Spruce up Your Backyard with Modern Outdoor Furniture

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to get the outdoor furniture out of storage and perhaps upgrade or replace some items.While it used to be more difficult to find modern outdoor furniture, now there are quite a few options for those who prefer a cleaner, more minimalist look. Many companies showed outdoor furniture at Salone del Mobile in Milan, including a wide variety of modern choices. Here are some of our favorites:

These seating "pebbles" from Atelier Vierkant, a Belgian company, are made from hand-carved molds and a special German clay. They are sculptures as well as convenient outdoor seating. The natural look makes them perfect to place in a variety of natural settings.
These seating “pebbles” from Atelier Vierkant, a Belgian company, are made from hand-carved molds and a special German clay. They are sculptures as well as convenient outdoor seating. The natural look makes them perfect to place in a variety of natural settings.
Just like when you're decorating your living room, your outdoor patio furniture needs to include a coffee table. The Kama table from Ego Paris has a low profile, however the sides telescope up, providing dining space.
Just like when you’re decorating your living room, your outdoor patio furniture needs to include a coffee table. The Kama table from Ego Paris has a low profile, however the sides telescope up, providing dining space.
Ego Paris' Extrados outdoor dining table lets you customize the center section with a planter, wine cooler or other accessories -- whatever fits your style of outdoor entertaining best.
Ego Paris’ Extrados outdoor dining table lets you customize the center section with a planter, wine cooler or other accessories — whatever fits your style of outdoor entertaining best.
This comfortable-loooking armchair is the Bienvenue by Ego Paris. The Beaujolais-based company creates products that embody a French “Art de Vivre”, that mixes tradition and innovation, something it calls “Tradinnovation.” The chair's cushions are set into durable aluminum base.
This comfortable-loooking armchair is the Bienvenue by Ego Paris. The Beaujolais-based company creates products that embody a French “Art de Vivre”, that mixes tradition and innovation, something it calls “Tradinnovation.” The chair’s cushions are set into durable aluminum base.
The company's Hive outdoor furniture set includes a sofa, chair, coffee tables and ottomans. Each piece has the shape of a honeycomb cell, and is meant to mix, match and connect into sets that encourage conversation and relaxation.
The company’s Hive outdoor furniture set includes a sofa, chair, coffee tables and ottomans. Each piece has the shape of a honeycomb cell, and is meant to mix, match and connect into sets that encourage conversation and relaxation.
The unusual lamp behind the Hive chair is the Iris floor lamp by french design house dix heures dix.
The unusual lamp behind the Hive chair is the Iris floor lamp by french design house dix heures dix.
This outdoor furniture, part of the Tandem Collection, is perfect pool-side or next to any body of water. The lounge style offers seating along with a ledge for necessities, along with an optional personal umbrella for shade. By putting two together, as pictured, you make a wonderful conversation set.
This outdoor furniture, part of the Tandem Collection, is perfect pool-side or next to any body of water. The lounge style offers seating along with a ledge for necessities, along with an optional personal umbrella for shade. By putting two together, as pictured, you make a wonderful conversation set.
Fermob's new bench has a wooden frame with thinner slats for seating and the back. While it;'s reminiscent of a Parisian park bench, those details -- and the vibrant color -- give it a more modern look.
Fermob’s new bench has a wooden frame with thinner slats for seating and the back. While it;’s reminiscent of a Parisian park bench, those details — and the vibrant color — give it a more modern look.
This outdoor furniture set, also from Fermob, is a neutral gray with a modern pop of chartreuse on the chairs. The cafe set is perfect for a patio or balcony. We can also see it placed under a pergola.
This outdoor furniture set, also from Fermob, is a neutral gray with a modern pop of chartreuse on the chairs. The cafe set is perfect for a patio or balcony. We can also see it placed under a pergola.
Fermob's asymmetrical armchair and ottoman definitely have a modern feel thanks to the straight lines and angular design. A fitting addition to a modern outdoor space.
Fermob’s asymmetrical armchair and ottoman definitely have a modern feel thanks to the straight lines and angular design. A fitting addition to a modern outdoor space.
Fermob also has a great selection of children's outdoor furniture sets like this brightly colored table and chair. Even your little ones can enjoy the backyard in style!
Fermob also has a great selection of children’s outdoor furniture sets like this brightly colored table and chair. Even your little ones can enjoy the backyard in style!
Every backyard needs a lounger and this citrus colored design from Fermob is a stunning piece of outdoor furniture. This type of style is easy to maintain and durable.
Every backyard needs a lounger and this citrus colored design from Fermob is a stunning piece of outdoor furniture. This type of style is easy to maintain and durable.
