Warmer temperatures may be luring you outside, but with no outdoor furniture except for a couple of rump-sprung beach chairs or a low retaining wall, you'll soon find yourself heading back inside to enjoy the recycled air conditioning. Maybe it's time to get serious about buying some attractive outdoor seating for your patio, deck, porch, lawn, balcony or whatever you call your outdoor living space. From a wooden Adirondack chair to charming wicker and space-age modernism, there's a chair to suit every bottom. And by the way -- it is possible to find good deals on outdoor furniture and patio seating.
1. Achla Eucalyptus Folding Bench
Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber
New for 2009, this smartly designed bench is one of ACHLA Designs' sustainably harvested Eucalyptus grandis furniture pieces. The seat and back support are made of a waterproof polyweave. A matching chair and table are also available. Small-space alert: this piece of outdoor furniture folds, so you can store it when not in use!
Prices and availability subject to change. Taxes, shipping, handling and expedited delivery fees may be extra.
2. All-Weather Double Porch Swing
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Nothing's more inviting than a porch swing -- beckoning you to sit for a spell and slowly swing as you watch the world go by. This durable wicker porch swing's cuvilinear design goes just as well with a Craftsman-style house as it would a contemporary. Indoor/outdoor wicker and resin combo is attractive and easy to maintain. This double porch swing comes in two finishes: antique (pictured) and white. Two powder-coated 7-foot chains are included and feature a powder-coated finish, which will help prevent rusting. Cushions and pillows are not included.
Prices and availability subject to change. Taxes, shipping, handling and expedited delivery fees may be extra.
3. Arpoador Steamer Eucalyptus Lounge Chair
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One of the most durable and nicest-looking materials for garden furniture is wood. The Arpoador steamer chaise lounge is made from solid eucalyptus, which has earned a reputation for its strength, beauty and durability. Designed in the style of vintage steamer chairs -- which were used on the decks of large ocean liners like the Titanic - this lounge is adjustable, making it a great choice for smaller outdoor areas. This chair is FSC approved.
Prices and availability subject to change. Taxes, shipping, handling and expedited delivery fees may be extra.
4. Bear Chair Co. Adirondack-Style Wooden Chair
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Designed more than 100 years ago, the Adirondack chair is a perennial favorite that conjures up images of summer resorts (can't you picture Baby lounging on one when she wasn't doing some of that Dirty Dancing). Keeping the tradition alive for more than 20 years, The Bear Chair Company of Northern Ontario has been producing fine-quality, affordable Adirondack/Muskoka-style chairs in a ready-to-assemble form. Available in white pine or red cedar.
Prices and availability subject to change. Taxes, shipping, handling and expedited delivery fees may be extra.
5. Eden Outdoor Sunset Double Bench
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Benches are an excellent starting point for your outdoor furniture collection. Originally crafted for gardens and patios of Italy and England, these timeless pieces bring a classic beauty to gardens everywhere. Eden Outdoor Living furniture is made of Asian Mahogany, an extremely durable hardwood. Each piece of Eden furniture has been hand-rubbed with a blended teak oil to preserve its finish. Timber for Eden Outdoor Living products is cut from sustainable forests.
Prices and availability subject to change. Taxes, shipping, handling and expedited delivery fees may be extra.
6. IKEA ROXÖ Outdoor Easy Chair
Photo Courtesy of IKEA
Designed by Ola Wihlborg, IKEA's ROXÖ easy chair is a modern take on a Midcentury-style loveseat. Retro details include white welting (piping, or trim) on the seat and pincushion-style back pillows. Updates make the chair more portable, including a touch-and-close fastener that keeps the cushion in place and also serves as a handle. Disc-shaped metal feet help to keep the garden chair stable, even on your lawn. Other plusses: seat and pillow covers are removable (for those grape popsicle stains) and machine washable (no dry cleaning bills). The cushions also comply with California TB117 flammability requirements.
Available at IKEA stores only. Price and availability subject to change.
7. Julep Rocking Chair by CB2
Photo Courtesy of CB2
When I attended the Dwell on Design show at the LA Convention Center in June, I got the chance to test out lots of modern outdoor furniture on display. CB2 had a major presence at the show, and even had a cafe area with its patio tables and chairs there for participants to use. I was pleasantly surprised to witness how sturdy their outdoor pieces are. They're also much larger than depicted in their catalogs and online. Emphasis seems to be placed not only on great, retro-inspired modern design, but on using eco-friendly materials and creating a durable piece of outdoor furniture.
CB2's Julep Rocker features an aluminum frame and grey powdercoat finish. The grey polymesh seat tilts back, making it easier to sip your mint julep.
8. Pier 1 Imports' Papasan Chair
Photo Courtesy of Pier 1 Imports
This perennial favorite is a not-so-guilty pleasure. If you don't end up taking a snooze in this s chair, preferably under a gazebo, then something's just not right. We've had one for three years, and it's one of the most relaxing chairs ever. This particular model is designed for outdoors, although it's probably not a smart idea to leave it out all the time in the hot sun and rain. Each season, Pier 1 comes up with cushions in new prints and fabrics -- the 2009 collection is especially spectacular. Add the round footstool and pillow (you'll have to fight your cat for this piece) and you'll be taking a siesta in style!
Prices and availability subject to change. Taxes, shipping, handling and expedited delivery fees may be extra.
9. Rex Arm Chair by CB2
Photo Courtesy of CB2
It seems like the outdoor seating designs from CB2 like to keep a low profile. CB2's popular Rex chair delivers a wicked wicker impersonation in handwoven, UV-resistant, 100% recyclable resin with polished aluminum to survive outdoors. Chairs are stackable, meaning you can buy more than one without taking up lots of space. Comes in grey or white.
Prices and availability subject to change. Taxes, shipping, handling and expedited delivery fees may be extra.
10. Wicker Rocker for Sultry Southern Summers
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All you need is a glass of lemonade and a cat on your lap to enjoy a summer evening rocking in this vintage-looking Southern-style wicker rocker. North Cape International's Richmond Rocker is constructed of durable steel and has a rust-resistant powder coating for durability and longevity. Indoor/outdoor wicker with resin weave is easy to clean and is weather and UV resistant. Available in white (pictured) walnut or honey. Cushion in various patterns and fabrics is included.
Prices and availability subject to change. Taxes, shipping, handling and expedited delivery fees may be extra.
