We love creating a home that feels welcoming to our guests, but finding the balance between “looks pretty” and “holds up well overtime” can be tricky! As can the balance between choosing what’s worth spending more on and what’s just not worth the cost.
Because we all have different budgets and different opinions on what’s worth splurging on, today I’m going to share what we feel is worth the extra cost and give some alternatives to consider.
To keep this clear, I’m breaking this post up into sections based on the type of outdoor furniture piece and will give both a high-end splurge + a budget-friendly option. And I’ll be sure to tell you where we landed for each category!
Looking for specific items? Jump to each section!
- Dining Sets
- Sectional Sofas
- Poolside Loungers
- Additional Seating
- Storage Solutions
- Outdoor Decor + More
I. Outdoor Dining Sets:
Our outdoor dining table is one of Matt’s and I’s favorite part of our home. We love having an at-home date night here or gathering the family around to play games. We chose our dining sets based on our needs- durable, kid-proof and easy to keep clean!
Splurge:
High-quality, weather-resistant dining set with premium materials and design.
Top Picks:
Save:
Durable and stylish dining set made from budget-friendly materials.
Top Picks:
Mix & Match:
High-quality table + budget friendly chairs is where we landed for our most used outdoor table that’s right off of our kitchen. I wanted chairs that I could hose off after a meal and a table that wouldn’t fade or warp overtime.
Refresh old furniture:
We bought this set when we purchased our first home 13 years ago! It was a Martha Stewart collection that we bought from Home Depot on sale. This year, we freshened it up with black spray paint and it looks brand new! I’ll link a similar option here!
Notes:
- We chose to avoid untreated or natural teak for outdoor dining because even though it is a quality material, it fades overtime. Check the product description for words like “untreated teak” or “natural patina overtime.”
- West Elm and their sister companies have a B2B account that allows business owners to receive 20% off of all full-priced furniture and an extra 5% off of sale furniture. This was a big selling point for us when choosing our outdoor furniture, and we have been so impressed with West Elm’s customer service, white-glove delivery and how our furniture has held up so far.
- Personally, I would avoid light colored cushions (or cushions in general) for dining or choose to invest in a performance fabric if you’re really sold on dining chairs with cushions. Nobody wants to dine at a home where the homeowner makes you feel like keeping the furniture clean is more important than the conversation had at the table, and no homeowner wants to spend hours cleaning cushions after guests leave.
- A splurge dining set might be best for families who prioritize longevity, comfort, and aesthetics, while a save option is suitable for those on a budget or looking for temporary use.
II. Outdoor Sectional Sofas:
Splurge:
High-end, modular sectional sofa with premium upholstery and customizable configurations.
Top Picks:
Save:
Functional and cost-effective sectional sofa made from durable materials.
Top Picks:
Notes:
Our sectional is from Summer Classics, which doesn’t allow online purchases unfortunately, but if you’re local to Atlanta, I recommend checking out their outlet off of Foster St. downtown or their main showroom off of Holcomb Bridge in Roswell and using Martha Heid to help plan your space as she’ll pass along her steep designer’s discount at both stores! I went ahead and found a similar style and have it linked above!
III. Poolside Loungers:
Splurge:
Deluxe, adjustable poolside lounger with luxurious cushioning and durable frame.
Top Picks:
Save:
Simple and budget-friendly lounger made from weather-resistant materials.
Top Picks:
Notes:
- When it comes to poolside loungers, think about who will be using those the most! For us, we knew kiddos would be running around the pool deck and possibly throwing their wet towels on the pool chairs. So, for us we knew we wanted to stray away from upholstered chairs to avoid any stains but get durable, kid-proof chairs.
- When picking an outdoor umbrella, think about what is most important for you! How many chairs do you want to be covered by an umbrella? Do you want it to be able to tilt and block the sun?
IV. Additional Outdoor Seating
We love having additional seating near our pool for when we have lots of friends and family over! From bar stools to lounge chairs, additional seating makes it easier for all of our favorite people to be comfortable when they’re over.
In our backyard, we have West Elm’s Portside Bar Stools and Rocking Chairs. They’re super durable and look great all year long. Pieces like these are worth the splurge for our family because we know these pieces will hold up in Georgia weather!
V. Outdoor Storage Solutions:
Outdoor storage is crucial for our family to keep it tidy outside! We love using an outdoor storage trunk that is weather-proof, loading it with all of our favorite pool toys, floats and more! A splurge storage solution offers ample space and protection for your favorite items, while a save option is ideal for families seeking cost-effective storage solutions! Also shown here is a convenient, affordable option for additional kid seating. These picnic tables fold down flat and are super easy to clean.
Splurge:
High-capacity, weatherproof storage unit with premium security features.
Top Picks:
Save:
Affordable, versatile storage box with decent weather resistance.
Top Picks:
VI: Outdoor Decor and More
Now, no space is complete without some decor! I added some of my favorite outdoor finds that vary in price to best fit your budget and style! Check them out.
No matter what your family’s needs and budget are, there are so many amazing great outdoor furniture options! Ultimately, your backyard is the perfect place to host loved ones and make long-lasting memories.
Happy furniture hunting!
