When choosing outdoor furniture, there are a couple things you’re going to want to take into consideration. Before I get into them, I wanted to start off by saying that your best bet is to choose functionality over appearance. Nine out of ten times, the more visually appealing outdoor furniture is not the most comfortable. Your goal is to find furniture that’s functional, comfortable, and attractive! Here’s how:
Tip #1: Space
The most important factor to consider when picking outdoor furniture is space. The reason for this is because the space depends on absolutely everything. For example, the arrangement of the chairs, the couch, the side table, the dining table, or whatever furniture you decide to fill it with. So, before you get all these wonderful ideas in your head, make sure you have taken measurements and time to know exactly how much space you have.
Tip #2: Your Needs
Next come your needs. For this part, you need to think about what it is you want from your outdoor furniture. Do you want to create a cozy space? Do you want an outdoor dining table? Do you want it to just be a space for chaise lounge chairs? A good way to figure this out is by making list of the things you want to do in your outdoor space. If it’s having cocktails and tanning, then you don’t necessarily need a dining table. If it’s having dinner parties and tanning, then you don’t necessarily need a couch or side tables. It’s completely up to you, but narrowing it down will help you get to your end goal quicker.
Tip #3: Style
In order to figure out your style, I recommend thinking about the vibe you’re going for. Is it modern? Is it rustic? Is it minimalist? Is it mid-century? Is it colorful? Do you want your chairs to have arms or do you want them to be armless? What is the color of the tile on the ground? How about the general color of the space? Do you want the colors of the furniture to match the color of the space? The number of styles that exist are never ending. Therefore, it’s important that you have ideas in mind and that you ask yourself these questions in order to help narrow down your search.
Tip #4: Material
Next come the materials! Going for easy-care furniture is probably your best bet. Because your outdoor furniture will sustain weather, you don’t want to invest in something that requires a ton of maintenance. Some things to ask yourself: Are you going for durable furniture? Are you going for stylish furniture? Are you going for comfortable furniture? Do you want chairs that come with removable cushions? Some suggestions are the following: Leather is great if you want a durable furniture. Cotton is great if you’re looking for a unique color or pattern. Cotton is also easy to clean, so it may be something to consider if you have pets or children.
Tip #5: Try is before you buy it
Do not depend on internet photos when buying your outdoor furniture because there’s a high chance the photos are misleading! Additionally, you cannot get a feel for the furniture if you are buying online and that’s the most important part! Being able to sit on the furniture will be a quick indicator of whether or not it’s going to work for you. It may look cozy on the website photo, but it may be extremely stiff once it arrives. So, if you can, go and see it in person! And yes, I know you can order online and return if you don’t like it but we all know how much of a hassle it is to return furniture.
Some of my favorite outdoor furniture options:
Outdoor Chairs / Outdoor Dining Chairs
Outdoor Zero Gravity Lounge Folding Chair, Beige – $59.45
Modern Bistro Set Rattan Chair Conversation Sets with Coffee Table – $106.99
Outdoor Furniture Porch Chairs Conversation Sets with Glass Coffee Table – $99.98
Set of 4 Stackable Outdoor Patio Wicker Chairs w/Cushions, UV-Resistant Finish, and Steel Frame – Brown/Cream – $249.99
CB2 Sophia black dining chair – $129.99
CB2 bolla clear dining chair – $159.99
Outdoor Side Tables
Portside Outdoor Textilene Chaise Lounger & C-Shaped Side Table Set – $199-649
Cb2 Terrazzo Side Table – $249
West Elm Playa Outdoor Coffee & Side Table Set – $199-399
West Elm Playa Outdoor Side Table – $199
Wayfair Mebane Iron Side Table – $68.99
Wayfair Keegan Solid Wood Side Table – $57.99
Wayfair Kartell Ghost Side Table – $210
Outdoor Dining Tables
Outdoor Patio Dining Set, Garden Dining Set w/Acacia Wood Table Top, Stackable Chairs with Soft Cushion, Poly Wicker Dining Table and Chairs Set (Brown) – $679.99
Outdoor Dining Table with Iron Legs, Sandblast Finish / Rustic Metal – $313.99
Kirtland Wire Brushed Rectangular Outdoor Dining Table, Grey – $552.78
CB2 matera large outdoor dining table – $699
CB2 lola round dining table – $899
CB2 watermark bistro table – $279
Outdoor Couches / Sofas
Keith Outdoor Sectional Sofa Set | 3-Seater | Acacia Wood | Water-Resistant Cushions | Teak and Beige – $517.99
3-Seat Outdoor Brown Rattan Sofa Seating Furniture with Beige Cushion – $269.99
Outdoor Patio Wicker Rattan Sofa, Gray White – $574
CB2 tropez natural sofa – $1,199
CB2 baixa wood outdoor love seat – $1249
CB2 grove outdoor loveseat – $1,499
Outdoor Chaise Lounges
Rattan Chaise Lounge Outdoor with Table Attached – Adjustable Backrest Recliners Pool Chairs with Cushions for Poolside Use – $97.99
Christopher Knight Home Cape Coral Outdoor Aluminum Chaise Lounges with Mesh Seat, 2-Pcs Set, Grey / Dark Grey – $308.99
Acacia Wood Chaise Lounge Chair Recliner, Outdoor Furniture for Patio, Poolside w/Slide-Out Side Table, Foam-Padded Cushion, Adjustable Backrest, Wheels – Cream – $199.99
CB2 lodi sun lounger – $999
CB2 filaki lounger with black and white stripe cushion – $849