Your backyard is a substantial part of your home, but it’s all too common to be the last area that gets the attention it deserves.
Whether you have a spacious area or you have a modest patio that radiates cozy potential, adding the right outdoor patio furniture to your space can be a transformative experience.
Sure, furniture will suddenly make it more usable, coaxing you to spend more time enjoying the outdoors, but it goes far beyond that.
Your space is a reflection of you and can become an extension of your personality to tie your home together.
What’s more, is that once your patio receives a little love, you’ll crave inviting your closest friends and families over to enjoy your new private outdoor escape!
Curious about where to begin, and what outdoor patio furniture would be a good fit for your space?
Then read on, because we’re covering it all below—from the most common materials (including an ultra-ecofriendly option) to our favorite patio elements to suit any lifestyle!
Let’s get started.
Popular Outdoor Patio Furniture Materials
The material your outdoor patio furniture is made of is a key element to consider.
Your furniture will be exposed to the elements most (if not all) months of the year and will need to be able to withstand the wear and tear that can cause.
While investing in weather covers and freeing up some space indoors to store your furniture during the cooler months can help, the material your furniture is made from will have the largest impact on its longevity.
So, what exactly are the best materials for outdoor furniture?
Wicker
Wicker is by far one of the most common materials in outdoor furniture, boasting the class-weaved design that’s left people transfixed for decades.
Traditionally, wicker was made from woven plant materials, but in today’s day and age, synthetic materials have become far more common.
In fact, some companies have taken their sustainability efforts even further by using recyclable materials, such as Ebel Incorporated, which recently released Eco-Weave, that’s made from recycled ocean plastic!
Not only does this increase durability, but it also makes them more weather-resistant.
The aesthetic of wicker furniture is possibly one of the most versatile on the market, seamlessly complementing a wide range of personal styles, from a classic rustic charm to a sleek, contemporary space.
If that’s not enough, wicker is also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to rearrange or transport, ensuring it fits a variety of lifestyles and needs.
Wrought Iron
Another timeless classic, wrought iron furniture brings an air of sophistication that’s hard to beat.
This durable, heavy material makes this furniture perfect for withstanding varying weather conditions, withstanding the test of time with ease.
Pair that with the often intricate craftsmanship that goes into these pieces of furniture, from subtle twists and turns to intricate designs, and you’ve got a robust yet elegant piece of furniture.
When it comes to wrought iron furniture, it’s important to give it the attention it deserves to ensure it remains in pristine condition. With regular rust inspections and protective coatings, this furniture can bring decades of enjoyment to your patio.
Aluminum
If you’re looking for something with an ultra-modern aesthetic that’s both lightweight and highly durable, aluminum furniture is the way to go.
Naturally rust-resistant, aluminum furniture provides a long-lasting solution to your outdoor patio needs and can easily be moved or rearranged when the mood strikes.
This makes it particularly good for those who live in areas with frequent rain or humid environments.
Better yet, aluminum is also resistant to fading, ensuring you can maintain its stylish look with minimal maintenance, even after years of summer sun.
Poly Lumber
The new kid on the block who’s making big waves when it comes to sustainability is poly lumber!
This modern material is made of high-density polyethylene, which is a type of plastic (think milk jugs and detergent bottles) that’s highly durable, impact-resistant, and lightweight.
Opting for furniture made from this material is a great way to ensure your patio looks immaculate while remaining eco-friendly.
Another appealing benefit of poly lumber is its minimal maintenance requirements.
Unlike traditional wood that would require resealing every couple of years, furniture made of poly lumber can simply be wiped down, and it’s good to go!
The Best Outdoor Patio Furniture For a Cozy Backyard
Now that you have an idea of what kind of materials you’re looking for, let’s dive into some of the best outdoor patio furniture to create the perfect cozy retreat!
Loungers
Poolside or just under the sun, adding a lounger to your patio may be just what you need to give in and enjoy those quiet, relaxing days!
With their ample leg room, you can stretch out and settle into a good book or put two side by side and enjoy gazing at the stars while you catch up with a loved one.
Chairs, Couches, and Loveseats
Whether you enjoy hosting events surrounded by friends and family or simply want a comfortable outdoor space to settle into after a long day, adding various seating options is a must.
If you’re a morning person who would love stepping into your backyard as you enjoy your morning coffee, consider adding some rocking chairs along your patio.
On the other hand, if quality time is what you’re after, opt for couches and loveseats lined with plush cushions to bring your favorite people together.
With a wide range of sizes, these cozy options are possible to add to nearly any space, bringing a dose of relaxation and style where it’s needed.
Poufs
You may be wondering: “What is a pouf?”
Well, have you ever seen those little stool-like chairs that sit on the ground? Those are poufs, and with their shape and height, they’re the perfect multi-functional piece of furniture!
