6 Outdoor Furniture Trends You'll See This Summer

Photo credit: Wayfair
Photo credit: Wayfair


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When it comes to making your backyard your dream destination, the opportunities to create something beautiful and unique to your home are endless! Sometimes narrowing down what's the best outdoor furniture can be tricky with so many trends out there, from the best rocking chairs for lounging or durable outdoor rugs crafted to last. So to make your shopping spree easier, we spoke to in-house designers and experts from Wayfair to help identify the top emerging outdoor trends! From laid-back coastal to cabana-striped everything, these trends feature classic design elements in ways that feel fresh and inspired.

Rebecca Breslin, Wayfair Professional's Senior Design Manager, says “As you’re planning your outdoor space for the warmer months, start with pieces that define the area you’ll be using—think mosaic floor tiles, a pergola, or outdoor rugs. For the continuity of your home, carry the design aesthetic of the interior into your outdoor space.”

5 Tips for Setting Up Your Outdoor Space

1. Look for grounding and space-defining pieces.

“If your outdoor space is larger, plan to break up the space with a few of these moments--a rug under a dining table, tile for your lounge seating area, and more.”

2. Continue your indoor aesthetic to the outdoors.

“Do you prefer modern, rustic, farmhouse, or traditional? It’s easy to find outdoor styles that coordinate with your overall aesthetic and it helps keep the outdoors connected to the rest of the home.”

3. Maximize the space for end-use.

“If you’re working with limited space, like a small patio or balcony, plan for what you’re most likely going to use the space for. Do you want a soft spot in the sun, a small dining table to entertain friends, or just a garden bed? Plan your space around your outdoor activity, to get the most out of the space while you can.

4. Durability is key.

“Outdoor furniture will be up against the spring and summer (and maybe fall) elements. If your space isn’t covered, take into account that the sun and rain will have an impact on what you buy. Consider weather-proof materials in key places like Sunbrella cushions for your outdoor set or Polywood for Adirondack chairs.”

5. Elevate the space.

“Look for a few elevated items you really love to bring newness and excitement to your design from tile to sconces, dining sets, and more.”

Here is everything you need to know about buying outdoor furniture for 2022.

Mesh Moments

Photo credit: Wayfair
Photo credit: Wayfair

“The newest product of the ’70s revival, mesh accents are back with a twist. Metal cutouts and finely woven rattan add texture to sleek silhouettes, giving this retro design element a modern feel,” says Brynna Lee, Wayfair’s Professional Stylist. Lee suggests looking for furniture with perforated patterns, muted colors, rope and rattan, open weaves, and sculptural silhouettes.

Inspired Botanicals

Photo credit: Wayfair
Photo credit: Wayfair

Lee shares, “Floral motifs remain relevant in outdoor design. This time around, we’re seeing a more stylized approach–a vibrant and striking homage to nature.” Get playful with vibrant colors, floral textiles, unique accent chairs, and painted ceramics to bring this fun trend to your backyard.

Coastal Minimalism

Photo credit: Wayfair
Photo credit: Wayfair

For Wayfair's Professional Stylist, Hayley Drew, the best way to achieve this breezy style is by choosing wicker furniture, liven up neutral color schemes with touches of greenery, and looking for pale woods. “This year, we’re welcoming in a more elevated take on classic coastal style. Organic materials pair with crisp whites and tranquil sea-glass hues for an effortless ocean-inspired look.”

A Trip to Sonoma

Photo credit: Wayfair
Photo credit: Wayfair


“From floral-draped pergolas to rustic mosaic tiles, this relaxed yet refined look borrows the best that wine country has to offer,” Drew continues. This trend is a hosts' dream, spotlighting elongated dining tables, pergolas, mosaic tiles, and warm-toned woods mixed with wrought iron touches. Your backyard will feel like a weekend well-spent in California!

Cabana Stripes

Photo credit: Wayfair
Photo credit: Wayfair

If your outdoor layout is all about your amazing pool, this style will bring in bold colors, pool loungers (performance-approved), and oversized umbrellas. “The timeless summer staple is making a bold comeback. From classic navy blue to sunny yellow, cabana stripes are brightening up furniture, drapes, tiles, and more,” Cojo Barnes, Wayfair's Professional Stylist explains.

West Coast Casual

Photo credit: Wayfair
Photo credit: Wayfair

If you're seeking an outdoor space that has an approachable relaxed, but design-forward feel, this trend is a California dream. “Layers of muted tones, textures, and lived-in fabrics speak to this California-inspired look. Pair organic materials like washed oak and stone with low-profile silhouettes for a stripped-back, effortless setup,” Lee states.

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