21 Best Outdoor Furniture + IKEA Ideas

IKEA Outdoor Furniture Hero

Outdoor living spaces are an extension of our homes, offering a breath of fresh air, relaxation, and the perfect backdrop for entertaining family and friends. Whether you’re looking for DIY patio ideas or to transform your balcony or garden into a cozy retreat or an outdoor oasis, the right furniture and decor can make all the difference. From budget-friendly solutions to stylish, on-trend designs, we’ve got a variety of ideas, and yes, some fantastic picks from the renowned Swedish brand, IKEA, that will help you make the most of your outdoor space. Just don’t forget to invite us to the party, k?

1. Show Off Your Style 

Above all else, every furniture choice in your outdoor space should highlight your unique style. For example, if you’re a medieval fiction fan, you might just love the idea of your very own throne and invest in a VINGSÖN Wing chair where you can luxuriate and wait for your royal subjects to appear. Don’t blame us if people randomly start bowing at your feet and referring to you as “your majesty.”

2. Add Balcony Seating 

Set up a classic bistro set on your balcony for prime people-watching while you sip on a cafe au lait and croissant from your local French bakery. Très chic, non? For a set so stylish you’d think it was plucked straight off the streets of Montmartre, check out the TÄRNÖ Table+2 chairs from IKEA. 

3. Create an Outdoor Bar 

If you feel like hosting this summer, why not bring the bar experience to you? A practical set like the BONDHOLMEN Bar table and bar stools pairs perfectly with some string lights and a bar cart. And If you really want to win summer, build a pallet bar for next-level hosting. Congrats! You’ve just turned your outdoor space into the coolest hang spot on the block.

4. Movie Night 

Set up an outdoor projector and hang string lights in the yard so you can binge-watch all of your favorite shows as the sun sets – the kind of staycation dreams are made of. Your friends just might start inviting themselves over. 

5. Get Comfy with a Sectional 

Now that you set up your projector (aren’t you a little genius?) make sure to invest in an extra comfy relaxing outdoor sofa and ottoman. The right sectional will have you and your guests ready to stay outside all night long. 

6. Add Shade 

Summer is fun in the sun, but a sunburn just plain sucks. Protect yourself from the heat by setting up a versatile umbrella like the HÖGÖN from IKEA. And for anyone afraid of white getting dirty – don’t be. The canopy is removable for easy cleaning.

7. Outdoor Dining 

What’s better than a dinner party with your besties? A dinner party with your besties under the stars. An outdoor dining table is the perfect, and necessary, companion to any outdoor meal. Just remember to keep it clean—no one wants to eat on a dirty table.

8. Go Rattan 

Rattan furniture is a summer staple! Add rattan armchairs like the HÖGSTEN Armchair for extra flair in your backyard and to have something to double as an extra dining chair if needed.  and this armchair is as sleek as it gets. 

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9. Cushions

Cushions really put the “lounge” in lounge chair! Cozy up all your patio furniture with cushions and throw pillows to inject color, texture, style, and most importantly, comfort into your outdoor decor.

10. Don’t Forget About Side Tables

Side tables are the unsung heroes of any outdoor seating area! Add a couple next to your outdoor sectional or patio chairs so there’s a place for those morning coffees, evening cocktails, snacks for your guests, or favorite decor items. 

11. Go Classic

Timeless outdoor furniture designs have an enduring charm that transcends trends and fashion. Think of the iconic Adirondack chairs, with their signature slanted backrest and wide armrests, or the elegant, scrolled forms of wrought-iron benches that have graced gardens for centuries. Invest in a classic piece to exude a sense of history, nostalgia, and reliability and transform your outdoor space into a sanctuary of enduring style.

12. Layer With a Rug

Outdoor rugs serve as more than just a pretty accessory; they provide a comfortable surface underfoot, making your outdoor activities are not only visually pleasing but also physically enjoyable. In fact, we don’t think any outdoor table is complete without one underfoot.  The KORSNING from IKEA is a fun and fashionable option that is made for indoors or out! 

13. Peaceful Seating

Imagine swaying gently in a hammock under the dappled shade of a tree, lounging in a swing chair as you read a book, or being cocooned in a hanging pod seat, allowing the world to fade away. These peaceful seating arrangements have the power to transport you to a serene and tranquil realm, away from the stresses of daily life.

14. Try a Daybed

With the addition of plush cushions and a canopy that provides shade and comfort, an outdoor daybed can become a private sanctuary where you can nap, read a book, or simply bask in the gentle breeze. The choice of materials and designs for your daybed can complement your outdoor decor theme, be it modern and sleek, rustic and cozy, or something in between.

15. Boho Chic

Achieve a bohemian-inspired outdoor decor with colorful, mismatched furniture, macramé accents, and vibrant textiles for a carefree, artistic, and energetic spirit in your open-air environment. Most importantly: make it your own! Boho is all about individuality. 

16. Fire Pit Gathering

Picture this: a starry night, the crackling sound of a fire, and a circle of comfy outdoor chairs beckoning your friends and family to gather around. A fire pit creates a natural focal point where you can enjoy cozy conversations, share stories, and toast marshmallows.

17. Sustainable Furniture

Choose eco-friendly outdoor furniture made from recycled or sustainable materials, contributing to a greener outdoor space. From reclaimed wood coffee tables to recycled plastic Adirondack chairs, the world of sustainable outdoor furniture is brimming with innovative choices.

18. Modern Minimalism 

Create a sleek, modern outdoor space with minimalist furniture, clean lines, and a monochromatic color scheme. Embracing Modern Minimalism is a commitment to decluttering your outdoor area, focusing on the essentials, and allowing each piece of furniture to make a bold, uncomplicated statement.

19. Swing Seats

Hang swing seats or porch swings for a playful and unique addition to your outdoor area. This relaxing and meditative seating option is available in a variety of styles, from rustic wooden swings to modern, hanging pod seats. 

20. Vertical Gardens

Whether you choose vibrant, cascading foliage or a row of planters brimming with colorful flowers, herbs, or succulents, vertical gardens add a refreshing burst of nature and serve as an inventive way to incorporate greenery into your outdoor furniture arrangement. Then add in a potting bench into the mix for even more convenient gardening

21. A Place for the Pets 

Turn your patio in a catio by enclosing it with chicken wire so your kitties can get fresh air without the danger of roaming free. And whenever you’re adding outdoor furniture, don’t forget about Fido! Your furry friends deserve their own bed outside, too. Build a dog house or simply add a pet bed next to your patio furniture to enjoy more time with your furry friends.  

Bringing It All Together

Outdoor living spaces hold the potential to become true extensions of our homes. They provide the canvas for unforgettable gatherings, serene moments of relaxation, and the freedom to showcase personal style. As you embark on your journey to transform your outdoor space into a haven of comfort and style, remember Taskers are here to help you bring your brightest ideas to life. From Outdoor Furniture Assembly to Gardening and everything in between, with help from Taskrabbit, you can create your outdoor oasis effortlessly. 

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