Outdoor Furniture Finds for a Resort-Like Backyard — 'The Best Vacation Spot is Right at Home!'

With this outdoor furniture roundup, skip the jet lag and transform your outdoor space into a five-star oasis. From alfresco dining tables to cozy cabanas, it's like having a permanent vacation in your own backyard

best outdoor furniture for a resort-like backyard
(Image credit: Wayfair; Pottery Barn; Anthropologie)

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

Livingetc knows design. We spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, bringing only our edit of the very best to you. Find out more about how we review.

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.

Style Editor

Formerly covering fashion at L’Officiel USA, style maven Julia Demer brings her love of design to Livingetc’s world of interiors. As the title’s Style Editor, Julia's work reflects a sharp eye for detail and an innate passion for aesthetics. Her journey began with a strong foundation in design, honing her craft at renowned establishments like The Row and even establishing her own eponymous fashion brand. Julia’s design background is evident in the way she thoughtfully curates shopping edits, always maintaining a focus on emerging trends while preserving timeless sensibilities. For Julia, fashion and interiors go hand in hand, reflecting her lifelong commitment to perfecting the art of style.