13 Chic Pool Furniture Ideas To Elevate Your Outdoor Retreat
Last Updated on August 14, 2024 by Beth Martin
Picture this: You’re lounging by your pool, sipping a cool drink, and basking in the summer sun. Sounds perfect, right?
But wait – is your pool area living up to its full potential?
When creating the ultimate backyard oasis, your poolside retreat deserves the same attention to detail as your indoor living spaces. Whether you’re looking to bask in the sun’s warmth, entertain friends, or simply unwind with a good book, choosing the right pool furniture can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore many chic pool furniture ideas that will transform your outdoor space into a stylish and inviting haven. From classic lounge chairs perfect for soaking up the sun to bold statement chairs that add a punch of personality, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re looking to create a resort-like atmosphere or a cozy backyard haven, I’ve got you covered with these fresh and fabulous pool furniture ideas. Get ready to make a splash with your outdoor decor!
What Are The Best Outdoor Pool Furniture Ideas?
1. Comfortable Lounging
The most classic furniture selection for a pool area is lounge chairs, and it’s easy to see why. They are the perfect place to relax, nap, and take in some UV rays (with sunscreen, of course!)
Add an umbrella between each pair of lounge chairs to ensure proper shade for your guests.
2. Add a Statement Chair
If your outdoor space is on the smaller side and you don’t have the space for too much furniture, it’s best to choose a punchy statement chair for a bold impact. Whether you choose a designer chair or just something high-impact, you will create a focal point around your poolside space that will make your pool feel fun and inviting.
3. Cozy Up on a Relaxing Daybed
For ultimate comfort, add an outdoor daybed complete with cozy cushions and lounge pillows to the furniture plan of your pool deck. This furniture selection makes an excellent place for spending time with a good book in your backyard or relaxing in the shade.
I love this sunken sofa idea above and how it incorporates the daybed. It also breaks up the patio flooring to make the overall pool space feel more sophisticated.
4. In-Pool Seating
If you’ve planned a sun shelf (also known as a tanning or Baja ledge) into the design of your pool, then don’t forget to incorporate in-pool furniture. In-pool sun loungers are the ideal place to soak in some rays while still enjoying the cool water in the pool.
There are many in-pool furniture styles to choose from, and you need to select the proper options for the depth of the water in your tanning ledge and the space you have available. Check out my complete guide to tanning ledge chairs here.
5. Stylish Storage for Pool Toys and Supplies
Pools require a lot of accessories, so having creative pool storage is vital to keeping your pool area looking its best at all times. Ensure your selection is watertight, durable, and large enough to hold all your poolside essentials like cushions, pool toys, towels, and other necessities.
If you are short on space, consider storage built-in to seating or a deck storage box that can double duty as a bench.
6. Add a Breezy Hammock
A hammock is a lovely, relaxed lounge option if your backyard pool design is more organic and garden-inspired. Hammocks create a bit of a bohemian casual vibe to any space and are also excellent sun loungers.
7. Set Up A Barbecue Space
Every pool space should have a designated area for outdoor cooking. This spot can be just enough space for your outdoor barbecue or a fully decked-out kitchen. Either way, a place for grilling will ensure your friends will want to hang out poolside after swimming.
Ensure that your barbecue is far enough away from the pool’s edge so you don’t get splashed while grilling. Also, choose durable, weather-resistant materials for your outdoor kitchen since it will be constantly exposed to the elements.
8. Outdoor Dining Set
Now that you have your outdoor grill set up, it’s time to find a space to enjoy the delicious food.
Almost nothing is better than dining al fresco next to your pool after a long day of swimming. Dining poolside is the perfect space for meals any time of day, and it will allow you to enjoy the tranquility of your backyard oasis even if you don’t want to put on a bathing suit.
Whether you only have space for a small dining set or plan on a full-size dining area, this zone will bring your pool deck to a whole new level. Consider incorporating a patio umbrella or pergola over your dining set so you can take a break from the sun.
9. Outdoor Bar
Including an outdoor bar is one of my absolute favorite pool furniture ideas. And you don’t need a huge space to make this work!
A compact bar table paired with bar stools instead gives a more laid-back vibe than a full-on dining table setup. This space-saving idea will give your friends a place to sit while they enjoy an ice-cold beverage and create a lively poolside atmosphere.
10. Fire Pit Table
Make your pool area a four-season space with a cozy fire pit or fire table. A fire pit may not be one of the furniture ideas that most people remember to plan in their pool decks, but friends will love lounging around the warmth of a fire after a long pool day.
A fire pit would be ideal if your space is designed in an organic fashion with a garden feel. If your pool design is more modern and structured, consider using a fire table as a coffee table with your patio set for ultimate possibilities.
11. Adirondack Chairs
Adirondack chairs are an ideal poolside option if you have a narrow pool deck but still want an area for lounging. This style chair is also an excellent choice to pair with a fire table for those cool summer nights.
12. Stay Cool Under a Canopy
Whether you use umbrellas, pergolas, a cantilever umbrella, or shade sails, it’s essential to have a place to escape the sun, especially on those brutally warm summer days. Ideally, a portion of your pool deck, pool, and chairs are shaded so everyone has access to a shady place to sit as the sun moves throughout the day.
13. Personal Touches with Accessories
Once you’ve figured out your ideal pool deck furniture layout, you can move on to the fun part – the accessories.
Add a personal touch to your backyard oasis with colorful outdoor rugs, throw pillows, and decorative lighting. Bistro lighting is an easy way to add a warm glow to make your swimming pool feel like a dream.
Throw pillows and planters can add a sophisticated pop of color to unite your entire area. The more personality you add with accessories, the more you will enhance your backyard’s overall ambiance and charm.
Materials, Maintenance, and Care
To ensure your furniture always looks its best, purchase furniture that is made of weather-resistant and high-quality materials. My favorite low-maintenance material is marine-grade plastic, but teak, aluminum, and resin wicker are also fantastic options.
Since pool furniture will get tons of harsh outdoor wear, it’s best to buy from outdoor furniture companies that offer a good warranty to ensure your purchase is covered from any mishaps. I have written entire guide to the best outdoor furniture companies here.
Regular maintenance is so important to keep pool furniture in good condition. Keep your furniture clean throughout the year, bring in items during harsh weather, and cover cushions when not in use.
That’s a Wrap
So now you have a treasure trove of pool furniture ideas to turn your backyard into the ultimate summer paradise!
Remember to balance convenience and functionality for the ultimate comfortable outdoor oasis. Think about how you and your family will use your swimming pool and what will make you the most relaxed. And don’t forget about storage!
Whether you’re going for a luxurious resort feel or a cozy family hangout, the right furniture can make all the difference. Your dream pool area is just a few pieces of furniture away – and trust me, your summer self will thank you!
Now, who’s ready for a pool party?
Cheers!