Adding outdoor furniture to your outside area, no matter what its size, can transform your home by creating extra living space to relax or entertain.
Decked out with good-looking, comfortable outdoor furniture, even the smallest of gardens, terraces or decks can become the perfect spot to host, dine or kick back and enjoy warmer weather. Plus, investing in new outdoor furniture can also give a tired-looking outside area a fresh lease of life. “Beautiful furniture instantly refreshes an outdoor area,” says Jen Stumbles, owner of Eco Outdoor. “Just be sure to pick pieces that maximise use of the space.”
There’s a vast range of outdoor furniture styles on offer, says Domayne’s Amber Cooke. “You could opt for pieces in natural timber, hand-woven synthetic wicker or rope and easy-care aluminium, all with comfortable cushioning.” For an effortless and chic look to your space, opt for high-quality outdoor furniture pieces with a common element, such as materiality or upholstery.
Many of the luxuries you’d expect to see indoors can now be found outdoors, says Susan Tait, creative director at Tait. “Advances in technology mean we can now bring luxury outdoors: plump cushioning; plush, textured and coloured fabrics; and beautifully crafted, timber pieces.” Today’s outdoor fabrics are more tactile too, says Cameron Warwick, joint managing director at Warwick Fabrics. “They feel much softer and the structure allows for rich textures, chunky weaves and multicoloured yarns.”
2024’s top 3 outdoor furniture picks
- Maui outdoor two seater sofa with two lounge chairs, $2670, Castlery (here’s why)
- BISCAY dining package, $2099, Freedom (here’s why)
- Miami outdoor chair, $349, Amart (here’s why)
The best outdoor furniture picks in Australia 2024
1
Maui outdoor two seater sofa with two lounge chairs
$2670 (usually $2976), Castlery
Completely transform your outdoor space in an instant with this effortlessly stylish outdoor furniture set from Castlery. Designed to inspire peak relaxation from its modern tropical style to its comfortable foam cushions, this high quality set is perfect for gathering friends or family.
Key features:
- Durable aluminum frame
- Removable cushion covers
- 2 year warranty
2
BISCAY dining package
$2099, Freedom
Transform your outdoor dining area in one go with this handy outdoor dining package from Freedom. This five-piece set features a chic terrazo look throughout that will look right at home in any modern outdoor entertaining area. Crafted from long-lasting fibre and cement, this set is a durable pick for the outdoors.
Key features:
- Matching set
- Crafted from durable materials
- Designed for patios, gardens or balconies
3
Miami outdoor chair
$349, Amart
Add a soft, romantic feel to your outdoor entertaining zone with this affordably priced armchair. It has a durable steel frame, UV-resistant wicker wrapping and the seat cushion is covered in water-repellent, outdoor-friendly polyester.
Key features:
- UV-resistant wicker
- Removable cushion
- Comfortable design
4
Ora corner seater outdoor lounge
$2199, Olan
If you live in an apartment but want to splurge on some outdoor furniture pieces that make a big impact, this outdoor sofa from Olan Living is well worth considering. Plus, if you move and ever increase your outdoor space, you can add to this corner piece to create a larger sofa to fill a bigger outdoor area in the future.
Key features:
- Marine grade high density foam
- Minimum 2 year warranty
- High quality materials
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5
Keller indoor/outdoor dining chairs (set of two)
$513 (usually $540), Interior Secrets
Crafted in Europe with air moulding technology, the Keller outdoor dining chairs exude refined aesthetics and sophistication. You can also stack them up to six chairs high – making them a great option for those who are looking for a space-saving garden solutions.
Key features:
- Available in 6 different colourways including white and black
- UV stabilized to prevent fading
- 5 year warranty
6
Bali cement outdoor coffee table
$1400 (usually $1750), Interior Secrets
For a refined urban look, this cement outdoor coffee table is a must. Crafted from cement fibre and iron for durability while also featuring an in-built ice bucket (or fill it with your favourite outdoor plant), this coffee table from Interior Secrets will complement any aesthetic effortlessly.
Key features:
- Made with durable cement and iron materials
- Can withstand all weather conditions and no need to cover
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
7
ESSEY illusion table in ice
$595, Hardtofind
Make a statement with this beautiful side table. Made to mimic round tables with white tablecloths that are synonymous with the streets of Copenhagen, this piece will be a talking point for many years to come.
