A Local’s Guide to Choosing the Best Outdoor Furniture for Florida

There are dozens of reasons people from across the country are moving to Florida at record speed — one of the most notable being the state’s beautiful, warm weather. After all, it’s not called the “Sunshine State” for nothing! But while Florida’s climate makes it a great place to live or vacation… it can be harsh on outdoor furniture. So, if you need help choosing the right furniture for your outdoor living space in Florida — we’ve got you covered!

Read below to learn about our top outdoor furniture choices to withstand Florida’s humid climate, followed by design inspiration from our team of professional interior decorators. 

Essential Factors to Consider When Choosing Furniture for Your Outdoor Living Space in Florida

Weather Resistance

In destinations with warm, humid climates, like Florida, it’s crucial to choose weather-resistant outdoor furniture that can stand up to the outdoor elements, including harsh ultraviolet rays and wind-driven rain, without suffering from water damage or becoming too hot in the sunshine.

Coastal Durability

Another unique aspect of Florida’s climate is the humidity, particularly the salt air in coastal destinations like Clearwater or Sarasota. Salt from the ocean can cause certain metals, like wrought iron, to rust and corrode. The humid air can also encourage mold and mildew growth on wood furniture, fabric couches and chairs, and cushions that are not cleaned regularly and protected with waterproof covers.

Brands like Sunbrella, Tropitone Furniture, and Palm Casual offer a vast selection of patio furniture made from durable materials and fade-resistant cushions and fabrics designed to withstand the extremes of the Florida climate.

Stylish Design

While it’s crucial to ensure your patio furniture is suitable for Florida weather, it’s just as important that each piece complements your home’s architectural style.

For example, modern homes benefit from furniture with clean lines and a minimalist profile (such as teak), while materials with a more classic appearance (like cast aluminum) are better suited to more traditional architectural styles.

Comparing the Top Outdoor Furniture Material Options for Florida’s Weather and Coastal Design

When furnishing your Florida lanai, it’s crucial to select patio furniture that can stand up to the elements (and look good while doing it, too!). Here is a list of our top picks for outdoor furniture in Florida:

Teak Furniture

If you love the look of wood patio furniture but don’t want to deal with the rot, mold, and mildew that can result from combining wood with Florida’s humid climate, you should consider teak patio furniture.

Teak is a hard, durable wood resistant to rotting and warping (even when left untreated), so it’s a no-brainer for outdoor design in Florida. Teak furniture is sleek, stylish, and elegant (though expensive), so it’s an excellent choice for modern, minimalist backyard designs.

Aluminum Furniture

Aluminum patio furniture is an excellent option for homeowners searching for low-maintenance, water-resistant furniture that will not warp or rust in Florida’s warm, humid climate. It is also lightweight, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who want to move furniture easily throughout their outdoor spaces.

Cast Aluminum Furniture

Wrought iron is a popular, sturdy, and stylish outdoor furniture material, especially for homes with old-world architectural designs like the Old Florida style. Unfortunately, it tends to corrode and rust during Florida’s rainy season.

That said, cast aluminum patio furniture is an excellent alternative to wrought iron. It offers the same intricate designs and decorative details as wrought iron but with the rust resistance of aluminum — offering Florida homeowners the best of both worlds (style and durability!)

Wicker Furniture

Wicker furniture is beloved by interior designers and homeowners for its timeless appeal and versatility — it can match nearly any outdoor space!

Wicker is woven from natural materials, like rattan or bamboo, or synthetic materials, such as resin or vinyl. Unfortunately, natural wicker furniture isn’t ideal for outdoor living spaces in Florida. Due to Florida’s frequent rain showers, it can swell, warp, or grow mold. However, synthetic wicker (or resin furniture) is an excellent option for Florida homes because it’s durable, waterproof, and low maintenance!

Stylish Design Ideas for Your Outdoor Space in Florida

Now that you know what to look for when choosing furniture for your outdoor space in Florida, let’s talk through some ideas for styling your outdoor space:

Coastal Chic

Do you have a beachfront property in Southwest Florida or 30A and want to embrace the area’s relaxed, “beachy” vibes in your patio design? If so, we recommend creating a chic patio space with light-colored wicker furniture surrounded by rugs and cushions in coastal blue and sea green hues.

You can also incorporate hanging daybeds, hammocks, and sparkling bistro lights to add to the space’s coziness and warmth. What better place to relax after a day at the beach?

Modern Minimalism

If your home has a clean, modern, and minimalist design, you’ll likely want to carry this style into your backyard. To achieve this look, choose purposeful, multi-functional outdoor furniture pieces and stick to one main focal point, like a fire pit or a dining table and chairs.

Black aluminum chairs with a light-colored table and other white details can create a striking look, but homeowners who want to embrace the warmth of Florida decor with light-colored woods might opt for teak furniture and cream-colored cushions instead.

Trendy and Tropical

Do you want to feel like you’ve been whisked away to a tropical resort in your own backyard? If so, we suggest borrowing design inspiration from Florida’s trendy beach resorts!

Incorporate fun, tropical motifs (such as palm trees, flamingos, and hibiscus flowers) on throw pillows and other decor pieces, and don’t forget to include plenty of lush tropical landscaping in your backyard design. If your home has a swimming pool, consider surrounding it with bright-colored umbrellas and beach loungers to add to the stylish resort vibes.

Design a Stylish Outdoor Living Space in Florida with the Help of THE STAGING COMPANY

Ready to design a beautiful outdoor oasis designed with Florida’s weather in mind? THE STAGING COMPANY would love to help with our outdoor decor and staging services! Our local team specializes in furnishing properties all across Florida, from Tampa to Orlando, so we know precisely how to choose stylish, sturdy, and spectacular outdoor furniture for your Florida home! Get started today with an instant quote.