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The Daily Dish Gardens and Outdoor Spaces

10 Essential Outdoor Furniture Items for Outdoor Living

These are must-haves for making a stylish outdoor retreat. 

By Patricia Cunningham
Sofa set

There's no question the indoor/outdoor living trend that was once solely the province of warm, coastal climates has taken off and spread everywhere. Outdoor space is now totally a thing and people are treating it (and furnishing it) like just another part of the house, which is why you’ll find a never-ending assortment of outdoor furnishings available online and in stores that looks just as nice, if not better, than the stuff that goes inside. 

Sofas, lounge chairs, dining sets, fire pits, poufs, you name it — there is no category of product that doesn't get the outdoor treatment. We took a deep dive into the lawn and garden scene and pulled out our favorite outdoor furnishings in top product categories. Here are our top 10 essentials to make any outdoor space a stylish summer retreat. 

Best Lounge Chair: Standish 2pk Patio Club Chair

Lounge chair

This corded lounge chair set has style for days. Plush seat and back cushions add a boost to your comfort level. The powder-coated steel frame is rust-resistant for lasting durability. 

Best Sofa: Outdoor Steel and Wood Framed Loveseat with Cushions

Sofa

We are totally digging the clean, modern lines of this compact steel and wood framed sofa. It would work just as well on a petite patio as an expansive backyard deck.  

Best Bistro Set: Gunner Swell Outdoor Crackle Bistro Set

Bistro set

This cute three-piece bistro set has you covered when it’s time for an outdoor snack. Crafted from iron, each piece has a powder-coated finish to ward off wear from rust and weather. Slats let rain run right through so water won’t pool.  

Best Accent Table: Keter Urban Knit Pouf Set

Poufs

Just how ideal is this outdoor table/pouf set? They can be used as coffee or side tables or as a place to sit, and the table provides storage space for outdoor items. We love the stylish knotted design, too.   

Best Outdoor Accent Chair: Multicolor Oval String Chair

String Chair

Nothing says summer like this rainbow-hued Acapulco string chair. Have a seat, a margarita is calling your name. 

Best Stacking Chairs: Mirabella Stacking Chair

Stacking Chair

A good set of stacking chairs are the stalwarts of any outdoor scene. This colorful chair is ideal for any dining scene and you can easily tuck them away when not in use. The weather-resistant resin finish means it’s going to last.  

Best Fire Pit: Round Metal Fire Column

Fire pit

This propane powered firepit will extend the life of your outdoor space. The column doesn't just give off a pleasing glow, it also disperses heat in a seven-foot radius to keep you cozy on chilly evenings or after the sun sets. 

Best Hammock: Vivere Double Cotton Hammock

Hammock

There is no stress this bestselling hammock can’t cure. Made of heavy-duty woven cotton, it comes with its own sturdy steel stand so you don’t have to fuss with tying it to trees.  

Best Rug: Desert Hatch Outdoor Rug

Outdoor rug

Tie your outdoor look together with this durable Moroccan-style rug. Made of polypropylene and polyester, you can even clean it with your garden hose.  

Best Patio Umbrella: Party Floral Pagoda Patio Umbrella

Umbrella

We love a dash of fun when it comes to patio umbrellas, and this one’s got tassels, so we’re sold! 

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