Shopping

Best outdoor furniture 2023: plus where to buy it

Transform your outdoor living space with a stylish patio set from top-rated brands like HAY, Serena and Lily and Target

Best outdoor furniture large seating area with tablescape
(Image credit: Future / Studio )

The best outdoor furniture features timeless design and unmatched comfort to improve your outside space. You can enjoy the longer, warmer days and spend more time on your patio, whether working with a suburban garden, pool house, or a little city balcony. Finding the best patio furniture for you will let you host impromptu alfresco dinners and transform your yard into the oasis of your dreams. 

Finding furniture that fits your budget, and backyard size, isn't always easy. Thankfully, I've covered interiors and gardening for several years, and have plenty of insider knowledge to simplify your shopping. I've sourced products and stores offering timeless appeal, statement style, outdoor durability, and all-year-round practicality, enabling you to extend your living space onto the terrace and beyond. 

Whether you're looking to create a versatile outdoor entertaining space for socializing under the stars, a restful retreat for enjoying some much-needed downtime, or want to make the most of poolside lounging, I can help you bring your patio furniture ideas to life with my favorite outdoor furniture.

Best outdoor furniture 2023

While everything on our list is comfortable, stylish, and well-made, what makes the best outdoor furniture for you depends on how you plan to use your space. Browse the sections below to shop everything from compact bistro sets, to family dining tables and more, in one place.

Best outdoor furniture sets

A wooden outdoor dining table and six dining chairs on a paved patio

(Image credit: West Elm)

The most essential outdoor furniture is a table and chair set. They're a cost-effective way to get your garden ready for entertaining. 

Best bistro sets

A wooden bistro set on a terrace

(Image credit: Birch Lane)

Bistro sets are small sets of outdoor furniture, usually a little side table and a couple of chairs. They're best for patios and balconies, but are also perfect for porches and verandas. 

Best wicker & rattan outdoor furniture

Wicker garden furniture

(Image credit: La Redoute)

As you shop around, you'll see retailers and designers use both terms refer to the same style of woven furniture. Wicker is a type of weave. You make it by weaving pliable plant matter like rattan or bamboo over and under hard canes to make a shape. Rattan is a material used in wicker-style furniture. 

In the same way a house and bricks aren't identical, so are wicker and rattan. Wicker furniture can be made of rattan, and rattan can be used to make wicker furniture, but they aren't the same. Whichever term is used, the overall effect is a classic style of lightweight, rot-resistant outdoor furniture. 

Best metal outdoor furniture

A black metal patio set

(Image credit: Frontgate)

Metal outdoor furniture is unfairly maligned. While expensive, wrought-iron furniture is incredibly hard-wearing and can last generations given the proper care. On the other end of the scale, aluminum is lightweight, cheap, and naturally rust-resistant, so is a great option if you're on a budget. 

Best outdoor sofas and sectionals

Sorrento Extended L-Shape Sectional Sofa - lifestyle image on a patio

(Image credit: Castlery)

Outdoor sofas instantly elevate a social space. They bring all the creature comforts of your living room out into the sun. A good outdoor sectional means you can host dinner and drinks on plush, comfortable seating that doesn't compromise on comfort. Once considered the height of luxury, you can now find outdoor sofas at competitive prices.

Where to buy outdoor furniture

If the above options don't work for you, these are our favorite outdoor furniture brands. From household names to luxury picks, these stores stock the very best. 

McGee and Co.

A wicker outdoor conversation set

(Image credit: McGee and Co)

Delivering the perfect balance between classic and contemporary design, McGee and Co.'s outdoor furniture collection hits just the right note whether you're furnishing an outdoor living area in a modern urban setting, or a more formal patio. There are ranges of rustic yet elegant teak wood, wicker lounge sets with understated detail, and sculptural dining and coffee tables that are made to take centerstage and elevate your backyard set-up at any outdoor gathering.

My pick: Elowyn Outdoor Sofa

Pricing: $$$-$$$$


Outer

An Outer wood outdoor lounge set

(Image credit: Outer)

Outer are on a mission to get people outdoors, and they're starting by ensuring we can all sit comfortably eco-consciously. The brand's contemporary PE-wicker outdoor sofa collection is made from 30% recycled materials and is 100% recyclable, repurposing 100 ocean plastic bottles with every chair. Its aluminum and teak ranges are built to withstand the elements, offering longevity of design to keep products out of landfill. The teak range is also responsibly sourced from Indonesia rather than sanctioned teak from Myanmar. However, the big draw with Outer is that each of their pieces has a furniture cover-built in, protecting the furniture from the elements. 

