We should approach the outdoor furniture and decor selection process — whether it’s for a patio, a porch or a beachfront terrace — just like we would any other room in our home: thoughtfully. “Key factors to consider when creating an outdoor space are the size of gatherings regularly being held there, circulation and flow patterns, sight lines to the desirable views of the surrounding landscape and home, screening undesirable views and selecting materials in harmony with the architecture and surrounding environment,” says Jarrett Kest, owner of J. Kest & Co., a boutique landscape architecture firm in New Jersey.
HGTV’s “Inside Out” host, landscape designer and fire pit maker extraordinaire Mike Pyle adds, “I’m a huge fan of creating moments within a space — designing several areas, such as a dining and lounge space, a fire pit area or other gathering spots that will pull you in.” When doing so, of course, you’ll want to consider how much room you actually have to work with, notes Pyle, saying, “Before purchasing any furniture, make sure you have at least 5 to 6 feet of space for walkways around furniture.”
Speaking of purchases, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Investing in patio furniture is a costly endeavor. But here’s the thing: It’s a splurge that you’ll reap the benefits of for (fingers crossed) a very long time. “To get the right outdoor furniture that will last years, if not decades, it is definitely an investment up front,” says Taryn Whiteaker, owner of Taryn Whiteaker Designs in Seattle, Washington. “But trust me, it’s money well spent.”
With all that in mind, we culled a list of splurge-worthy products that have earned our stamp of approval and praise from experts, influencers and consumers alike. Shop all of our picks below, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your outdoor living space to the max this summer.
Solo makes stainless steel, wood-burning fire pits that are also (nearly) smoke-free, thanks to their 360-degree ventilation design that encourages lots of airflow and thus reduces smoke. The stove comes in four sizes, but our favorite is this 27-by-17-inch Yukon, which we found was perfect for backyard bonfires.
Boasting all the attributes we love about the Polywood brand — no maintenance, weather-resistant, zero fade and a 20-year warranty — this chair has a modern spin on the classic Adirondack style, which Kest agrees is timeless. “You cannot go wrong with a great set of two or four Adirondack chairs,” he says. “They’re easy to clean and care for, comfortable and the armrests are perfect for holding your drink.”
Here’s a fact: The cantilever umbrella is the most luxurious outdoor shade solution, period. And this one from Frontgate is the best of the best. Available in three sizes (10 feet by 13 feet, 11.5 feet or 13 feet) with three color options (navy, beige and cream) and two frame finishes (a faux teak and silver), the Altura looks like something you’d find at a 5-star hotel.
“We have had this set for almost two years; it has held up amazingly, thanks to its weatherproof material and the OuterShell functionality,” says Emily Porche, owner and lead designer of Porche & Co., a virtual interior and exterior design firm based in Georgia. “We are in love with the memory foam cushions — our outdoor pieces are just as comfortable (if not more so) than our inside sofa. Outer’s durability combined with the ultimate comfort is extremely impressive and makes Outer worth the splurge for many years to come.”
When she was completely redoing her Utah home’s backyard area, At Home With Ashley blogger Ashley Wilson wanted to create a specific seating area surrounding her fire, and she opted to mix two navy Palmer Chairs with two white benches. “Last year I redid my fire pit area and completely used Grandin Road furniture to furnish it,” she says. “I love their pieces because they’re stylish and comfortable. This is the spot in my yard where everyone gathers at parties, and there’s plenty of seating for everyone.”
We love the Outdoor Market umbrellas from Grandin Road for a lot of reasons. First, their ultra-durable polyester canopies are fade-resistant, which means they’re built to last and will look great for years to come. Second, the crank system is smooth and fast; you don’t need muscles to get the umbrellas open. And lastly, once fully open, there’s a tilt button that can angle the canopy in two directions, providing shade to even more areas.
Fire tables are among our favorite outdoor entertaining items because they churn out some serious smoke-free heat, look gorgeous and can be turned off in seconds. This one is made of rust-proof aluminum and comes with a lid for the burner so you can use it as a regular table too. Plus, the propane tank hides inside the table and can be rolled out as needed.
Virtually maintenance-free, the Polywood pieces like this gorgeous dining set mimic the look of wood, yet they are built to withstand all climates, are completely waterproof, have color-stay technology and will never splinter, crack, chip or peel. Truly, all you need to keep a Polywood set looking pristine year after year is soap, water and sponge for a light wash.
“Planters are a wonderful way to add interest to your space, and you need to think bigger than just a small accessory. You can use them to create privacy or delineate one area from another area with a nice long low planter like this one,” says Kest. “Change out the plants seasonally as you wish, and use mulch in the bottom half before you add potting soil — an insider’s trick that is less expensive, lighter and lets the water drain!”
