Gorgeous Outdoor Furniture You Can—and Should—Style Indoors, Too

written by

Danielle Blundell

updated May 20, 2020

Front Porch Design Ideas - Rattan Daybed — Courtesy of Byron Bay Hanging Chairs

One of the biggest trends in interiors lately has been bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out. And why wouldn’t we all want the best of both worlds? Truthfully, outdoor furniture has come such a long way since I first began covering the home design market almost a decade ago. Back then, everything was fifty shades of brown, and furnishings made out of recycled bottles, well, looked and felt like they were made out of recycled water bottles.

But things have drastically improved since then. Colors are brighter, cushions are cushier, and the silhouettes of pieces are on trend enough to look like an extension of whatever your home décor style is indoors. Which got me to thinking—why aren’t we using more outdoor pieces inside? If they’re just as stylish and comfy as their indoor counterparts, couldn’t our homes benefit from the extra durability? With that in mind, I went searching for outdoor pieces that you could totally style indoors, and these were my nine favorites.

01 of 09

Dark and Dreamy

Article Noir Dining Chair $199

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These rattan chairs are chic enough to sit outside a Parisian cafe. But you could also use them in a dining room or breakfast nook, where they’d play nice opposite a built-in banquette or bench seating

02 of 09

Life-Proof Pillow

Sunproof by Weatherproof Outdoor Square Throw Pillow $39

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Who doesn’t want spot and stain resistant throw pillows? Seems to me like all-weather fabric would do well indoors, with all the eating and drinking that goes on in my living room, at least. Today’s options are so much softer and more vibrant than before, so you don’t have to compromise on pillow comfort or quality

03 of 09

Sturdy and Stylish

World Market Multicolor Diamond Kilim Cascade Indoor Outdoor Rug $250

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The smartest place to go with an outdoor furnishing is underfoot, because rugs and carpeting take a beating, day in and day out. We literally walk all over them! Outdoor styles are so easy to clean—they can be hosed down when they get dirty, and they are more shed resistant than a typical flatweave. And you can still find an option with cute tassel detailing.

04 of 09

Rustic Bench

IKEA PRÄSTHOLM Bench with Backrest $199

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IKEA’s new powder-coated steel and wood bench would be at home in an entryway with major modern farmhouse vibes. Add a few Magnolia Home pillows, and you’re good to go. This guy is pretty and practical as a place to put on your shoes in the morning or drop your bag off at night.

05 of 09

Sitting Pretty

Yardbird Luna Outdoor Sofa Set $1700

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Bringing an outdoor sofa indoors may be a stretch. But if you have kids, it could be the smartest decision you’ve ever made. Yardbird is kind of killing it with this modern aluminum and Sunbrella sofa and chairs set up. I’d break up the set though, if I were styling it in a sunroom or living area. Matchy-matchy works outside, but it’s a different story indoors.

06 of 09

Hint of Gold

West Elm Cosmo Side Table $129

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I’m crushing hard on this sculptural aluminum side table. Pieces with brass finishes can be finicky, but since this is rated for the outdoors, I wouldn’t worry about setting cold drinks or warm plates down on it.

07 of 09

Modern Seating

Modway Aluminum Outdoor Patio Armless Bar Stool $220

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You could absolutely use these bar stools in a contemporary kitchen for seating at an island. Their finish would be the perfect complement to stainless steel appliances.

08 of 09

Boho Bed

Article Sol Rattan Daybed $699

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If you’re down with boho Jungalow vibes, then you could absolutely use this rattan outdoor lounger in a guest bedroom or office. Airy, backless pieces are particularly great for small spaces, since you can push them right up against a wall or into a tight corner without making a room feel cramped

09 of 09

Acapulco Flair

Anthropologie Acapulco Indoor/Outdoor Chair $338

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Acapulco style chairs are fun accents in yards and on patios and decks. But I’d try one of these guys out in a bedroom or a playroom as well. The shape is great, and you know it’ll stand up to a pile of clothes or kids climbing all over it.