Forget the winter holidays. As someone who has been writing about home design for 20 years, I firmly believe summer is the most wonderful time of year. Nothing cheers me up like pulling out my beloved Adirondack chairs or planting fresh flowers in a spiffy new planter. If you’re in the market to upgrade your backyard, deck or patio, you’re in luck: 4th of July sales are coming in fast and furious. And because summer is already in full swing, you can find deep discounts (think 60% off!) on outdoor furniture that retailers started selling back in winter and spring.
Gone are the days when the only options you had for patio furniture were wicker, wicker … and more wicker. My favorite picks from this year’s crop of 4th of July sales include a pale gray bistro set for a shockingly low $49 and a trendy overstuffed lounge chair that’s upholstered in outdoor fabric so soft you won’t believe it. Keep reading for everything on my must-buy list this holiday, and check out our 4th of July sale roundup for even more of our shopping editors’ top picks.
This cute little table and chair set lets you channel a chic French cafe for less than $50 — frankly, it’s an unbelievable deal. It’s made from rust-resistant steel and would fit on a small patio or balcony. Not that any of us want to think about summer coming to an end, but when it does, you can fold everything up, even the table, and tuck it out of sight.
This is one of the nicest-looking fire pits you can find under $100. A wood-grained lid lets it do double-duty as a coffee table, and it comes with a fire poker, a rain cover and even a cooking grate. Many of the five-star raters commented on its sturdiness and how easy it was to put together, with one reviewer raving “the price is unbeatable and so is the value.”
Butter yellow is a fashion trend this season, and I think it’s worth bringing home too. How pretty would this scooped seat look nestled next to a blue hydrangea bush or a crisp white outdoor dining table? I found this chair in CB2’s well-stocked warehouse sale, where the brand’s cool, contemporary furniture and accessories are up to 60% off.
Every backyard needs Adirondack chairs for kicking back and taking in the scenery. This one is made from high-density plastic for durability. While that alone isn’t unusual, the material is recycled, and I’ve never seen that for such an affordable price. Based on the 2,200-plus five-star reviews, this chair is a cinch to put together and a cinch to fold up and store. Hosting a crowd? Try something unexpected and buy it in several different colors — it comes in 14 fun hues.
You can’t go wrong with a black-and-white cabana stripe, and the black powder-coated steel frame adds to these chairs’ high-end feel. The matching cocktail table creates a chic set that has earned hundreds of five-star reviews, including this one: “This set immediately took our balcony aesthetic to the next level. The chairs are comfortable, great looking and everyone always compliments them. I’m obsessed.”
Consider this the LBD (little black dress) of outdoor coffee tables — its modern shape will complement nearly any type of seating, whether you’ve got a chunky teak sofa or leggy wicker armchairs. It’s made by Emu, an Italian furniture company, of powder-coated steel so it’ll hold up to the elements.
I don’t have a beach house, but this three-seater sofa will help me pretend I do. The sky blue cushions and wicker base deliver serious coastal style for a fraction of the cost of many outdoor couches. I especially like the steel armrests, which give the piece an updated look.
This set made from acacia wood delivers a timeless Craftsman-inspired look at a major discount — over 60% off! I love the cream cushions for their versatility (you can add a pop of color with some fun outdoor throw pillows), but if you prefer something more vibrant, you can get the set with cushions in aqua, green or red. It comes with a loveseat and two armchairs, plus a table — set it up and you’ve got an instant seating area for four people.
Low-slung, overstuffed seating has been trending for a while now, but it’s often pricey and not outdoor-friendly. This pick lets you get the look at a $140 discount in a durable knit fabric that won’t fade or mildew. You can pair the chair with corner pieces to create a sofa, but I like it on its own, as a sink-right-in lounger. Despite its chunky look, it weighs just 21 pounds, so it should be easy to push to wherever you want some extra seating. Not into the coral color? It comes in black and white too.
I cannot get over how gorgeous this six-seater dining set is, with its solid acacia wood slats and dark steel framing. It looks like something 10 times the price, especially now that it’s on sale for 60% off. I’d pair it with a black-and-white striped patio umbrella for a classic look.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.