If you have a porch, patio, deck, or lanai, chances are good that you want some type of seating and an option for dining al fresco. There are so many types and styles of patio furniture available, though, that it can be difficult to narrow it down. Some of the questions you’ll ask yourself will be how much you want to spend, whether you’re more interested in seating or equally interested in dining, and whether you prefer bar-height or lower seating arrangements. You’ll also want to look at and consider different materials depending on your preferences as well as your climate.
We took a look at dozens of patio furniture sets so we could bring you some of the best options out there. Read through our reviews and you’ll be in a great position to make the choice that is best for your outdoor living space.
Our Top 3 Picks for 2021 - A Quick Comparison
The Best Patio Furniture of 2021
When considering the best patio furniture, we looked at various factors, including what the furniture will be used for. Some people want soft, comfortable seating for long conversations. Others are mainly looking to enjoy a meal outdoors. Patio furniture might be used by a couple or by a large extended family. We also considered things like whether children would be dining or whether a patio swing might be the best use of space. Here are our top picks.
The Best Patio Furniture Overall
This Waleaf set is comfortable, has enough room for three or four people, and includes a generously sized coffee table for your snacks or drinks. It’s also available in several colors, making it a good set for just about any decorating style or theme. The fade-resistant cushions unzip easily and can either be wiped down, rinsed, or put in the washing machine. You can also reconfigure the sectional to have the chaise section on the right or the left.
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Runner Up #1
The PatioFestival set is great for those who have a larger gathering, as it provides cushioned seating for seven people. The configuration consists of a three-person loveseat and four individual chairs, all made with galvanized steel frames. There’s also a large table that is perfect for casual dining or setting down your drink. It’s all weather-resistant and the chairs have a rocking motion for comfort.
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Runner Up #2
Our next runner up is this four-piece wicker furniture set. It seats four with a loveseat and two chairs, and it also has a glass-topped wicker table. The frame is bolstered with metal, making it sturdy. It won’t rust and it can withstand most weather conditions. You can unzip and remove the waterproof cushion covers to wash them, and you can also slide the glass cover off of the table for easy cleaning. The wicker comes in either brown or gray to match your decor.
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The Best Budget Patio Furniture
If you have a small balcony or a small budget (or both), this three-piece bistro set might be the right patio furniture for you. You’ll be surprised by its quality and appearance since it’s so wallet-friendly! The set is made of classic black wicker and comes with either red or beige cushions. The table is small but able to hold drinks or small plates. This would be a great set to have on a small patio or porch for relaxing while watching the sunset.
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The Best Patio Furniture for Dining
Is your patio or deck a place that you want to sit back and relax with your friends and family as you enjoy a meal? If so, you’ll need a set with a taller dining table like this one from Pamapic. This set includes a table with iron slats as well as six chairs. The table is easy to keep clean thanks to its smooth top, and the chairs are sturdy and comfortable. The chair covers are also machine-washable.
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The Best Bistro Set for Two
If it’s just you and one other person who will be enjoying your patio set or if you have a small space, you might find this wicker set to be just perfect. The two chairs slide all the way under the table, making it extremely easy to store even on a small balcony or deck. It’s also delivered fully assembled: No need for tools, for another person, or for time spent trying to put it together. Just put it on your patio and you'll be good to go!
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The Best Patio Set for a Large Gathering
Do you have a large family or do you like to have friends over frequently? If so, this large dining set might fit the bill. You’ll be able to seat eight comfortably around this large teak finished acacia wood table. The table and chairs are made from water resistant teak finished acacia wood increasing its durability.
Table dimensions NOT extended is 36.5" Wide x 87.5" Long x 30" High.
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The Best Patio Swing
Sometimes, what a patio, porch, or balcony needs is a swing. We recommend this one by Esright. The frame is made from powder-coated steel and can hold 450 lbs. The feet are anti-skid, making it safer than those without a skid-resistant bottom, and the canopy is made of polyester that is easy to hose off. You can also detach both the canopy and the cushion for easy cleaning. The swing glides gently and smoothly for a relaxing experience.