A pastel trapezoid is a modern option for outdoor table. Fermob's pieces are fresh and colorful.
A pastel trapezoid is a modern option for outdoor table. Fermob’s pieces are fresh and colorful.
All of Fermob's pieces are colorful. This outdoor furniture set uses a rich purple in combination with a neutral gray tone for the cushions.
All of Fermob’s pieces are colorful. This outdoor furniture set uses a rich purple in combination with a neutral gray tone for the cushions.
Point is a company with 90 years of experience in manufacturing, selling and exporting furniture made from woven fiber. This hanging "armadillo" lounge seat. Made with an anodized aluminum frame,  the open hood creates an intimate and cozy place.
Point is a company with 90 years of experience in manufacturing, selling and exporting furniture made from woven fiber. This hanging “armadillo” lounge seat, made with an anodized aluminum frame, the open hood creates an intimate and cozy place.
Who doesn't love a good outdoor lounge chair? These from Point are angular and modern, with a comfortable pad. The warm-colored wood frame adds a natural element. Optional side table add convenience.
Who doesn’t love a good outdoor lounge chair? These from Point are angular and modern, with a comfortable pad. The warm-colored wood frame adds a natural element. Optional side table add convenience.
This outdoor furniture set has modern chairs with an attractive curved back in a pretty lavender shade. Scolaro, an Italian company known for its umbrellas and shade products, exhibited this set.
This outdoor furniture set has modern chairs with an attractive curved back in a pretty lavender shade. Scolaro, an Italian company known for its umbrellas and shade products, exhibited this set.
A neutral shade of fabric paired with the sexy wood legs of this table make for a gorgeous outdoor furniture set. We think this would be equally appropriate in a bright, indoor space like a sun room or on a veranda.
A neutral shade of fabric paired with the sexy wood legs of this table make for a gorgeous outdoor furniture set. We think this would be equally appropriate in a bright, indoor space like a sun room or on a veranda.
The Forest chair by fast comes in various heights and styles. The aluminum construction is durable as well as stylish. We particularly like this design for outdoor furniture, mimicking natural trees. These would be a great choice if your surroundings are actually devoid of trees.
The Forest chair by Fast comes in various heights and styles. The aluminum construction is durable as well as stylish. We particularly like this design for outdoor furniture, mimicking natural trees. These would be a great choice if your surroundings are actually devoid of trees.
As easygoing as it is versatile, this outdoor seating set by fast is plush and comfortable. Its minimalist design and neutral color makes it easy to mix with other outdoor furniture you might already have.
As easygoing as it is versatile, this outdoor seating set by fast is plush and comfortable. Its minimalist design and neutral color makes it easy to mix with other outdoor furniture you might already have.
These chairs from Sifas are pure fun because they break construction rules, sporting a wildly woven seat and back. The collection is from Agatha Ruiz De La Prada, a designer known for her unique style, that focuses on fantasy and color.
These chairs from Sifas are pure fun because they break construction rules, sporting a wildly woven seat and back. The collection is from Agatha Ruiz De La Prada, a designer known for her unique style, that focuses on fantasy and color.
Modern outdoor furniture with a conservative feel -- this grouping by Skyline is called Strips. The pieces are constructed with a white matte aluminum frame and strips of silver walnut Viro fiber. The set has a breezy, tropical style that feels modern, but plush and comfortable.
Modern outdoor furniture with a conservative feel — this grouping by Skyline is called Strips. The pieces are constructed with a white matte aluminum frame and strips of silver walnut Viro fiber. The set has a breezy, tropical style that feels modern, but plush and comfortable.
You can't help but want to crawl into Skyline's daybed and cozy up for the afternoon. The abstract mesh enclosure gives it a breezy air of privacy and ample pillows make it supremely comfortable.
You can’t help but want to crawl into Skyline’s daybed and cozy up for the afternoon. The abstract mesh enclosure gives it a breezy air of privacy and ample pillows make it supremely comfortable.
Another one of their outdoor settings is this one, which combines a modern table with these cushy comfy seating ottomans. The colors are muted and the style is easy, which makes mixing and matching a breeze.
Another one of their outdoor settings is this one, which combines a modern table with these cushy comfy seating ottomans. The colors are muted and the style is easy, which makes mixing and matching a breeze.
This grand outdoor daybed by Skyline has a tropical feel and would be perfect by a pool. It is made of three pieces and includes a thick cushion and plenty of pillows. It is available in Kubu Beta or Black Mushroom colors.
This grand outdoor daybed by Skyline has a tropical feel and would be perfect by a pool. It is made of three pieces and includes a thick cushion and plenty of pillows. It is available in Kubu Beta or Black Mushroom colors.
