Enjoying the Outdoors in Style: A Guide to Choosing the Best Designer Patio Furniture
Outdoor living spaces have become an extension of our homes, a place to relax, entertain, and take in the beauty of the outdoors. As these patios, decks, and backyards evolve into fully-appointed outdoor rooms, there has been increasing demand for patio furniture that goes beyond the ordinary to offer both comfort and aesthetic appeal. This is where quality designer patio furnishings come in – they allow you to outfit your outdoor oasis with eye-catching, comfortable pieces built to withstand the elements while reflecting your personal taste and style.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore popular designer outdoor furniture brands, materials, styles, and tips for choosing pieces that are right for your space and needs. Discover how investing in high-end, stylish outdoor furniture can take your patio or backyard to the next level while still being practical and durable. Let’s dive in!
The Top 5 Designer Brands for Outdoor Furnishings
When looking for outdoor patio furniture that makes a design statement, there are several big-name designers that rise to the top for their combination of quality craftsmanship and aesthetically pleasing style. Here are five of the leading designer brands creating sought-after outdoor furniture today:
1. OASIQ
Founded in Belgium in 2002, OASIQ creates elegant, contemporary outdoor furniture designs handcrafted from durable eucalyptus and teak wood along with weather-resistant synthetic rattan and aluminum. Their pieces feature clean, modernist lines paired with plush cushions to create a relaxing oasis. OASIQ is known for sleek sunbeds, sectionals, dining sets, and unique modular designs.
Pros: Minimalist, contemporary style; quick-drying cushions; 5 year warranty
Cons: Expensive; limited color/fabric options for cushions
Best for: Modern and contemporary backyard decor
Price range: $500 – $4000
Example pieces: Maui Sunbed, Cloud Nine Hanging Chair, Brio Dining Set
2. Brown Jordan
With roots dating back to 1945, Brown Jordan pioneered the concept of outdoor furniture as an extension of indoor living spaces. Their designs reflect a signature California aesthetic – timeless, casual elegance perfect for relaxing in style. Brown Jordan is renowned for plush aluminum furnishings as well as teak pieces.
Pros: Timeless silhouettes; high-performance fabrics; variety of collections
Cons: Traditional styling may not suit all tastes; expensive
Best for: Luxe poolside lounging and entertaining
Price range: $1000-$4000
Example pieces: Milano Sofa Collection, 40″ Fire Chat Table, Clouds Teak Chaise
3. Gloster
Blending teak, synthetic wicker, and aluminum, Gloster creates furniture with an emphasis on comfort and versatility. Their selection includes dining sets, sectionals, loungers, and daybeds in a range of materials to suit climates from tropical to arid. Gloster is known for quality craftsmanship and trend-setting silhouettes.
Pros: Innovative weatherproof materials; mix and match modular pieces; easy maintenance
Cons: Limited color/cushion options; expensive shipping
Best for: Relaxed outdoor living spaces; variety of climates
Price range: $800-$5000
Example pieces: Aspen 2 Piece Sofa Set, Cirque Daybed, Cloud Modular Sectional
4. Janus et Cie
With an emphasis on natural materials and handcrafted details, Janus et Cie creates outdoor furniture with a sculptural, artistic sensibility. Designed in South California, their pieces often feature teak, stone, and stainless steel. A go-to brand for architects and designers.
Pros: Unique designs; solid natural materials; custom options available
Cons: Ultra high-end pricing; items sell out quickly
Best for: Making a design statement; natural, organic settings
Price range: $2000 – $10,000+
Example pieces: Basin Teak Chaise, Edge Outdoor Coffee Table, Branch Stone Dining Table
5. Kettal
Hailing from Spain, Kettal brings European modernism to outdoor spaces with architectural, sculptural forms. Their edgy silhouettes make a vibrant style statement through the use of teak, aluminum, synthetic fabrics, and custom fabrics.
Pros: Innovative designs; on-trend style; quick shipping
Cons: Limited cushion/color options; expensive
Best for: Contemporary decor; adding visual interest
Price range: $500-$5000
Example pieces: Net Outdoor Lounge Chair, Vicent Dining Chair, Maia Expandable Dining Table
As you can see, each designer brand has their own aesthetic and brings something unique to the world of outdoor furnishings. The key is choosing the look and quality construction that fits your personal taste and needs for relaxing and entertaining in your backyard escape.
