Outdoor Furniture And Decor Items Designers Actually Buy At IKEA

When you're looking to buy the perfect outdoor furniture that's both stylish and durable, what are the chances that IKEA is your first stop? Perhaps very little, if at all. That may be because you think of the Swedish powerhouse as a furniture seller that prioritizes affordability and functionality. While this perception does align with their official vision, things seem to be evolving. The company is branching out into pricier territories with an uptick in quality to match.

Acknowledging this in his exclusive interview with House Digest, Brad Holley, owner of Undesign, mentions, "IKEA still offers some of the most compelling 'value' options out there, but they've also developed a rich mid-tier selection, as well as a few higher-end options for a select few spaces." This is why he recommends considering it for patio furniture, explaining, "But when it comes to the outdoors specifically, I would urge people to make sure they're not overlooking what IKEA has to offer. Especially if you're not quite ready to shell out for premium brands like Restoration Hardware, Brown Jordan, or Dedon."

Unsurprisingly, he isn't the only one to view IKEA as a good source for outdoor furniture and décor. Plenty of other designers feel similarly, as the House Digest team discovered while getting their expert opinions. Some of the store's sectionals, tables, and storage boxes received rave recommendations. The experts also love certain cushions, synthetic plants, decking tiles, and solar lights. These are the specific products the pros say deserve a home in your outdoor living space.

If you're drawn to contemporary designs that don't break the bank, check out the REVSKÄR 3-seat Conversation Set. Recommending this, Holley says, "If you have modern taste or Northern European sensibility, I think you'll really enjoy the styling (and the price tag) of outdoor sectional seating sets like 'REVSKÄR,' with its built-in side table and chaise seating." Its simple, clean lines, promise a timeless design. Highly durable, it can stand up to the natural elements, thanks to the water-repellent and fade-resistant fabric that runs around its powder-coated steel frame.

Plus, since it's modular, you can reconfigure the arrangement, moving the lounger around for a refresh or a better fit. "It also comes with a matching coffee table that can be optionally integrated right into the seating layout," mentions Holley. But if you're the type to entertain guests on the regular and would like to expand your setup with additional seating, he recommends pairing this sectional with VINGSÖN outdoor wingback chairs. Thanks to its generous size and unique design, the VINGSÖN is a functional outdoor piece that can also make a bold statement.

If you'd like to infuse a resort-like feel or add a dash of Bohemian chic, IKEA's SEGERÖN outdoor furniture series, especially the sectional, can be an excellent addition. Besides offering durability, the SEGERÖN corner sectional's rope feature is trending in outdoor design. The rope is handwoven around the sturdy steel frame and instantly elevates the space, adding a sense of artisanal craftsmanship. As Holley puts it, "For another great outdoor sectional seating option that features the popular and contemporary woven rope look, check out the 'SEGERÖN' set." As the rope as well as the cushions are primarily made of polyester, they offer better resilience to sun rays, water, and mildew than natural fibers, thus being fairly low maintenance.

Unlike REVSKÄR, Holley points out, "It's a sectional sofa that does not come with a table included." But before you worry about how you'll make it work on your patio or the deck during impromptu gatherings, look to coordinating items in the line. That way, you can create a seating arrangement that best responds to your entertaining needs. "They do offer a separate, matching 'SEGERÖN' coffee table, as well as matching chairs to expand the seating as needed," clarifies Holley. One notable con is that reviewers note that the back cushions slip out of place. However non-slip pads, like ECOHomes Heavy Duty Strips, can be used to help keep them secure.

When you're interested in making your patio the ultimate outdoor entertaining destination to enjoy meals, you need a sturdy dining table. How else would you host alfresco dinners, potlucks, or barbeque parties? Holley suggests investing in a metal IKEA option that can comfortably seat between six and eight people around it. He says, "For outdoor dining, I'm currently impressed by the VÄRMANSÖ' table." 

The reason? It offers wood-like elegance without the care that goes into maintaining wooden tables. Holley explains, "Wood top tables have been a staple in the outdoor furnishing industry for a long time because they've typically taken advantage of resilient, harder woods like teak, ipe, and even acacia, which are naturally resistant to water and sun damage." Yet, to enjoy these benefits, homeowners are required to re-oil or re-stain the surface regularly, which can become cumbersome over time. 

