Furniture

7 Outdoor Furniture Ideas Because It Won’t Be Winter Forever

The planning starts now so you can fully enjoy it later.

January 31, 2022
Photo by Julia Gartland

We get it—decorating your indoor living space is challenging, so psyching yourself for decisions about your outdoor space may not be the easiest task. Throw in some snow and frost, and well, you've got the beginnings of a nightmare. But before you say that it's too early to think about warmer temps, planning ahead now means that you'll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor when spring and summer roll around.

And by planning, we don't mean extensive measuring or DIY upgrades either—just simple outdoor furniture ideas, like a bright dining set or a modern take on the classic Adirondack chair, that will totally transform your outdoor space.

Below, seven easy-to-replicate outdoor furniture ideas for spaces both large and small.

1. Luxe Lounging

Your deck should serve your needs and reflect your day-to-day habits, so don’t furnish it a certain way just because you think there’s only one way to utilize such a space. If you rarely find yourself eating outside, but would absolutely love to kick back and relax on sunny weekend afternoons, opt for a set of lounge chairs instead of a big dining set. These can recline into six different positions—talk about versatility!

Photo by Wayfair

2. A Colorful Pop

If you only have a few square feet to work with, a petite bistro table and chair set offers major versatility for a WFH office spot or wine night with a friend. Available in four vibrant colors like teal and cherry red, this combo will add a bit of pep to your space in no time.

Photo by AllModern

3. Versatile Seating

A side table-slash-stool should be a top contender for any outdoor space because of its endless versatility. It can serve as a station for food and drinks, or for extra seating, or even as side table on a cozy balcony. The mix of hardy resin, crushed stone, and fiberglass is durable for indoor and outdoor use, so you can use it all year round, too.

Photo by Crate & Barrel

4. Stay-cation vibes

When you sling a hammock on your deck, you won’t have to travel far to relax after a long day’s work. This one from Anthro brings the cabana-like vibes but for much less than a round-trip ticket to the Caymans. Is it too much to say you may never feel the need to travel to a tropical island?

Photo by Anthropologie

5. Classic Adirondack Chairs

There’s no need to search long and hard for the perfect rocking chair when a classic is right in front of you. Modeled after the traditional Adirondack chair, this rocker will keep you company on the front porch as you tune into your fave podcast or sip on a glass of lemonade.

Photo by L.L.Bean

6. Your own outdoor bar

A bar cart? Outside? No, we’re not kidding, and no, this isn’t extra by any means. Having a space to serve drinks and small bites outdoors will serve you well any time the crew comes over. Not to mention, the acacia wood can withstand the elements year-round and looks sleek and sophisticated to boot.

Photo by Walmart

7. Basically, an outdoor living room

An outdoor sofa is a smart choice no matter how little or how much space you have. On a more expansive patio, the sofa can be pulled up to a dining table as seating, and on a smaller back porch, it creates a welcoming statement with a side table and decor. This cheerful red sofa will bring plenty of bold flair—bonus points for adding magical lighting and a fun rug.

Photo by IKEA

How do you plan on decorating your outdoor space? Drop some inspo!

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Sarah Lyon

Written by: Sarah Lyon

Freelance writer and interior design enthusiast

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