16 Patio Furniture Ideas to Make Your Backyard a Destination

Outdoor Living Room

This outdoor space, complete with a fireplace, sitting area, dining room, and outdoor kitchen, feels just like home. A weatherproof set with a couch, coffee table, two chairs, and an ottoman is the perfect patio furniture idea. Adding a durable area rug completes the look and helps to define the space. Potted plants and throw pillows bring in an extra layer of comfort.

Tranquil Porch Space

You can create a tranquil and relaxing space on your porch with few furnishings. Here, simple wooden chairs paired with a low coffee table are a patio furniture idea that creates a calming retreat where you can start or end your day. Incorporate flowers for a more natural atmosphere.

Poolside Patio Furniture Idea

When looking for poolside furniture, remember that furniture and fabrics need to be weatherproof and chlorine-proof. Metal furniture is always a safe option since it won't rot with regular exposure to elements, including chlorine. Consider finding poolside lounge chairs with wheels so they can easily be moved when the sun changes position. Add comfort by adding cushions to the patio furniture. Look for fade-resistant outdoor fabrics.

Conversation Starter

For a smaller space, a round table can be the perfect patio furniture idea to create an atmosphere for conversation. Slim folding chairs don't take up much room yet are comfortable for long summer nights.

Add Ambiance to the Patio

Create an intimate setting on any patio by incorporating hanging lights, candles, and flower arrangements. Make the porch even more homey with bright colors and patterns on patio furniture cushions and pillows.

Bench Patio Furniture Ideas

Consider adding a built-in bench to your backyard or porch for additional outdoor seating. This L-shaped bench is backed with a modern-looking trellis to create structure as well as privacy. Install benches with lids to store outdoor toys and equipment.

Simple Patio Seating

A low, streamlined table on this porch is a patio furniture idea that makes a quaint outdoor dining spot. Double-stacked chair cushions replace actual chairs and make the setting feel more intimate. Modern wooden squares hang from a pergola and mimic a chandelier above the table setting.

Portable Patio Furniture

A table on sturdy casters can be easily repositioned where needed most. Adding wheels to outdoor furniture is a quick and easy DIY project that can be done in a day. For more control, use casters that also have brakes.

Wicker Patio Furniture

Wicker is made from sturdy stems and vines woven into intricate patterns. The material is a great patio furniture idea due to its lightweight, airy qualities and various designs and colors. Synthetic wicker is slightly more expensive than natural wicker but more versatile for outdoor furniture. Made from moistureproof resins and rustproof aluminum framing, synthetic wicker can withstand the elements, while natural wicker cannot.

Outdoor Kitchen

Add more than just a grill to your patio or backyard, and create a full-fledged outdoor kitchen. Here, a U-shaped kitchen has a stone countertop, cabinetry, and seating to make the perfect place to congregate and eat. The materials used in outdoor kitchens are the same as those used indoors, but they must be extra durable to stand up to the weather.

Wrought-Iron Patio Furniture

The workability of cast or wrought iron makes it an ideal patio furniture idea, even with such fanciful forms as the latticework and curved frames on this table and chair set. Black is a classic color for wrought iron, although it can be painted any color. The drawback is that it will rust if the finish is nicked or scratched. But if the painted finish is kept in good shape, the furniture can be left outdoors year-round.

Patio Dining Furniture Ideas

Keep proportion in mind to fit a dining table and chairs on a porch or patio. Look for a narrow and streamlined table and chairs for a small area to occupy less space. Space constraints aren't a concern here, so a long dining table works perfectly to accommodate a large group. Chairs with tall backs mean guests can comfortably stay and chat for a while.

Painted Patio Furniture

When metal outdoor furniture looks sad and worn, think about using paint to revive your favorite pieces. Look for a paint, such as spray paint, that's easy to apply, long-lasting, and rust-resistant. After applying new paint, consider updating the cushions for a total furniture transformation.

Cedar Patio Furniture

Furnishings made with various cedars, like western red cedar and northern white cedar, are smart patio furniture ideas because they're known for their durability and insect resistance. If left untreated, the wood weathers to a silvery gray over time. Use a deep-penetrating stain with mildewcide and water-repellent additives to keep cedar furniture looking new.

Teak Patio Furniture

The durability and water resistance of teak make it an excellent choice for poolside furniture and structures. To find the best teak, look for brands made from wood harvested on tree farms that are systematically replanted.

Maintaining Outdoor Patio Furniture

Outdoor furniture built from certain woods, such as pine, fir, and oak, must be protected from the weather with an annual coat of stain, paint, or sealer. Oil-based products are tougher than latex; gloss finishes last longer than semigloss or flat finishes. To keep wicker made from bamboo, rattan, or willow clean, use a mild oil-base soap, such as Murphy Oil Soap, diluted with warm water. Synthetic wicker can easily be cleaned with soap and water.

Use outdoor furniture covers over any furnishings left outdoors to protect them from crittters or harsh weather.