Porch, patio and poolside furnishings are available in numerous standard choices with endless options for customization. To create your ideal outdoor living space, you must first envision how the space will be used. Do you plan to enjoy frequent casual family dinners with a side of gentle breeze? (Yes, please!) A large dining table or expansion table constructed from teak iron or cast aluminum can bring style and durability to your gatherings. Are your entertaining plans better suited to hosting evening drinks illuminated by a glowing fire and the stars? If so, a five-piece patio set, or "chat set", around a fire table may best serve your needs. Or you may choose to skip the dining set entirely in favor of outdoor deep seating (think versatile outdoor sofas, cozy outdoor loveseats and even spacious outdoor sectionals) perfect for relaxing with coffee and the Sunday paper. Or lounging with the latest beach read. Or just lounging. Napping! You get the idea!

When designing and furnishing your dream outdoor space, considerations include the spot itself—both the size and location, as well as outdoor elements. For instance, an outdoor loft may require heavy furnishings designed to withstand the wind. A sunny deck will likely benefit from a customized shade solution, and balcony height dining sets are growing in popularity—with the raised seating level allowing diners to see over the railing height.

The Latest and Greatest in Construction and Design

Common outdoor furniture construction options include steel, aluminum, wrought iron, wood and woven wickers. In designing your own space, the benefits of these materials should be considered along with the overall style. For example, wood lends a warm, casual feel to any outdoor space but isn’t ideal for high humidity areas, such as pool or lakeside. Steel is a heavier metal, making it ideal for areas with high winds and second level decks. Aluminum and wrought iron furnishings are strong and durable options that fit many areas.

No matter your design tastes, improvements to outdoor furniture design can help take your space to the next level. Performance fabrics are offering new performance levels from outdoor cushion fashion. Are rainy days ruining your outdoor plans…and your furnishings? Cushions now dry faster due to upgrades in cushion foam technology and specialty fabrics that repel rain, plus the development of better protective covers.

Outdoor wicker furnishings continue to grow in popularity, and can provide a stylish fit for outdoor porches and larger outdoor rooms. Durable frames are crafted from poly-resin weaves over powder coated frames, and topped with cushions covered in a wide range of outdoor fabrics to withstand the elements and—very importantly—clean easily. Styles and pieces vary from traditional front porch designs to contemporary pool side accents.

Modern LP or natural gas fire tables are easier to use and clean than wood fire tables, and available in many options to fit your unique outdoor space. Basic fire tables can be added to an existing furniture group, and fire table chat sets are typically sold in convenient 5-piece sets that include lounge chairs and the table. Plus, fire tables are now available in balcony or bar heights with comfortable stools for easy conversation and light dining.

Colors, Textures and other Trends!

Color and fabric design options offer a final opportunity for customization. While brown and other earth tones remain popular outdoor living colors in the Midwest, these spaces are also seeing an increase in popularity of gray tones—much like indoor spaces. Base cloth trends remain strong in solid colors, with textured finishes, stripes and geometric prints with bold colors as popular accents. With the vast selection of outdoor furnishings and endless customization options, your perfect summer set-up is on the horizon!

Read our Patio Basics Buying Guide to learn more.