When it comes to furnishing your patio, comfort is key. From cozy armchairs to spacious sections and cool daybedsnew furniture can transform your outdoor space into a haven for relaxation or the ideal place for entertaining and hosting. Shopping for patio furniture is no easy feat; considering all the options on the market, it can be an overwhelming task. To help you find the perfect outdoor furniture for your home, we enlisted the help of interior design expert Julie Brayton. Keep reading for the best outdoor furniture to shop.
What is the best outdoor furniture to have?
If you’re thinking of redoing your entire backyard from scratch, Brayton recommends starting with outdoor lighting, which can instantly make the area more inviting. Then she suggests figuring out how you’ll use the space. “If it’s you and a partner, I’d start with a small bistro table and two chairs to enjoy coffee or dinner outside,” she says. “If you have a family that loves to eat out or someone who likes to entertain outdoors, join one dining table and chairs and or a bench.”
To decide which patio furniture to invest in, consider the arrangement first. Brayton likes to create different seating areas. “Depending on what your space looks like, a dining area will likely be the first area to appear, and then maybe it’s a two-seater bench at the end of your patio or garden, or behind your dining table,” she says. “Maybe two deeper sunbeds appear in an opposite part of the space.”
She also advises on choosing furniture that matches your home’s architecture, as well as the style of your interior, including color schemes, furniture shapes and materials. Whether your home leans contemporary and modern or have a more rustic and bohemian vibe, it’s best to choose patio furniture that reflects that aesthetic so that your entire home flows together.
In terms of materials, she suggests pieces made of wicker, iron and teak. As Brayton points out, patio furniture is likely to develop a patina over time, which we shouldn’t be afraid to embrace as it adds charm and shows depth. She also loves to include upholstery and textiles to soften the space. “Seasonally, you can change out blankets or cushions to make seating more comfortable,” she says. However, she recommends using covers and outdoor storage to protect fabrics from weather, stains and sun fading.
Where to buy the best outdoor furniture?
“Big-box retailers have some nice outdoor stuff,” says Brayton. Stores like Amazon, Target, and Wayfair sell tons of options that vary in design and price ranges. We also love outdoor collections from West Elm, Article and Castlery.
Going forward, we have developed the best, most comfortable outdoor furniture on the market for an elegant oasis in your backyard – regardless of the season.
Expert presented in this article
Julie Brayton is principal and co-founder of Brayton Interiors.
