It's officially summer, which means spending more time outdoors. Whether you have a large backyard or a small patio, make the most of your outdoor space with some poolside furniture.
Furniture needs to not only be aesthetically pleasing, but functional and comfortable. With so many different pieces available on the market, it can be difficult to find the right furniture for your needs. To make this decision easier, consider a few crucial elements like material, size, and weight.
Photo by Taryn Elliott
Materials
Certain materials are more durable and resistant than others, especially in regards to withstanding the elements. If you live in an area with a lot of sun and heat, consider wicker or metal for your furniture.
Teak, while costly, is a great choice for outdoor furnishing because it is far less susceptible to rot and decay than other types of wood.
There are many other different types of materials used in outdoor furniture, and each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Evaluate what type of material will be best for your needs before making a purchase.
Size
Measure the space you have available. You don’t want your outdoor space to feel cramped and cluttered, nor do you want furniture that can’t seat your family or guests! Look at the dimensions of all the furniture pieces you consider while shopping to make sure they’re the right size for your particular outdoor space.
Weight
Weight limit is another topic to have on your poolside checklist. Big couches, for example, can be weighty and require special care when moving them around. This can be great if you live in a windy environment and want to make sure your furniture doesn’t move, however if you have small children or pets, consider choosing lighter-weight pieces that can be easily moved.
Keeping this in mind, let's take a look at some furniture ideas that will make sure your pool is a hit this summer, even for the non-swimmers.
Best Furniture Ideas for Your Pool
There are multiple styles available and each one has its own unique benefits. Here is a look at the most popular types:
Lounge Chairs
What could be more relaxing than spending a lazy afternoon in your very own cosy lounge chair, soaking up the sun? Whether you're reading your favourite book, enjoying a cool drink, or just taking a nap, lounge chairs are the perfect way to relax comfortably outdoors.
Lounge chairs are lightweight and mobile so you can adjust your position and seating angle in relation to the sun. Some people prefer the chaise-lounge style chairs with padded cushions for comfort while others prefer the public-pool style vinyl or wicker frames for ease of use and maintenance. Some lounge chairs come with detachable umbrellas for shade. To avoid colour fading over time, go for lounge chairs with UV treated surfaces.
Hammock
The kids will love this one. Make your pool area a tropical paradise with a hammock! Relax, sway, soak up the sun, or wrap yourself up and take a nap.
If you don’t have two perfectly spaced trees in your backyard, no worries! There are many hammocks you can find with their own u-shaped support beam so you can relax anywhere. These hammocks are lightweight, made from all sorts of weather-resistant, comfy materials. With the ease of online shopping, hammocks are available in more colours than you could imagine. It’ll be easy to find one that matches the existing decor of your pool area. Set-up is a breeze! And disassembly is easy too, so it won’t be a hassle packing it up into the garage during the winter.
Adirondack chairs
You’ve seen this chair before on a lawn or lakefront, but you might not know its name. Adirondack chairs are outdoor lounge chairs with wide armrests, typically made from wood, with a seat that is higher in the front than the back. Not only are Adirondack chairs extremely durable, they’re also incredibly low-maintenance.
These chairs are very sturdy and capable of withstanding the elements. You don’t have to worry about bringing these chairs inside; they can be left outside in the hot sun and the pouring rain and will still last for many years because the slatted design allows water to drain quickly. These chairs are ideal to use around pools and hot tubs.
Whether you prefer a classic wood look or something colourful, there are plenty of varieties to pick from with the timeless Adirondack chair.
Egg-chairs
When it comes to unwinding by the pool, most people picture a lounge chair or floating in an inflatable raft. Wow your guests with the unique design of an egg chair!
An egg chair is essentially a pod shaped like an egg with a large front window for getting in and out. The interior cushion is soft, plush and cosy to sit on. Egg chairs are covered, so there’s plenty of shade for relaxing and reading a book. Certain models even include a footrest or a built-in pillow. Egg chairs are made of durable materials like PVC or polyester and are available in a variety of colors. You’re sure to find the perfect one that suits your pool design. Add some eccentricity and extra seats to your poolside with an egg chair!
Photo by Engin Akyurt
Bean bag lounger
People overlook these, but oversized bean bags are perfect poolside furniture. Just make sure to find one that’s waterproof. They’re lightweight, super adjustable, and multifunctional; excellent for basking in the sun or providing more seats when you have company over.
Bean bags are filled with pellets or polystyrene beads which give them their signature modability. Their cover is typically a durable fabric like canvas or denim, and often waterproof, making it ideal for poolside use. There’s a big market and many competitors selling beanbags, so it's easy to find one with the size and colour you want.
Not only are bean bags fun and extremely comfy, but they’re easy to care for and store as well. All you have to do is occasionally spot-clean them. When you're not using them, store them in a closet or garage.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s quite the variety to choose from. Each one of these poolside furniture ideas has its own unique advantage. Consider what your needs are and find something that’s best for your pool or outdoor area that matches your personal style and budget. So, next time you’re looking to update your poolside seating, keep these ideas in mind!
Author: Andrew Sego,
I'm a freelance blogger, screenwriter, and tutor who loves learning about the miraculous world we inhabit and teaching it to others.
