Originally Published on January 8, 2020. Last Updated on June 11, 2024.
They say if you’re lucky enough to live by the water, you’re lucky enough. But while owning a beach house is something many dream of, coastal climate conditions can make it more challenging to keep your property and furnishings shipshape. This is especially true for anything that’s constantly exposed to the elements, such as porch and patio furniture.
But no need to send out an SOS. We’re here to help you navigate the process of choosing the best outdoor furniture for your beach house and make styling this space-by-the-sea an easy, breezy endeavor.
Jump to section
Coastal Weather Conditions
Furniture Materials
Determine Your Layout
Accessories
FAQs
Styling Tips
Consider Coastal Weather Conditions
Salty Air
Sodium chloride (the main compound in sea salt), is corrosive and tough on certain materials. The best patio furniture for beach houses will be able to withstand repeat exposure to the coast’s notoriously salty air without much maintenance—only the occasional wipe-down with soap and warm water.
Windy Weather
Land and water have different heating rates, which affects airflow and creates that signature beach breeze. While they’re mostly gentle, some coastlines experience breezes upwards of 20 miles per hour. And, particularly in hurricane-prone states, summer storms can bring in winds high enough to sweep furniture right off its feet.
UV Rays
Beach homes in warmer climates often experience a lot of direct sunlight. This is great if you’re working on your tan, but not if your outdoor furniture and fabrics are susceptible to fading. Beyond that, some materials heat up too quickly in the sun to be used comfortably.
Rain and Moisture
Most coastal regions see ample rainfall and high humidity, but your outdoor furniture is bound to get wet even when there isn’t a cloud in the sky. (We’re looking at you, damp towel draped over the chair.) Furniture for beach houses should repel moisture without warping over time; fabrics should dry quickly and resist mildew.
What’s the Best Furniture Material for a Beach House?
When outfitting the porch, patio, or deck of your beach house, you need durable materials that can handle being so close to the ocean. Otherwise, you’ll have to replace your furniture after a few seasons or spend precious hours on upkeep.
These are the most popular materials for outdoor furniture, and we’ve rated them based on how well they stand up to a coastal climate. Materials rated at 1 will require the most care or need to be replaced sooner than others; those rated at 5 will offer the most longevity with minimal maintenance.
PRO TIP:
Always look for outdoor furniture built with marine-grade hardware.
Determine Your Layout
Depending on your porch or patio size, there can be numerous ways to lay it out. First, think about all the at-home activities you and your loved ones enjoy. What’s most important and will allow you to maximize time outside? Decide what you have room for and (space permitting) designate different zones with furniture that fits those different purposes.
Living Room
Want to make quality time together even better? Lay out your space just like an indoor living room with weatherproof deep seating, rocking chairs, and accompanying coffee and side tables. Whether you’re playing a board game or watching the sun dip behind the horizon, somewhere to comfortably gather is a must.
Dining Area
Another space to consider is an alfresco dining area where you can enjoy meals with crashing waves and calling seagulls for background music. Try a two- or four-person dining set if square footage is limited, or a large dining set paired with a console table if you host friends and family often.
Sunbathing Sanctuary
Enjoy a mojito or a Mai Tai while working on your tan from the comfort of a supportive chaise lounge. Chaise sets don’t take up much room and bring functionality to any sundeck, poolside, or back patio. If you want the option for shade throughout the day, add an accent table with an integrated umbrella hole.
Cozy Fire Pit Corner
Depending on your region, coastal climates can get chilly at night. If you have a free corner, a smart option for that space is a fire pit area where you can warm up and carry on conversations past sundown. If you prefer no smoke, soot, or much maintenance at all, a fire pit table is a great option. Most can be turned off with a quick click so you can head straight to bed after calling it a night.
