Another thing we love is the constant rotation of designs—chances are, you’ll see something new every time you visit the site or store. From accents for small spaces to patio umbrellas, there’s plenty of outdoor patio furniture to peruse.
Channel coastal vibes with Serena & Lily’s extensive collection of serene, beach-inspired furniture and home decor. Serena & Lily also has a team of design advisers that will collaborate with you to plan out furniture arrangements, go over swatches, create mood boards, and so on. Basically, they will do everything they can to make your outdoor (or indoor) vision a reality from start to finish—and did we mention this service is free?
The stock is full of all-weather wicker options, sleek designs topped in performance fabric, poolside lounge chairs, and much more.
If you’re looking for great deals on outdoor furniture, you’ll find them at Wayfair. The large online retailer is known for its flash sales and coupons (which you can stack on top of their everyday discounts). In addition to outdoor furniture, Wayfair also has outdoor fencing and flooring, lighting, mailboxes, garden equipment, heating and cooling equipment, storage, and even hot tubs and saunas. It’s your one-stop shop for all things outdoors. And if your order is $49 or more, delivery is free. Time to add to cart!
It’s important to check the reviews on the specific item you’re looking to buy—quality can vary, given there are a lot of different brands represented on the site.
For minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired outdoor furniture, head straight to Neighbor. The designs favor a rich teak, but you've got options when it comes to the canvas for each piece. Rich colors like rust, leaf, and ash give the furniture a surprising amount of versatility and each design is made with quick-drying foam and weather-resistant fabric.
There are a good number of options, but the best part is that they all coexist despite not hailing from the same collection (necessarily). Outdoor furniture sets from Neighbor will grow with you as you move from space to space.
Shop Target’s outdoor living section and your next haul might just include some backyard must-haves, like this cute-as-can-be wicker patio set. Target has patio chairs starting at $20 and seating solutions for every size space. Don’t forget to check out their vibrant selection of accessories, including bright outdoor pillows, mood-setting string lights, and every kind of planter you can imagine.
We can’t stress enough how great Target is for furnishing an outdoor space on a budget. Past reviews applaud quick shipping time and responsive customer service.
CB2 is a sister brand of Crate and Barrel that skews more minimalist and modern. Need a backyard or patio design consultation? They do that, too. Their designers will create mood boards and room renderings to help you bring your outdoor space to life.
The quality and delivery process is pretty standard (in a good way) for a massive retailer. Reviews have applauded quick ship times, but make sure the piece you’re looking to purchase is in stock before buying. A good number of items have longer lead times—as long as you know what to expect, you’re good.
Our favorite Anthropologie outdoor finds include mosaic tabletops, patterned outdoor sofas, garden chairs, ceramic stools, fringed hammocks, and this rattan rocker that is just begging you to sit down with a tall glass of lemonade and a good book. Shipping tends to be quick and the brand has a loyal following—there are certain pieces that are coveted long after stock sells out.
Digging through Castlery’s site is a delight—lots of pops of texture and luxe-looking silhouettes. If you have expensive taste and don’t want to drop $10,000 on a dining set, Castlery has something for every space. Many pieces mix dark (weatherproof) textiles with natural wood, an expert combination for an elevated backyard. The brand gives off minimalist interior vibes, but way cozier. If you love bouclé and/or a neutral color palette, you’ll find something to obsess over. There may not be as many options to choose from as a big-box store, but curation and quality are the point.
Crate & Barrel has a robust section dedicated to outdoor living. Their bestsellers include nature-inspired seating sets, sculptural side tables, and chic loungers (like the one below). Check out their gorgeous look book for a serious dose of inspiration.
Longer, warmer days ahead mean there’s more time to spend on your patio, hosting impromptu alfresco dinners and really taking some time to enjoy that afternoon lemonade. But to turn your yard into the outdoor oasis of your dreams, you’ll need to scout out the best patio furniture for your particular space. From a Parisian-inspired bistro set to a crowd-friendly sectional sofa, stylish, durable outdoor furniture can help you make the most of your space and upgrade your hosting game.
