Stay Ahead of Trends: Outdoor Furniture Trends for the New Decade

Outdoor living spaces are an extension of our homes. With this increased focus on creating an outdoor oasis, furniture trends are evolving to meet new needs and preferences. As we enter a new decade, several factors will shape emerging styles and innovations in outdoor and patio furniture. Let's take a look at some outdoor furniture trends to make your house beautiful in the coming decade.

Revamping Outdoor Spaces: The Emergence of New Furniture Trends

The past few years have seen a major revamping of backyards, patios, decks, and balconies into multifunctional outdoor living spaces. Homeowners are investing more in high-quality, durable furniture to transform these areas into a functional extension of indoor living. This trend toward fully utilizing outdoor real estate has opened doors for new furniture styles and designs.

Comfort is key - deep seating sectionals, loungers, and weather-resistant fabrics allow us to unwind outdoors. Portable furniture with wheels caters to flexibility in layouts. The lines between indoor and outdoor furnishings are blurred to accommodate work, dining, and relaxation in alfresco environments.

The Rise of Eco-Friendly Furniture

Sustainability is an increasingly important factor influencing outdoor furniture design and manufacturing. Consumers, especially millennials, are seeking green materials and production methods that have a lighter environmental impact.

Brands are responding by engineering recycled poly lumber made from recycled plastic bags and reclaimed wood. Using recycled aluminum and sustainably harvested teak are other eco-friendly practices gaining traction. Powder-coated metals and synthetic weaves reduce the need for chemical weatherproofing treatments.

Eco-conscious production methods are also growing. Some companies use responsibly managed forests and renewable bamboo sources. Others rely on solar facilities and ethical working conditions.

For more information about eco-friendly outdoor furniture options, check out our in-depth outdoor furniture guide.

Return to Natural Materials: Wood, Rattan, and More

Despite advances in polymer materials, natural wood, and fibers remain appealing for their beauty and organic textures. Teak, eucalyptus, and acacia are common wood choices for outdoor and patio furniture due to their weather resistance and rich grains. Mahogany is also gaining interest for its durability and natural oils that protect against moisture.

Natural wicker and rattan continue to be staples, with innovations like synthetic weave improving longevity outdoors. New production methods like steam-bending allow more durable and ergonomic rattan designs. Using sustainably sourced materials helps satisfy the demand for these natural looks.

Learn more about natural vs synthetic patio furniture. 

The Influence of Consumer Trends

Several larger consumer trends are shaping directions in outdoor furniture design and functionality. Understanding lifestyle needs and priorities helps predict upcoming styles.

The Impact of Modern Lifestyles and Preferences on Furniture Trends

Our on-the-go modern lifestyles increase the appeal of low-maintenance outdoor furniture. All-weather and weatherproof materials that shed water, resist stains and prevent rust simplify upkeep. Synthetic wicker resists fading better than natural fibers. Stainless steel, aluminum, and powder-coated finishes stand up to the elements without much care needed.

Integrated features also reflect busy lifestyles. USB charging ports, drink coolers, and Bluetooth speakers built into furniture allow us to multitask outside. Easy clean-up and storage amenities like machine-washable cushions and covers help hectic households.

The rise in outdoor kitchens and alfresco dining means more patio tables, outdoor dining tables, seating, serving carts, and conversation areas for entertaining. Sectional seating and modular components provide flexibility in arranging and storing furniture when not hosting guests.

Need for Comfort and Functionality: Influencing Outdoor Furniture Trends

Ergonomic comfort is increasingly important given how much time we spend relaxing and working outdoors. Designs are shifting to suspended all-weather mesh instead of traditional straps, allowing better contouring to bodies for comfort and support.

Seating focuses on plush cushions with drainage and accent details. Adjustable chairs, swivel bases, and lounger positions accommodate varied needs from dining to sunbathing. Fire pits, heating, and integrated blankets bring cozy warmth for lengthening evenings outdoors.