When we first saw these pieces by Stratta we thought they looked hard and angular...but fear not. The modern collection is study yet extremely comfortable. Strata's line of soft furniture is made from a unique coated foam that yield decidedly modern pieces.
When we first saw these pieces by Stratta we thought they looked hard and angular…but fear not. The modern collection is study yet extremely comfortable. Strata’s line of soft furniture is made from a unique coated foam that yield decidedly modern pieces.
These cubes ca serve as seating or a side table. They can be combined to form a larger coffee table. The small multi-use pieces are perfect for smaller outdoor spaces because of their versatility.
These cubes ca serve as seating or a side table. They can be combined to form a larger coffee table. The small multi-use pieces are perfect for smaller outdoor spaces because of their versatility.
The block chairs and sofa are really comfortable. Their durability is also a major selling point. Want to sit out after a rainstorm? No soggy cushions to deal with - just wipe and sit.
The block chairs and sofa are really comfortable. Their durability is also a major selling point. Want to sit out after a rainstorm? No soggy cushions to deal with – just wipe and sit.
These "Stone" tables would be a good addition to any outdoor furniture set as an occasional table. If you have extra guests, they can be pulled into service as extra stools.
These “Stone” tables would be a good addition to any outdoor furniture set as an occasional table. If you have extra guests, they can be pulled into service as extra stools.
Vondom sells pieces from designers around the globe that help transform any space into one with a unique ambiance. For fans of modern and edgy furniture and accessories, Vondom is the go-to company. This Sabinas Chair has a fluid shape that "hints at sand dunes, at female curves."
Vondom sells pieces from designers around the globe that help transform any space into one with a unique ambiance. For fans of modern and edgy furniture and accessories, Vondom is the go-to company. This Sabinas Chair has a fluid shape that “hints at sand dunes, at female curves.”
The ULM Daybed with parasol is like a giant clamshell. Designer Ramón Esteve created this circular form, which has a swivel mechanic, allowing the top to rotate. The top is controlled electrically and it can close completely when not in use.
The ULM Daybed with parasol is like a giant clamshell. Designer Ramón Esteve created this circular form, which has a swivel mechanic, allowing the top to rotate. The top is controlled electrically and it can close completely when not in use.
Even your outdoor dining set can have an edgy feel. This bright white set has a rounded table and unique chairs. The back curve of the chair is a bit like a Lady Gaga platform shoe.
Even your outdoor dining set can have an edgy feel. This bright white set has a rounded table and unique chairs. The back curve of the chair is a bit like a Lady Gaga platform shoe.
The Surf Sun Chaise by Karim Rashid looks like a flowing wave. The chaise is made of resin and can be used indoors or out. IT also comes in distinctive colors.
The Surf Sun Chaise by Karim Rashid looks like a flowing wave. The chaise is made of resin and can be used indoors or out. IT also comes in distinctive colors.
Minimalists will rejoice at this bright, white outdoor furniture set for seating. The angular style is modern and great for entertaining a crowd.
Minimalists will rejoice at this bright, white outdoor furniture set for seating. The angular style is modern and great for entertaining a crowd.
These Vases Monoblock lamps from Vondom are also white by day but when lit up, create a modern, clubby atmosphere on your patio or deck.
These Vases Monoblock lamps from Vondom are also white by day but when lit up, create a modern, clubby atmosphere on your patio or deck.
The Faz planter set includes three pieces that also light up. The would be a cool accessory for any backyard setting.
The Faz planter set includes three pieces that also light up. The would be a cool accessory for any backyard setting.
The Aidan planter by Teresa Sapey is a faceted face and a conversation piece in any size. A set of small ones or a really large one alone, they're a statement.
The Aidan planter by Teresa Sapey is a faceted face and a conversation piece in any size. A set of small ones or a really large one alone, they’re a statement.
The Voxel chair is made from polycarbonate and comes in clear, bronze, grey, white opaque, and black opaque colors. It's a great outdoor chair for dining or extra seating for guests,
The Voxel chair is made from polycarbonate and comes in clear, bronze, grey, white opaque, and black opaque colors. It’s a great outdoor chair for dining or extra seating for guests,
The FAZ Daybed by Ramón Esteve -- like the other pieces in the FAZ collection -- has an angular, mineral-like shape. The modern daybed is great as a poolside retreat from the sun.
The FAZ Daybed by Ramón Esteve — like the other pieces in the FAZ collection — has an angular, mineral-like shape. The modern daybed is great as a poolside retreat from the sun.

Seeing all these pieces of modern outdoor furniture was very exciting. They are such a departure from the traditional pieces that are widely available in the mass market that modernists should rejoice and start creating the outdoor space of their dreams!