The best patio furniture is durable and built to last season after season.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERSAccording to senior deals editor Kara Cuzzone, if you want to snag the lowest prices on outdoor furniture, purchase pieces off-season. “I would say Labor Day is the absolute best time to shop patio furniture sales,” she says. “Retailers are often looking to clear out their inventories ahead of the colder months, so you can find awesome deals on pieces to save for the following spring and summer.” She also recommends shopping Memorial Day patio furniture deals—many brands offer deep discounts to mark the unofficial start of summer. Below, find our picks for the best patio furniture, many of which are used by Forbes Vetted staffers. (Then, read our tips on how to protect your patio furniture year-round so your investment can last for decades.)
SunHaven Home
If you like rearranging your furniture, get ready to have some fun: SunHaven’s furniture is fully modular. This nine-piece set is constructed out of doublewide resin wicker, complete with plush Olefin cushions that resist fading and mildew. You can effortlessly set up, move and set up again according to whatever entertaining situation you’ve got going on. Plus, every piece comes pre-assembled, eliminating the sweat and headaches that typically come with furniture construction.
What our staffers say: “We have a large family and I love to host, so I wanted lots of seating at an affordable price,” says deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala. “This set is modular, so we can move the pieces around as needed, and the weather-resistant wicker and Olefin cushions are key to withstanding our mid-Atlantic weather.”
Wayfair
Combining elegance with practicality, this outdoor sofa from Lark Manor stands up to the elements without sacrificing style. The eucalyptus wood frame is paired with weather-resistant cushions in a neutral hue. A set of patterned throw pillows add a touch of personality to the otherwise simple design. Keep in mind that this pick requires assembly, however multiple customers note that the process is straightforward and easy.
West Elm
If you’re looking to add a modern edge to your patio, you should consider this sleek choice from West Elm. The rustproof aluminum frame is accompanied by weather-resistant Olefin cushions in a neutral gray shade, but you can also purchase cushion covers in other hues like Charcoal and Ocean. Smooth, rounded corners give this couch a particularly inviting feel, inspiring you to kick back and relax for a while.
Home Depot
From occasional dinner parties to weekly family dinners, this seven-piece dining set from Hampton Bay makes eating outside an absolute delight. Complete with a steel dining table, two captain chairs and four dining chairs, this set gives your patio a sophisticated yet approachable feel. The pillows are reinforced with the brand’s signature CushionGuard technology, which makes them resistant to tears, stains and fading.
Pottery Barn
If you have the budget, Pottery Barn’s always-on-trend collections are not to be missed. This outdoor bar is made with sleek, kiln-dried acacia wood and durable concrete, effortlessly combining form with function. It’s all in the details: an integrated bottle opener, towel hooks and drawers are provided to assist you as you whip up drinks for your guests.
Ashley Furniture HomeStore
Ashley Furniture is a trusted retailer that covers every room in the home, including outdoor spaces. Our advice: Take a look at the brand’s affordable bistro sets, like the metal one here. They’re quintessentially Parisian with classic, just-ornate-enough details. Made of cast aluminum with an anti-rust coating, the chairs and table have a distinctly vintage look that will retain its charming luster over time.
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Sunvilla
Proof that you don’t have to sacrifice durability for décor, Sunvilla’s seven-piece sectional set is made with strong yet stylish materials like solid kiln-dried wood and durable weatherproof upholstery. It includes a three-seater sofa, a club chair and an ottoman that can be used (and moved around) as a chaise or an additional seat. You also get a matching coffee table, which provides just enough room for a couple of glasses and appetizer plates.
What our staffers say: “I chose this as a starter set because it offers comfort, function and versatility, plus great value,” says senior updates editor Karen Tietjen. “All in all, it's a beautiful collection that can be used for lounging, sipping cocktails or enjoying casual outdoor meals. Two things to note: I have noticed some weathering spots on the table, though that's probably to be expected. And although this set is durable, I recommend getting a cover to keep it clean in inclement weather for easier maintenance.”
L.L.Bean
While it may be an unconventional choice for lounge furniture, this quilted hammock will quickly become your new favorite resting spot. Made of fade- and mildew-resistant acrylic fabric, the hard-wearing hammock stands up to spills like a champ. You can mount it between two trees or wooden beams, but we recommend picking up the accompanying hammock stand, which is sold separately.
What the staffers say: “This hammock is an ideal place to read and nap on sunnier days,” says editorial director Brinda Ayer. “It's made of a super comfortable and plush fabric that is easy to clean (in many cases, you can just wipe stuff off—especially liquids, if you like to enjoy a cold beverage in your hammock like I do). Like with so many L.L. Bean products, the construction of this hammock is solid and feels extremely durable; I'm not worried about rolling around or having the supporting ropes fray or snap.”
