With summer just around the corner the outdoor, entertaining season is at its peak and if you have space, there’s probably a pool party, quinceañera, graduation or just a barbacoa on the way. You’re thinking about menus and drinks, but what are people going to be sitting on?
If it’s time for you to change out old and rusted for some new hotness, we’ve got teak dining sets that will be able to stand up to humidity and hot sun, fun three-seater swings for both entertaining and everyday relaxation, and indoor-outdoor couches that do double duty.
We’ve shied away from including anything with glass (glare and breakage) and plastic (durability and environmental impact), and only included a few wicker pieces (with care instructions). Because if you’re splurging on a new pieces of furniture, it’s crucial to pick something that both suits you and will hold up for years to come.
Dining Sets That’ll Impress
We love nothing more than a sturdy dining set that will brave the elements… below are a few of our favorites.
1. Coastal Climate Cool: If you’re going to use wood furniture outdoors, it needs to be resistant to heat, humidity AND insects. That’s why we’d recommend a teak dining set that’ll look great in your lush yard or garden. Use teak oil or sealer to keep the honey brown color, or let it weather naturally to gray.
2. No Assembly Required: If you don’t want to build it yourself like above, Perigold’s Teak Smith dining set comes partially assembled so you can have it together fast. It comes with eight weather-proof wooden chairs and a large rectangular table that’s complete with an umbrella hole, ensuring your source of shade won’t be blown away in a storm. Margarita pitchers not included.
3. Stone Cold: Prefer stone over wood? Look no further than Outer’s Outerstone Dining Table. Marble table tops like these are impervious to fading, and they’re difficult to scratch or dent, so consider this a lifetime purchase. You can choose the style of seating that comes with it, allowing you to mix and match chairs and benches.
4. Breakfast Nook: Bistro sets are all the rage right now, especially if you love waking up slowly with a hot cup of coffee. A steel mosaic bistro set is affordable, cute and will stand the test of time, while still being light enough to move with one hand. Since it is so light, though, make sure it’s secured in a storm.
5. Pop of Color: Not all dining sets come in all-natural colors. With Neighbor’s XY Dining Set, you can choose between fun options like green, yellow, rust, charcoal and white.
Outdoor Sofas, Stand-Alone Chairs and Tables
Added seating, table space and backyard furniture will ensure everyone at your party is comfortable.
1. R&R: Considering Castlery was one of Elle’s top luxury patio furniture companies, we decided to take a look at their inventory… and we weren’t disappointed. The Lorna Outdoor Extended Sofa is one of many pieces that caught our eye — not only for the handwoven wicker, but also for the durable style that can weather almost any storm.
2. Hybrid: Whether you’re furnishing a porch or pool area, an indoor-outdoor couch is great for either. As previously mentioned, teak holds up marvelously and the light cushions are cooler in hot sun.
3. Concrete-Chic: Even though “concrete” and “chic” generally don’t go in the same sentence, Anthropologie’s Grecia Outdoor End Table Set will transform your yard into a Mykonos beach club. It goes without saying that these will outlast you, and they make great stands for oversize planters, too.
4. Additional Seating: Doubling as a foot rest or additional seating is a classic outdoor ottoman. The fun part? Choosing between all of the great colors.
5. Double Duty: Get yourself a table that doubles as a fire pit. Concrete is another famously sturdy material that will be able to withstand anything, including endless sun, water and salt. And really, at the end of the night, what’s better than snuggling up with s’mores and a glass of wine?
Gliders, Swings and Accessories
There’s nothing better than luxury patio furniture that’s comfortable enough to nap on… right?
1. Cozy Comfy: Yardbird’s Langdon Set includes four cushioned wicker gliders and a table that doubles as a fire pit. It’s all made from recycled ocean plastic, too, so you can feel good about your purchase. Just take note: wicker can be less durable than other materials, particularly with humid summer weather, so make sure to cover when it isn’t in use!
2. Beach Vibes: Comfortable porch swings are a fabulous addition to any outdoor space — and the teak is both sturdy enough and fashionable for Southern homes. Deck it out with a cozy blanket, so you can snuggle up at night with a book.
3. Brave the Sun & Rain: While you can get a $50 patio umbrella from Walmart, a marine-grade option will brave any storm. It’s matte anodized to prevent corrosion and wear. It’s fade-resistant, and comes with a heavy-duty steel base to withstand high winds.
4. Wicker Fabulous: Whether or not you decide to put a cushion on Grandin Road’s Montville Wicker Sofa Glider is entirely up to you. Choose between two shades of wicker… just don’t forget to cover it in inclement weather.
5. Swing It: Add a stand-alone luxury double-seater swing to your porch, garden or even by the pool. Regardless, you’ll have guests fighting over it.
Lounge Chairs For Relaxing By the Pool
Lounge chairs can be works of art, too.
1. Catch Some Z’s: Day beds aren’t just for guest rooms. Homary’s outdoor version is sleek and modern, and the metal frame promises weather resistance (which is essential for long-term use).
2. Bend the Knee: A knee-bend chaise adds comfort and support — and Arhaus’ is made from sustainably sourced teak and weatherproof resin wicker. The full-length cushion is weather-resistant and antimicrobial, so it won’t grow mold or algae.
3. Get Rollin’: Reorganizing your poolside furniture is so much easier when your chaise has wheels. The metal frame can stay outside year-round, but make sure to take in the cushions when it rains to avoid mildew.
4. Modern AF: Ledge’s loungers turn your pool deck into a work of art. Although the shape is a little funky, it’s ergonomic! Plus, the commercial-grade resin will hold up in sun, rain and more.
5. Sun Protection: Cabana beds are all the rage right now, and fortunately, rattan is low maintenance. Kick back on a foam cushion supported by a strong frame, and relax knowing your skin is protected by a canvas overhang.