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The Best Bar Height Patio Furniture
If you prefer a higher seating style, this bar stool set will be right up your alley. The seats are comfortable and durable. The cushions are made of foam and will dry quickly if they get wet. The chairs swivel all the way around, making them easy to use in various configurations. The table is tall and large enough to accommodate four dinner plates. Invite your friends over to enjoy your backyard or patio while eating a delicious dinner.
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The Best Children’s Patio Furniture
If you have little ones of your own or frequently have young neighbors or grandchildren visiting, you might want to consider a child’s patio set. This one by KidKraft gives kids a place to sit, color, eat, and relax with their peers. It’s designed for children between 3 and 8 years old. The table and benches are made of wood, and the soft cushions tie on for safety and comfort. The included umbrella will provide some shade on sunny days. You’ll want to put it down during stormy weather to protect it from damage.
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What to Consider When Buying Patio Furniture
Before purchasing patio furniture, be sure to measure the space you have available. Remember that if you are buying a dining table, you will need to pull the chairs out. If space is tight, however, you might be able to stack up the chairs when you’re not using them, so look for chairs that nestle together if this is a consideration.
Some people prefer sectionals or seating with a low coffee table or end table. Be sure to accommodate for the space between the seating and the table when measuring your space.
Your next consideration will be material: Do you want something waterproof that you’ll simply hose or wipe off, or would you prefer to remove seat covers to put them in the washing machine? Read the care instructions in the listing for the products you are considering. If you are looking at wicker furniture, find out whether it is true wicker or resin wicker (a plastic material). You will also want to be sure that any metal furniture is rust-free.
Also, make sure to consider safety, particularly if you have young children or elderly relatives who may be using the set. A set that comes with bar stools will often be less stable and harder to get in and out of. Don’t put tall stools on a balcony with a low rail, either. Always consider the safety precautions needed in the area where you are using the patio set.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of outdoor furniture is most durable?
Aluminum and wood are great options if you are looking for the most durable patio furniture. Wicker is also durable, particularly if it also has a steel frame. Just make sure that whatever material you choose is rust-proof and will be able to stand up to the weather that is common in your area. For example, if you live in a place where it gets quite windy, you might want to avoid lightweight furniture that may blow over easily.
Who sells the best outdoor furniture?
You can purchase high-quality outdoor furniture at many different places, including Amazon.com, home improvement stores, and department stores. Some discount stores also sell pieces, but you’ll need to assess their quality. All of the pieces featured on this roundup can be ordered from Amazon.
What is the most comfortable patio furniture?
Many people prefer soft, cushioned patio furniture. If you are one of them, consider a soft sectional. Others want more support and should look for resin, aluminum, or wicker seats with sturdy backs. What you consider comfortable is a matter of personal taste, so try out different sets in person if you can.
Why is outdoor patio furniture so expensive?
While outdoor patio furniture is available at all different price points, keep in mind that it is made with materials that must be weather-resistant and withstand harsh outdoor elements. This is why patio sets might be more expensive than you had expected. There are ways to save money, of course. Purchasing a smaller set or one made out of resin instead out of real wicker or aluminum will often cost you less.
When is the best time to buy patio furniture?
If you have an event coming up where you will need patio furniture, then now is the best time to buy! Otherwise, if you are looking for a good deal, consider waiting until the end of the summer or early fall to make a purchase. Many retailers will begin reducing their inventory of these summertime pieces to make room for holiday items, so you might be able to get a lower price. Do keep in mind, however, that the selection may be limited. If you are looking for something in particular, the spring might be the best time to find it, as that is when inventory is typically the highest for these items.
The Verdict
We hope that we’ve given you plenty of options and ideas to consider as you search for the perfect outdoor furniture for your patio, porch, balcony, deck, or backyard. Our top pick is Waleaf Outdoor Rattan Furniture, which is comfortable, classic, and sturdy. Any of the items we’ve featured are great sets, however! It really depends on exactly what you’re looking for. What we know for sure is that you can enjoy your outdoor living space even more once you have the patio set that is right for your yard and for your family. Enjoy!
About The Author
Michelle Kulas
Writer
Michelle Kulas has been writing professionally since 2008 in a variety of niches. She is a gardener and enjoys spending time with her family and her dog in her sunny Southwest Florida backyard. When she's not writing or in the garden, you can find her cooking or volunteer with foreign exchange students.