5 Outdoor Furniture Items That Look Outdated—and Reduce Curb Appeal

Is your patio feeling lackluster? The problem might not be your plants or throw pillows—more often than not, it’s the furniture. Just like interior décor, outdoor design elements also go through trends. And while taste is subjective and one person's new favorite may be someone else's has-been, pieces that once felt fresh can indeed start to look dated over time.

Luckily, you don’t have to replace your whole porch to keep it feeling up to date; a few thoughtful furniture updates can completely shift the mood of your outdoor space.

Fire Tables

Fire tables had their moment, but they’re starting to work against the very spaces that they’re meant to enhance.

“Many feel clunky, overpowering, and visually disconnected from outdoor seating areas,” says Steve Kadlec, principal of Kadlec Architecture and Design. Plus, since they sit somewhere between a piece of furniture and a permanent feature, they can disrupt the natural flow of a porch or patio.

Instead, Kadlec recommends a built-in fire element that integrates seamlessly with the architecture. You can also use portable lanterns and lamps to create a softer, more atmospheric glow.

Dark Faux Rattan

Dark faux rattan was once the default for outdoor furniture. However, these pieces rarely contribute to a space with originality or refinement. “This material has been overused to the point of feeling bland and mass produced,” adds Kadlec.

Try a more elevated approach instead, like streamlined furniture with upholstered cushions. This combination adds comfort and a tailored aesthetic to your patio or porch.

Resort Furniture

There’s nothing wrong with a little resort flair, but don't take it too far. Bold, striped loungers and fringed umbrellas can feel playful, but in many outdoor spaces, they risk looking staged.

“In less architecturally aligned spaces, this resort aesthetic can appear forced,” says Kadlec. Instead, pick furniture with simple lines and neutral tones, which will let the garden and its surrounding architecture shine.

All-Weather Resin Wicker

Resin wicker may have been popular for its durability, but this early-2000s staple has designers rethinking its place outdoors.

It was once marketed as a way to bring indoor style outside, says Christina Seeds, founder of Seeds Home Studios. In reality, it often cracks and fades in the sun.

For a fresh take, she recommends furniture in light neutrals or soft grays, crafted from woven rope or a mix of teak and rope. The result is a breezy, coastal-modern look.

Oversized Teak Club Chairs

In the 2010s, nothing said luxury outdoor living like oversized teak club chairs with extra-deep cushions. These days, though, the style feels less appealing.

“The pieces take up massive amounts of space, and their heavy cushion profiles don’t fit the more flexible, multifunctional way people are using outdoor areas now,” says Seeds.

She recommends choosing slimmer, modular lounge seating with quick-dry cushions. It’s a more tailored look that feels less formal, and can adapt effortlessly to entertaining or lounging.