Furnishing a patio requires just as much consideration and care as furnishing any living room, since having beautiful yet functional furniture will create an inviting space where you can unwind or entertain guests.
Consider selecting patio furniture designs with common elements, such as color or texture, that will tie each piece together for a cohesive appearance and feel. This will create an improved overall design.
Material
Material selection will make a dramatic impactful statement about durability and appearance. Certain materials are better suited to hot climates than others, while some resist moisture that leads to mold or mildew growth. Look for sturdy-built pieces with powder coat finishes that repel both moisture and stains – the latter will offer the greatest peace of mind.
Wrought iron patio furniture is an iconic choice that adds sophistication and longevity to any backyard. While heavier than aluminum and perhaps more costly, its ability to withstand both sun and rain makes it worth your while. For an ultra lightweight option you could also consider finding pieces made entirely out of aluminum wrought iron furniture.
Another durable and stylish outdoor furniture material is concrete, which makes for ideal tables or stools in any decor. Concrete also stands up well under high temperatures without warping like wood does, making it the perfect material for use as firepit tables or dining sets near patio doors.
If you prefer more casual decor, boho-style patio furniture ideas in bold patterns and hues might be just what the doctor ordered. With no need for co-ordination between pieces, these vibrant pieces can easily pick up on the hues of your brightest flowers to add color without overwhelming your garden space. For an alternative take, look for seating that matches hard landscaping elements like pavers, pathways, walls or structures with structural plantings for an additional pop of color that won’t overtake it and remain visually interesting while keeping a relaxed aesthetic
Color
Color should always be taken into account when selecting outdoor furniture, with neutrals such as grays and beiges being excellent choices to complement any exterior color scheme. When selecting darker hues for outdoor furniture, certain factors must be taken into consideration prior to making a final decision – dark colors tend to absorb sunlight quickly which may result in quicker heating of furniture which makes it uncomfortable and fade more quickly than lighter hues.
To avoid these issues, choose light colored furniture – light colors help keep furniture cool while drawing the eye’s attention from far away. They also resist fading more readily than darker options while maintaining their bright appearance longer than darker options.
Add some flair and color to your patio by including accent pillows in complimentary hues or using furniture with striped finishes to bring visual interest and highlight your personal style. Tan lounge chairs paired with sandy-striped cushions create a cozy, relaxing space perfect for enjoying sunny afternoons.
Natural materials, such as wood, are popular choices for patio furniture due to their rustic charm. To add more polish to its rustic appearance, you can finish or stain it with any shade of paint of your choosing and achieve the appearance of an updated outdoor entertainment area in sync with your home’s style and landscaping.
A back deck furnished with wicker chairs and an outdoor bar provides the ideal setting for relaxing with family and friends. Their open, airy design gives the room an open and airy vibe while matching well with the desert landscape’s subdued greens and browns. Wooden accents add visual interest against its brick and stone exterior; plant foliage adds color echoes found throughout.
Texture
Patio furniture ideas must coordinate and complement surrounding features like stonework, brickwork and plantings. Dining tables and chairs crafted of natural wood make an attractive pairing with patio garden designs featuring stone pavers as their base while traditional backyard designs with flower beds and shrubbery feature well-coordinated wrought iron tables paired with flowerbeds and shrubbery look great together too. Likewise wrought-iron benches add character when placed near stone fireplaces while French bistro chairs add elegance to wooden picnic tables.
An attractive shade of paint can transform a patio chair or bench into something completely brand-new. Darker hues like rich blues and sunny yellows add depth and dimension without overpowering their surroundings, while lighter tones bring out design details of pieces. Selecting outdoor-grade colors ensures their finish stands up well against sun and rain exposure.
Bolder options when it comes to selecting patio furniture include choosing woven styles with eye-catching patterns that highlight its weaving technique – like those featuring zigzags and swirls reminiscent of their weave, for instance. These chairs have graphic patterns that play off nearby urns and flower pots while still adding rustic charm in any backyard that doesn’t mind mixing rustic with refined notes.
For an outdoor space that feels more like an extension of your living room, add furniture with similar silhouettes and fabrics such as sofas, coffee tables, armchairs and throw blankets draped over lounge seating as well as photos framed on walls – this will create a cohesive environment and ensure guests are comfortable throughout their evening visit.
Size
No matter the size or shape of your patio or backyard, the amount of available space should determine which furniture options are appropriate. Consider how you plan on using your space — lounging, dining or both — when choosing your ideal furniture options; for instance a large deck may need nine dining chairs while three could suffice on smaller porches.
Some furniture pieces double as decor, such as Sheepskin throws or accent pieces like an egg chair. Their versatility can make your space feel more welcoming for guests while simultaneously keeping items stored away when not needed.
Wicker furniture is an iconic choice for outdoor spaces, but to get the best experience it’s essential that you select quality pieces with tight weaves and realistic textures. Newer wickers made with all-weather resin can withstand elements better than traditional rattan, and last much longer too. Additionally, you may even find synthetic alternatives which resemble natural material so closely they make great lower cost alternatives.
Flexibility
Patio furniture allows you to be adaptable depending on how many guests will attend dinner parties and social gatherings, giving you more flexibility than ever in designing an ideal layout for guests and hosts. If your guest count exceeds seating capacities, try pairing a sectional with low dining table to create an opulent and convivial space that easily accommodates them all.
If you can make more permanent investments in seating options, select pieces with modular components to help create the ideal layout. For example, this brown wicker outdoor sofa from Outer features armless chairs that can be pulled together to form a lounge – it is made of eco-friendly synthetic polyethylene rattan that will stand up well to rain and sun without discoloring or fading over time.
Metal frames add a modern vibe when coated in weather-resistant paint or powder coating, especially when smooth welds are present and the construction lightweight so it’s easy to move around. When looking at Suzanne Kasler outdoor living spaces like this one with loveseat, two lounge chairs, and coffee tables, consider opting for metal furniture in lieu of wooden pieces to achieve this look.
When choosing color schemes for your patio furniture ideas, select vibrant hues that can withstand direct sunlight. Vivid shades such as azure blue and sunny yellow can add energy and brightness to a Mediterranean-themed garden, while more subdued hues offer sophistication for more formal patio setups.
Curved lines add an organic vibe to rustic backyard patios, and are an attractive choice when selecting patio chairs and dining tables. Search for furniture with curvaceous lines – such as these woven chairs – for an organic garden aesthetic, while an angular look like this patio table could work in more contemporary gardens.