My pick: Teak Outdoor Loveseat with Armchairs

Pricing: $$$-$$$$


Target

A wooden outdoor dining set

(Image credit: Target)

If you shop smart, there's some great finds at Target. On-trend designs meet appealing price tags for value that luxury brands can't match. We're particularly impressed by the brand's collaborations with some of the most popular names on the interior design scene, including the Studio McGee Threshold collection for Target which offers the design studio's signature laidback yet luxe style on a budget, and the bold and vibrant Opalhouse collection in collaboration with Justina Blakeney's Jungalow.

My pick: Balfour Acacia Dining Set

Pricing: $-$$


Castlery

An outdoor dining table and chairs

(Image credit: Castlery)

Another option for outdoor furniture that won't break the bank, Castlery is always hot on the latest design trends, producing design-led indoor and outdoor furniture that's perfect if you're on a budget. There are contemporary lounge sets and spacious outdoor dining sets on offer, with weather-resistant aluminum frames paired with more affordable acacia wood or resin detailing.

My pick: Sorrento Dining Table and Six Chairs

Pricing: $$-$$$


Wayfair

Isham 4 - Person Seating Group with Cushions in a patio space

(Image credit: Wayfair)

Wayfair is another excellent place for budget-friendly furniture. It has an enormous range of outdoor furniture and this breadth of stock means plenty of different styles. No matter your garden aesthetic, there'll be something on Wayfair to match it. In my time covering outdoor furniture, I've found that Wayfair really excels with accessories like fire pits and patio umbrellas, but their range of true furniture has plenty of gems. 

My pick: Isham 4 - Person Seating Group with Cushions

Pricing: $$-$$$


Joss & Main

A pair of wicker outdoor chairs

(Image credit: Joss & Main)

Joss & Main's outdoor furniture collection offers options for most budgets, with teak investment pieces that are built for outdoor durability and more affordable acacia wood and eucalyptus outdoor sofas and dining sets, alongside plenty of wicker options. The collection strikes just the right balance between classic and contemporary, offering a great selection of timeless outdoor pieces with simple shapes and strong silhouettes that will work in a whole host of styles of backyard.

My pick: Fiona Wicker Outdoor Lounge Chair

Pricing: $$-$$$


Serena & Lily

A blue and white outdoor living area

(Image credit: Serena & Lily)

If you're dreaming of a coastal look, whether you're within earshot of the ocean or not, then Serena & Lily is our first port of call for light and neutral beachy vibes combined with timeless grandeur and sea-spray resistant materials. Elegant wicker lounge and bistro sets, tailored outdoor upholstered sofas and swivel chairs, and statement dining tables deliver understated luxe with a laidback attitude.

My pick: Pacifica Swivel Lounge Chair

Pricing: $$$-$$$$


Pottery Barn

A wicker-effect outdoor sofa and lounge chairs

(Image credit: Pottery Barn)

Offering a strong mix of timeless aluminum-framed rattan lounge sets, contemporary Adirondack chairs and dining sets, and a mix of more affordable hardwood acacia and mahogany patio furniture alongside super durable teak options, Pottery Barn has pretty much every base covered with 2023's outdoor furniture collection. And even better, the brand's stylish designs come in at some refreshingly good value price points. 

My pick: Huntington All-Weather Wicker Slope Arm Swivel Lounge Chair

Pricing: $$-$$$


Terrain

Wooden garden armchair, surrounded by greenery

(Image credit: Terrain)

Using 'nature as their guide', Terrain's collection of homeware and accessories takes inspiration from the timeless beauty of the natural world. Their outdoor furniture is defined by a rustic, simple style, and can seamlessly coordinate with a range of outdoor spaces. With a large selection of warming teak pieces, Terrain's outdoor furniture collection celebrates a stripped-back, refined style.

My pick: Courtyard Two Seat Sofa

Pricing: $$$-$$$$


Anthropologie

Close up of pink outdoor sofa and geometric patterned stool

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

If you're looking to create a dreamy Bohemian paradise in your outside space, then Anthropologie definitely has the outdoor furniture for you. From opulent daybeds in vivid color palettes to cozy hammocks in earthy neutrals, there are a wide variety of designs and styles to choose from. Ideal if you want to style your outside space with rich texture and color, Anthropologie furniture designs are guaranteed to make a stylish statement.

