Outdoor Furniture Trends for Modern Summer Living
Long golden days. Slow afternoons. Evenings that stretch well past sunset. Outdoor spaces are becoming less like add-ons and more like true extensions of not just the home, but home life itself. This season’s outdoor furniture reflects that shift, moving away from stiff, purely decorative settings and towards pieces that invite lingering, lounging and everyday use.
Across all budgets, a few clear trends are emerging: warmer material finishes that soften concrete and stone, colour returning through metal furniture, a gentle nod to retro forms and a growing focus on outdoor lounging beyond the dining table. From compact courtyards to generous alfresco zones, here’s how outdoor dining and lounge settings are evolving right now.
A softer take concrete
Concrete hasn’t disappeared from outdoor spaces, but it’s changing. The sleek, polished surfaces of previous years are giving way to materials that feel warmer and more natural to the touch.
Pieces like Freedom’s Enzo Dining Table lean into subtle texture and variation, offering the durability of concrete without the cold visual weight. At the higher end, the Tura Carved Stone Round Dining Table from Coco Republic takes a sculptural approach to stone, pairing a robust form with a soft, bone-toned finish. Natural stone looks are a perfect combination for airy interior schemes like Laid-back Contemporary or Coastal.
Softer concrete and stone outdoor furniture with warm, natural finishes complements a Laid-back Contemporary scheme, creating an inviting and relaxed alfresco dining space.
Colour returns, but with restraint
Powder-coated metal furniture remains popular for its durability, but colour is where things get interesting. Bright whites and too-hot-to-touch blacks are taking a back seat, replaced by nature-inspired tones and occasional pops of personality.
Life Interiors Studio Wire Lounge Chair in terracotta or olive green evokes those earthy tones without overwhelming a space, making it an easy tie-in to homes with an Autumnal Ambience scheme. For a more budget-friendly option, the IKEA SUNDSÖ table and folding chairs combo brings flexibility and colour in equal measure, available in a range of playful hues.
Retro influences, reworked outdoors
Just as interiors are embracing nostalgia, outdoor spaces are following in their path. This doesn’t mean kitsch or throwback styling, but rather a return to retro shapes and finishes.
Caramel, clay, and warm brown tones are appearing in cushions, ceramics, and side tables, like the Life Interiors Mesquida Outdoor Side Table in glazed terracotta that resembles honey brown. At the more design-led end, pieces such as Globewest’s Frankie Tube Occasional Chair introduce curved lines and graphic patterning that feel playful yet grounded.
These elements work best when used sparingly, adding character without turning the outdoor area into a themed space, and they suit Modern Day Timeless or White on White interiors.
Retro-inspired outdoor furniture with warm terracotta and curved forms adds character to alfresco spaces, perfectly complementing a clean White on White interior scheme.
Lounging becomes the main event
Outdoor spaces should no longer be viewed solely as dining areas. Increasingly, they’re places to stretch out with a book, keep half an eye on the kids, or stay put long after dinner’s finished.
Modular lounges are key here. Flexible and adaptable, they suit both compact alfresco zones and larger outdoor areas. Sets like IKEA’s NÄMMARÖ range offer comfort at an accessible price point, while options such as Coco Republic’s Tulum Outdoor Modular Sofa cater to those seeking a more layered, resort-style feel. Comfort is paramount, with deeper seating, plush cushions, and an intriguing use of materials reminiscent of a Hamptons-style patio.
A Hamptons-style alfresco lounge with modular outdoor seating, designed for relaxed, resort-style living — as seen in our Sorrento Grand Retreat at Berwick Waters Display Centre.
Designed for how you do summer
Whether it’s a compact dining set for casual meals, a sculptural table anchoring a generous alfresco, or a modular lounge made for slow evenings, this season’s outdoor furniture trends aren’t about escaping home. They’re about enjoying it, precisely as it’s lived.
Ready to turn your alfresco into a summer standout? Dive into fresh inspiration and bring your dream home to life.