Outdoor sofa

The Best Looking, Most Long-Lasting Outdoor Furniture Your Patio Needs This Summer

If you have an outdoor space, turning it into a summer retreat is a must. Whether you’re making over outdoor furniture or just want to decorate outdoor furniture, you can easily create the perfect lounge area for you with the right outdoor furniture. But before we dive into our favorite outdoor furniture recommendations, you need to nail down a few things first. Here are some tips to ensure you choose the best pieces for your outdoor area:

Figure out how you want to use the outdoor space.

Do you want it to be a spot where you can host dinner parties? Are you looking to create a private oasis for curling up with a good book? Or do you want it to be multifunctional? Knowing all of the activities you want to do in the space will help you determine what type of furniture you need.

Buy low-maintenance items that will last.

Furniture made of weather-resistant materials and accents that you can easily clean are a must. Look for metals like aluminum and steel, woods like teak and cedar, and all-weather wicker rattan. They’re durable, rust-resistant, and can last for years with the outdoor furniture. For your cozy accents—cushions, pillows, rugs—choose items with removable covers or pieces that can be thrown in the wash.

Don’t forget about storage.

When winter hits, it’s best to store as much outdoor furniture as you can somewhere inside, like in a basement or garage. If you’re tight on indoor storage space, consider stackable chairs, foldable furniture, or compact pieces. Another way to save space? Using multipurpose furniture. A ceramic stool can easily be used as a side table, or you can use a bench as the main seating for a hangout area and dining table.

Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to shop. Whether your style leans more colorful and boho or neutral and traditional, there’s a little something for everyone among these outdoor furniture picks. Shop for separate chairs, sofas, and coffee tables, or go straight for a conversation set or dining set, depending on what you want to use your space for. And of course, don’t forget an outdoor furniture to tie it all together.