The 31 best outdoor patio furniture pieces, according to design experts

CNN

30-04-2025

Patio furniture quick picks
A splurge-worthy sofa: Outer 3-Seat Wicker Outdoor Sofa
Seating with a built-in table: Foredawn Silvan Acacia Wood Outdoor Bench
A two-in-one piece: Trent Austin Designs Kinzie Smokeless Fire Pit Table
For small outdoor spaces: Flamaker 3-Piece Wicker Patio Set The onset of warmer weather means many of us will be spending more time outside, and if you're lucky enough to have an outdoor space around your home — like a backyard, porch, terrace or balcony — some thoughtful patio furniture and decor can help you relax in maximum comfort.
For utmost enjoyment, you'll want to get your patio space set up before the summer season is fully underway, which makes now the perfect time to shop for the missing pieces to your outdoor oasis. To help you find exactly what you need, we asked design experts for their favorite patio furniture pieces and what to look for when shopping for your space.
Polywood Modern Adirondack Chair
A timeless and comfy addition to any patio, this Polywood Adirondack chair is backed by an impressive 20-year warranty and comes in over a dozen colors. Dina Marciano, founder of Dina Marciano Design and author of 'Nature's Muse,' recommends these ultra-durable chairs, noting that they're also very low-maintenance to care for.
Greensum Outdoor Sofa
This convertible daybed has three different configurations: one for sitting like a regular couch, one for reclining back and another for laying fully flat. It's a great choice if you need a space-saving patio sofa but don't want to compromise on versatility.
Bernhardt Palermo 95-Inch Aluminum Outdoor Loveseat
Colleen Bennett, founder and lead designer of CBB Design Firm, likes that the sloped silhouette of this loveseat helps bring the coziness of the indoors outside. '[It's] gorgeous for a patio in front of the fireplace and invites you to cuddle up outdoors,' Bennett said.
Neighbor Haven Outdoor Sofa
Marciano likes that this Neighbor sofa is made from sustainably sourced teak wood, which makes for a durable build. The included cushions are made of stain- and fade-resistant Sunbrella fabric, guaranteeing a style that will stay looking brand-new and beautiful for years.
Outer 3-Seat Wicker Outdoor Sofa
Outer's furniture definitely falls more in the splurge category, but we've tested this three-seat sofa ourselves and loved the solid build and beautiful design. Especially noteworthy is the brand's patented OuterShell — a protective cover that zips onto the back of the cushions and rolls over them to keep them safe from the elements. Outer's comfortable pieces are also modular, so you can reconfigure this three-seat sofa into a loveseat with an extra chair or slowly pick up more pieces as the needs of your space grow. Read our review
Lane Venture Ernest Teak Adirondack Chair
A fresh take on a traditional Adirondack style, this is Bennett's favorite outdoor chair. 'I love the style as it has an old world yet modern sensibility that's perfect next to an outdoor fireplace in the mountains or lakeside,' Bennett said. Inspired by the life of and named after author Ernest Hemingway, this chair is exactly the kind of thing you might find in the gardens of his famous Key West residence.
Big Joe Milano Outdoor Bean Bag Chair
Matt Mosher, co-founder and CEO of Dzinly, reminds us that outdoor furniture doesn't have to be formal; it can also be cozy, casual and fun. He likes these Big Joe bean bag chairs for accessorizing a patio space and providing extra seats for lounging.
Foredawn Silvan Acacia Wood Outdoor Bench With Pop-Up Table
Perfect for creating a welcoming front porch or tucking under a shady spot in your backyard, this acacia wood bench also has a space-saving folding table built into the design, so you'll have a convenient spot to rest your drinks, snacks or books as you bask.
Emma + Oliver Rattan Restaurant Chairs, 2-Pack
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, this set of rattan chairs is great if you just want something to sit in that's a little bit more elegant than your go-to sporting or camping chairs. Thanks to the steel frame support, these chairs can bear up to 352 pounds and are stackable for easy storage.
Burrow Dunes Teak Outdoor 4-Piece Sectional
Burrow makes everything from sleeper sofas to mattresses to standing desks to couches, so it might come as no surprise that the brand has several patio furniture offerings too. Though Burrow's products are quite a splurge, we've loved everything we've tried from the brand. Marciano recommends Burrow's stylish modular furnishings too, like this teak sectional that's great for personal lounging or creating a cozy conversation corner when you entertain.
Birch Lane Woodland Teak Porch Swing Bed
Bennett loves the idea of a swing bed for your porch, since it elicits an inviting energy perfect for curling up and reading a good book or chit-chatting with friends on a summer's day. This teak wood swing by Birch Lane has a slightly rustic look and comes with all the hardware needed to mount it, plus one seat and four backrest cushions so you can enjoy its comfortable sway right away.
