6 Indoor IKEA Furniture Styles That Work For Outdoor Spaces

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Each year, IKEA rolls out a line of outdoor furniture, ready to give your porch, patio, or balcony a budget-friendly upgrade. But what if you can't find an option that matches the aesthetic you're striving for? Or, what if you need a new piece during a time of the year when the outdoor collection isn't in stock?

There are tons of IKEA hacks you can use to spruce up your outdoor space. One of these is considering the Swedish retailer's interior choices that you can make work outside, too. Fortunately, there are some promising options. The reason for this is IKEA's tendency to use materials other than wood to construct its pieces. For example, many of the designs rely on powder-coated steel to give them their strong structure. This metal features a cured coating that makes it more durable and resistant to corrosion. Another IKEA favorite, polypropylene, is known for its strength and water resistance. However, the material can break down in strong UV rays, so it's best reserved for shady locations. And, even if you want to stick with more natural-looking pieces, the retailer features some wood options that are designed to withstand damp elements. So, depending on the features you're looking for, you can take one (or more) of these IKEA pieces from the interior to the exterior to enhance and maximize your outdoor living space.

The RÅGRUND sink shelf is a super-versatile piece that can be used all over your property. Designed to add extra under-sink storage space in small bathrooms, it's strategically crafted with bamboo to withstand humid elements. Then, it's coated in acrylic lacquer to give it an extra layer of protection. At nearly 2 feet tall and about 13-by-13 inches across, with three shelf platforms, it gives you amplified storage with a compact footprint.

This shelf's size makes it perfect for nestling in the corner of a compact front porch or on a balcony. Use it to give your patio herb garden a tiered home or to display outdoor knick-knacks and citronella candles. Keep in mind, the shelf weighs under 8 pounds. So if you live in a windy area, you'll want to weigh it down using a heavier object on the bottom shelf. If you have a larger space, you can add more units or pair the sink shelf with the larger RÅGRUND shelf from the same line to create a cohesive outdoor storage design.

One of the toughest things about creating a backyard party space is having enough places to sit. The MARIUS stool is a lightweight option that gives you budget-friendly and flexible outdoor seating options. The frame is crafted from powder-coated steel, and the seat is made from low-maintenance polypropylene. This means that they're strong, yet lightweight, and easy to move around your outdoor area. Each stool weighs less than 4 pounds and they're stackable, taking the guesswork out of stowing them away when not in use.

This simple product comes in two neutral colors, black and white. This means you can keep it cohesive or mix and match a set for a contrasting look. Stash a stack near your outdoor entertaining area so you can add extra spots to sit as guests arrive. Or, circle them around your fire pit, allowing people to move their lightweight seat to just the right spot. As one customer explained, "Perfect small option for gathering closer to the solo stove!" (A Solo Stove is a brand of fire pits.) Others note that they use the versatile product as a side table or a plant stand. So, get creative with placement and arrange one at the end of an outdoor sofa to house a lantern or tuck one between two armchairs to create a cozy conversation set.

The MAMMUT series has been around for decades, providing pint-sized IKEA fans with an adorable spot to dine and play. Starting in 1999, IKEA engineers switched to making the line out of UV-resistant plastic, rather than with the original heavy wood components. Not only did this make the pieces lighter and easier for kiddos to move, but it also made them perfect for withstanding the elements. So, the MAMMUT table, made of UV-treated polypropylene, is an ideal foundation for a kid-friendly dining spot on the deck or patio.

The table has a whimsical silhouette and comes in three colors. Lean into the playfulness with green or blue, or opt for the more toned-down white choice. Then, create a dining area by surrounding the table with MAMMUT chairs in the same hue or contrasting ones for an eclectic look. Stock up on matching kid-friendly outdoor dishes so they can enjoy their al fresco meals in style. If you'd like to add a little shade to the dining set up, look for compact options like ABC Canopy's Outdoor Half Umbrella that you can situate against a wall.

Keeping your outdoor areas neat and organized can be tough, especially at the height of the summer. The IVÖSJÖN cabinet with doors is a flexible option that can work in a variety of areas. The piece is made from polypropylene and was designed to withstand the elements of a humid bathroom. Plus, it features downward-closing doors that can keep its contents shielded from rain and snow.

The cabinet's footprint is about 13-by-13 inches across and 39 inches tall, and its decorative look hides clutter, while adding a subtle pop of green color. It could be tucked away in the corner of a deck near a raised bed to stash garden supplies or situated near a sandbox or water table to keep toys concealed and organized. However, IKEA states that the cabinet should be secured to a wall for safety reasons. So, keep that in mind when determining if it will work in your outdoor space.

If wood or wicker outdoor furniture isn't your thing, look to other durable materials. The seat of IKEA's TOBIAS chair is made of polycarbonate plastic, and the frame is crafted from chrome-plated steel. While polycarbonate is very durable, it can yellow in the sun. So if you choose the clear option, the chairs may fare better when they're kept in a shady spot. And while chrome is more resistant to rust than other metals, it can benefit from some extra protection. A product like Mothers California Gold Chrome Polish can help prevent rust on the leg material.

You can buy IKEA's TOBIAS chair in clear, as well as brownish-red and blue hues. Play off their modern sleekness with a wooden dining table, or go with an understated metal one that allows the chairs to shine. If you don't want to invest in a whole set, simply buy a pair to flank a metal drum table and create a statement-making conversation set.

If you're looking for an outdoor table, durability is likely one of your must-have features. The TORSBY table is built from non-porous materials, including chrome-plated steel and pressure-treated ceramic. This makes it resistant to scratches and extreme temperatures. Plus, these rugged materials don't take away from the table's sleek design.

The TORSBY can seat four, making it a perfect foundation for an outdoor dining area. Juxtapose its cool vibes with wooden seating like the Tangkula Patio Dining Bench Set, or lean into the clean lines with modern options like Poly & Mark's Isla Modern Kitchen Chairs. Keep in mind that IKEA recommends using placemats with the table. So, stock up on budget-friendly options like Lexmore's Woven Placemats in a color that complements your outdoor textiles.