Before shopping for patio furniture ideas, first think about what atmosphere you wish to create in your backyard. If you enjoy hosting gatherings of friends or family members, prioritize dining and seating arrangements which can accommodate larger groups.
Loungers add comfort to any backyard, whether they feature earthy green upholstery or sky blue hues that pair nicely with surrounding plants. Just be sure to allow free flow between your furniture and other features such as fire pits or garden paths for optimal results.
Comfort
No matter what you need to get done in your backyard, outdoor furniture makes it possible. Patio seating options range from chairs and sofas to benches and bistro sets, while narrow-footprint tables and chairs are designed specifically to fit into smaller areas like decks or shady porches with ease. When dealing with limited space, adding an indoor/outdoor rug below tables or chairs helps define cozy zones while protecting feet from hot surfaces.
When purchasing backyard furniture, take note of its material and color choices. A natural wood finish is always an appealing option, while plastic and wrought iron patio pieces may also work. If your backyard has a pool or other water feature, seek furniture in colors which match or complement its surroundings such as white or green to complement it further.
Backless benches make an excellent seating solution for narrow patios, and when lined with cushions they become even more inviting for guests. For an elegant aesthetic, select pieces with ornately carved legs and arm rests, such as ornate carving details on legs and arm rests. In traditional backyard designs an all-weather wicker bench or set of chairs are great additions as well.
Even large backyards can benefit from simple garden furniture ideas, like pieces with built-in storage. Benches with lift-up seats and coffee and side tables with pockets to store cushions and rugs are both useful additions.
A chaise longue designed for two is the ideal addition to any pool patio and makes an excellent spot to unwind near the house. A blue upholstered reclining chair fits right in with both modern yard designs that include patio bar ideas as well as more traditional ones.
Durability
Your furniture selection for a backyard patio should withstand regular use, weather and environmental conditions while remaining aesthetically appealing, easily maintained and comfortable – these factors may play a part in whether or not one piece stands out over another, or whether multiple items should be added together for an outdoor living room setting that complements both your style and space.
Durability is determined largely by how well you care for and maintain your furniture, as well as the materials it was made with. Regularly dusting can keep your furnishings looking their best, preventing the buildup of dirt and grime that can cause stains on fabric furnishings. Covering patio furniture when not in use also provides additional protection from the elements while keeping it cleaner for longer.
Wood patio furniture may require periodic sanding and refinishing to remain at its finest, while metal pieces tend to be more durable due to being treated against corrosion or rust. When purchasing metal sets for patio use, look for pieces with powder coated finishes which resist scratches and scuff marks better.
Backyard patio furniture made of natural materials like rattan can provide both durability and beauty in their backyard patio setting. Woven from palm tree stems, rattan is strong yet flexible enough to adapt to almost any design concept, as well as being available in multiple colors for optimal matching with your backyard decor.
Plastic outdoor furniture is highly durable and typically available in an array of vibrant, attractive hues. However, over time this type of furniture may become discolored due to exposure to sunrays, moisture or other environmental elements which promote mold or mildew growth – using mild cleaning solutions and regularly rinsing can help minimize this issue.
Your garden, backyard and patio could be home to insects, reptiles and small critters that are drawn to the warmth and food provided by your furnishings. Protecting patio furniture against these critters can prevent them from damaging it in any way as well as keeping them away from dining and lounging areas.
Style
Your patio furniture sets the scene for how you relax and entertain outdoors. Different backyard furniture styles are distinguished by colors, patterns, textures and overall appearance; some pieces even feature specific themes like creating an island feel with bamboo and straw accents for an energetic yet welcoming tiki style look – ideal for hosting a barbeque!
If you prefer minimalist backyard designs, choose furniture in shades of gray or charcoal that match the palette of your garden ideas. This way, chairs and tables with intricate details such as seat pads will stand out while still matching other hardscape features like garden paths, pavers and wall garden ideas. Choose lounge seating with slim frames to make the area seem larger.
All-weather wicker furniture is an elegant choice for backyard seating. Comfortable yet sturdy, all-weather wicker makes a timeless choice that is versatile enough for contemporary backyard designs and easy to move when things heat up too much. Additionally, black finishes offer additional decorative possibilities when choosing modern backyard designs.
A sectional is an elegant seating option suitable for both relaxing and dining, combining a sofa with two or more chairs into one cohesive unit that makes transitioning from casual lounging sessions to family dinners easier than ever before.
When entertaining in your larger backyard, combine your sectional with a dining table that doubles as an entertainment buffet. This allows guests to sit at the table to eat while having easy access to drinks and snacks from the couch.
No backyard is complete without the addition of a comfortable hammock or floating chair for relaxing solo or with someone special, creating an elegant focal point in your garden.
Aesthetics
Backyard patio furniture should be both attractive and practical. It should complement both the architectural style of your house and its environment while reflecting your individual taste and preferences as a homeowner.
Patio furniture ideas come in all sorts of styles, from metal-and-glass designs to natural wood finishes. When landscaping includes shade trees, wooden dining sets may add texture. Conversely, when blooming flowers dominate a garden space, colorful cushions or chair pads in sunny yellows, azure blues, rich oranges or similar hues may add vibrancy.
Backyard patio furniture comes in many shapes and sizes, from intimate bistro sets for two to large sectional seating that can seat an entire family or group of friends for casual lunch or cocktail party events. If a backyard pool is part of your design plan, chaise lounges provide ideal relaxation near the water’s edge.
If your backyard is comprised of pavers, selecting matching table and chairs to complete the look can create a cohesive aesthetic. Metal is a popular material used in outdoor patio furniture due to its clean lines and subtle appearance; making it suitable for contemporary yard designs as well as traditional or rustic ones. Wood-framed furnishings offer warm charm while being tailored towards nearby plantings with their appropriate stain or paint job.
Consider adding fire features to a backyard patio, such as a fire bowl or rustic stone fireplace, for added ambiance during evening events and intimate gatherings. These focal points create an appealing ambiance.
Patio cushions and pillows present endless opportunities for creative expression. Select a graphic pattern to bring texture to a plain sofa or chair, as seen here. Embroidered florals work great in settings ranging from traditional classic to rustic modern; in a more contemporary space a black-and-white herringbone print cushion is striking against its backdrop of sky blue and green which matches up well with nearby plants.