Latitude Run Patio Chair With Cushions and Ottoman
If you're dealing with a small outdoor space — like a balcony, terrace or porch — this patio chair will allow you to relax comfortably while keeping a low profile. This set comes with a chair and ottoman that you can separate to create seating for two people or push together to create a full-body lounger ideal for one.
Williams Sonoma Home Calistoga Outdoor Sofa
Drawing inspiration for the rustic but refined aesthetic of California's wine country, the frame on this Williams Sonoma sofa is made of rustproof aluminum and the included cushions are offered in over 20 upholstery options. And if you're looking to round out this sofa, you can pick up a matching table, chair and chaise lounger too.
Modway Arbor Outdoor Patio Wood Swing Chair
A swing chair makes for a fun and interactive statement piece on your patio that people of all ages can enjoy. Made of all-weather synthetic rattan, this chair comes with a steel support frame that allows you to place it anywhere you'd like, plus a longer chain if you'd prefer to permanently mount it instead.
Kingsley Bate Hyannis Outdoor Teak Dining Table
Great for those who need a sturdy option for entertaining large groups, this table comes with two self-storing butterfly leaves that can be used to extend the tabletop space. 'It's made of 60-year-old teak from Kingsley Bate — the epitome of outdoor,' Bennett said. 'Perfect for any location and any dining chair.'
Lark Manor Ballarat Square Steel Outdoor Dining Table
A dining option big enough to seat the whole family, this steel table can comfortably accommodate up to eight people and has an adjustable umbrella hole if you prefer to dine in the shade (though you'll have to provide the umbrella yourself). If you don't need something this large, you can grab a similar rectangular version that seats up to six.
Ebern Designs Round Outdoor Side Table
Need something to match your Adirondack chairs? Try this sturdy side table that has the same look and feel, while also being water-, heat- and UV fade-resistant. While it's roomy enough to hold trays, drinks and other outdoor must-haves, it also has a bearing capacity of up to 200 pounds, so you can sit on it if you need an extra seat too.
Trent Austin Designs Kinzie Square Concrete Propane Smokeless Fire Pit Table With Lid
The dawn of cooler months doesn't mean your patio has to retire for the season. 'Fire pits are probably the most popular outdoor feature in spaces today,' Mosher said. You can enjoy a brisk fall evening huddled outside while basking in the warmth provided by this smokeless fire pit table. Though it doesn't come with one included, you can also pick up a glass guard to help better contain the flames from wind or careless limbs.
Grand Patio Round Steel Coffee Table
Simple, sturdy and fun, this steel table will bring a cheery pop of color to your patio space. It's available in six bright shades plus black and white options in case you want something more neutral.
Lark Manor Ajuni Rectangular Acacia Outdoor Coffee Table
Maybe you already have your seating sorted and just need a coffee table to fully round out your space. Made of solid acacia wood and coated in a water- and UV-resistant finish, this rectangular table is simple enough to stylishly pair with any furnishings you might already have. It's also a Wayfair Verified item, meaning it's been carefully inspected by one of Wayfair's experts against a more than 20-point checklist to ensure it meets your every expectation.
Beachcrest Home Brown Sneed Round Glass Outdoor Coffee Table
At 33 pounds, this wicker coffee table is light enough to move around your space as you need, but the inner steel frame and glass top also make it a durable choice for enduring festive gatherings and weeknight hangs. The brown wicker design is also easily matched to other dark-colored wicker furnishings and coordinates well with metal finishes too.
Rattaner Outdoor Wicker Coffee Table
Available in black and brown wicker finishes, this affordable coffee table has a tempered glass top to give extra stability and durability, plus a storage shelf for holding spare pillows, books, remotes or games.
Andover Mills Frazer 2-Person Square Outdoor Dining Set With Cushions
A bistro set inspired by the French country aesthetic, this three-piece set is ideal for creating a quaint outdoor nook even in tight spaces. You can grab it in four colors, each with a glass top table for easy cleaning.
Yardbird Langdon Outdoor Fire Pit Table Set
Marciano said this elegant set from Yardbird is built for gatherings. Made of recycled ocean plastic, the chairs in this set have wide arm rests for comfortably supporting drinks. You can even take your pick of fire pit shape from square, rectangle and round options.
Flamaker 3-Piece Wicker Patio Set
Made of steel and all-weather rattan, this set is designed to be much sturdier than its $100 price point might let on. At 14 inches high, the chairs might sit a bit low for some, but the modern look can be kept simple or jazzed up with your choice of throw pillows to match any existing decor.
Maison Boucle Yami 3-Piece Acacia Wood Patio Dining Set
A fresh take on a traditional picnic table design, the acacia wood benches from this set can be stored underneath the table when not in use to save space. It's a simple addition to your patio, but the striking diagonally grained wood design also makes this set an inviting statement piece.
