5 Poolside Furnishings Ideas to Complete the Perfect Oasis

Depending on the climate you live in, Summer means a whole lot of time spent lounging around the pool with drinks and close-friends. In between taking dips in the deep end, where else are you going to absorb the warm sun rays? To make sure you’re fully prepared for Summer, here are some poolside furniture ideas that will prove to be your best investment thus far.

Frequently Asked Questions: Poolside Furnishing Ideas

Pick durable, weather-ready construction. Choose powder-coated frames with UV inhibitors, performance outdoor fabrics, and pieces backed by clear warranties. These withstand sun, splashes, and heavy use, so your investment looks great for more than just a season.

Use performance textiles and quick-dry cores. Go for Sunbrella or Outdura fabrics that resist fading, mildew, and stains. For cushions, pick quick-dry foam or hollow-cored foam so pieces dry faster and stay comfortable after splashes.

Durable frames, kid-friendly fabrics, smart storage. All-weather wicker or aluminum stands up to wear. Choose fun, resilient fabrics and consider oversized daybeds for stretching out. Storage benches keep pool toys tidy when they are not in use.

Daybeds, chaises, bistro sets, sectionals, Adirondacks. Daybeds invite naps; protect with covers when idle. Chaises suit sunbathing with angled support. Bistro sets create intimate conversation pods. Modular sectionals reconfigure easily. Classic Adirondack chairs give timeless, relaxed style.

Create zones and keep paths clear. Cluster bistro sets along the rim for conversation, line up chaises for sun, and position sectionals on the slab leading to the pool or closer to the house for a central gathering spot.

Outdoor rugs, planters, and solar lighting. Add woven, reversible outdoor rugs for comfort and color, group decorative planters with bright blooms, and use solar lights along paths or to highlight features for evening swims.

Supervise kids and mind traffic routes. Amid games and lounging, keep an eye on young children near water. Arrange pieces so walkways stay open and surfaces remain clutter-free for safe, easy movement around the pool.

patio furniture set around an outdoor pool

Leaving furniture out by the pool means that it will be exposed to the full spectrum of elements. Make sure that you have durable furnishings that won’t wither away in just a few years.

When choosing fabrics for poolside furniture, look for performance fabrics designed specifically for outdoor use like Sunbrella or Outdura that resist fading, mildew, and stains. For cushions, opt for quick-dry foam or hollow cored foam options.

Safety Tip: Remember that amidst all of the fun and games, it’s important to keep an eye out for young children around the pool. I recommend reading this post to learn more about pool safety for children.

Lounging VIP Poolside

There are many different types of outdoor furnishings out there but I have a few in mind that are perfect alongside the pool. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to tan or a cozy spot to dry off, the right patio furniture can make or break your experience. To make sure that your patio furniture is up to par with industry standards, you want to look for furniture with powder-coated frames, UV inhibitors, Sunbrella Fabrics, and warranty information. For everything from materials, thread style, and brands catalogs, you should read this Patio Buyers Guide for a complete list of details.

2 wooden lounge chairs by a pool

When choosing pool furniture for families, opt for durable all-weather wicker or aluminum options that can withstand wear and tear. Look for kid-friendly fabrics in fun colors and prints. You may also want to include a few oversized pieces like daybeds where kids can stretch out. Storage benches are also great for stashing pool toys when not in use.

If you're looking for tips and tricks to keep your pool looking and working great all year long, check out the wide variety of InyoPools How-To guides. They've become experts in the DIY pool lifestyle, so you can live your best poolside life without breaking the bank.

1. Outdoor Daybeds

Find a momentary escape from reality. Outdoor daybeds allow you to take a nap outside. You’ll often see these in commercial venues such as vacation resorts and upscale hotels (Pssst! Are you a hotel, resort, or HOA with a pool? We are the experts on commercial patio furniture). You’ll feel first class curling up in your daybed while listening to sound of water lapping in front of you.

photo of a round rattan daybed with blue cushions on a stone patio next to an outdoor pool

When not in use, it’s suggested that you protect your outdoor daybed with a furniture cover to reduce sun exposure.

Looking for inspiration? You’ll love this list of 15 Poolside Outdoor Daybeds for Your Deck.

2. Chaise Lounge

Just thinking of July puts me in the “Summer” state of mind. The open blue sky, warm sun rays, and the gentle ocean breeze. I like to enjoy every moment of Summer laying back on a comfy chaise lounge chair. Now don’t quote me on this, but I think that the chaise lounge was invented for the pool. Unlike a daybed, it allows you to have an angled support that keeps you from falling asleep while comfortably perched above the bed. Or you can doze off if you have an hour or two to spare.

wooden outdoor lounge chairs lined up by an infinity pool overlooking the ocean

View our Collection of Over 100 Luxury Chaise Lounge Sets.

3. Bistro Set

Typically coming as a pair of chairs with a small side table, bistro sets are made to facilitate conversation amongst long-time friends and new acquaintances. You can set up pods of bistro sets around the rim of your pool. Bistro sets make for an intimate spot to engage in after a romantic dinner outside.

marble bistro table with two woven chairs on a tile patio next to an outdoor pool

Find a Bistro Set on Sale!

4. Outdoor Sectionals

Outdoor sectionals work well when positioned on the slab leading up to the pool. Although you can set them up closer to your pool, it may make more sense to pull them closer to the house to have them centrally located. Yet and still, there are modular pieces that allow you to rearrange sectionals in your own unique configuration.

large L-shaped gray outdoor sectional sofa on a pool deck

Browse Quality Outdoor Sectional Sets.

5. Adirondack Chairs

Adirondack chairs are a classic staple in poolside decor. Reminiscent of summer itself, the Adirondack encapsulates the entire idea of vacation and sweet relaxation. These chairs are noted for their low-profile, classic design that features flat armrests and deep-seated design. The look of the Adirondack is timeless and memorable. Best of all, you can find them in eco-friendly recycled Polywood materials.

adirondack chairs on either side of a round side table next to an outdoor pool

View a variety of Adirondack Chairs.

Accessorize Your Poolscape

In addition to seating, consider fun accessories that can help enhance your pool area and provide extra comfort. Here are some top picks:

Stylish Outdoor Rugs

Protect your feet from hot pavement while adding dimension with woven, reversible outdoor rugs in bright solids and patterns. They’re easy to roll up and store during cooler months.

photo of blue and white striped outdoor rugs on a pool deck

Decorative Planters

Strategically placed planters overflowing with colorful blooms make a gorgeous poolside statement. Choose plastic, concrete or metal planters in various shapes and sizes to build your dream oasis.

round cement planters along the edge of an outdoor pool filled with red and pink flowers

Solar Powered Lighting

Extend evening swims with solar lights along pathways and steps. Opt for spotlights to highlight architectural features or lanterns to line the perimeter.

More Poolside Ideas

About the Author

Cheryl Khan is a designer and freelance writer. She enjoys flipping through industry magazine on the patio and can’t wait for the warm weather to arrive! She will be spending plenty of time lounging next to the pool this Summer.