Key features:
- Made from frosted acrylic
- 2 sizes available
- Free shipping throughout Australia
8
Honcho dining chair
$119, Lounge Lovers
Made with moulded polypropylene, this replica Phillipe Starck chair is similar to the original where it contours to the user to ensure a comfortable and ergonomic seating option. In a classic black colourway, keep it undercover outdoors and it will last for the many seasons to come.
Key features:
- Stackable functionality
- Made with UV stabilised and weather resistant injection moulded plastic
- 12 month warranty
9
Sierra outdoor dining table
$999 (usually $1099), Castlery
Unwind after a long day in the comfort of your own backyard with a chic dining table from Castlery. This one features a modern slatted tabletop in a charming silhouette – plus, you can add an umbrella to stay in the shade when the sun gets too hot.
Key features:
- Seats up to 6
- Umbrella hole for shade
- 1 year warranty
10
Tidal outdoor sofa
$899 (usually $1299), Freedom
Comfortable and durable, this outdoor sofa features striking rope details and a sturdy acacia timber construction. Thick and comfortable foam cushions line this sofa to ensure you enjoy outdoor gatherings all the season long.
Key features:
- Comfortable foam and fibre-filled cushions
- Removable cushions
- Matching chair and coffee table can be purchased to complete the look
11
Manly armless chair
$750, Freedom
If you’re looking to create a relaxed vibe outdoors, this charming outdoor lounge chair is just the ticket. It has a sturdy acacia wood frame and comfortable plush foam cushions. Low to the ground to ignite relaxation, it’s the perfect outdoor chair to elevate your outdoor setting
Key features:
- Removable cushions
- Made with sturdy acacia timber
- Cushion material is resistant to UV rays and water
Things to consider when choosing outdoor furniture for your home
Use
The first thing you need to do when choosing outdoor furniture for your home is work out how you want to use the space. Do you need a dining table and chair to create the ultimate indoor-outdoor dining and entertainment space, or would a comfortable sofa and outdoor armchair better suit your desire for an area to relax and unwind in outside?
If relaxation is your goal, you’ll want to be sure that whatever you choose is both comfortable and durable. “Cushioning is key,” says Jane Novembre, director of marketing at Domo. “Choose quick-dry outdoor foams and textiles that are designed for outdoor use, machine-washable and UV-resistant.”
Also, don’t forget maintenance; if this is a piece of outdoor furniture that you know won’t be used regularly, it’s worth checking if the piece you have your eye on requires regular upkeep or just the occasional wipe. If the outdoor furniture you are investing in will be used regularly, then choosing a piece that needs regular upkeep won’t matter as much, but for something that will be used occasionally, you don’t want to be tied to regular maintenance.
Space
Consider the size of the space when choosing outdoor furniture for your home. “You’ll need to be able to move around comfortably without furniture blocking access,” says Chris Mahoney, group director of Brisbane landscape-architecture firm Verve Design Group.
If your outdoor area is on the small side, there are plenty of space-savvy designs on offer. “You’ll find folding chairs, compact sofas, high/narrow tables, modular outdoor settings, dining chairs that double as lounge chairs, and more,” says Cooke. Dual-purpose furniture is also on the rise: “Look for lightweight, stackable pieces that can be used as seating and then easily stored away, and seating that conceals storage,” says Mahoney.
Budget
“Decide on a budget and if money is tight, spending on one statement piece, such as a comfortable sofa, with inexpensive accessories, might give you the most bang for your buck,” advises Mahoney.
Aspect
Aspect is another important consideration. “If the area gets full sun year-round, avoid metal furniture, which will get very hot. If it’s in shade, seek synthetic or metal pieces to minimise mould and mildew,” says Mahoney.
What outdoor furniture lasts the longest in Australia?
Metal, stone and concrete are all incredibly durable materials and so any outdoor furniture made of stone, concrete or a metal such as wrought iron will have been designed with longevity in mind.
If you prefer the look of wooden furniture, then a wood like teak would be worth considering, as it is more resistant to rot and decay than other woods thanks to its high natural oil content.
