From Bali to Palm Beach, what do all the best resorts have in common? While hotel designs and locations may vary, what truly elevates their luxurious ambiance is the furniture: striped cabanas, plush reclining sun chairs, and those wonderfully oversized daybeds — a tad extravagant and always focused on relaxation.
‘Outdoor furniture plays a pivotal role in shaping the mood and ambiance of your backyard or patio,’ says interior designer Nina Lichtenstein. The relaxing appeal of a hotel isn't solely thanks to its faraway location, ‘The right furniture pieces can evoke a sense of luxury, comfort, and sophistication, transforming an ordinary outdoor space into a resort-like retreat.’
Think sleek and stylish modular sectionals, tables for alfresco dining, and chaise lounges crafted with natural materials like teak, rattan, and wicker — the sort of accents you might find in a spa. By pairing neutrals with oceanic accents of blue and green, Nina says you might be surprised at how easily you can ‘evoke a sense of calm and tranquility reminiscent of coastal resort destinations.’
‘But I don’t have a pool!’ To that, I say: It doesn’t matter! Even a simple lawn or patio can be transformed into a luxurious oasis with a few savvy choices, many of which await you right below. Now that the days are warming up, I know you’re eagerly awaiting your next vacation. So why wait? Experience that resort-like bliss every day right from the comfort of your own home.
Explore our pick of the best outdoor furniture brands.
Resort Outdoor Furniture
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Price: $475
How charming is this canopy patio chair! Bask in outdoor bliss without the sunburn — a dream come true.
Price: $168
This ceramic side table is a throwback to retro poolside elegance. Perfect for resting your book or beverage while you lounge in style.
Price: $197
Was: $247
Floored to have stumbled upon this wicker bistro set. Two cushioned chairs and a matching table, all for under $200? A steal. With rave reviews, you better hurry before they're all gone!
Price: $1,865
Absolutely dazzled by this outdoor chaise lounge from Rove Concepts. High-contrast colors add such a chic touch to its sleek reclining silhouette and cloud-like cushions.
Price: $1,198
This modular outdoor sofa situation is so much fun. Its pillow stack can be rearranged and moved around anywhere you place, making this the most versatile item on this list. And that graphic plant print? Just gorgeous.
Price: $799.99
Pieces like this double lounger are the reason I made this edit. Slide under the canopy and you're practically on vacation. Who needs St. Barths when you've got this?
Price: $999
This lounge chair combines sculptural elegance with wicker charm. Plus, it's low maintenance, so you can spend more time relaxing.
Price: $698
Take the party outside with this stunning rattan bar cart. Easy to move around and offering three levels of storage space, there’s room enough to store spare bottles, glasses, even extra essentials like towels and magazines for easy access.
Price: $1,998
This lounger is a blast from the past with its charming details and cozy cushions. And that mini drink table? They thought of everything.
Price: $1,040
Was: $2,264
Just over $1,000 for an acacia wood outdoor bench, four cushioned armchairs, and a dining table, you don’t come across deals like this every day. Offering everything you need with a versatile color and design, the work has been done for you — simply place it outside and you’re ready to go.
Price: $598
A callback to coastal French design, these intricately woven bistro chairs are classic as ever. Choose between cheerful shades of green, light blue, and pink to add a tasteful splash of color. Each is like a little piece of Cannes, right in your own backyard.
Price: $499.99
And finally, this seemingly small loveseat packs a big punch. Need a nap? Just fold it down into a daybed. It's comfort and convenience all rolled into one sleek and stylish package.
How should I style my resort outdoor furniture?
Nina's golden rule for styling your luxury backyard? Think leisure — always. ‘Start by defining different areas within your outdoor space, such as lounging areas, dining spaces, and entertainment zones,’ she advises. Then, ‘Incorporate comfortable seating arrangements, plush cushions, and oversized umbrellas to provide shade and shelter from the sun.’
As you may have experienced in luxury resorts, it’s all about the details. Enhance your furniture with ‘decorative accents such as outdoor rugs, lanterns, and throw pillows in coordinating colors and patterns,’ Nina suggests. ‘By curating a cohesive and inviting environment, you can instantly transport yourself to the tranquil ambiance of a high-end resort,’ she adds.
And if you're ready to level up your outdoor game, don't miss our picks of the best patio furniture to complement your setup.
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