Outdoor Seating in Style

Summer is finally here…and the MGD team is ready for all the patio hangs and summertime cocktails (in small group settings, of course!). When it comes to outdoor seating, there are a couple key elements to keep in mind when shopping for seating options, particularly outdoor chairs.

Looks are, of course, often at the top of our list. You’ll want all of your outdoor furniture to mesh well, and go along with the rest of your exterior. Think of your outdoor seating as the backdrop, the same as you would with the walls indoors. For that reason, neutrals are a great bet for long-lasting, long-loving outdoor pieces that won’t clash with other exterior elements. We often save the pops of color for outdoor pillows & accessories, and opt for timeless, classic colors on larger staple pieces of furniture—think whites, natural woods, grays, and black…you can’t go wrong with this approach.

Durability and weather-resistance are other considerations while you shop. Depending on where you call home, you might want to choose your materials based on your typical weather conditions. Midwest summers and winters offer up a bit more extreme temperatures than milder coastal vibes, so metal, wicker, and teak are all good options to hold up against fluctuating, extreme conditions. Likewise, full sun 24/7 (like in sunny SoCal!) can cause fading and cracking, so lighter-colored furniture can better hold up to constant rays over darker colors. And teak can be treated each year to keep it looking its best, if you care to preserve the color, so it’s often a tried and true staple for many.

If you choose to splurge on your outdoor furniture, make sure to go the extra mile and get covers for your pieces to keep them looking good for many seasons to come! Outdoor furniture covers are a must for us, so we always order them at the same time as ordering furniture pieces, so they stay protected and covered from day 1. It really makes a huge difference in the life of the furniture and outdoor cushions.

Our current outdoor style is trending towards wicker and rattan for a bit of a unique look & feel, and we love accessorizing chairs with a fun pop of color and pattern with pillows because…why not!?

Now it’s your turn…so take a seat in the sunshine, pour yourself a glass of rose, and shop some of our current favorite picks for outdoor chairs and loungers (and peep a few of our latest outdoor projects, featuring some pretty gorgeous outdoor seating options). Happy summer shopping!