The Best Patio Furniture, According To Our Home Experts
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.)
Best Patio Sofas
A Versatile, Weather-Resistant Pick
SunHaven Home
Sunhaven Kensington 9-Piece Sofa Set
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.”
A Sturdy And Sleek Wooden Option
Wayfair
Lark Manor Arikka Sofa
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.
A Modern Couch With A Metal Frame
West Elm
West Elm Caldera Sofa
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.
Best Patio Dining Furniture
A Classic Set For Al Fresco Dining
Home Depot
Hampton Bay Laurel Oaks 7-Piece Dining Set
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.
A Best-Selling Patio Bar For Endless Good Times
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn Abbott Ultimate Bar
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.
A Charming Bistro Set Made Of Bronze
Ashley Furniture HomeStore
Ashley Furniture Nuu Garden 3-Piece Bistro Set
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.
Best Patio Lounge Furniture
MOST POPULAR
Sunvilla
Sunvilla Savana 7-Piece Eucalyptus And Wicker Sectional Set
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.”
A Spacious Hammock You Can Relax In
L.L.Bean
L.L. Bean Quilted Sunbrella Hammock
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.”
Woven Wicker And Teak Offer Coastal Vibes
Frontgate
Frontgate Isola 3-Piece Loveseat Set
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.
Best Value Patio Furniture
A Simple, Streamlined Sofa Set
Amazon
Christopher Knight Home Carolina Sofa Set
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.
A Comfy Couch That Repels Water
Amazon
Waroom 3-Seat Rattan Sofa
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.
A Vibrant Wooden Set At A Great Price
Wayfair
Breakwater Bay Kirstine 4-Person Set
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.
Best Patio Umbrellas
A Full-Coverage Umbrella That Easily Tilts
Amazon
Treasure Garden 9-Foot Umbrella
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.”
A Solar-Powered Umbrella That Lights Up At Night
Amazon
Blissun LED Solar Umbrella
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.”
Best Patio Chairs
A Classic Chair With A Weathered Finish
Frontgate
Frontgate Rowan Adirondack Chair
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.
A Minimalist Chair That Comes In Lots Of Colors
Article
Article Svelti Dining Chair
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.”
A Stylish Chair With Rope Detailing
Williams Sonoma
Williams Sonoma Pasadena Club Chair
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.
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Patio furniture lets you turn your outdoor space into an extension of your living room. With a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from, the right patio furniture will provide long-lasting enjoyment and a place to entertain comfortably when the weather is nice.
This guide will help you choose the best outdoor furniture for your patio, deck or pool area.
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