Storage needs also drive functionality. Benches, side tables, and ottomans with hidden storage inside are popular for stashing clutter. Tables and consoles designed to protect outdoor TVs and sound systems from weather address multimedia needs.

Check out our guide to choosing outdoor furniture. 

Colors and Design: Exploring New Outdoor Furniture Styles

While neutrals remain safe choices, bolder colors and playful patterns make outdoor decor pop. The softening of boundaries between indoor and outdoor styles also brings more variety to materials, textures, and silhouettes.

Color Trends in Outdoor Furniture: Pantone Influence

For color inspiration, Pantone is the most respected trendsetter in design. Viva Magenta is Pantone's 2023 color of the year, lending a powerful and exuberant pop of pink to outdoor furniture. Pantone’s 2022 color of the year, Very Peri, brings a bold periwinkle blue tone to outdoor accents and pillows. Their 2021 colors, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, remain prevalent in tabletops and neutral fabrics with bright yellow accents.

Earthy tones like rust orange, olive green, and deep umber add a natural feel. Pastels are also popular, with soft greens and creamy ivories for chairs and cushions. Vibrant colors like coral and teal update traditional looks.

Using contrasting or complementary colors on different pieces creates a collected layered look. Patterned and textured fabrics and materials add visual interest when unified by color schemes.

Design Trends: Minimalism vs. Luxurious Details

Interior designers agree that clean, straight lines and simple frames define the minimalist look gaining hold in outdoor furniture. Tufted cushions, tapered legs, and smooth polished finishes provide understated elegance. This allows small spaces to feel airy and highlights contemporary architecture.

At the other end, luxurious details create high-class outdoor living rooms. Ornate metalwork, carved accents, and gilded touches add a glamorous feel. Velveteen fabrics and fringed umbrellas provide resort-style luxury. Mixing ornate and streamlined elements achieves the popular collected look.

Whether you embrace the simplicity of Scandinavian style or the richness of exotic décor, furniture helps set the tone for your ideal outdoor escape. Tracking trends helps inspire ideas while sticking to your personal oasis vision.

The coming years promise exciting innovation in outdoor furniture functionality, sustainability, comfort, and aesthetics. As our backyards become the new living room, furniture will continue adapting to changing consumer priorities and lifestyles. By staying informed and finding the right balance of timeless quality and on-trend touches, you can assemble an outdoor retreat uniquely tailored to how you want to live.

Discover Our Wide Range of Outdoor Furniture

If you’re interested in finding new outdoor furniture, Watson’s has everything you need.

When you shop with us, you’ll find an amazing selection and personalized service, along with the guaranteed lowest prices in the USA. We have a wide variety of outdoor furniture from the leading brands along with tons of accessories to make your outdoor space complete. Shop online or stop by your nearest Watson’s location today.

FAQs

What are the trending colors of outdoor furniture?

Some of the most popular and trending colors for outdoor furniture include earthy natural tones like olive green, rust orange, and deep amber, as well as pastels like soft greens, ivories, and aqua blues. Bolder colors like coral, teal, and Pantone's 2023 color of the year, Viva Magenta, are also growing in popularity for adding vibrant accents.

Is brown furniture coming back in style?

Yes, brown furniture is making a comeback as people gravitate toward natural materials and earthy tones for outdoor living spaces - rich wood finishes like mahogany and teak provide warmth and connect with nature, while brown wicker and rattan remain classic natural fibers that work well outdoors. Browns in various wood stains and textured woven materials create an organic, inviting look for patios and decks.

What outdoor furniture is trending?

Some top trends in outdoor furniture include sectionals and modular seating arrangements to create flexible layouts, weatherproof materials like powder-coated metals and synthetic wicker for low maintenance, and multi-functional pieces like tables with built-in coolers, charging ports, and Bluetooth speakers. Suspended, contouring meshes for ergonomic comfort are also growing in popularity for outdoor seating and loungers.