Sit back and put your feet up as you enjoy a quiet moment of peace outside, leaning back in your favorite chair and propping your feet up on top of the pouf.
Have a small space and suddenly feel short on seating? Expand your seating in seconds by using your poufs as stools!
Whatever your situation, this piece of furniture is perfect for adding a decorative touch to your space while maximizing functionality.
Adirondack Chairs
These chairs are quite similar to Muskoka chairs, but are actually more spacious, offering a higher back and a wider seat.
They also come in a variety of styles, providing that same curve-hugging comfort with the flexibility to complement any aesthetic.
One of the best things about these chairs is that they are equally as comfortable without cushions as they are with, making them incredibly versatile based on budget and need.
Furthermore, these chairs come in a vast array of colors, from a striking red to a captivating sage green or an au-natural shade of cedar.
Whether you opt to add them to your patio to bring a flare of color to your space or want to recreate a coastal theme, Adirondack chairs can do it all.
Patio Umbrellas
If privacy and sun safety are top of mind, adding an umbrella to your patio may be the perfect element to consider.
While not a traditional piece of “furniture,” patio umbrellas have long since been a staple in outdoor spaces, offering a cool dose of shade while promoting a sense of class.
These umbrellas come in a wide range of colors and styles, with many boasting a modern edge for an air of elegance.
In fact, some models even include under-lighting, drenching your space in a subtle glow after dark to keep the festivities outdoors longer!
These stunning umbrellas have become a popular choice, offering more functionality than traditional designs.
Whether you’re looking to keep prying eyes at bay from neighboring homes, or simply want to enjoy your backyard even on the hottest days, a patio umbrella is sure to hit the mark!
Outdoor Patio Furniture to Enhance Meal Time
If you’re a foodie who loves throwing dinner parties and soirees, you can’t go wrong with adding some dining options to your patio.
Here are two popular options worth considering.
Dining Sets
Dining sets are an American backyard staple, bringing friends and families together for delicious meals in the great outdoors.
These tables come in various styles, from wood and aluminum to iron or even glass, and they’re the perfect way to bring your space together with a functional, elegant centerpiece.
Whether you opt for a long harvest table to fit all your loved ones or envision a smaller, round table for family dinners, there are plenty of options to suit a range of spaces and needs.
When considering which table to invest in, find one that is both durable and easy to clean, especially if young children will be claiming a spot during your dinner parties.
The last thing you want is to be struggling to clean out spilled food from between woven wicker!
For an easy-to-clean solution, look for tables with glass tops that can easily be wiped down, and iron or poly-lumber frames that liquids and foods can’t seep into.
Bistro Tables
Are you dreaming of something a bit more dainty that’s perfect for solo mornings as you enjoy your coffee or romantic dinners for two?
Bistro tables are the perfect way to bring a heavy dose of sophistication to your space without taking up too much room.
With their smaller size and often intricate design, they can serve as a functional yet decorative element, boasting an air of high-class elegance when not in use.
One of the most appealing factors of bistro tables is the various heights they come in.
While traditional dining tables maintain a standard height, bistro sets have variations that are much taller, requiring bar seating.
This is a great way to add some extra dimension to your backyard while also catering to those taller individuals.
Accessories to Elevate Your Space
Furniture can only go so far, and to truly complete your space, adding some accessories can go a long way.
These are great solutions when it comes to adding a small dose of color to an otherwise neutral aesthetic while enhancing the overall feel of the space.
Here are some of our favorite patio accessories:
- Rugs: Adding an outdoor run not only adds a touch of warmth to the space but also makes your space even more comfortable. Consider adding a gripped carpet mat below to keep it from slipping on your patio, and opt for a color that complements your overall aesthetic.
- Throw Pillows: Speaking of comfort, nothing coaxes people to settle in for a relaxing evening quite like some plush throw pillows! Better yet, with various covers, you can switch up the feel of your space in minutes, exchanging covers to match the season or the theme of an event!
- Fire Tables: Looking for a way to keep your kids engaged while also adding an extra-cozy appeal to evening events? Adding a fire table to your deck or patio can be the perfect solution. Set your yard aglow with gentle hues of orange and red while you enjoy the subtle crackling of flames. When it comes to family time, make memories as you build s’mores or roast marshmallows right in your backyard!
Shop Premium Outdoor Patio Furniture at Johnson Pools & Spas
Whether you’ve decided it’s finally time to overhaul your backyard to design your dream space, or you’re simply looking for that perfect element to bring your space together, Johnson Pools & Spas has everything you need!
With our wide selection of outdoor patio furniture, hot tubs, pools, and grills, you’re sure to discover the perfect mix of items to breathe new life into your space.
We’ve been transforming backyards across Huntsville for over four decades, and our talented team of backyard leisure experts are passionate about bringing blissful relaxation into your backyard.
Contact us, or visit our showroom to discover your new backyard essentials today!