Accessorize Your Outdoor Space
Once your layout and furniture selections are finalized, it’s time to make the space feel like home with all-weather accessories. Fabrics and small decor can be especially vulnerable to coastal weather conditions, so always look for high-quality craftsmanship and performance materials made for the outdoors. But even then, you can increase their lifespan by storing them indoors during bouts of very harshweather.
Outdoor Cushions
Cushions make any seating more comfortable, encouraging everyone to linger outside longer. They can also give existing furniture a facelift—whether you order replacements from the original manufacturer or get fresh ones custom-made, it will cost a fraction of buying a whole new patio set.
Pillows
Throw pillows are a perfect, inexpensive way to add additional comfort and energize your space with color. Want to rest your feet after a walk on the beach? Prop ‘em up on the coffee table with a small pillow underneath.
Home Decor
Fun coastal decor need not be reserved just for the indoors. Show off your personal style with outdoor-friendly pieces like a striped umbrella, driftwood artwork, and galvanized metal lanterns. Durable, weather-resistant planters with humidity-loving foliage also brightens up any space.
FAQs
Are there specific design styles or aesthetics that work best for outdoor furniture at a beach house?
Coastal design elements work beautifully at any beach house and can be tailored to your personal style or specific region. This aesthetic is anchored in soothing seaside-inspired palettes, cozy natural textures, driftwood finishes, and anything else that brings the beauty of the beach home.
What are some space-saving options for outdoor furniture in a beach house?
One way to free up space at your beach house is by selecting furniture that folds or stacks for easy storage. Nesting tables, corner sectionals, and chairs with hideaway ottomans are also all great space-saving options.
What are some eco-friendly outdoor furniture options suitable for a beach house?
The most sustainable option is to invest in furniture that will not only last decades but can be recycled when the time comes—instead of sending it to a landfill. Other eco-friendly options are sourcing secondhand pieces and choosing new furniture crafted from recycled HDPE plastic or responsibly sourced teak wood.
How can I add shade to my outdoor furniture setup in a beach house without obstructing the ocean view?
There are several ways to shade your outdoor space while preserving the ocean view. You can add large potted palm trees between your chaises, choose a dining table with a removable patio umbrella, or install a retractable awning above your main seating area.
How can I add extra storage options to my outdoor furniture in a beach house?
Look for furniture designed with hidden interior compartments for cushions and other outdoor accessories. These handy styles can also keep pool toys, extra towels, and sandcastle-making supplies organized and out of sight.
Coastal Patio Styling Tips
Best Outdoor Color Palettes for Beach Houses
Beige, white, and sky blue. Like a summer day at the beach, this sun-kissed color combination feels easy and breezy. Ground your coastal look with sand-hued rugs and furniture frames, all brightened up with fluffy, cloud-white cushions. Incorporate soft sky blue by way of throw pillows.
Red, white, and navy blue. A popular trio for nautical style, this palette errs more on the preppy side. Opt for navy blue or crisp white as your main furniture color, then layer in striped textiles, cherry red accents, and marina-inspired decor.
Slate grey, black, and deep teal. Dark and stormy, these hues are great for modern beach houses or ones in colder regions. Grey and black are incredibly versatile, so opt to use them for larger furniture pieces. Keep the look from becoming too stark with bold blue pillows and rugs.
Best Outdoor Furniture Styles for Beach Houses
Plank-inspired furniture. These clean-lined, contemporary designs are not only timeless and easy to design with, but they also offer a subtle wink to wooden piers, docks, and boats.
Woven furniture. Want to bring a taste of the topics home? Add open, airy woven furniture to your beach house patio. Natural fibers don’t stand a chance in coastal climates, so you want all-weather wicker or rattan furniture made from synthetic resin.
Classic furniture. Shaped in elegant curves and tailored finishes, furniture with traditional or vintage-inspired silhouettes lend themselves nicely to New England coastal looks.
Adirondack chairs. A symbol of summer vacation, the Adirondack chair is an iconic design that no beach house is complete without. And with some many iterations, from modern to classic, there’s one for every style preference.