The Top Materials for All-Weather Durability
The materials used to construct designer patio furniture play a key role in how the pieces hold up when exposed to the elements. Quality materials make the difference between furnishings that deteriorate after one season and ones that last for years of enjoyment. Here are some of the most common and durable materials found in high-end patio furniture:
Teak
Known for its warm golden hue and natural oil content, dense teak wood is highly weather, insect, and rot resistant. It requires no treatment or finish. Teak has long-lasting durability but is the most expensive patio furniture material. Best for any climate.
Wicker
Wicker refers to furniture woven from plant materials like rattan, reed, and bamboo. Synthetic wicker offers UV protection and stands up to weather exposure while being easy to clean. Best for warm, humid climates.
Aluminum
Lightweight yet strong, aluminum is often powder-coated for a protective finish that resists rusting and chipping. Stands up well to sun, salt air, and moisture. Quick to dry. Best by the pool or beach.
Wrought Iron
Classic and decorative, wrought iron has intricate shapes but requires more maintenance. Needs repainting when rust appears. Best in dry climates or under coverings.
Synthetic Rattan
Known as “all-weather wicker” – this plastic polymer rattan alternative won’t crack or peel like natural wicker. Resists fading and staining for easy care. Best in humid locations.
Analyze the typical weather and exposure where you live to narrow down the best material options before selecting pieces. High quality materials like richly-grained teak or all-weather wicker will provide durability to justify the investment into designer outdoor furniture meant to last.
Key Styles and Design Elements to Consider
Designer patio furniture encompasses a wide scope of materials, forms, and aesthetics. As you evaluate choices to find pieces that suit your space, consider what style of outdoor furniture works best for the look you want to achieve. Here are some of the most popular stylings found in designer collections:
Minimalist/Modern
Featuring simple, clean lines and a muted color palette, modern styles have broad appeal. Materials like teak, stainless steel, and weatherproof mesh create cool, contemporary designs.
Eclectic
The eclectic look mixes unexpected materials, colors, and shapes for an intentionally curated mismatched style. It allows personalized self-expression.
Farmhouse
Channeling rustic charm, farmhouse styles encompass natural, reclaimed woods, galvanized metals, and vintage-inspired silhouettes. Ideal for a cozy, welcoming vibe.
Industrial
With exposed joinery, reclaimed wood, and black or brass metals, the sleek industrial look pairs well with modern exterior spaces.
Mid-Century Modern
Known for integration indoor and outdoor spaces, mid-century designs feature breezy, modular pieces like woven lounge chairs and sculptural silhouettes.
Tropical/Coastal
Make a backyard feel like paradise with rattan, bamboo, and driftwood styles. Tropical motifs and water-resistant materials evoke a resort vibe.
Traditional
Traditional patio furniture showcases elegant and familiar materials like wrought iron, painted aluminum or wood, and plush, classic cushions. Timeless appeal.
Mediterranean
Mediterranean design encompasses ornamental wrought iron, natural stone tabletops, and terracotta tiles for old world charm.
Identify the overall aesthetic you want to achieve and look for designer pieces that align with the mood, setting, and architecture of your outdoor space. The right style will allow you to extend your interior decor seamlessly into an outdoor oasis.
Key Tips for Choosing Pieces That Stand the Test of Time
Investing in designer outdoor patio furniture means selecting pieces that will retain their beauty and function beyond just a season or two. Follow these tips when evaluating furnishings:
- Consider your climate – Choose materials that can withstand humidity, dry heat, sun exposure, seasonal rainfall, and temperature extremes in your location. Teak and powder-coated metals have the broadest appeal.
- Measure carefully – Don’t guess at the dimensions of your space. Measure it accurately so you select pieces that fit correctly with enough room to navigate around them.
- Choose a cohesive style – Let your home’s architecture and your personal decorating style guide you. Eclectic collections work if strategically curated.
- Select durable materials – Look for all-weather wicker, weatherproof upholstery, and UV/water resistant finishes made to prevent early deterioration.
