These Are the Outdoor Essentials Designers Are Actually Buying

Now that summer has finally arrived, it’s time for you to heed your call of the wild and head outside. Of course, you’re not chilling outside alone: You’ll have all your plants, grilling tools , and outdoor decor essentials keeping you company. That said, finding the right outdoor furniture to suit your space can be admittedly tricky. Not only do you have to find pieces that are designed with Mother Nature in mind—and hopefully don’t follow these key backyard blunders —but you’ll want to find items that look good, too. (Just like what’s inside your home, outdoor furniture can be surprisingly pricey, so it’s in your best interest to find furniture that ticks off all of the boxes.)

But with so many brands, materials, and options to choose from, whittling down your search to find the very best outdoor decor can be a doozy. To help, we tapped a few West Coast designers to share their favorite options. These professionals are no strangers to indoor-outdoor living , so it’s safe to say they know where to find everything from splurge-worthy investments to budget-friendly buys. Whether you’re looking for a new outdoor lounge chair or a fun bar cart, the search is finally over.

1 of 9 Courtesy of Serena & Lily

Serena & Lily Tortola Lantern, $198

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.”

Serena & Lily Tortola Lantern, $198 2 of 9 Courtesy of West Elm

West Elm Textured Concrete Outdoor Side Table, $299

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.

West Elm Textured Concrete Outdoor Side Table, $299 3 of 9 Courtesy of McKinnon Harris

McKinnon and Harris Rives Sun Chaise, from $9,730

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.

McKinnon and Harris Rives Sun Chaise, from $9,730 4 of 9 Courtesy of Urban Electric Co.

Urban Electric Company Vic Sconce, from $2,319

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.

Urban Electric Company Vic Sconce, from $2,319 5 of 9 Courtesy of Layla Grace

Palecek Hazel Short Accent Table, $1,414

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.

Palecek Hazel Short Accent Table, $1,414 6 of 9 Courtesy of Amazon

Serabetto Floating Tray for Pool, $150

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.

Serabetto Floating Tray for Pool, $150 7 of 9 Courtesy of CB2

Fred Segal Sunset Teak Lounge Chair, $719

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.

Fred Segal Sunset Teak Lounge Chair, $719 8 of 9 Courtesy of One Kings Lane

Sadie Outdoor Teak Chair, $1,155

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.”

Sadie Outdoor Teak Chair, $1,155 9 of 9 Courtesy of Brown Jordan

Brown Jordan Still Console Table and Serving Cart by Richard Frinier, from $6,546

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.

Brown Jordan Still Console Table and Serving Cart by Richard Frinier, from $6,546

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