios. This arrangement looks beautiful when combined with chairs and an accent table.
Seating
Seating is one of the cornerstones of patio furniture ideas. A comfortable sofa and chairs make a relaxing space in your backyard, but other seating options add visual interest as well. A circular loveseat might make an eye-catching statement around your yard’s perimeter or pair perfectly with an outdoor dining table; or perhaps an attractive wood bench would provide stylish seating near a garden firepit or pool edge.
For a more formal outdoor living space, a sectional can provide seating for several without taking up too much room. Choose from transitional to classic styles when selecting one – many are made of rattan; all-weather resin furniture now also gives the look of traditional wicker but requires less maintenance and splintering than ever.
An upholstered chaise longue like the one shown here can make for an ideal relaxing choice in any backyard setting. Available in various materials and colors, woven designs tend to be particularly resilient. To give your patio more of a resort-style atmosphere, ottomans serve both seating needs as well as provide convenient footrests – make an ottoman part of the plan too!
If your patio doubles as an outdoor dining space, add a low table for casual meals or snacks. A side table provides extra storage space for drinks, condiments and accessories. Building your own backyard table can also be simple with free plans such as this one from Cherished Bliss which uses only recycled wood from pallets to construct one!
Mix-and-match chair designs is an attractive option when shopping for patio furniture ideas. To achieve the desired effect, look for pieces with shared details – like color or weave. Additionally, look for chair styles with curvaceous lines as well as those with more angular ones to balance out your ensemble.
If your patio features natural elements, such as lush grass, stone or bricks, consider selecting wood furniture finished in shades that allow the texture and color of its material to show through. Darker shades like those seen here on this screened porch are recommended since they reflect sunlight rather than absorb it; lighter hues should be protected with stain or paint meant specifically for outdoor use to ensure it withstands all four seasons.
Tables
Layout is just as crucial when it comes to patio furniture ideas; consider where guests will place drinks, snacks and books when relaxing – these simple touches make all the difference in ensuring guests feel welcome in your space. A coffee table or side table are excellent places for setting beverages while adding decorative items will help your guests feel at home in no time!
Outdoor tables come in all sorts of styles and sizes to complement the space where they reside. A small bistro set, for instance, can seat four people comfortably on a smaller patio while long farmhouse-style tables can easily seat more. If budget constraints limit you from purchasing new tables entirely, consider upcycling an existing wooden planter into something modern by simply adding a flat top and jute trim – another affordable solution!
Wood is an ideal material for patio furniture, whether it be modern bistro sets or farmhouse tables. Not only is it sturdy but its natural weatherproof qualities also make it beautiful no matter the color scheme – such as teak that will withstand both rain and sun without decaying; rustic patios may benefit from using reclaimed wood options that have been sealed with varnish to maintain rustic charm.
Metal patio furniture offers a sleek contemporary vibe. Lighter than wood frames, its metallic frames can be easily bent to form attractive shapes that stand out. Opt for vibrant shades for added personality, or choose neutral hues so the design details of chairs and tables stand out more.
Ottomans and poufs make a versatile addition to any patio, as they can serve both as additional seating and footrests. You may also opt for lidded versions as a storage solution. DIY enthusiasts might even upcycle an old planter into their own modern outdoor sofa for an easy beginner project that takes just one day!
Ottomans
An ottoman (commonly known as a footstool) is an extremely useful furniture piece that’s ideal for adding character and comfort to any living space. Available in various shapes, sizes and materials to suit outdoor living requirements, an ottoman serves as multiple functions: it serves as extra seating when entertaining guests; as a footrest when resting your feet; can serve as coffee table and serve drinks and food on its surface; acts as storage area to keep belongings organized or simply brings an inviting ambiance to patio spaces.
Ottomans come in all sorts of shapes and sizes – round, square, rectangular or even hexagonal! – making them suitable for almost every space type. As they’re usually smaller in size than poufs (which lie flat on the ground), ottomans tend to be firmer construction-wise allowing for portable and durable use like Neighbor’s premium Sunbrella acrylic yarn options for portability and durability.
No matter your style – from tropical or Grecian designs, to minimalist with romantic outdoor lighting or contemporary modular pieces – our carefully curated selection of ottomans offers something suitable. All made from high-quality outdoor materials for maximum durability; and for even greater convenience consider opting for one with hidden storage capabilities that help reduce clutter in your living spaces.
Storage
Maintaining patio furniture in good condition is key to its long-term survival, which means finding an aesthetic but functional storage solution is important. This DIY outdoor storage project uses a simple crate with trim to make an elevated table perfect for corralling cushions, toys, or other items – or for something bespoker, consider an elegant storage box instead of standard crates!
Outdoor furniture ideas with a natural aesthetic work well in any setting, and maintenance requirements for these pieces is minimal. Consider wood-framed chairs or tables with cushion fabrics that complement their frame color for an inviting aesthetic. When selecting teak furniture pieces, add protective coating to preserve its warm hue while protecting it against moisture damage and UV rays.
For a modern feel, metal patio furniture designs that combine sleek silhouettes and contrasting materials create a chic effect. Comfortable loveseats that seat two are great ways to relax after dinner or while taking advantage of summer weather with friends; or try selecting modern patio chairs with back support that coordinate with glass-topped coffee tables for an aesthetically pleasing deck space.
Wrought iron furniture provides a timeless and elegant aesthetic for patio use, easily mixing and matching with various styles and trends. Wrought iron chairs feature their classic silhouette making them easy to mix and match while sturdy tables made of wrought iron can easily stand up against different looks. Furthermore, painted wrought iron pieces add color without overshadowing their surroundings too much.
For optimal protection from mold and mildew, store outdoor cushions in an airtight plastic bag or container to seal out humidity. Add silica gel or charcoal packets to absorb excess moisture and keep the contents smelling fresh. If no storage bins are available, simply wrap cushions together using tarps secured with bungee cords in order to deter rodents and other pests.
