More people are choosing to spend their limited leisure time with Mother Nature, in the form of backyard living. Enjoying our backyards has long been part of sunny summer days and crisp autumn nights, but now, we’re extending more of our indoor living activities into the outdoors. Things like outdoor kitchens and bars, televisions, furniture that resembles living room sofas, and long, flowing curtains, are all making their way to patios and decks.
Whether you’re going full-on outdoor kitchen, or a simple hammock for lazy Saturday afternoons, you can find inspiration for every space and every taste in this list.
Patio Chairs
Wisconsin Adirondack Chair
If you love the idea of an Adirondack chair, but want something a little more personalized, you can get one shaped like the state of Wisconsin. Not a cheesehead? No worries. Check out the Etsy shop for chairs representing your favorite places.
Get it from TwoHeartedCabincraft on Etsy
Set of Adirondack Furniture
This beautiful Adirondack furniture set completes every image of relaxing outdoors with a nice drink at the end of the day. Spring, Summer or Fall, these chairs are just begging you to enjoy the sunset. You can learn more about the craftsmanship behind these pieces through IndkedWoodworking on Etsy.
Get it from Inked Woodworking on Etsy
Heavy Duty Recycled Adirondack
Made from 100% recycled materials, this heavy duty chair isn’t likely to blow over in the wind. Beyond the eco-advantages, this is also ideal lakeside, poolside, or in the Pacific northwest – as the chair is resistant to rot and mildew.
Get it from DwellSmart
Metal Patio Chair
When you’re ready for the nostalgia of Great Aunt Cindy’s beach house, you need not look further than the classic metal patio chair. This durable seating comes in an array of colors. Awesome memories of summers past come free.
Get it from Wayfair
Stackable Bamboo Chairs
Fan of bamboo? These durable chairs are stackable, making it an ideal choice for anyone needing to maximize their space.
Get it from Mastergardenproducts on Etsy
Kentucky Stick Chairs
If you’re ready for a break from the norm, the Kentucky Stick Chair may be what you need. A unique take on the classic Adirondack, these handmade chairs have an extended back, ideal for taller folks, or if you need to rest your eyes for a spell.
Get it from KentuckyStickChairs on Etsy
Swinging Chairs
Rope Hammock Chair
For some of us, lounging a summer day away with a well-deserved nap is nothing short of perfect. What better way to do that than with a comfy hammock? Learn more about this beauty on Wayfair.
Get it from Wayfair
Pallet Swing
Perfect for anyone with mature shade trees in their backyard. A casual kind of classy is the well-constructed pallet swing. Pallet furniture has emerged victorious as more people are looking for creative ways to upcycle this readily available wood.
Get it from RustedRootsCreations on Etsy
Tear Drop Swinging Chair
When a regular hammock simply won’t do, consider the swinging tear drop chair. This is perfect for those times when you really need to hide. Even in your own backyard.
Get it from Wayfair
Rocking Chairs
Front-Porch Rocker
Anyone who has enjoyed a large front porch knows the feeling of a classic wooden rocker. Savor nice weather and past memories in a chair like this.
Get it from The Rocking Chair Company
Wicker Rocking Chairs
Combine two patio classics; wicker and rocker. Grab a couple of comfortable pillows and you’ve got iconic patio seating.
Get it from Wayfair
A History of Outdoor Furniture
The growing trend in creating outdoor living spaces that incorporate more of the indoors might suggest that this is a relatively new idea, but the truth is, even ancient civilizations enjoyed their outdoor furniture. Archaeologists have even uncovered wicker furniture made of reeds and swamp grasses that grew along the Nile in Egypt.
While wicker has long been a popular weave in outdoor furniture, in other parts of the world outdoor seating was made from materials that were available in the area. Roman gardens were commonly made of stone, and during the middle ages, seating was crafted from the earth. Yes – dirt. Packed into forms and topped with grass, wood, or stones.
Much of what is still popular today was introduced centuries ago. Wrought iron furniture stands the test of time if cared for properly, and is classic in its appearance and visual appeal. Wooden furniture began as indoor furniture, but in England and America was brought outside to extend living space, even into public areas where the need prompted the building of public benches. This eventually led to the building of outdoor patio furniture out of specific kinds of wood such as teak, that can withstand harsh outdoor elements for many years.
Today, the options for outdoor furniture are seemingly endless. Depending on how you’ll use your outdoor spaces: front and back patios, decks, or porches, there is something for virtually every function and every taste. You may want to incorporate furniture that allows for many purposes; relaxation, dining, and entertaining.
