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Alternative Outdoor Seating Ideas for the Summer Season

With so many different approaches to decorating an outdoor space or patio, it is important to select pieces that both fit your style and budget. One way to ensure that your outdoor escape has a standout feature (that your guests will surely envy) is by incorporating alternative outdoor seating. It’s a fun way to elevate your outdoor living space by bringing in a statement piece of furniture that has movement, texture, or extra space for lounging. We’re breaking down the trendiest alternative patio seating options that you can incorporate into your own spaces – whether it’s the backyard or a small balcony area.

Swinging Suspended Seating

The swinging patio bench/seat is undoubtedly one of the coolest features you can add to your outdoor space if you have the structure for it. It’s basically an excuse to add an awesome swing to your home that functions as a decor feature and also satisfies your inner child (and actual any child). It is best to have these types of swings professionally installed for safety purposes. Check out our favorite ones below to get some serious patio/porch swing inspiration.

Modern Boho Chic Patio Bench Swing
This beautiful boho patio space has a large bench rope swing as the centerpiece. Image by SouthernLiving.com
This bohemian style rattan swinging patio chair acts as decorative seating on this small boho patio. Image by IvoryHomeDesign.com
The Malia Hanging Daybed is a large, comfy seating alternative to typical patio furniture. Styled here with fun, decorative pillows. Image via Frontgate on Pinterest.
This modern rustic-chic cedar day bed is suspended by roped and decorated with multiple fun throw pillows. Image by CountryLiving.com

Ultimate Lounge Hammocks

Hanging a hammock in your outdoor space is a guaranteed way to maximize your lounge ability on the patio. Bring a little bit of the beach into your backyard with these fun, swaying alternative seating options. Outdoor hammocks come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors so that you can easily customize them to fit your space. If you don’t have a large patio for a full lounge hammock, check out some smaller hammock chairs that have a smaller footprint.

This large lounge hammock and metal frame are perfect for soaking up patio sun. Image by Wayfair.com
This lace fringed boho hammock ties together a modern chic deck patio. Image by SunshineCoastHomeDesign.com
Modern Patio Design Alternative Seating Hammock Chair Lounger
This hammock chair comes in a variety of styles and colors to make it easy to match your personal decor style. Image via Temple and Webster on Pinterest.
This patio hammock chair is an alternative seating solution for a smaller area. Image by Wayfair.
A chic boho macrame hammock stands in a steel frame in this rustic chic yard space. Image by MeganpflulgDesigns.com

Statement Seating for Socializing

Adding a set of funky outdoor patio chairs or a statement lounge seating option is a great way to add some character to your outdoor area. The styles can range from misshapen, organic curved furniture to moving chairs that rock or swivel. Larger chairs and day beds are great for both socializing and lounging while simultaneously adding a super cool artsy feature to the yard. Check out these eye-catching outdoor furniture pieces that will keep your patio unique and functional all at the same time:

This super chic outdoor patio space relies on a large statement rattan egg shaped chair to draw attention to the space. Image by StylebyEmilyHenderson.com
This modern sleek day bed has a bamboo frame and is sure to be a statement piece in any backyard patio set up. Image by Amazon.com
Mid century modern style patio rocking chairs by Amazon. Image by Amazon.com
This pair of large bubble shaped wicker chairs are the funky centerpiece of this patio. Image by Amazon.com

Now that you are officially caught up on our favorite alternative patio seating solutions and have the inspo you need, it’s time to bring your ideas to life. Do a little bit of research on trending patio decor this season to see what style works best for you and which furniture will fit best at your home. Check out our FacebookPinterest, and Instagram for more ideas on how to nail the perfect patio this season!

Kylene Loucks

I write for decoist.

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