Wildon Home Sutiya 6-Person Rectangular Outdoor Dining Set
If you want to grab everything you need for your patio in one fell swoop, this Wildon Home set will have you dining alfresco instantly. Complete with six swivel chairs, a steel table and a large umbrella to keep everyone cool in the shade, this set can support intimate dinner party gatherings or serve as a personal oasis for lowkey, relaxing afternoons.
Red Barrel Studio Justussr 9-Person Rectangular Outdoor Dining Set
With space to seat up to nine people, this dining set from Red Barrel Studio can be used for daily lounging or gathering for casual meals. You'll have the combined benefits of a comfy sectional and functional dining set in this singular, space-saving design.
Rattaner Patio Furniture Set, 6-Piece
A complete patio set you can rearrange to support your needs, this pick comes with one sofa with three seats, two single chairs, two ottomans and a coffee table, each made with all-weather wicker.
Gracie Oaks Cotswald 4-Person Round Outdoor Dining Set With Cushions
Made of acacia wood, this dining set looks like something you'd want to keep protected inside, even though it's made of durable water- and wear-resistant materials. You can grab it in this light gray finish and it will feel as if you've been instantly transported to a charming country estate each time you pull a chair out.
Better Homes & Gardens Tarren 6-Piece Steel Outdoor Dining Set
Part picnic table, part seated dining piece, this Better Homes & Gardens set is equipped to handle formal dining and casual hangs. Made with steel and adorned with soft, comfy cushions, this light gray and tan set has a sophisticated look that can match an array of patio aesthetics. Decide what pieces to spend more on
Finding affordable patio furniture that can stand up to the elements and years of seasonal wear isn't easy. But before you go spending a fortune, our experts said some pieces are worth investing in more than others. 'If you're going to splurge, I would start with your sofa, your table and your dining chairs because those are the pieces you're going to use the most,' Bennett said. Because these larger items demand more room on your patio, they have a bigger sway in dictating the style, color tones and overall vibe of the space, which is why Bennett recommends finding these key pieces first. You don't need to invest as much into smaller items like stools, accent tables and side chairs — Marciano said there are plenty of affordable and stylish options for those.
Think about materials
According to Marciano, some good materials to look for in patio furniture are recycled aluminum, which is lightweight and rust-proof, as well as recycled plastics like Polywood, which is weatherproof, durable and low-maintenance. Natural materials like FSC-certified teak or eucalyptus wood are inherently weather-resistant, and other materials like natural rattan or woven rope can be long-lasting if properly protected from harsh elements.
When choosing materials, you should also consider the climate where you live and how it might affect your furniture. 'If you're in Florida, you're not going to want to have something that's exposed to the sun and metal,' Bennett said. 'It'll be super hot and it'll burn when you sit down. You want something like teak with cushions that can handle the weather and that can handle the hot sun.'
You should also think about who is going to be using your patio furniture, according to Bennett, whether it's just going to be you and your partner or if you have kids or pets that might be rougher on your outdoor pieces.
Make sure it's the right size
Before you buy any new furniture, Mosher said to ensure that the dimensions will fit comfortably in your space, explaining that poorly proportioned furniture can make a space feel too tight or too empty. Consider what you plan to use your outdoor space for too. If you expect to throw parties, for instance, make sure there will be enough seating for everyone at your table.
Don't forget about maintenance and cleaning
Taking proper care of your patio furniture will also help it look better for longer. Bennett said you can clean dirty cushions easily using a high-pressure power washer, and for wood materials like teak, you may need to re-seal them annually to prevent warping and wear.
Also keep in mind how the sun might alter the appearance of outdoor fabric. 'If you are placing something in the hot sun, you need to know if you have something that's going to fade,' Bennett said. 'Finding fade-resistant things is really important, but also having a cover over your outdoor furniture and using your patio umbrellas is really important to prevent fading. '
Marciano added that you can store cushions indoors and use furniture covers during harsh weather. For an extra layer of protection on your fabric cushions, Mosher said that you can seal them with Scotchgard or another water-resistant protectant.
The following FAQ has been answered by CNN Underscored's senior deals editor Rikka Altland.
When does patio furniture go on sale?
When does patio furniture go on sale?
To answer this, I consulted our own in-house deals team here at CNN Underscored. Senior deals editor Rikka Altland said you'll normally see the biggest deals events for patio furniture happening during the beginning of spring and the end of summer. 'Right now, everyone has sales to get your patio updated,' Altland said. 'Then in the fall, they'll have clearance sales to get rid of inventory.' Our deals team also noted that you can find savings on patio furniture during sales throughout the year, like during the Memorial Day or Labor Day holiday weekends.
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights on patio furniture.
Colleen Bennett, founder and lead designer of CBB Design Firm
Dina Marciano, founder of Dina Marciano Design and author of 'Nature's Muse'
Matt Mosher, co-founder and CEO of Dzinly
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy consulted three home designers to get their recommendations and tips for shopping for patio furniture.