Frontgate
The beachy, coastal vibe of Frontgate’s patio furniture collection makes any patio setup feel like a mini vacation. This three-piece loveseat set is made with wide-woven wicker and rich teak wood, both of which add to that relaxed feeling. While Frontgate’s furnishings are certainly luxurious, they don’t feel stuffy or highbrow. Add a few patterned throw pillows to infuse the set with your own personality, or go minimal with a cushion-free look.
Amazon
This acacia wood sofa set from Christopher Knight Home is conveniently available through Amazon, and it comes at an incredibly reasonable price. The loveseat and chairs come with cream-colored cushions that are easy to clean—just toss the polyester covers in the washing machine. The set’s pared down design makes it perfect for more compact spaces, and reviewers say that it’s easy to put together. However, if you plan on keeping it outdoors throughout the seasons, you should invest in a furniture wax to protect the wood.
Amazon
If you want a comfy couch that doesn’t cost a fortune, look no further than this simple, affordable wicker model. While it may not come from a well-known brand, several reviewers have mentioned that it’s sturdy and holds its quality over time. The water-repellent polyester cushions come in four colors: Gray, Turquoise, Beige and Peacock Blue.
Wayfair
Wayfair is a great place to find top-quality furniture at reasonable prices, like this four-person set from Breakwater Bay. With an acacia wood frame and galvanized steel hardware, the conversation set has a natural look that blends in with many décor styles. The weather-resistant cushions are a deep, versatile shade of navy blue, and they’re perfectly complemented by the included patterned throw pillows.
Amazon
For patios without a lot of shade, a large, a sweeping umbrella makes a huge difference in how comfortable your seating area is. This 9-foot pick, which we also named the best patio umbrella after rigorous testing, is made of sun- and water-resistant fabric. For added convenience, there’s a manual crank that allows you to tilt the umbrella up to 30 degrees. There are several hues to pick from, including Cobalt, Khaki and Forest Green.
What our staffers say: “It has a classic appearance that will look good on any patio, and of all the umbrellas I tested, it had the best features for the price,” says Forbes Vetted contributor Camryn Rabideau. “During testing, I found this umbrella simple to operate thanks to its sturdy crank, which is easy to access and turn, as well as its auto-tilt mechanism, which lets you find the right angle to block the sun.”
Amazon
This 7.5-foot umbrella stands out from others on the market, thanks to its strategically placed LED lights. Powered by a discreet solar panel on the top of the umbrella, the lights offer extra visibility when your get-together lasts well into the evening. A hand crank allows you to adjust the umbrella’s angle, so you can enjoy the shade no matter where you’re sitting.
What our staffers say: I've been so pleased with the Blissun,” says senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman. “It's lightweight, but it has stayed in great condition through heavy rain and wind. I really like how attractive and convenient the solar-powered LED lights are, too.” She adds, “I've found that pairing it with a heavier umbrella base helps keep it stable. I've been using the Outsunny Resin base with it, which has been a great match.”
Frontgate
Topping the list in Forbes Vetted’s roundup of the Best Adirondack Chairs, this piece from Frontgate lives up to its luxury price tag. With a high-quality teak frame that’s been pre-weathered for a lived-in look, this timeless chair makes any outdoor space feel more put-together. The kiln-dried wood is naturally resistant to mildew, so it’ll keep its good looks over time.
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Made of durable, UV-resistant plastic, this modern dining chair adds a touch of minimalist cool to any patio or balcony. It comes in a wide range of colors such as Aloe Green, Daisy Yellow and Berry Blue, so you can infuse your outdoor space with your favorite hue. While elegant, the thin metal legs aren't the best choice for using directly on a lawn or a deck with thinner slats.
What the staffers say: “I've owned these indoor/outdoor chairs from Article for nearly four years, and I still love them as much as when we first bought them,” says executive director Cory Baldwin. “They've held up great on my outdoor patio and look right at home in my dining room when we need extra seating.”
Williams Sonoma
It’s no surprise that Willams Sonoma’s collection of outdoor furniture is stunning—we particularly like the Pasadena Club Chair. Combining a teak frame with unique rope detailing, the chair exudes relaxed elegance. Cushions are sold separately, and come in eye-pleasing hues such as Sage, Persimmon and Denim Blue.