Warmer weather is the perfect excuse to spend more time outside and soak up some sun. You can do that without leaving the house by turning your patio or backyard into a space you’d actually want to use.
That space can be for sipping your morning coffee, dinner with family outside, summer BBQs, or friends chatting around a fire pit. A good outdoor setup can help bring people together and make more memories.
How to create a good patio space:
The best patios aren’t the most expensive or perfectly styled ones. They’re the spaces that get used often. Before picking furniture, it helps to think about how you realistically want to use the space.Placement and distance
If you plan on using the space for meals or groups, keeping the furniture reasonably close to kitchen access makes a big difference. Nobody wants to carry drinks and food across the entire yard. Lounge seating can work well slightly further away if you’re creating a quieter area for relaxing or conversations.Materials and maintenance
Outdoor furniture always looks great on the first day. The bigger question is whether you’ll still enjoy maintaining it later. Natural woods may develop character over time but need occasional care– some more than others. Wicker, aluminum, and synthetic materials require less care and can withstand being uncovered on patios exposed to the elements. See more details on materials below this section.Space and capacity
Think about how many people you’ll have using your outdoor space at a time. Larger families or frequent hosts may need expandable dining tables and extra benches or chairs on the side to accommodate. If you have less space or people, a few small pieces plus a small table is likely enough.Common outdoor furniture materials:
Teak
Although it’s naturally weather resistant, teak is known to age into a grayish silver patina which not everyone may like. To clean, scrub gently with mild soap or use teak cleaner. If you want to maintain the warm brown color, you need to apply sealant once or twice a year. Without the upkeep, reverting an aged piece to its original color will have to involve sanding the surfaces.Acacia
Acacia is considered quite durable for outdoors, but lower quality acacia, especially when exposed to the elements with neglect, can fade, crack, or warp over time. Maintenance is also higher than teak. More consistent cleaning is recommended, and the wood should not stay wet for long periods of time. Applying a sealer every few months is recommended.Synthetic lumber
One of the most durable materials is synthetic lumber. High quality options can look quite similar to real wood and require almost no maintenance other than surface cleaning. The downside is that they tend to be heavy, and like other synthetic materials or metals, they can get very hot to the touch under direct sunlight. However, most people are okay with that trade off.PE wicker
Modern wicker is basically plastic that’s woven over a metal frame to look like rattan. Because of this, it doesn’t hold water, handles extreme weather well, is lightweight, and basically doesn’t need maintenance other than surface cleaning. Despite this, a bad quality set can still crack, fade, or look overly synthetic.Aluminum
Good powder coated aluminum is low maintenance, doesn’t rust, handles weather well, and lightweight. Cons are that it can get pretty hot to the touch if left in direct sunlight, especially with dark colors.Seagrass
Compared to synthetic rugs, seagrass doesn’t hold up well when wet as it’s prone to mildew and hard to clean. Make sure to vacuum it regularly, and blot and dry spills immediately. Always make sure to dry it thoroughly. You can use baking soda to soak up any moisture if needed.Great for hosting a group
Before we host weekend brunch, summer BBQs, or dinner parties, consider patio furniture that accommodates the right amount of guests and keeps them comfortable.
Teak furniture is popular for its timeless look and durability for patio furniture. This set is made from a high quality Indonesian teak wood. Features include an extendable table to switch between smaller or larger gatherings, seat cushions, and an umbrella hole. It’s perfect for a classic cottage patio look. Unfortunately, wood requires a bit of maintenance. Teak is on the easier end but it could still be more than what most people are willing to do.
Safavieh Fontana 4-piece Acacia Outdoor Conversation Patio Set
Safavieh Fontana 4-piece Acacia Outdoor Conversation Patio SetThis set has a similar wooden vibe for smaller spaces and can seat up to 4 people. It has options for a variety a finishes and cushion colors. The sustainable acacia wood has a look comparable to teak at a much lower price point, and it’s lighter, making it a popular alternative.
Ovios 5-Piece High Back Patio Wicker Conversation Set
Ovios 5-Piece High Back Patio Wicker Conversation SetCompared to wood, wicker seating usually feels softer and more lounge oriented. This all-weather set features a higher back, thick cushions, curved ergonomic arm rests, and weather-resistant UV protected covers. Due to its high resistance to deterioration and durability, it’s suitable for outdoor areas and require little maintenance. It definitely won’t have the premium feel of wood, though.
Once you add a fire pit to a patio, it usually becomes the hub for gatherings. This one is versatile and can work as a table during the day. The rectangular shape is easy to fit in with most seating arrangements. It comes with lava rocks add has a push button ignition. Other than being made of durable, lasting aluminum with a powder-coated finish, it has a cover to keep it protected when not in use.
