The Best Outdoor Furniture to Transform Your Backyard or Balcony Into the Ultimate Summer Sanctuary

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Photographed by Jonathan Becker, Vogue, July 2006

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Searching for the best outdoor furniture? You’re far from alone—the category has seen a significant increase in search volume over the last three years, as the pandemic prompted a renewed interest in refreshing our backyards, patios, balconies, and lawns. And the fervent interest doesn’t show any signs of stopping: “Outdoor furniture will become more sophisticated and refined as we continue to spend more time entertaining outdoors, and our patios become true extensions of our interior décor,” Timothy Corrigan theorized in Vogue’s 2022 interior design trends report.

Indeed, many backyards have been getting a glamorous glow-up as of late. Last year, Louis Vuitton recently launched their own outdoor furniture line, while Loro Piana has now made their all-weather fabrics easier to order than ever. Meanwhile, Gubi continues to roll out a number of high-design objects for the outside. Last February, the Danish design company revived the rare, sunny pieces of cult Milanese designer Gabriella Crespi, while this year, they're offering lighting by Mathieu Matégot.

But where to begin when it comes to shopping for the perfect piece? Let’s start with the most basic of basics: a place to sit. A portable, lightweight slingback chair is perfect for those who need something simple. Looking to make a more permanent investment? You can’t go wrong with a classic Adirondack or a super-plushy cushioned lounge chair.

No summer night is complete without an al fresco meal, but you’ll need the right dining set to make that happen. For urbanites, a bistro set is a chic and space-conscious choice—order in a pop of color while you’re at it, as it does wonders against concrete. If you have an expansive lawn or patio and love to entertain, invest in a full dining set (afterwards, please invite me over for a cocktail or two) then lay down an outdoor rug to tie the whole setting together. And don’t forget the accessories: an artisanal planter, a rotund fire pit, and an aesthetically pleasing inflatable pool. (Yes, really.)

Below, 39 of the best pieces of outdoor furniture, whether you’re a city-dweller, country-lover, modernist, or traditionalist.

Chairs

From easy-to-move slingbacks to the cushy lounger you’ll never want to get up from, here are the perfect seats to drink rosé in all summer long.

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Eleonora Outdoor Chair

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Jungalow Topagana Club Chair

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White Aluminum Outdoor Armchair

Helena Outdoor Lounge Chair

MR01 Initial Lounge Chair

Elodie Outdoor Chair

Couches

The outdoor couches you, your family, and your friends will all love.

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White Aluminum Outdoor Sofa

Brenton Black Outdoor Sofa

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Outdoor Loveseat

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Rombo Outdoor Green Wrought Iron Sofa

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Aerin East Hampton Sofa

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Formenta Outdoor Sofa

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Gabriella Crespi Bohemian Couch

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Teak Outdoor Sofa

Capistrano Sofa

Teak Outdoor Sofa

Outdoor Coffee Tables

The chicest tables to rest your morning paper, coffee, and cocktails on.

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Amaya Coffee Table

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Lomina Outdoor Coffee Table

Blithedale Dining Table

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Teak Outdoor Coffee Table

Outdoor Rugs

To tie the entire space together.

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St. Martin's Perennial Rug

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Latimer Outdoor Rug

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Kendrick Outdoor Rug

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Eco-Friendly Outdoor Rug

Bistro Sets

Just the things for your next city cocktail hour, balcony tête-à-tête, or even outdoor office.

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Coronado Bistro Set

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Heidi 3 Piece Bistro Set

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Victorian Style Hightop Table and Chairs

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Round Patio Dining Set

Dining Sets

For the entertainer looking to make their poolside patio the place to be this summer.

Teak & Aluminum Outdoor Dining Set

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Table Set

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5 Piece Dining Set

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Palisades Dining Set

Teak Outdoor Dining Set

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Traditional White Picnic Table

Chaise Lounges

For stylish lounging by the pool or on the patio.

Crosby Teak Chaise

Povl B. Eskildsen Riviera Sunbed

Outdoor Double Chaise

Pavillion Black Chaise with Striped Cushion

Outdoor Yani Daybed

Idle Black Outdoor Sun Lounger

Accessories and Accents

After you order the basics, get something to add a bit of spark—perhaps literally, with a fire pit or pizza oven.

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Diptyque Cintronelle Candle

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Set of 4 Crustacean Napkins

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Low Profile Round Firepit

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Modern Inflatable Pool

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Anika Outdoor Bar Cart

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Jungalow Lantern

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Palm Dance Pool Pillow

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Ooni Pizza Oven

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Fire Pit Table

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Grill Cart