Since VÄRMANSÖ is made of rustproof aluminum and coated in polyester powder, it eliminates the high maintenance needs while emulating the wood look. "This means you get to enjoy the aesthetic of wood, but you don't have any upkeep, other than occasionally wiping it down with a wet rag and some mild dish soap," elaborates Holley. Reviewers also note that the VÄRMANSÖ is sturdy and heavy so it's likely not topple over in winds.

If you don't want to purchase full-size furniture and are merely focused on brightening up your existing outdoor space with inexpensive décor items, a trip to IKEA can still be worth it. Holley comments, "There's another valuable offering that IKEA has, which I think gets overlooked, and that's their cushions and throw pillows." Think along the lines of their GULLBERGSÖ cushions in mosaic blues or dazzling summery yellows that instantly transform the mood, whether you're stargazing or sunbathing. Or, the TOFTÖ collection, with handwoven fabrics that withstand the sunlight while adding tons of texture to your outdoor furniture.

For an aesthetically pleasing look, Holley recommends looking for pieces that team well with your pre-existing furnishings. "If you have an existing set of patio furniture or some chairs that need new seat cushions, check out IKEA's inventory." This way, you can breathe new life into old frames at a fraction of the price by simply replacing the soft goods. How's that for sustainability? That being said, he admits that many of these items are designed specifically for IKEA's furniture. Still, he feels the wealth of stock, not to mention the affordable price point, are reasons enough to check for the right fit. Just be sure to take accurate measurements of your current pieces before heading to the store.

Has the lack of a green thumb or a busy schedule thrown a wrench in your plans to create a lush, green space? You can still give it a visual boost of green with IKEA's range of artificial plants. Holley advises, "One of my favorite decor options is having little injections of greenery here and there. I love a patio with some greenery. Especially when it sits in beautiful oversized, decorative pots." Not to mention, they're affordable and give quite the bang for the buck since they'll last you a couple of years.

Apart from giving the space an instant lift, shoppers can leverage the synthetic plants to embrace a low-maintenance, natural-looking oasis. Plus as long as you're consistent with cleaning, your space will always look fresh, no matter the season. "These synthetic plants and greenery will give you that perpetual feeling of life and warmth, but will never bother you for a single ounce of water," agrees Holley. However, don't make the mistakes that many make when buying artificial plants like not matching their texture and color to their real counterpart. Cover up their base with dirt, rocks, or moss and match their locations to their ideal natural settings. 

While hunting down new pieces, don't overlook storage. Otherwise, you won't have sufficient room to store your cushions, seat pads, and pool toys during inclement weather. However, as Holley points out, "Most often people think that the only option out there is to get one of those big plastic sheds, cabinets, or chests, which are often not only clunky but also heavy." Instead, he proposes buying the VÄTTERSÖ and the TOSTERÖ storage boxes. Their flexibility and practicality will make you wish you had thought of these beautiful outdoor patio storage ideas sooner.

Making the case for these IKEA offerings, he elaborates, "These forward-thinking storage solutions feature a minimalist, lightweight metal frame, completely wrapped in a waterproof, zip-up fabric that will protect anything inside from rain, dust, and even sun damage." In fact, if you have pollen allergies, you'll find these storage boxes useful, as they also help keep those irritants out. Plus, you won't have to clean off mold and mildew growing on your stored cushions. As Holley explains, "They're also accommodating enough to feature side vents which allow the interior compartment to breathe so that any moisture that's trapped inside can slowly dissipate."

Another reason he finds them worthwhile is that both VÄTTERSÖ and TOSTERÖ feature handles on their sides. This makes moving them elsewhere an easy affair. He explains, "And because they were made to be lightweight, you don't necessarily need another person to help you when it's time." On the flip side, they can blow away during strong winds if the stored items don't weigh them down.

Laura Medicus, a Denver-based interior designer and owner of Laura Medicus Interiors, states she pays attention to the material before making any purchase at IKEA, avoiding particle board pieces. Being fastidious, she usually sticks to more durable options coated in a protective coating, and the TÅNEBRO side table is on her radar. "I like their powder-coated steel items! I've been eyeing this little $20 [now $25] drink drop table for my own backyard; I love the green color!" she mentions in her exclusive interview with House Digest.

