Ideas

13 Outdoor Furniture Ideas For Summer 2023

Summer is here! It's time to get outside and soak up that sunshine. It’s the perfect season for outdoor parties, swimming, sunbathing, and (our personal favourite) afternoon naps.

And what better way to beat the heat than by turning your outdoor area into a gorgeous oasis you can enjoy all summer long? The right outdoor furniture can transform your backyard, patio, or balcony into a go-to space for relaxing and entertaining.

The key to creating the perfect outdoor sanctuary is matching your furniture, décor, and fittings in a way that feels personal to you. Here are 13 summer-ready outdoor furniture ideas to get you started.

Image Credit: Villa Styling

1. Day beds

There's a reason this one made the top spot - we're overdue for some afternoon siestas, and summer naps are always best on daybeds. Set it up in a shady, breezy spot with a small table nearby for a good book and an iced drink (did someone say Aperol?). Add some comfy cushions and you've got yourself the ultimate summer relaxation spot.

Image Credit: Villa Styling

Image Credit: Coastpark Creative

2. Hammocks

Not a fan of daybeds? Try a hammock. Tuck it between shady trees or sturdy posts, add some pillows, and you'll have the perfect spot to swing in the summer breeze. The best part? If you're heading off on a camping trip, it's easy to pack down and throw in your car.

Hammocks also come in so many different materials, patterns and colours, like this Macrame Cotton Hammock.

Mood board credit by Kiarajanninteriors on Style Sourcebook, view mood board here.

3. Colourful outdoor cushions

Creating an outdoor space that you love is all about making it your own, and cushions are a great place to start. They can make any room feel vibrant and inspiring. With so many options available, you'll easily find a unique combination of different patterns, colours, and shapes to personalise your space. Try mixing and matching styles until you find one you love.

We're loving the light blues this summer, like this bright outdoor cushion from Pillow Talk.

Image Credit: @sage.and.cove

Image Credit: Villa Styling

4. Potted plants

Potted plants are another way to liven up your porch or balcony. With a huge range of pots and plants available to you, you can find options to suit any style. They're the perfect finishing touch for any outdoor area. Plus, they help keep your space cool and some species even have air-purifying effects.

Tip: Opt for a textured pot on your outdoor table to add a bit of depth to the space.

Image Credit: Anson Smart

5. Hanging chair

Let's take a moment to appreciate the hanging chair. It's like a swing for adults and it's kind of amazing. Who doesn’t want to kick back in their own floating pod? You can get them in all sorts of shapes, sizes and materials from futuristic to natural bamboo to colourful, vibrant designs.

Just pop on some comfy cushions and an ottoman and you're good to go.

Opting for a neutral hanging chair is also the perfect place to start. It'll fit in with your existing outdoor décor so there's no need to replace your entire alfresco. We're loving this cream hanging chair from Ivory and Deene.

Mood board credit by Thediydecorator on Style Sourcebook, view mood board here.

6. Swing

Ready to go all out and embrace your inner child? A swing is a stylish addition to any outdoor space. Perfect for adults to perch on with a glass of wine in hand, or to keep the kids entertained. You can do a lot with the design, but something as simple as rope and wood adds a unique accent to your space. Just make sure it's secured to something strong.

Image Credit: Villa Styling

7. Timber setting

The Australian classic, timber dining settings have been a family barbecue staple for as long as we can remember. These versatile settings come in a variety of hardwood colours to complement the environment around them. Match them with seat cushions in your favourite colour and you have the ultimate entertainment piece for any occasion.

Image Credit: Villa Styling

8. Pod chairs

Just like their hanging chair counterparts, pod chairs offer a relaxing, cocooned space perfect for napping, watching the kids, or entertaining guests. The big difference between pod chairs and hanging chairs are that these are a little more grounded, literally. Without needing support beams to hang from, you can place them anywhere and they even come in two-seater sizes.

9. Bright furniture

Summer is the season of vivid colours. Brightly coloured furniture really pops under the sun, creating a striking statement for any outdoor space. Reflect the glistening ocean with a vibrant blue, embrace the golden sands of our beaches, or go bold with bright reds, yellows, and oranges.

Image Credit: @bella.vista.living

10. Ottomans

A gorgeous outdoor lounge is great, but you need a place to put your feet up after a long, hot day. An ottoman is a must. These stylish and practical pieces are more than just a place to rest your tired feet. They also function as handy snack tables or extra seats in a pinch. Coming in all shapes, sizes and colours, you can find one to match any style.

We're loving the linen ottomans for a fresh summer feel, like the Como Linen Square Ottoman from James Lane.

Image Credit: Nat Spada

11. Outdoor ambient lighting

When summer afternoons turn into summer nights, you need something to keep the atmosphere going. Ambient lighting, like fairy lights or lanterns, allow you to transform the atmosphere of your patio with the flick of a switch. Or take it a step further and fill your garden with fairy lights for a dramatic look.

If the fiddly projects aren't your thing, why not install ambient wall lights instead, like the Bunker Cage light from Fat Shack Vintage.

Image Credit: Teresa @musephotography_lifestyle

12. Painted fence

Bring new life to your fence with a fresh coat of paint. A bit of paint can turn your drab fence into the perfect backdrop for your garden. With the right colours, you'll make your plants pop and enhance your furniture. Get some samples and try out different paint swatches to see what vibe they create, then pick your favourite and get painting!

Image Credit: Villa Styling

13. Shaded relaxation nooks

On a hot day, you'll want a shaded, breezy relaxation nook. Design your nook around an area of shady trees and use natural materials to keep it cool all summer long.

No trees in your space? Get some large potted plants! Add a stylish pergola to keep the sun at bay, pile up cushions on a comfy couch, and add some tables for snacks and refreshments and you won't want to move from this spot all summer.