These Are the Outdoor Essentials Designers Are Actually Buying

Since your time spent outside is as vast and varied as Mother Nature herself, you’ll want to find accessories that can adapt to your next great adventure. So, why not spring for an ultra-stylish lantern? 

According to Devin Shaffer, leader interior designer at Decorilla Online Interior Design, this fixture from Serena & Lily is the perfect mix between “relaxation and sophistication. I’m in love with this lantern: It’s such a simple piece that makes a great impact on an outdoor space,” the San Francisco-based designer says. “The natural rattan has that rustic charm and the round shape adds that contrast to it perfectly.”

If you’re looking for somewhere to place your personal belongings—be it a bottle of SPF or your sunglasses—this table from West Elm hits that sweet spot between form and function. “The concrete makes this piece a must for an outdoor space,” Shaffer says. “The shape of the table is sleek yet reminds me of an ancient time and the industrial material adds that modern touch.” Though concrete is an undeniably industrial material, the brown hue seen here gives it an earthy edge. 

Sometimes, the key to finding the very best outdoor furniture is tapping into those high-quality, well-respected brands. “The key to creating an outdoor look that’s unique and full of personality is to mix classic and modern pieces,” says Peti Lau, who runs her eponymous design firm in Los Angeles. “Heirloom brands like McKinnon and Harris are great resources; I love the Rives Sun Chaise, which has oversized wheels and a simple, clean frame.” Though the price of this chaise lounge may elicit some sticker shock, the brand’s time-honored craftsmanship and top-tier materials make this one seat you can enjoy for years to come.

Looking for a bright idea to spruce up your deck or patio? You might want to consider affixing a few sconces to your home’s facade. “Exterior lighting is key for setting the mood in the evening to extend the life of your outdoor space as the sun sets,” Lau says. “Urban Electric offers beautiful outdoor lighting, [and] you can never go wrong with the Vic.” Outfitted with clean, crisp lines, this sconce is versatile enough to go with a range of architecture and design styles.

Though teak and powder-coated steel are reliable, weather-resistant materials, Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN is encouraging you to bring your outdoor furniture collection back to nature. “I am really interested in playing more with natural stone in outdoor furniture pieces,” shares the designer, who has an office in Los Angeles. “They’re made to age and withstand a beating.” Thanks to the ribbed detailing, this Palecek accent table is both practical and playful. 

We don’t know who needs to hear this, but your pool deserves a moment in the design spotlight. Here’s your cue to pick out something that’s fun, functional, and floats like this inflatable tray.

“It’s one of my favorite pool accessories to bring out, whether it’s just me and my husband enjoying a snack,” says Samantha Klein, an interior design content creator in Los Angeles. “I’ve even had a full charcuterie spread floating around the pool with friends over. It’s definitely a bit over-the-top and makes you feel like you’re at a hotel but isn’t that part of the fun anyway?”

Since this pick is on Amazon, you can use your Prime membership to get expedited shipping.

It might be easier to buy an outdoor furniture set, but most experts would challenge you to think outside of the big box retailer. “Outdoor living spaces are a great place to have a little fun with your furniture,” says  Rosanna Bassford of Memmo Interiors in Silicon Valley. “It doesn’t have to be a matching set, and they can have non-traditional profiles.” For example, Bassford favors this armless chair from CB2, which is made in a weather-friendly teak and comes with ultra-plush cushions. “[It’s a] lounge-y look that invites you to kick back and stay awhile,” she says.

Need another seat to complete your setup? San Diego-based designer Hanin Smith is “giddy” about this vintage-inspired outdoor chair, which she says could pass for an heirloom from her grandmother. “We love it when outdoor furniture transcends the generic patio furniture aesthetic, but is still made of quality materials that can withstand the elements,” adds the Hide Studios founder and principal designer. “This teak chair is perfect for a California room because it seamlessly brings the comfort of the indoors to the outdoors.”

Whether you’re craving fresh-squeezed lemonade or something stronger, no time outside is complete without a chilled beverage in hand. Fortunately, you don’t have to look far to find a cheers-worthy bar cart. “Brown Jordan’s Still Collection is timeless and elegant, equal parts design and sculpture,” says Denver designer Nadia Watts. “The pieces are versatile and customizable: They come in a wide variety of colors with over 20 finishes and hundreds of fabrics to choose from.” The sleek design is expertly paired with a powder-coated steel, which is known for holding its own against the elements.