The sound of wind in the leaves, breakfast under the trees, and a wicker reading chair with your name on it—it’s easy to idealize life outside, even if the space you’re working with is a compact balcony. Crucial to realizing this daydream is having the right outdoor furniture for the job; why not let your imagination run a little wild? This latest class of furnishings is anything but boring. Chunky, oversized armchairs with cabana stripe upholstery and pink sofas with playfully curved frames act as eye candy; boldly patterned rugs and colorful, mod little lamps fill in the gaps.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Outdoor Furniture
Before you fully commit to your shopping cart, there are a few things you’ll want to sort out. If there’s a color that brightens your day—scarlet red, perhaps?—consider going all in on a tonal palette with your furniture, rug, and accessories to craft a pool of color among your outdoor greenery. If texture catches your eye, identify a few favorites so you don’t go overboard. And when it comes to accessories and accents, keep it tailored to your lifestyle. If you love to have groups of friends over, a fire pit to gather around will be your seasonal MVP; if you’ve found yourself a recent convert to the art of birding, a bird bath for your ornithological guests will come in handy.
Whatever space you’re working with, we pulled together an edit of the latest and greatest in outdoor furniture. Read on to take your backyard from thrown-together to something that’ll have your guests wondering, “did a designer consult on this?”
The Chairs
From overstuffed cushions to playful shapes, these outdoor chairs are just as fun as they are functional. An updated Adirondack chair courtesy of Crate & Barrel lets you bring the spirit of camping to your backyard without actually having to, you know, go camping; for something cozier to sink into, we’re eyeing Serena & Lily’s slipcovered swivel chair and Lulu & Georgia’s chunky green armchair. Bring your book, your chilled drink of choice, and prepare to while away an afternoon in the sun.