Now Seating: Patio Chairs

In the past year, we used our patios and decks more than ever. With the weather warming up, that’s a trend that’s not going away. With all of today’s outdoor living, our patios have become alternative living rooms. A comfortable living room cries out for good chairs.

Patio chairs can be tucked up to a table for dining or arranged in a circle for conversation. They need to be versatile, easy to move about and pleasant to sit in. People are opening their eyes to what outdoor chairs can be, and here are six trends to look for in 2021.

1. Plush and Comfortable Seating Options

When you spend more time outside, it makes sense to invest in furniture that will make those hours enjoyable and relaxing. That starts with chairs, benches, stools and other seating that are a delight to settle into. They may not be as formal as the chairs in your living room suite, but there’s no reason they can’t be as comfortable.

Chairs set the tone for your outdoor space. Different types of chairs each give their own unique feel to a deck or patio. For example, cast aluminum chairs are great for pulling up to a table, and sling chairs promote casual relaxation, perhaps over snacks and drinks. With their rustic cabin aura, Adirondack chairs are a vacation in your own back yard. Wicker chairs, especially those with some padding, are conducive to the same sort of gathering you might have in a living room or den. You can even add sumptuous outdoor sofas and sectionals for a setup that looks as inviting as it feels; and benches and gliders add versatility to your space.

2. A Focus on Cushions

One of the quickest ways to make your outside area look and feel more homelike is with more and different cushions. They soothe your eyes as well as your back. Many outdoor pieces come with excellent cushions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t swap them out or bring in additional ones. You can update your old furniture and have a brand-new deck design at a fraction of the cost with a cushion update, and it’s easy as can be. Some replacement cushions actually tie to your chairs: just untie the old and replace with the new.

The right new cushions are a step up in style and comfort. With foam core, stacked poly fiber fill and sturdy fiber wrap, today’s best cushions present their soft side to you but their tough side to wear and weather.

The wonder fabric Sunbrella is a popular cushion and outdoor pillow choice and for good reason. It’s so sturdy and resistant to mold and mildew that it’s used in boat covers and convertible tops as well as on cushions. It’s available in an impressive variety of fade-resistant saturated colors.

3. Don’t Just Sit There – Swivel!

Or rock. Or do both. For one thing, swivel patio chairs are practical because they take less room. You don’t have to push back far to get up from a table.

And they’re fun! If you have both swivelers and non-swivelers on your deck, you know which ones people grab first! Some are swivel rocker patio chairs. Some turn in all directions. All of them are a joy to sit in. They’re great for drinks and conversation.

4. Seats for Two … Or More

Most indoor spaces have furniture that seats more than one, and there’s no reason patio furniture can’t do the same. A well-placed bench or outdoor sofa not only allows more people to sit congenially in the same space but also brings its own welcoming homelike vibe.

Different pieces work differently. An outdoor patio bench is practical for scooting the brood up to the table. A sofa or sectional encourages casual elbows-on-the-armrest conversation. An outdoor sectional is ideal for large families or those who love to entertain. And a loveseat is great for congenial side-by-side seating.

And there’s nothing quite like a loveseat glider for those who are friends (or those who are more than friends!) to glide the evening away.

5. How High or Low Can You Go?

The seat height of the average outdoor chair seat is 18 to 20 inches high. That’s the right height for most people, most of the time.

But what if you want to sit up to the deck rail and watch the kiddies playing games in the back yard? What if you want a casual ambiance that offers bar tables as well as low tables?

More and more deck owners are providing their guests with a choice of chair heights: dining – counter also known as gathering or balcony – bar options with tables to match up. It’s a casual look, ideal for parties. Visitors can change seats for a different perspective. To misquote a favorite good-times expert, “Changes in altitude, changes in attitude.”

6. Break Out the Spare Chairs, There’s Company!

What do you do when there are more backsides than places to put them? You can always drag chairs out from the house or run and borrow some from the neighbors. But why not maintain a stash of high-quality extra chairs? Maybe ones you’ll be able to use indoors as well.

In a pinch, camp chairs or beach chairs will do, but why not give all your guests a nice place to sit, including those who wind up in the temporary chairs. Topflight folding chairs are a good choice. Another option: stackable rattan or woven chairs in the rec room or bedrooms, ready to double as outdoor seating when the occasion arises.

If you really want to make the most of your deck or patio, how about a ready-to-roll-out entertainment package. It might include folding tables, a rolling bar, some extra outdoor lighting and a patio heater to keep the party going when the night turns cool.

Read more:

2021 Outdoor Furniture Trends

Spring into Outdoor Entertaining

Perk Up Your Patio: Performance Pillows

Perk Up Your Patio: Performance Rugs