Navigating how much to spend on outdoor patio furniture can be a little tricky. On one hand, we want durable pieces that can withstand the elements without needing frequent replacement. Yet, given that most of our time is spent indoors, except for those lucky enough to live in sunny locales like southern California, outdoor living opportunities are often limited to a few months. This makes us lean towards splurging on indoor furniture, where we know it will get more use. Still, style remains a personal priority — indoors, outdoors, and everything in between. As someone who refuses to compromise on quality, it’s a tall order indeed.
The solution seems simple: find the best outdoor furniture brands at the lowest cost possible. But even then, is checking all the boxes really feasible? It all comes down to identifying well-designed outdoor furniture pieces that offer the best value for your money — and that's where I come in.
Putting my eye for modern design and luxury to the test, I scoured the internet for the best inexpensive outdoor patio furniture. I was discerning: while I haven't tested any of them personally, I read hundreds of reviews and did all my homework.
How to Shop for Inexpensive Outdoor Furniture, and What to Buy
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When shopping budget-friendly finds, try your best not to be swayed too much my appearances (hard as it may be). ‘Quality outdoor furniture really boils down to materials,’ says President of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, Rafi Friedman. ‘Options like injection-molded plastic chairs or folding camp chairs are going to be much cheaper than other options, but you'll be getting what you pay for in terms of durability.’
So, what to pick? Rafi admits that sought-after outdoor materials like wicker are hard to come by on a budget without turning to the secondhand market. But don’t underestimate the longevity of their budget alternatives. For example, 'If you want something that will look and feel higher-quality, molded plastic that's made to look like wicker, especially if it comes with quality upholstery, is a good choice.' And if you're ever skeptical, read product reviews to gauge how well any given material has held up for others.
Outdoor Chairs
Price: $72.99
Material: Metal
Clean lines, contrasting colors, and barely-there construction give this Wayfair lounge chair an expensive appearance. Don't be fooled by its delicate appearance; reviews confirm its surprising durability, boasting a sling crafted from wear-resistant fabric and a heavy-duty metal frame. At this price, consider snagging two for a modern seating duo. Adding an outdoor rug and side table would enhance the luxury ambiance even further.
Price: $88
Material: Wood
When it comes to getting the most out of your money, a classic Adirondack chair is the best piece of inexpensive patio furniture you'll get right now. Though they may look simple, they're what even luxury designers are choosing for comfortable outdoor seating areas. 'We're seeing Adirondack chairs in projects at all kinds of levels,' says Hugh Metcalf, Livingetc's editor. 'They've got a laid back appeal, and while not as comfy as a sofa, you'll still be able to relax into them easily.' This particular one is sold in a few places, and has hundreds of 5 star reviews. You could even opt for the unpainted version, and paint or stain to your own color choice.
Price: $158.19
Material: Acacia
Kick back and relax in these solid acacia wood armchair. Yes, you read that right — acacia, at this price point. I couldn’t believe it either. Currently 30% off, I'd scoop up this deal fast. Though I have yet to test it in person, it seems that customers can’t get enough of its comfortable cushion and slatted back — so much so that you apparently don’t even need a back pillow (though a few reviewers say they're not quite comfortable enough for them). Perfect for lounging with a good book or morning cup of Joe.
Outdoor Tables
Price: $74.98
Material: Metal
Colorful outdoor furniture is trending right now, as people try to bring a little of their more adventurous indoor style to outdoor spaces. However, it's not always easy to find pieces that feel elevated. With the reviews and modern silhouette, this one from Sam's Club is a good bet, especially for the price. Given that a small pedestal outdoor table from Anthropologie is north of $1,000, this is a brilliantly inexpensive buy.
Price: $109.99
Material: Resin
I’ve mentioned this coffee table before, but I’ll do it again here. Yes, it really is that good. Partially because it’s a fantastic deal at 69% off. But I also love its unique woven texture, and the practicality of a bottom shelf, which is a curator’s dream. Bring on the spare towels, the reading material, the outdoor plates — this can take it all. Even the weather, thanks to its tough polypropylene resin construction.
