15 Pool Furniture Ideas to Upgrade Your Poolside Space
Create your own backyard oasis.
As the weather warms up, we're all looking forward to spending time by the pool. Make the most of your summer by transforming your poolside area into your own oasis. From comfortable lounge chairs to adjustable umbrellas, we've put together a list of our favorite pool furniture ideas to help you create the ultimate summertime space.
1. Lounge by the Pool
When it comes to pool furniture ideas, outdoor lounge chairs rank number one on our list in terms of comfort and relaxing poolside. With plush waterproof cushions and a range of reclining options, outdoor lounge chairs are fantastic for resting, reading, or simply soaking up the sun. Place a patio side table next to the loungers to keep any poolside essentials close by. Just add an ice-cold beverage and your favorite book for a relaxing summer day.
Whether you're catching up with friends or hosting a swim party, an outdoor seating area is another must-have pool furniture idea. Pick a patio conversation set made from outdoor-approved materials like wicker, teak, or metal to ensure that the set stays fresh, even if some splashes happen. Add extra comfort and a bright pop of color to the patio seating with outdoor cushions and a pile of pillows. For poolside spaces, it's important to choose outdoor fabrics that can handle the elements. Cushions and pillows made with outdoor fabrics have mildew- and fade-resistant quality that keep them looking new and help them last longer.
Build a versatile poolside seating area by adding an outdoor dining set. This outdoor-friendly dining set includes a spacious dining table and matching chairs to create the ideal spot for any occasion – from casual meals to summertime celebrations to afternoon snacks. Make sure to choose a dining set made with durable materials that can handle plenty of wet towels or stray splashes, such as teak or metal. Top the dining chairs with outdoor cushions for extra comfort and support.
Tip!
Learn more about outdoor furniture materials with our Outdoor Furniture Materials Guide.
4. Chill Under an Umbrella
After spending the afternoon in the pool, it's nice to have a cool, shaded spot to relax and take a break from the sun. Create that sanctuary with a patio umbrella! A market umbrella is designed with the pole centered in the middle of the canopy, making it a great option for an area between lounge chairs.
For a larger seating area like an outdoor sectional or a poolside dining space, a cantilever umbrella is an excellent choice that offers plenty of coverage. Cantilever umbrellas suspend the canopy from a pole on the side, giving you unobstructed shade below without a pole cutting into your conversation. You can also pick a patio umbrella with features like UV-protection and tilt options to adjust for your desired shade all day.
A hammock makes relaxing by the pool even better. The breathable woven fabric gently supports you while you lounge, adding another comfortable poolside spot from which to enjoy the nice weather. When choosing a hammock, look for features like mildew resistance or quick-dry fabric for long-lasting freshness. If you don't have a spot to hang the hammock, a freestanding hammock comes with a stand that can be set up anywhere. The frames are quick to assemble, lightweight, and easy to shift from the shade to poolside for optimal sunshine.
If you love entertaining by the pool, an outdoor bar makes hosting a breeze. A designated drink station gives you the opportunity to show off your drink-mixing skills or allows guests to serve themselves. Just make sure to stock the bar with outdoor drinkware and serving pitchers ideal for summertime staples like iced tea or refreshing cocktails.
Tip!
Looking for pool party ideas? Read our guide Plan Your Next Pool Party With These 12 Poolside Essentials to gather inspiration.
7. Cozy Up on a Relaxing Daybed
An outdoor daybed keeps you cool and comfortable by the pool. We love that it offers the comfort of a cozy bed, plus the opportunity to soak up the summer sun at the same time! Place your outdoor daybed by the pool to provide the perfect space to stretch out after a swim or lounge by yourself or with a partner. Outdoor daybeds are upholstered for all-day comfort and come in a variety of durable materials that will withstand the elements. For added versatility, pick a daybed with a retractable fabric canopy so that you can adjust the shade to suit your preferences, making it the best spot for a post-swim nap. Place an outdoor rug beneath the daybed for even more coziness.
Patio heaters help you warm up after taking an evening dip and help extend pool season as the weather cools down. Look for a portable patio heater so that you can easily move the heater from one spot to another. Propane patio heaters are a great choice for mobility and ease of use, while electric patio heaters are an eco-friendly and efficient option. If you need help selecting a patio heater, check out our guide How to Choose the Best Patio Heater for Your Home to learn about different types and designs of patio heaters.
Patio storage is key for keeping all of your pool essentials organized and easily accessible. Whether you're looking to stash pool accessories, games, or extra towels, patio storage is the ideal spot for stashing these items within reach. Choose patio storage with a water-resistant finish to protect the items inside from any water droplets. Select an outdoor storage box like the one above to maximize both poolside storage and seating simultaneously.
Whether you want to rinse off before you jump into the pool or after taking a swim, an outdoor shower is a convenient addition to your poolside space. Not only will a pre-swim shower keep extra sand or sunscreen out of the pool, it can help cut down on foot traffic to your bathroom. Don't forget to install a set of hooks nearby to make space for towels or wet swimsuits!
Tip!
Check out our guide How to Build an Outdoor Shower to find tips on crafting your own poolside shower.
11. Set Up a Bar Table
Add an extra dining area with a casual bar table. These high-top dining sets are the best spot to enjoy an afternoon snack or share a drink after dinner. Bar tables are often taller and take up less space than dining tables, so they work well in small outdoor spaces and provide ample leg room. Place a bar dining set near the door to make trips inside easy, or set it up near a row of lounge chairs to extend the seating area.
If your pool is a place for entertaining, an open-concept design allows you to keep the conversation flowing from the dining area to the outdoor sofa set. Keeping the two areas close together also helps minimize slippery steps from one poolside spot to another. Lay an outdoor rug beneath the seating area to define the space and add some softness under your feet.
Use a durable, weather-resistant canopy to keep the dining space out of the sun. A canopy offers the right amount of shade for eating a snack during a swim break or playing games after everyone has dried off. Check out our guide Everything You Need to Know about Outdoor Shade Structures to learn about the different types of outdoor shades and find the right one for your poolside space.
Need extra seating around the pool? Garden stools are lightweight and portable seats that can double as an ottoman or a side table. Place a garden stool beside a patio sofa to kick your feet up or to set your drink down, or move it to another spot to make space for guests. Plus, they come in plenty of bright colors and interesting designs to complement your outdoor area.
Cozy up on cool summer nights with a poolside fire pit. The crackling fire and warm glow are ideal for gathering with loved ones and extending your pool day. A fire pit is great for warming up after a swim or roasting marshmallows for s'mores. Not sure which fire pit is right for your home? Read our guide Fire Pit Buying Guide: Find the Best Fire Pit for Your Yard to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What furniture is best for poolside areas?
Chaise lounges and umbrellas are ideal additions to a poolside patio. From there, you can add patio sofas, outdoor daybeds, and outdoor dining sets to create an at-home oasis.
Can outdoor furniture get wet?
Yes, outdoor furniture can get wet if it's weather-resistant. However, it’s best to avoid heavy prolonged exposure to rain and allow outdoor furniture to dry fully. Same goes for outdoor furniture cushions as well.
What’s the best material for pool furniture?
Aluminum, teak, and resin wicker are great options for pool furniture because of their water-resistant qualities.
Do you need side tables by pools?
While not necessary, side tables can be the perfect spot for drinks and storage.