Backyard Discovery 100-Qt Acacia Bar Cart & Beverage Cooler
Backyard Discovery 100-Qt Acacia Bar Cart & Beverage CoolerPart cooler, part serving station, this is a piece that any host would love. The acacia wood makes it stylish, and it’s functional with the built in towel racks, bottle opener, 100 quart capacity, and locking wheels. A nice touch is the air shock hinges to prevent slamming of the lid, and a drain. This is especially useful for summer gatherings where people are constantly grabbing drinks. It comes with a protective cover for storage and a 5 year warranty.
For two, please
Here are a few great sets that seat two in wicker and wood options.
Smaller patios and balconies benefit from furniture too. Most wicker sets can look bulky, but this one has a slim profile using steel arms and legs. It comes with removable cushions for easy clean ups and a small coffee table with a glass surface. Perfect for morning coffee or quiet afternoons with a friend or partner.
3-Piece Wicker Outdoor Bar Set
3-Piece Wicker Outdoor Bar SetShare a drink with a friend or have a romantic dinner with this wicker bar set. Bar height seating naturally feels more social and casual. This set has storage underneath for barware or serveware, cushions, and a glass tabletop. Good for patios where there isn’t enough room for a full setup.
Traditional Adirondack seating can look bulky and oversized for smaller patios, but the dual bench design here makes better use of space. The built in center table holds your drinks or snacks during longer evenings outside. Brings a fun rustic charm and comes ready to paint.
Arcola Outdoor Acacia Club Chair Set by Christopher Knight Home
Arcola Outdoor Acacia Club Chair Set by Christopher Knight HomeSometimes you just need a good pair of chairs instead of an entire matching set. These work especially well for filling awkward corners, balancing larger layouts, or creating smaller side seating. The geometric acacia frame gives it a modern yet minimalistic look that is still classy, and it comes with water resistant cushions.
Swinging by or lying about
If you just come out here to relax, all of these leisurely pieces can be napped on or lounged in comfortably, from rocking chairs you can read in, to a daybed for naps.Cambridge Casual Alston Wood Outdoor Rocking Chair
Cambridge Casual Alston Wood Outdoor Rocking ChairThere’s something classic about a wooden rocking chair that never really goes out of style. This one keeps the look simple, with a slatted wood frame that looks great on porches or tucked beside a garden. Comes in multiple color options.
Highwood Lehigh 4-Foot Eco-friendly Synthetic Wood Porch Swing
Highwood Lehigh 4-Foot Eco-friendly Synthetic Wood Porch SwingPorch swings have a nostalgic quality that works great in front porches or shaded corners. This one is made in the USA and uses high grade poly lumber designed to handle the weather all year without the upkeep that real wood demands. Its durable and comes with chains to hang them, plus a 12 year warranty.
For something more lounge focused, this oversized rocker is a must. The seat is deep cushioned with wider proportions on a heavy duty steel frame that supports up to 450lbs. Especially good for covered patios or anywhere you’d like to read or nap.
Nothing makes a backyard feel more vacation coded than a hammock. The double quilted non-fading fabric is sturdy enough for 2 adults and the included steel stand means there’s no need to rely on trees. It’s also easy to assemble. No tools necessary and takes minutes.
Safavieh Outdoor Cadeo Wicker Daybed with Pillows & Cushions
Safavieh Outdoor Cadeo Wicker Daybed with Pillows & CushionsSoak up the sun in this wicker daybed that will make you feel as if you’re on vacation. Between the removable oversized cushions and wicker base, it feels closer to resort furniture than standard outdoor seating. Best suited for larger patios or poolside areas where there’s enough room for something oversized.
Rugs put the cherry on… bottom?
Rugs tie it all together to ground the space you created. It separates the living area, making it feel completely different than just furniture floating on concrete.
If you plan to get a lot of daily use, this rug is probably the more practical route. The synthetic fibers are designed to handle sun exposure, high traffic, stains, and weather. It virtually doesn’t shed either, keeping cleaning easy and maintenance low. There’s a good selection of colors and sizes to suit your needs, too.
Safavieh Natural Fiber Marina Basketweave Seagrass Rug
Safavieh Natural Fiber Marina Basketweave Seagrass RugFor a more textured piece, this seagrass rug gives a warmer feeling to your space. The basketweave has an easy coastal cottage aesthetic that leans more casual than posh. I’d recommend this for covered areas, or drier climates.
Creating an Outdoor Space You’ll Actually Want to Use
A good patio doesn’t need to be spacious or aesthetic to be enjoyed. Sometimes it’s simply a great chair in the right corner that makes you want to spend more time outside.Before buying furniture, it helps to think less about trends and focus more on practicality. Do you plan to eat or lounge? Are you hosting groups or is it just you? Does this area have shade? Maintenance plays one of the biggest roles too. Furniture that you can keep clean easily will naturally be used more.
At the end of the day, the goal is to create another space in your home that can be enjoyed. It usually comes together over time, piece by piece. Even a small addition can make a big difference.