Table of Content
Adding a canvas shade or awning over your seating not only provides protection from the sun on hot days, it also creates a cozy ‘ceiling’ above your outdoor room. So, for instance, with a sofa, you might consider a mix-and-match arrangement; seating that allows you to stretch out fully and relax alone, but doubles up as a family berth. Practical, space-saving touches such as built-in tables for ease and armrests for comfort are all worth thinking about. "They have a vast selection of options across many style types and price points, and their website provides excellent buying guides to help you narrow down your choices," Catherine says. Like any room in your home, styling your outdoor space comes down to your personal aesthetic. However, if you're not sure where to start, Alexandra suggests considering your surroundings and going from there.
Add an ice bucket and serving essentials to the top when guests are over for easy entertaining. Overall, we recommend the Frontgate St. Kitts Aluminum Collection, because it's made of durable aluminum and includes both seating and dining options. For a budget-friendly option, our Better Homes & Gardens Cararra Springs Outdoor Chat Set is a great choice.
AllModern Bombay Porch Swing with Stand
Aluminium frames for seating, combined with natural woods is also a strong trend. If you are looking for furniture for a small backyard ideas then round tables are a practical solution as the circular shape is far easier to fit into tight corners. Try to choose plastic and metal-framed outdoor seating that comes with a manufacturer's guarantee. Or, you can group outdoor seating like this around outdoor fireplace ideas or backyard fire pits. It’s perfectly sensible to be more conservative with your choice of outdoor seating than you would when planning to replace indoor furniture. It can be a significant financial investment – and may even involve making special arrangements for delivery if access to your yard is tight.

You also need to factor in the space you have available and how you and your family and guests will move around that space when the seating is in place, especially if you are looking at pool area ideas or pool patio ideas. Sure, outdoor bars can be as ornate as you'd like, but they also work equally well in a simple setup. The long concrete slab bar is perfect for entertaining large gatherings by the fire. "Remember that this space is subject to Mother Nature, so design your outdoor area with that in mind," she says.
Frontgate Resort Collection Aluminum Dining Set
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate officially launched its new franchise system on July 23, 2008. Though weight capacity is important to consider for every furniture purchase, pay extra attention to the capacity for swings and other hanging seating since those will be attached to frames, roofs, or ceilings. The rattan chair comes with a metal frame and chain, which will require some assembly to secure it properly. Whether you place it on a porch or poolside, the chair is a great spot to lounge while still getting some sunlight. The table has a minimalist style with a natural finish, offering a versatile canvas for any tabletop accessories and decor you may already have.
Twinkling string lights and potted plants aside, however, you'll also need durable, comfortable, and stylish outdoor furniture to finish off the space. If you have limited space, or a tricky backyard layout, the most effective solution could be to go bespoke and have a built-in backyard bench designed. This is a good option to explore if you’re renovating the whole outdoor space; you can incorporate your specially-built outdoor seating into the overall landscaping design.
Resol Grupo Rita Kids Round Table and Chairs
Here, French doors swing open to an outdoor dining table to connect the indoors with the patio. Don't feel left out if your backyard or patio is too small to have a built-in outdoor bar. Instead, add a weatherproof cabinet to your outdoor oasis, and fill it with your favorite summer glassware and utensils.
Remember, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to finding outdoor seating. If your space is limited, don’t over-stuff it with a huge L-shaped sofa; chose a neat contemporary style instead, or two armchairs with a useful table in between. This DIY bar requires just six materials and a few hours of working time to complete. Sturdy and weather-ready, the DIY outdoor bar works well for informal gatherings, birthday parties, buffets, and more.
Ensure Easy Indoor Access
The three-seater sofa has an aluminum frame with a woven design, offering a subtle yet luxe touch to any backyard. Restoration Hardware's Ubud Collection will make your outdoor space feel like a luxurious oasis. The collection, which is made of durable teak, will offer a subtle yet elegant touch to your home, whether you invest in all of the pieces or just a few. Positioning a number of benches throughout the garden is a brilliant way to make the most of different areas and vistas and allows you to enjoy the outdoor space as the sun moves throughout the day. Nestled amongst the flower beds, a bench is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the sights, scents and sounds of nature – this wrought iron design would beautifully complement a traditional backyard.

Jamie attended the University of Maryland, College Park and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Her first memories include planting potatoes with her grandfather and drawing houses. Her own garden - her fourth - at home in a 1920s house in Yorkshire, is south-facing and on the side of a valley. ‘This approach will help to create that definite ‘extra room’ feel for your outdoor seating,’ she says.
The Lansbury Rocking Chair has a decorative design that'll add visual interest to your porch, patio, or deck. The chair is offered in two colors and has a polyurethane finish that'll protect it from any scratches and water damage. The table can comfortably seat six at its smallest size , though the two other longer sizes offer extra room if you need to add more chairs. Just keep in mind you'll have to purchase seating separately, creating an additional cost. "If you'd like to go with wooden furniture, we always choose an option made from teak," Catherine says.

If you like the textured rattan look, natural rattan isn’t waterproof, so opt for high quality synthetic rattan instead. To avoid too much damage from sun and bad weather, choose cushion fabrics that are UV and mildew-resistant. There are so many options for updating outdoor bar spaces to make them more enjoyable.
This exuberant setup follows a tropical theme, complete with a grass skirt around the buffet table. Perhaps the easiest way to include an outdoor bar is to sneak in a few extra square feet from an outdoor kitchen. Particularly for expansive built-in versions such as this kitchen, spots for storage, serving, and cooling off drinks are a must.

The sectional has a durable aluminum base and is made up of four foam-filled chairs that'll offer comfort all summer long. When it comes to the seating options, there are more than 60 cushion colors and patterns to choose from, meaning you'll be able to curate a look that works in your space. And while the collection can be a bit of an investment depending on the pieces you choose, each item is protected by the brand's 10-year frame warranty. Though Frontgate offers several collections in different materials and designs, the St. Kitts Aluminum Collection is a great option that includes a variety of outdoor furniture designs. Overall, we recommend checking out the Frontgate St. Kitts Aluminum Collection, because the collection is made of durable aluminum and includes both seating and dining options. A seamless feel which carries through from indoors is the key to creating welcoming outdoor living space you will want to use all year-round.
Whether you're using your outdoor furniture for entertaining guests or just as a family gathering spot, you'll want to choose designs that work for your lifestyle. A dining set can include anywhere from two to 10 chairs while sectionals range in the amount of seating they offer. Pay attention to whether a dining table includes chairs or if a seating option includes cushions. If they don't, those will be additional costs you'll have to take on, whereas some other furniture options may include them.