Outdoor Furniture

With the right pieces of contemporary outdoor furniture, your patio, balcony, or side yard can easily be transformed into an extension of your home. When shopping for outdoor furniture, an outdoor dining set, or outdoor lounge furniture, the first thing to look for is durability. The price of outdoor furniture is often an indication of its quality – invest in a durable set that will last a long time. Whether you're looking for a pair of chaise lounges or an outdoor dining table with bench seating, it's important to choose pieces crafted of weather-resistant materials.

These types of materials include powder-coated steel, recycled polyethylene, stone, and teak, to name a few. Powder-coated steel is corrosion- and UV-resistant, designed to withstand the elements. Recycled polyethylene is waterproof, fade-resistant, and largely maintenance-free. It's also lightweight and offers a bit of give for added comfort. Many recycled polyethylene seats are also stackable for easy storage. Natural stone is dense and resists moisture, making it mildew-resistant. Stone also requires very little upkeep. Teak is a naturally weather-resistant wood. If unsealed, teak will develop a silvery-grey patina over time. Keep these hard-wearing materials in mind as you search for outside seating pieces.

Types of Outdoor Furniture

There are many different types of outdoor furnishings. Think about how you intend to use your outdoor space and how many people you'd like to seat on a regular basis. These considerations will help you choose between dining furniture and lounge furniture – as well as the overall size and scale of the pieces. An outdoor sectional or lounge sofa provides a place for friends and family to kick back and relax. An outdoor side table or patio end tables are a perfect complement to lounge seating. These offer a place to rest a beverage or stash s'mores supplies if your seating centers around a fire pit.

If you plan to host alfresco meals, consider a modern outdoor dining set, such as a dining table and benches. For tight spaces, opt for a high-top outdoor table with a pair of modern outdoor chairs or stools. Don't forget about outdoor cushions. These bring the comforts of home outside. Look for cushions crafted of weatherproof materials, so that they won't fade or mold. Many backyard chairs and sofas are available with custom cushions.

Choosing Outdoor Furniture for Your Space

Whether you're furnishing a small balcony or expansive pool patio, it's easy to find comfortable, durable outdoor furniture. If you're looking for small patio furniture, choose an outdoor cafe table and armless chairs. HAY's Hee Collection offers a range of slim yet durable chairs that fit well in tight spaces. To create a space for outdoor dining, select a rectangular table and mix modern outdoor dining chairs with an outdoor dining bench. Add finishing touches to the area with a plant stand or space-savvy wall planter.

To learn more about the design of HAY's bestselling Balcony and Palissade outdoor furniture collections, read HAY's Studio Visit with Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec.