Designers Say You’re Innocently Making These 6 Mistakes When Buying Outdoor Furniture

If you’re lucky enough to have any kind of outdoor space, then now is the time to take stock of your outdoor furniture situation. But before you start sourcing a new set for the season, you’ll need to consider not only the style you want, but also the materials. With environmental factors at play, it can be a lot more tricky to shop for outdoor decor than you might think. How do you know where to start? I turned to the experts to find out.

Below, you’ll find designers’ definitive list of do’s and don’ts for shopping outdoor furniture. These mistakes can seriously shorten the lifespan of your patio furniture, so this year, do it right and you’ll be set for seasons to come!

Moisture, wind, and UV rays can quickly fade outdoor furniture. “Even the most durable outdoor pieces benefit from protection during harsher weather months, says Leigh Lincoln, cofounder and principal designer of Pure Salt Interiors. “There are so many well-designed, tailored covers available now that don’t compromise aesthetics, and they significantly extend the life of the furniture.”

While aluminum, wrought iron, and steel are indeed sturdy materials, they’re not the only ones that make weather-resistant patio furniture. “We’ve sourced beautiful upholstered and wood-framed pieces that perform just as well when properly specified,” Lincoln says. Not only is this type of furniture long-lasting, but it also creates a warm, elevated outdoor environment, she adds.

Besides the material, the weight of your patio set is also an important consideration. That’s because wind can wreck your furniture fast if it’s not held down — especially if you have an apartment balcony on a higher floor or other similarly open spaces, says Kathy Kuo, CEO and founder of Kathy Kuo Home. “Typically, it’s a good idea to avoid lightweight plastic outdoor furniture and instead choose materials like teak, concrete, stone, or iron,” she recommends.

While most outdoor spaces have some greenery (naturally), a common oversight is not incorporating additional potted plants or trees into your decor. “Adding this layer brings depth, softness, and a sense of calm, helping the space feel more intentional and styled rather than just functional,” Lincoln says.

“While I adore a natural cotton or crisp linen fabric on indoor furniture and textiles, patio furniture needs to prioritize performance first and foremost,” Kuo says. 

When choosing a fabric for your outdoor furniture, Kuo recommends looking for solution-dyed materials. This means that dye is applied to the individual fibers during the manufacturing process instead of being applied to the fabric’s surface after it’s woven. “Solution-dyed fabrics are inherently fade-resistant and super-durable, which is so important for outdoor pieces!” she says, recommending Sunbrella acrylic fabrics, olefin, and polyester.

“When I’m designing outdoor spaces, I approach them with the same intentionality and consideration as I would any room in a home’s interior. To me, this means creating outdoor rooms that are truly livable and cater to the lifestyle of the family who resides there,” Kuo says. Is the space going to be used primarily as a spot for the kids to play? To relax? Or to entertain? Once you’ve got that figured out, you can decide on furniture placement and a flowing layout.

Kuo says from there, it’s all about layering with things like accent furniture, decorative patio accessories like throw pillows, ceramic planters with lush greenery, and tiered lanterns to illuminate the space. These elements make the space feel welcoming.