Uncomfortable chairs or a lack of seating can make your plans to entertain outside a drag. From pint-sized furniture to sculptural chairs, an array of options can add function and a decorative touch to decks, porches, patios and balconies.
New products include the woven backless bench from Windham, based in Plains. The bench, made of cast aluminum, is an alternative to traditional wooden benches, with a suggested retail price of $3,335. Windham products are sold in the Atlanta at Authenteak, Logan Gardens and Spiffy Stuff.
While you'll want to invest in outdoor furniture made of materials that withstand rain, dirt and even snow, some chair designs are unusual enough to splurge. For example, the Pollara Chair from Cantoni is made of resin wicker that extends up the back of the chair and as a canopy over the head. The chair comes in fuchsia, purple and white, with solid-color seat and back cushions made of all-weather fabric and stainless steel legs. Retails for $1,199 at Cantoni (cantoni.com).
Pier 1 Imports' Swingasan Chair elevates its longtime papasan chair for outdoor use on a porch or near a pool. The oversized chair is made of weather-proof synthetic rattan, and floral, peacock and geometric patterns woven onto the back to add additional interest. The chair, which comes in various colors, retails for $249.99-$269.99 (pier1.com).
Along those same colorful lines, there’s the Acapulco Multi Lounge Chair from CB2 (cb2.com), priced at $199. Aqua, pink, orange, white and PVC cords are attached to frame made of black powdercoated steel tubing, for what may be the only splash of color you need on your patio, deck or terrace.
When staging homes, Krisztina Bell of Virtually Staging Properties and No Vacancy Home Staging likes the look and sturdiness of the Echo Beach wicker collection at Pier 1 Imports (armchairs start at $349.95 and sofas at $699.95), the Pottery Barn Torrey All-Weather Wicker Square Arm Sofa ($1,399-$1,799), and Crate and Barrel’s Ventura Outdoor Furniture Collection with chairs, love seats, sectionals, ottomans and other pieces.
Homes with deep front porches, balconies and decks may be the spot for a rocking chair, and common options include a traditional slat-back rocker, a vintage-looking chair or Adirondack styles. The Grace collection by Haste Garden Furniture has a slanted back and wide arms, but the shape is meant to resemble the shape of a blooming flower. Suggested retail price for the Robinia wood rocker, which is made in Poland, is $559; online retailers include homeclick.com.
Pint-sized pieces don't lack pizzazz either. KidKraft's wood chaise comes with a matching umbrella, and a striped blue-and-a-white cushion, priced for $89.95 at kidkraft.com. For an extra touch, the chaise can be personalized with a name (different fonts and colors are available).
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