My pick: Peacock Cabana Daybed

Pricing: $$$-$$$$


RH

A pair of wicker outdoor sofas facing each other in a courtyard

(Image credit: RH)

One of our first ports of call for luxury outdoor furniture with timeless design guaranteed, RH has an extensive outdoor collection, covering classic outdoor tables and chairs, spacious sectionals and resort-worthy chaise loungers. Perfect for a larger outdoor space, the cohesive collections make it easy to create an outdoor look that blends seamlessly both across the backyard, allowing you to zone courtyard seating, dining area and poolside relaxation spaces, as well as offering wider collections to achieve the perfect indoor/outdoor open plan living space.

My pick: Paraiso Outdoor Sofa

Pricing: $$$$-$$$$$


Arhaus

A teak wood outdoor dining set

(Image credit: Arhaus)

You'll find cool and contemporary modern loungers and timeless outdoor dining tables and chairs in Arhaus' outdoor furniture range, all with an emphasis on understated design, high-quality weather-resistant materials such as aluminum and teak wood, and maximum comfort. he brand endeavors to use sustainably sourced, reclaimed, and recycled materials, with the intention of creating long-lasting, heirloom-quality pieces that can be used and loved for generations.

My pick: Porto Outdoor Double Chaise Loungers

Pricing: $$$-$$$$


HAY

HAY

A green outdoor dining table and chairs on a paved patio

(Image credit: HAY)

Scandinavian design house HAY's Palissade outdoor collection is becoming something of a modern classic, with the distinctive curved linear metal frames of its bench seat, dining table, and range of outdoor chairs working perfectly in large-scale public spaces as well as intimate private spaces. The collection is ideal for smaller courtyards and balcony spaces where you don't want to block a view of the planting or wish to enhance feelings of spaciousness with its airy design.

My pick: Palissade Outdoor Dining Table

Pricing: $$$-$$$$


Birch Lane

A wicker bistro set

(Image credit: Birch Lane)

Offering classic farmhouse style for less, Birch Lane mixes budget pieces with higher-ticket outdoor items and can be a great place to source more affordable wicker or rattan outdoor furniture that delivers Parisian chic.

My pick: Fitzhugh Bistro Table

Pricing: $$-$$$$



Cane-line

A wicker outdoor furniture set

(Image credit: Horne)

Danish design house Cane-line combine timeless craftsmanship and materials with modern design to create their diverse outdoor furniture collections. Think contemporary wicker outdoor lounge sets, sleek and durable aluminum outdoor dining table and chairs, and teak wood outdoor sofas and loungers. We love the Nest collection, which lends a sculptural quality to the patio with its curvaceous lines.

My pick: Cane-line Nest 2-Seater Outdoor Sofa

Pricing: $$$-$$$$


Scout & Nimble

Modern outdoor furniture on a decked patio

(Image credit: Four Hands)

Collating contemporary yet timeless designs from Four Hands, sculptural concrete outdoor furniture from Moe's, and Sika Design's decorative rattan-ware, Scout & Nimbles patio collection blends organic materials and modern design to create a laidback summer edit.

My pick: Four Hands Tucson Woven Outdoor Chair

Pricing: $$$-$$$$$


Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

A curved white outdoor sofa

(Image credit: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams)

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams' outdoor furniture collection delivers the same high-end design and quality that those familiar with its indoor furniture have come to expect and to prove that outdoor living is the new indoor living, several of the brand's bestselling sofas – including the curvaceous Giselle couch – have been reimagined in weather-resistant materials to transform any patio into a restful retreat.

Editor's pick: Giselle Outdoor Sofa

Pricing: $$$-$$$$$


Raymour & Flanigan

A wooden outdoor lounge set

(Image credit: Raymour & Flanigan)

If you're based in the Northeast, then Raymour & Flanigan offers an extensive range of mid-priced indoor and outdoor furniture, with wide selections of all the patio essentials, from steamer-style loungers to outdoor swivel chairs. Just keep an eye on the specifications as there can be a big difference in materials, with some options offering hardwearing teak and weather-resistant Sunbrella fabrics, and others made from more budget-friendly powder-coated steel or eucalyptus woods.

Editor's pick: Monterey Eucalyptus 4-pc. Outdoor Seating Set

Pricing: $$-$$$


Herman Miller

The Magis Spun chair from Herman Miller against a leafy backdrop

(Image credit: Herman Miller)

If you're looking for a showstopping centerpiece for the patio then Herman Miller's Magis Spun chair brings all the fun of the fair to the backyard. The sculptural seat offers talking-point lounging and a 360-degree spinning pivot. Or you can embrace the brand's iconic Eames lounge chair in its alfresco format crafted from rust-resistant aluminum and weather-resistant upholstery.