- Examine weather resistance – Confirm metals won’t rust and finishes won’t chip, crack, or peel in outdoor conditions.
- Opt for removable cushions – Look for cushion covers that allow for easy cleaning, replacement, and off-season storage to protect the inner cushions.
- Inspect construction – Joints should fit tightly with no gaps. Move parts to check for smooth operation. Reject flawed pieces.
- Ensure good design – Test pieces for comfort and make sure modularity works as expected. Seek balancing and leveling features.
- Cover when not in use – Invest in custom furniture covers, a patio umbrella, or sun shade to prolong the life of your investment pieces.
- Arrange an inspection period – Reputable retailers allow you to examine pieces at home before committing. Check for any defects.
Taking the time to evaluate quality and test pieces for comfort will ensure you end up with designer furnishings made to stand the test of time through seasons of outdoor living and entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions About Designer Outdoor Furniture
What makes designer patio furniture different from standard outdoor furniture?
Designer pieces use higher quality materials, construction methods, and attention to detail. They have distinctive styling with thoughtful ergonomic design for comfort. Precision craftsmanship and overall aesthetic elevate them beyond run-of-the-mill patio furniture.
Is spending more on designer brands worth it?
It can be, if you value furniture with greater durability, longevity, and ability to withstand weathering. Well-made designer pieces retain their beauty after years outdoors. Higher price also reflects better materials and construction.
How much more durable is designer outdoor furniture compared to less expensive options?
It resists weathering significantly better thanks to high-performing materials and protective finishes. Multi-year warranties reflect the superior construction. With proper care, designer pieces can last 5-10 years outdoors, 2-3 times longer than cheaper versions.
What’s the best way to clean and care for designer patio furniture?
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging finishes. Typically, mild soap and water is sufficient for a basic cleaning. Ensure cushions are weatherproof and covers are removable for cleaning. Wipe spills immediately and dry metal pieces after rain.
Can designer outdoor furniture be left outside year round?
Some can, as long as the materials are rated for full weather exposure in your specific climate. Many teak and synthetic pieces are four seasons-friendly. If concerned, always move cushions/covers to a dry covered area for winter months or extreme weather.
How often should I expect to replace designer patio furniture if properly cared for?
High-end pieces used seasonally will often last 5-10 years or more. If using furniture year-round or in extreme climates, a 3-5 year lifespan is more likely. Look for manufacturers that stand behind their quality with warranties.
Are sales and deals on designer patio furniture brands common?
Yes, especially during seasonal clearance sales in fall. Look for discounts on floor models, discontinued collections, and last season’s cushion colors/fabrics. Promotions commonly happen around holidays like July 4th, Labor Day, and Memorial Day weekend.
Does designer patio furniture require assembly?
Sometimes – it depends on the specific pieces. Many come fully assembled. For sets with several pieces, some assembly is usually required, but should be simple with clear instructions provided. More complex modular sets may need professional assembly.
How long does delivery and shipping take for designer outdoor furniture purchases?
Most retailers offer a range of shipping options with delivery timeframes ranging from 2 days up to 4 weeks. Inventory availability affects timelines. In stock items ship fastest, while customized or specialty orders take longer.
Can I customize designer patio furniture – like the fabrics or finishes?
Customization is limited with designer collections compared to custom-made pieces. But some brands offer a selection of fabric colors, cushion choices, and finish options for their designs. Expect to pay 10-20% extra for customization.
What are the return policies typically like for designer patio furniture?
Due to the specialty nature, return policies are more stringent than standard furniture. Most brands allow returns within 30 days in like-new condition with original packaging. Returns may have restocking fees from 25-50% deducted.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Outdoor Furniture
Creating an inviting oasis for relaxing and entertaining is easy with high-quality designer patio furniture suited to your personal taste. Seeking out brands known for weather-resistant materials, innovative silhouettes, ergonomic comfort, and artful details will ensure you end up with eye-catching pieces that provide enjoyment for years to come.
Do your homework to analyze the offerings of top designers and the materials best suited for your climate. Select styles and forms that flow seamlessly with your exterior architecture and interior decor. And don’t forget – always double check cushions, hardware, and construction to be sure your investment pieces withstand the elements while elevating your outdoor living space.
