Outdoor Furniture
Kick back and relax with friends and family this summer. Outdoor furniture that endures the elements and looks great – season after season – fills your outdoor spaces with purpose and activity. At Knoll, discover designer mid-century modern and contemporary outdoor furniture pieces that embody the perfect balance between durability and aesthetics.
Types of Outdoor Furniture
Choosing the right outdoor furniture can transform the look and function of your patio, deck, or garden. Knoll’s selection of high-quality outdoor furniture includes the following categories:Outdoor Dining Sets: Perfect for those who love to dine al fresco, these sets typically include outdoor dining tables and multiple outdoor chairs. For cohesion, consider choosing pieces from the same collection – or mix and match materials and finishes for a more eclectic look.
Outdoor Lounge Chairs & Sofas: Outdoor lounge pieces are designed to encourage relaxation wherever you place them – in your yard, garden, or poolside. Outdoor chaise lounges provide comfortable spots to recline, while lounge chairs offer more versatile seating options. Or consider an outdoor sofa for maximum lounging space that pairs perfectly with outdoor coffee tables or side tables.
Outdoor Coffee & Side Tables: Enhance the functionality of your outdoor lounge spaces with accent tables, ideal for keeping drinks, books, and other items off the ground. Place an outdoor side table between a pair of outdoor lounge chairs for a simple conversation set or pair a patio sofa with an outdoor coffee table to bring the living room experience outside.
Outdoor Furniture Materials
The material of your patio furniture is crucial to its visual appeal and durability.Aluminum: Lightweight and rust-resistant powder-coated aluminum is the perfect material for outdoor furniture. The polyester powder-coating process adds color as well as an extra layer of protection against the elements, making aluminum furniture both stylish and durable. Aluminum outdoor furniture is easy to maintain and comes in a variety of colors and finishes fit for any outdoor area.
Steel: Known for its strength and durability, steel is a popular material used for outdoor furniture frames, connectors, and hardware. Steel outdoor furniture, such as the iconic wire chairs in Harry Bertoia’s outdoor furniture collection, are sturdy and sleek. Properly treated steel is resistant to rust and can withstand various weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for outdoor environments.
Teak: Renowned for its natural resistance to weather and pests, teak is a robust and attractive choice for patio furniture. Teak outdoor furniture at Knoll can be found in two finishes: oiled, which maintains the wood's rich color, and polyurethane-sealed, which offers additional protection and a glossy finish. The chairs and stools in the Risom outdoor collection are a testament to the timeless elegance and durability of teak, providing comfort and style that endures season after season.
Molded Polypropylene: This versatile material is durable, lightweight, and resistant to moisture and UV rays. It’s also easy to clean and maintain. Molded polypropylene furniture is available in numerous colors and designs, often with steel or aluminum frames, legs, and/or hardware, making it an excellent choice for modern outdoor spaces.
Fabric Outdoor fabrics must be able to provide comfort and withstand moisture, fading, and mildew. Knoll uses high-quality materials like olefin, Sunbrella®, and vinyl-coated nylon for various applications:
• Olefin: Known for its strength, colorfastness, and resistance to staining and mildew, olefin is commonly used for seat pads and cushions on Knoll’s outdoor furniture. It’s a durable option that offers both comfort and longevity.
• Sunbrella®: Sunbrella® outdoor fabric is celebrated for its durability, fade resistance, and easy maintenance, making it ideal for outdoor environments. This high-performance fabric is used for the webbing on pieces Knoll's Risom outdoor collection.
• Polyester: Vinyl-coated polyester is a lightweight, tough, and versatile textile material used on many pieces in Knoll’s outdoor furniture selection, particularly for the seats in the 1966 Collection.
• Nylon: Used primarily for Knoll outdoor furniture covers, vinyl-coated nylon is resistant to water, mildew, and UV rays, making it excellent protection for outdoor furniture.
Tips for Choosing Outdoor Furniture Pieces
Selecting the perfect outdoor furniture involves considering your space, its utility, and your style preferences. Here are some tips to help you make the best choices:1. Dine Al Fresco Are you the host with the most? An oval table will allow for many to gather. Prefer an intimate get together? A small square table will fit into any outdoor environment. Consider the size of your space and entertaining plans when choosing an outdoor dining table.
2. Choose a Palette Know your outdoor dining space and think about its aesthetic while you consider functional furniture pieces. Something colorful will pop in a neutral, rustic setting, while minimalist, white pieces pair well with lusher landscapes.
3. Relax in Style Outdoor chaise lounges are perfect for poolside or enjoying long summer days. A few lounge chairs around a small side table create a casual but comfortable seating area. Don't forget to complete the look with indoor/outdoor pillows.
4. Focus on Versatility Consider function when choosing outdoor side and coffee tables for your space. Gather around a coffee table with friends to enjoy afternoon treats or games, while a small side table can be used to showcase potted plants or outdoor sculptures.