Editor's pick: Magis Spun Chair

Pricing: $$$-$$$$


Frontgate

A black metal patio set

(Image credit: Frontgate)

Frontgate is offering over 50 patio furniture collections this season, all carefully crafted from materials that are chosen to withstand the test of time, including hardwearing teak wood and weather-defying cast aluminum alongside easy-to-clean performance fabrics. Furthermore, all outdoor furniture frames are backed by the brand's 10-year structural frame warranty.

My pick: Carlisle Lounge Chair

Pricing: $$$-$$$$


Design Within Reach

A pair of white Adirondack chairs on a modern front porch

(Image credit: Design Within Reach)

Pulling together collections from some of the best independent design houses, Design Within Reach focus on curating furniture which is built to last and designed to be passed on from generation to generation. We would happily give porch space to the eco-credentials of the Loll Adirondack chairs which are crafted from repurposed and recyclable single-use plastic, a fact that's earnt the design Cradle to Cradle certification for its circular manufacturing process and make for some of the best Adirondack chairs we've come across.

My pick: Loll Adirondack Lounge Chair

Pricing: $$-$$$$


Horchow

A black metal cuddle chair on a patio

(Image credit: Horchow)

Alongside the eclectic and colorful rattan garden furniture of MacKenzie-Childs, Horchow also has some great decorative metal outdoor furniture this season that's perfect for a formal garden. The Simone Bistro Set with slat back detail and ball-topped armrests make a pretty addition to a small courtyard, whilst the elegant Neoclassical Cuddle Chair is the perfect place to curl up with a good book.

My pick: Avery Neoclassical Cuddle Chair

Pricing: $$-$$$


IKEA

Black metal dining table and dining chairs in an outside space, rug on floor, lots of potted plants

(Image credit: Ikea)

Finally: who else? It's a little obvious, but we simply cannot ignore the enduring popularity and variety on offer from this flatpack furniture powerhouse. Whether you have a small balcony or a large porch or backyard, we love that there are products available for outdoor spaces of all sizes and styles.

Editors pick: Viholmen & Lacko Set

Pricing: $$-$$$$


How to choose outdoor furniture

It may sound obvious, but the best outdoor furniture for you will be furniture that suits your lifestyle. There's no point investing in a cute-and-compact bistro table and chairs if you regularly entertain large numbers, for example. 

In fact, if you love entertaining then you might want to opt for a large trestle table that has room to accommodate plenty of guests or a spacious sectional sofa and armchairs that give everyone plenty of room to relax.

If the backyard is the place you retreat to for some quiet rest and relaxation, consider a comfortable chaise lounger, take a cue from our front porch ideas and invest in one of the best Adirondack chairs for some secluded seating, or group a small number of outdoor chairs together to create a more intimate seating area.

If you prefer to gravitate towards the pool, then easily maneuverable chaise loungers and quick-drying water-resistant fabrics will be paramount – our pool ideas page can give you some inspiration for luxury poolside styling.

Outdoor Furniture FAQs

What's the best wood for outdoor furniture?

Teak
Teak is the hardest, most durable hardwood. This is perfect for outdoor furniture, as it means that teak won't rot or warp in the rain. Even if it's untreated, it will last for years. However, we don't recommend it unless it has come from Indonesia. Teak from Myanmar is sanctioned by the US, UK, and EU, and teak labelled being from from China and India is often teak from Myanmar passed off as something else. Teak is also expensive. 

Acacia
Acacia is a more budget-friendly option than teak. It's still hardwood, so it's good for outdoor furniture, but it may not last as long as teak. 


What is wicker furniture?

Contrary to popular belief, wicker isn't a type of material. It's a type of weave. Wicker furniture is traditionally made from rattan, a type of plant fibre, or from bamboo or willow. 

These days, however, most wicker furniture is polywicker or polyrattan, a wicker weave made with polyurethane. This plastic furniture is waterproof and great value, but not the most environmentally friendly.

Is aluminum furniture good?

Aluminum is an inexpensive, lightweight, but strong material for outdoor furniture. Aluminum also doesn't rust, so it's great for damper climates. However, it can feel a little cheap, and it isn't well-suited to more tradtional gardens.


HAY

Alex David
Head of eCommerce

As Head of eCommerce, Alex makes sure our readers find the right information to help them make the best purchase. After graduating from Cambridge University, Alex got his start in reviewing at the iconic Good Housekeeping Institute, testing a wide range of household products and appliances. He then moved to BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, assessing gardening tools, machinery, and wildlife products. Helping people find true quality and genuine value is a real passion.

With contributions from