Bar and Bistro Furniture
3-Piece Bar Set
Sometimes we want to create an atmosphere that suggests it’s simply just time to have some fun, and this is one of the best ways to do just that. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday evening than with a cocktail under the stars.
Get it from Wayfair
Patio Bistro Set
Just enough space on your front porch for a couple of chairs? Enjoy these cushy seats while sipping your favorite hot beverage in the morning.
Get it from Joss & Main
5-Piece Bar Set
Not only is a bar table ideal for cocktails with friends, but this set is made of recycled wood. Look for more products by Polywood at Wayfair.
Get it from Wayfair
Garden Benches
Iron Kissing Bench
Anyone in the mood to throw it all the way back to the Victorian era for a tete-a-tete? You can’t go wrong with this “kissing bench”, or anything crafted out of wrought iron for that matter. There is a reason iron has stood the test of time; not only is it beautiful, it lasts.
Get it from Wayfair
Curved Stone Garden Bench
If you’re lucky enough to have a strolling garden or lush landscaping off of your patio, this lovely stone bench is sure to add a touch of class.
Get it from Wayfair
Japanese Hardwood Bench
This exquisite hand-made piece of art is contemporary in nature, but would arguably fit in most patio settings. A piece traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies or entrances for the removal of shoes, it would surely add to the beauty of your outdoor space.
Get it from Jtansu on Etsy
Barrel Furniture
Solid Oak Whisky Barrel Table Set
You don’t have to be a whiskey lover to appreciate the cleverness of this patio set. Functional even for smaller spaces, and a definite conversation piece!
Get it from Cheekychicksltd on Etsy
Hand-Crafted Wine Barrel Furniture
Wine lovers rejoice! Enjoy your favorite Cabernet while sitting in the very place it came from. This hand-made furniture is lovingly crafted from recycled wine barrels.
Get it from Gordon Living on CustomMade
Drum Barrel Furniture Set
Love the idea of upcycling while owning something incredibly stylish and comfortable? This furniture is made out of recycled barrels. Complete with nicks and dings from industrial use. The curve of the barrel fits perfectly with the natural curve of your back, giving you a comfortable seat.
Get it from The Spotted Door
Chaises, Lounges, and Sofas
Retractable Canopy Wicker Sofa
If you’re looking for something uniquely stylish while being highly functional, this round wicker rattan sofa furniture is also a day bed hiding a table. This easily retractable piece converts to fit your needs while providing shade when you need it.
Get it from Amazon
4-Piece Cushion Sectional
The popular trend of moving our indoor living outdoors continues, and that means comfortable patio furniture that beckons you to grab a good book as much as your sofa does. This set invites you to enjoy a quiet afternoon alone, or invite friends and neighbors for a backyard party.
Get it from Wayfair
Kids Double Chaise Lounge with Canopy
Your kids may actually agree to take their afternoon nap if they can do it in this adorable chaise lounge. Complete with canopy, your little ones will be enjoying their own patio space in style.
Get it from Amazon
Poolside Bean Bag
Bean bags have come a long way. Not just for dorm rooms anymore, this fun seating is durable enough for outdoor weather. When you’re ready to clean the cover, just throw it in the wash.
Get it from PositiveBeanBags on Etsy
Outdoor Dining
TerraCycle Hexagon Table
This hexagon shaped adds a little something new to your picnic design, but even better, it’s made from 100% recycled plastic. Environmentally friendly and maintenance free, this table features a walk-through design and umbrella hole.
Get it from DwellSmart
Rustic Log Tables
For those preferring something more rustic, these hand-peeled log pieces are handmade from natural materials. Learn more at Appalachian Designs.
Get it from Appalachian Designs
Recycled Kids Table
Put those used candy wrappers towards a good cause with this 100% recycled kids picnic table. Available in 4, 6, and 8 ft sizes.
Get it from DwellSmart
1950’s Vintage Patio Set
If you loved the 50’s, or weren’t actually there but love the idea of it, this vintage set screams, “bring me a Tom Collins!” It’s small enough that it won’t take up much space and easily folds up for convenient storage.
Get it from HighStreetSouth on Etsy
Farmhouse Trough Table
You don’t need to own a farmhouse to own a farmhouse table. Made of reclaimed wood, this table includes a trough for icing down drinks but can be customized to your liking.
Get it from EverReignDesigns on Etsy
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