Oozing with Palm Springs vibes, this easy, breezy patio chair is made of resin wrapped over aluminum — meaning that while it looks dainty, it’s incredibly solid too. “We used these at a large patio space on a project in Florida and they look stunning,” says Lindsay Kate Bilchik, owner and principal designer of L. Kate Interiors based in Connecticut. “The thick weave of the back is sturdy and has such a pretty design, it adds so much to the space. The chairs are super cozy too and can be moved from the table to be used as accent chairs.”
The phrase “the more the merrier” could certainly apply to garden stools when it comes to outfitting your outdoor space. Kest advises, “Go for light enough to move easily, great to put a drink on and wide and sturdy enough to sit on if needed. We love the clean lines of this one.” Crafted from terracotta clay for a perfectly worn-in look, the stool’s cool grey is guaranteed to seamlessly blend with your existing decor.
You can never go wrong with a good old-fashioned sling chair, something that New Jersey-based lifestyle blogger Carly A. Riordan knows all too well. “Generally speaking, I look for items that are both functional and fashionable when splurging on our backyard space. We spend a lot of time out there, so it’s important to me that the items work as well as they look,” she tells us. “Serena & Lily’s outdoor collection is so darling, and it’s hard to pick favorites."
If you’re looking for patio pieces that are a bit more design-minded, we love this natural roped wicker set from SunHaven. Featuring a sturdy aluminum frame and ultra-thick cushions, the Olivia set is a bargain compared to higher-end brands with similar looks and build quality.
“These Frontgate umbrellas are a favorite of ours; they come in all different sizes and colors, and we especially love the tilt feature,” says Kest. And don’t forget the base. You can get one that doubles as a side table, or if you are using the umbrella in an area that you may want to move or adjust the shade, get a base that rolls. If it is under your dining table, perhaps a low-profile base would be best — we like this one.
If you’re looking to splurge, head straight to Serena & Lily. Why? Well for one, all of the brand’s outdoor options are UV- and water-resistant, standing up to the elements despite being utterly preppy meets bohemian meets coastal chic in design. Chock-full of pretty prints, textural details and hues covering the entire rainbow, Serena & Lily’s outdoor pillow covers are going to be the icing on your outdoor cake — simply mix and match sizes and styles and you’ll be happier than ever with your investment.
When we tested fire pits, the Breeo X Series 24 was a clear standout because of its size, durability and design. It's particularly suited to folks who entertain large groups in their backyards, as it boasts the largest capacity of any fire pit we tested. The main downside is that this premium fire pit is heavy, though that isn't an issue if you keep it in one place. Pick it up in Corten Steel for a weathered patina, or pay extra for a stainless steel finish.
For her latest outdoor project, Whiteaker opted for two Polywood Coastal Chaises. “I wanted something that matched the rest of the furniture in the backyard but also felt comfortable enough to take an afternoon nap in,” she says. “The fabric makes them extra comfortable and is also UV-protected, fast-drying and resistant to weather, mildew, fading and tearing. Again, I’m all for the all-weather furniture!”
We’ve tested this beauty ourselves, and to say it’s the ultimate entertaining hub in our backyard would be an understatement. Crafted from teak, the bar cart (that’s right, it’s got wheels) comes complete with a side-by-side beverage tub and ice bucket, both of which are stowed underneath sliding panels.
Potentially the most swoon-worthy item on our list, this lovely hanging rattan chair from Serena & Lily is crafted from hand-bent rattan and would look dreamy hanging in a covered patio nook. Bilchik couldn’t agree more, saying, “We absolutely love this chair, as it adds a whimsical addition to any outdoor space for both kids and adults!”
The Tiki Smokeless Patio Fire Pit will look great in most backyards, and unlike the other fire pits on our list, it takes compressed wood pellets. Pellets are perfect for fire pit novices, since they catch fire quickly, burn faster and are more or less smoke-free.
Area rugs are a great way to anchor an outdoor living or dining area, and Porche is completely smitten with the one she purchased from Outer. “Aside from your outdoor furniture, I also suggest splurging on a high-end, quality outdoor rug,” she says. “There is nothing worse than going cheap and having to replace the rug less than a year down the road. Our Outer rug has held up exceptionally well to all the elements.”
Spicing up your outdoor living space with some lighting is always a good idea, and chic outdoor lanterns will get the job done. This rattan lantern from Crate & Barrel is a fan favorite, with reviewers praising its bohemian design and quality construction. Buy several and pair them with flameless candles and outdoor string lights for a complete look.
