Outdoor Furniture for Every Style and Budget

1. Classic Coastal

Set a sophisticated tone with classic furniture with softly curved lines and deep, generous seating. The look is timeless and elegant; think lattice-back dining chairs, delicate lacework and low-slung sofas and armchairs with rolled arms in materials such as wrought iron, galvanised steel, aluminium and all-weather wicker.

Up the comfort factor with deep seat cushions in robust outdoor-friendly fabrics. If your outdoor area is exposed, opt for quick-dry foam inserts that drain well and prohibit mould growth; if it’s undercover, add extra softness with Dacron-wrapped foam cushions, which are more comfortable but don’t dry as efficiently.

When it comes to colour, channel a Hamptons vibe with a classic navy and white colour palette or embrace classic coastal chic with natural timber and tonal shades of cream and taupe.

2. Modern Entertainer

Transform your outdoor area into an entertainer’s delight with a statement dining setting. For a sleek and streamlined look that won’t cost the earth (and is a cinch to clean), consider a table in high-pressure laminate or powder-coated steel with slender lines in on-trend matt black, charcoal or moss. If you favour the edgy and industrial look of metallics, consider a style in brushed stainless steel. Or, for a more natural feel, look for a style that incorporates a slatted timber top or timber legs.

Timeless timber is another option– just be aware that it’s likely to have a heavier visual presence than a steel or high-pressure laminate table, generally costs more and will require ongoing maintenance.

If you cater to a crowd on occasion, opt for an extendable table. When it comes to seating, upholstered dining chairs with armrests are supremely comfortable, but if space is tight long bench seats either side of the table will work well.

3. Contemporary Chic

If your interior style leans more towards the contemporary, create seamless indoor-outdoor flow by carrying the same look outdoors with your furnishings. Add depth and interest in the same way you would indoors by choosing outdoor pieces with eye-catching detailing, such as woven seat backs, exaggerated curves, moulded wire construction and rope detailing. If budget is no problem, consider luxurious upholstery fabrics such as outdoor linen.

If you favour a minimalist look and want the flexibility to be able to move pieces around, choose chairs and tables in lightweight polypropylene or polyethylene – you’ll find a wide range of affordable styles on offer in fashionable hues, such as white, brights and earthy neutrals. Add texture and softness with cushions, soft throws and an upholstered outdoor ottoman.

For those with a large outdoor space, consider setting up separate zones for dining and relaxing – for example, a dining setting in the centre of the area, and a couple of armchairs or a small sofa by the outdoor fire where you can cosy up with a good book.

4. Outdoor Lounging

Do you love nothing more than putting your feet up with a glass of wine at the end of the day or chatting with friends over a summer cocktail or two? If so, dispense with an outdoor dining setting and opt for a cosy sofa set-up instead – and create a second living area in the process.

The sofa you choose will depend on the shape and a size of your outdoor area; a modular style can be configured to suit many areas, while a sofa with open timber or steel arms will maximise the sense of spaciousness. Add in a slender coffee table or a couple of side tables for added functionality.

If you have more space, consider a classic two- or three-piece sofa and armchair combo in a more solid, upholstered style. Need extra storage? Seek out a sofa with handy hidden storage in the base.

Make your outdoor space every bit as comfortable as your indoor one with deep, cushioned seating and wide armrests. Colour-wise, charcoal, all shades of grey and muted neutrals are currently trending – plus they’re easy to update down the track with cushions and throws in seasonal colours and prints.