Price: $238.79
Material: Target
When this listing appeared on my screen, I audibly gasped. It looks designer – showroom worthy. And yet, it’s from Target, sleekly crafted in all of its concrete glory. If you’re looking to replicate the look of a modern 5-star resort, this is your best bet. And even better, it’s also suitable for indoor use, so you can make the most out of it during the off season. In terms of styling, it’s incredibly versatile, enhancing the hue of vibrant colors while lending a more sophisticated vibe to neutrals.
Outdoor Sofas
Price: $161.99
When it comes to outdoor sofas, you're not going to get much for under $300 that is substantial and super high quality — but where you are going to be able t make it work is with something smaller like a loveseat. This one from Walmart is a good example of when budget can work well — 'Wicker look PE wrapped metal is a long lasting outdoor furniture material,' says our content editor Faiza Saqib, who recently spoke to experts about the best waterproof furniture. It looks good and is inexpensive too. This design hasn't got many reviews, but the company that sells it has a stellar rating on Walmart.
Price: $159.99
This unusual-looking love seat has a hidden secret — it can transform into an outdoor chaise lounge, too. It's clearly not got as much padding as the most comfortable outdoor sofas, but if you're short on space and want versatility, it might be worth a shot. It's not got hundreds of reviews, but it's made from durable acacia wood, which often looks much more expensive than it actually is and holds up quality-wise.
Price: $279.99
As I mentioned earlier, sometimes attempting to do too much in terms of design when you don’t have the budget to back it up ends up cheapening your overall look. When in doubt, simplicity is key. Just modern lines and quality materials. Exhibit A: this outdoor sofa from Amazon. It’s simple and easy to add into any sort of backyard scheme. And, this was the cheapest sofa I could find that had what look like deep, plush seat cushions (which seem t have gone over well in the reviews).
What style of outdoor furniture looks expensive?
Brad Holley, design director at Pure Design, offers an unexpected yet crucial insight into high-end looking outdoor furniture: ‘It used to be that the 'Modern' style was relegated to a very small, niche portion of furniture shoppers,’ he explains. ‘In my opinion, as the modern style has taken hold and become more common and ubiquitous, I have a suspicion that many people see modern furniture/style and associate it with luxury and elegance. And if my suspicion is correct, it would mean that the simple act of acquiring modern pieces might give the illusion of luxury or high-brow discernment.’
I do believe he’s onto something — traditional, ornate styles are tough to pull off on a budget (hence the absence of Versailles-style decors nowadays). Conversely, modern outdoor furniture is inherently streamlined, making it easier to achieve quality within a reasonable price range. With fewer materials needed for each piece, we can prioritize quality over quantity.
How can I make inexpensive outdoor patio furniture look more high-end?
According to Brad, the first rule to elevate even the most affordable outdoor patio furniture is by integrating side pieces and accessories. ‘Bring in some objects that contrast and complement,’ advises the design director. For example, if you bought a budget-friendly sofa, consider replacing the adjacent tables ‘with something completely different’ — like ‘a geometric concrete side table or something with some quirk, color, or personality.’ Just like the unexpected red theory, adding something surprising significantly enhances the overall look.
From there, it's all about the details. Incorporate outdoor throw pillows in complementary color palettes for a more cohesive, designer look, and don’t overlook an area rug — any area rug will do. These elements help define the space, transforming a loose collection of outdoor furniture into a curated outdoor living room. According to Brad, even small additions like fake plants and succulents can infuse a significant amount of personality, character, and charm, quickly enhancing the ambiance of an outdoor space. ‘Anything you can do to add life, vibrancy, and an interior sensibility will go a long way in making your outdoor space feel much more expensive and luxurious than it actually is.’
And remember: sometimes it’s best to stick to the basics. Particularly if you want to avoid purchasing additional outdoor furniture, you can still elevate your pieces by taking good care of them, says Rafi. ‘The most important thing here is keeping them out of the sun as much as possible; sunlight will fade your furniture and weaken it over time,’ he notes. ‘Store your outdoor furniture in a shed or garage, or perhaps under a tarp when it's not in use, and it will last much longer.’
Pair your budget-friendly finds with a piece from this selection of the best patio furniture — a perfect high-low mix.
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