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If you’re an interior designer, you look at the backyard as if it’s just another room in the house. It deserves to reflect your personality and be comfortable enough to be used constantly. Umbrellas that are as sturdy as they are stylish, string lights that set a romantic mood, lounge chairs that fit perfectly in the corner of a balcony—all of these details matter when you’re building an outdoor oasis. So, after getting up to speed on all the best new products out there this season, we had to ask the pros what is really worth investing in. Ahead, 22 designers reveal the top purchases they’ve made for their own outdoor spaces in 2025.
Folding Adirondack Chairs
We recently completed a mini-makeover of our backyard and I purchased an affordable set of Adirondack chairs knowing they might be a temporary option until I do a major overhaul. They can easily fit into almost any design scheme, are a comfortable size (not too small), and have a built-in drink holder. —Amber Sokolowski, founder of Soko Design
A Swinging Sofa
My yard has a corner where we had to remove a dead tree, so it’s sort of a “nothing” space with not a lot of shade. I was so excited when I came across this sofa rocker. It not only was the perfect piece to fill the gap, but added a wonderful pop of drama and comfort. —Claire Thomas, designer, writer, and director
Woven Silicone Pillows
The best thing I bought for my patio this year was the Shore pillows. They can handle the intense sun and heat of southern Utah (no fading or yellowing!). —Maggie Glendenning, founder of Maggie & Co.
A Limestone Trough
I have a tiny outdoor area, so the goal was small space, big vibes. I added a vintage limestone trough from Olive Ateliers and turned it into a fountain. The sound of the water brings a quiet calm, and the piece itself feels like a found artifact. —Christine Vroom, founder of Christine Vroom Interiors
A Sunny Yellow Table Set
This table and chairs are lightweight and easy to move around the pool so I can relax and keep an eye on my daughter while she’s swimming. —Danielle Lawless, founder of Cleo Rosa Interiors
Fly Fans
Outdoor fly fans are one of those simple things you never knew you needed until you have them. They keep flies away from our food and drinks, so we can actually relax and enjoy our time outside. Total game-changer. —Shelly Lynch-Sparks, founder of Hyphen & Co.
A Garden Chair That’s Like a Hug
I just purchased these wicker chairs from RH. They are large in scale and scoop your back, which is nice because outdoor furniture all tends to hit lower on the back. My husband and I are tall and wanted something that was going to fully cover us. —Emily Del Bello, founder of Emily Del Bello Interiors
A Cozy Balcony Corner
I ordered two of these chairs for my second floor balcony in the Tuscan stripe. Together they make the coziest modular sofa and bring a laid-back, slightly European vibe to the space. They are less bean bags and more chair-like and have held up well to the weather so far. —Sam Sacks, founder of Sam Sacks Design
A Front Yard Dining Zone
We turned this unused carport in my front yard into a perfect brunch spot with this dining table and chairs. We also added in a private hedge to give this spot a little more privacy. —Kristyn Harvey, founder of Kristyn Harvey Design
A Quick-Drying Chaise
My favorite item for my outdoor space are my chaise lounge chairs. They are sleek, modern, and comfortable but I always forgo the cushions so I don’t have to worry about bringing them in and out every time it rains. —Nicole Hirsch, founder of Nicole Hirsch Interiors
A Whimsical Umbrella
Issimo
Ombrellone Visconti Ecru
This year, both Azar [my co-designer] and I bought the Issimo umbrella in Ivory with burgundy trim. If you can’t make it to Amalfi coast this summer, you can bring the Hotel Pelicano to you! —Lia McNairy, co-principal designer at LALA Reimagined
A Sculptural Bench
This bench brought instant soul to our patio. I love its sculptural shape and low-slung profile, it feels collected, not overly decorated. —Galey Grimes, founder of Galey Grimes Interiors
A Throw for Cool Nights
I stocked up on a few cozy outdoor blankets and they’ve turned out to be one of the most-used items we own. The moment the sun goes down, everyone reaches for one. —Hillary Cohen, founder of HCO Interiors
A—Wait for It!—Mirror
This year, I added a mirror to my outdoor space. It’s crazy to think about but I love the reflectiveness of the mirror as my honeysuckle grows over it. I really needed a visual landing spot when you entered the backyard from my side gate, and the mirror did the trick. —Cynthia Ferguson, founder of Cynthia Ferguson Designs
Solar Lanterns
This year, I bought two phenomenal solar paneled lanterns by Les Jardins from a wonderful outdoor store called Sanctuary. They go beautifully with my outdoor decor and because they are solar, they go on and off exactly when I need them to. —Emily Rand, founder of Emily Rand Interiors
A Modern Rocking Chair
Who doesn’t love a rocking chair? I recently purchased two of these for my backyard space and they’re the best. They don’t have cushions, which is a win from an upkeep standpoint, and they’re comfortable. I plan to rock in them all summer. —Leigh Jendrusina, founder of Salthouse Collective
A Bold Tablecloth
I absolutely love Lisa Corti’s collection. The colors and fabrics are incredibly vibrant, exuding a sense of summertime joy that can instantly elevate any gathering. —Caren Rideau, owner of Kitchen Design Group
Sun Beds That Float
My favorite outdoor item (and the one I get asked about most often) are my Frontgate striped pool floats. They are both chic and comfortable and totally add to my pool’s resort feel. Unfortunately, they are discontinued but I’m really hoping they bring them back and love these similar-looking ones in the meantime. —Nicole Salceda, founder of Eye For Pretty
An Otherworldly Lantern
Lighting is a crucial part of the interior design process, even when it is centered on outdoor spaces. This year we added whimsy to our loggia with the Monsieur Lebonnet Standing Lantern. It casts a captivating shadow through the knit sheath over glass. —Matt Donahoe, owner and principal designer of Bureau Interior Design
Steel Herb Bins
I just bought a few old farm feeding bins made from galvanized steel and repurposed them for planting herbs near the kitchen. They sit off the ground, which helps keep them out of reach from slugs that would otherwise go after the basil and other delicate plants. —Kathryn Ireland, founder of Kathryn M. Ireland Textiles & Designs
An Extremely Comfortable Chair
I love these Dedon club chairs because of how polished they look . They are also very comfy—a nice blend of a lounge chair with some structure for your back. —Lisa Adams, CEO of L.A. Closet Design
Pool Lights That Pop Off
The best things I have purchased this summer are five solar chromotherapy pool floats. This might seem very simple but just wait and see what the night brings. They float across our dark pool for six or more hours. Plus swimming amongst them is even more fun. —Meridith Baer, founder of Meredith Baer Home