Due to their resilience, these indoor-outdoor tables are easy to clean and hold up well to natural elements. Additionally, the curving, self-adjusting feet are great at maintaining stability. The TÅNEBRO's compact footprint is also ideal in small spaces to hold drinks or plants. The green hue is ideal for making a statement while the grey and beige options are easy-to-style neutrals. Just keep in mind, the table can't tolerate more than 22 pounds of weight. 

Not all outdoor areas are flat, sprawling features that can accommodate full-sized conventional units. In urban areas, compact balconies or shared rooftops present plenty of design challenges. But Dorothy Weise, interior design department lead at Chapter, has the perfect solution for it: the TÄRNÖ bistro set encompassing a table and a pair of chairs. In her exclusive interview with House Digest, she mentions, "The TÄRNÖ table and chairs are perfect for small-space solutions like apartment balconies or city rooftops. They're compact, foldable, and come in a variety of finishes."

These design features are practical in areas that double as a walkway and a hangout spot. Since you can pack them up and stow them away until the next use, you can maximize a space's utility. "For clients wanting to add charm to a small outdoor nook, this set consistently delivers without overwhelming the space," she clarifies. Additionally, renters will appreciate the set's flexibility because it can be easily transported should you relocate elsewhere. Despite these benefits, there's a caveat. Although these bistro sets arrive treated with a semi-transparent wood stain, you'll need to retouch them annually or sooner. Otherwise, the extended exposure to the elements may compromise their performance.

Another item from IKEA that has Weise excited is the RUNNEN decking tiles. "I often use the RUNNEN deck tiles to quickly and affordably refresh a drab concrete balcony or patio. They're easy to install and instantly elevate the look of a space without requiring major renovations." As they come in a wide spectrum of finishes, including beige, brown, dark gray, acacia wood, and artificial grass, you have plenty of options to match your outdoor space's architectural details. Or, you can be creative and mix and match different kinds for a fun look. In her experience though, Weise finds, "The wood and artificial grass versions are especially popular with clients who want a soft, inviting underfoot feel."

Before you transform your patio with these IKEA tiles, keep a few pointers in mind. These are best suited to hard, level floors, such as stone, wood, and concrete, or the tiles may not snap easily into place. Their stain may leech over time. So, if you'd like to save the underflooring's original color, you may want to reconsider your choice. If you use the wood-based tiles, you'll have to refinish them annually. Look for signs of wear, fading, or cracks to know when it's time to break out the stain.

Making electrical modifications to illuminate your outdoor space can be complicated and expensive. Through its SOLVINDEN range, IKEA addresses both of these pain points, making them perfect set-and-forget options for your exterior. Explaining their pros, Weise says, "IKEA's SOLVINDEN line of solar lanterns and string lights adds instant ambiance to outdoor spaces. They're energy-efficient, easy to install, and offer a whimsical yet sophisticated glow that works beautifully for entertaining areas."

To spruce up the space, use solar lanterns, such as the SOLVINDEN LED table lamp. Thanks to the decorative build, they'll throw out captivating shadows. Another advantage? These lamps include an automatic timer that turns on at the same time every day, ensuring your entertainment zone feels inviting for spontaneous gatherings. If you want additional ambient light, hang the SOLVINDEN LED string lights atop your lush plants or privacy screen for a cozy effect. Note that you'll need to purchase rechargeable batteries separately — IKEA recommends using LADDA's HR06 AA 1.2V (2450mAh) ones.

Another IKEA staple that Weise appreciates for outdoor use is the KROKHOLMEN coffee table. The piece has sort of become the mainstay in aesthetically-focused Instagram feeds for a reason. Its neutral hues and modern, clean lines enhance an area and pair well with most outdoor furnishings. "The KROKHOLMEN table's perforated steel design is both functional and visually light, making it ideal for contemporary patios," she explains. "It holds up well in varied weather and pairs nicely with more substantial furniture pieces without making the setting feel cluttered."

Since KROKHOLMEN has mesh on top, it allows the rainwater to drain through. This design detail prevents pooling and long drying times, problems that often plague solid-surface tables. The raised edges are another bonus. They help keep things from sliding off the top and allow for a better grip, making it handy to move the coffee table around.