Outdoor Living Trends to Watch in 2026

The POLYWOOD team collaborated with top design professionals and influencers to identify the outdoor living trends we predict will shape 2026. We gathered valuable insights from Alyce Lopez, Owner and Principal Designer of The True House in San Diego; John Colaneri, Owner, Designer, and Construction Manager of Lilyshea LLC in New Jersey; and Megan Pierson, EVP of Business Development at POLYWOOD.

See what's next for exterior design, colors, landscaping, lighting, and more.

As our lives get busier and free time scarcer, we all want products that look great and keep up—without constant upkeep. The result? A shift toward trending outdoor furniture and decor that withstands spills, sun, harsh weather, and everyday use without breaking a sweat. Think durable and easy-to-clean furnishings like washable rugs, powder-coated aluminum dining sets, heavy-duty HDPE lounge chairs, and stain-resistant cushions.

Dining outside is one of the joys of having a backyard space, but carrying hot dishes and heavy pots in and out of your home can be a hassle, and it distances you from guests enjoying the fresh air. An outdoor kitchen addresses both issues while also boosting aesthetic appeal.

If you’re considering this addition, take a cue from John’s back patio, which he designed to bring all the conveniences of indoor cooking outside. “Incorporate weather-resistant appliances, lighting, ample counter space, comfortable dining furniture, and bar carts for extra storage and easy serving to enhance the experience and extend your outdoor living season,” he recommends.

Swimming pools are no longer seen as standalone features, with more designers and homeowners integrating them into settings that cater to a variety of activities. It’s a holistic approach that optimizes the space for functionality and versatility.

“Master-planning the flow between morning-coffee lounge spots, poolside chaises, ample dining areas, and outdoor kitchens makes entertaining feel effortless,” Alyce advises. “The goal when designing a backyard with a pool is evaluating the yard as a whole to maximize your lifestyle.”

Start with the essentials: 

• Lounge seats angled for sun, others near shade (or make life easy with wheeled styles). 
• Side tables to keep drinks, sunscreen, and magazines within easy reach. 
• A console table or bar cart filled with towels for drying off between laps. 
• A dining set or seating area outside of the splash zone for snacks and lingering. 
• And don’t forget the umbrellas!

Alyce suggests choosing adaptable seating for multifunctional spaces, paired with clear sightlines to create openness and visibility. You can see this philosophy at work in her own stunning poolside retreat.

Insights from a recent report indicate an increasing demand for outdoor chaises—especially in resorts and spas, where relaxation is a top priority. Bring that vacation vibe to your backyard with weather-resistant designs featuring adjustable backs or sleek in-pool options.

We’re seeing an uptick in the demand for multifunctional furniture. One piece that can replace multiple items and seamlessly transition between uses is cost-effective and space-saving—a notion that appeals to apartment dwellers, remote employees, and busy families.

Try this practical outdoor living trend in your home with these must-have multitaskers:

• Modular seating: These pieces can be reconfigured to suit various spaces and occasions.
• Convertible sofas: A couch that folds flat for extra seating or sleeping space is ideal when you have a full house.
• Furniture with storage: Consoles, benches, and ottomans with hidden compartments and tables with drawers or extra shelving will keep cushions and decor safe and out of sight.
• Folding furniture: Chairs that fold up are easy to store when not in use, and tables that expand or collapse can transition from work-from-home to nightly dining.
• Benches with built-in planters: This cohesive seating arrangement offers a convenient spot to stop and smell the roses.
• Bar carts: With this entertaining essential, you have a mobile drink and snack station, extra storage space, and a convenient side table all in one wheeled piece.

As more people seek ways to create inviting outdoor spaces, they’re naturally drawn to rich, earthy hues inspired by nature. But it takes effort to enjoy real wood furniture, which can quickly succumb to the elements even with stains and sealants. Many are opting for materials that bring the color but not the work.

Connect with John on Instagram, Facebook, and his website.

Versatile and timeless, warm neutral tones are appearing in more and more outdoor aesthetics. Gone are the cool greys and blacks that once dominated color palettes, replaced with cozy hues that evoke a sense of comfort and a connection to nature.

Connect with Alyce on Instagram, Facebook, and her website.

As we become more aware of the dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), outdoor fabric choices are shifting fast. PFAS-free materials are now a non-negotiable for many.

PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” can build up in our environments and bodies, which is why more consumers are actively avoiding them. You can reduce exposure and pollution by opting for PFAS-free fabrics from brands like Revolution^® Performance Fabrics, Sunbrella^®, and Phifertex^®. All three offer a range of GREENGUARD Gold Certified products, which have been rigorously tested to meet strict standards for low chemical emissions.

We proudly partner with these brands to craft our sling seating, hand-sewn seat cushions, and throw pillows.

Sustainable landscaping isn’t just a trend—it’s a lasting shift in how we view outdoor spaces. The benefits of planting native flora on your property in place of grass go beyond aesthetics:

• Native plants are already acclimated to your regional climate, meaning they need less upkeep, water, and fertilizer compared to traditional lawns.
• Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators thrive with the addition of flowers local to your area.
• While lawns are mostly green, native plants can create colorful and vibrant landscapes, which can enhance the scenery and increase property values.

To discover plants that thrive in your region, we recommend using the National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder tool.

Climate change has led to water scarcity in many parts of the country, and the need to save this valuable resource is greater than ever. There’s an increase in demand for patios, walking paths, and other non-living outdoor features designed to conserve water and reduce maintenance costs.

Waterwise hardscapes, in addition to native plants discussed earlier, are part of a larger xeriscaping approach that blends drought-tolerant materials, mindful design, and low-maintenance features to create spaces that minimize our reliance on water.

There are many ways to incorporate water-saving hardscapes into your outdoor design:

• Sustainable materials: Permeable pavers, recycled concrete, and natural stone not only look nice, but they also reduce waste, stormwater runoff, and soil erosion.
• Drainage-forward designs: Manage rainwater efficiently on your property with bioswales, rain gardens, or dry creek beds.
• Water collection: Reduce your footprint by harvesting rainwater with a rain barrel and using the contents to water your plants.*
• Green roofs and walls: According to the EPA, green roofs and living walls save water, energy usage, and even noise levels. They’re ideal for larger properties and commercial buildings.
• Go for gravel: Replace your lawn with pea gravel or stone beds. They’re easy to maintain and need little to no water.

*NOTE: Some states have limitations or incentives for collecting rainwater. Check your local legislation to see your state's rules and regulations.

Lighting can make or break the mood, especially outdoors. It’s easy to set the scene with dimmable fixtures that cast a calming glow or strategically placed spotlights that highlight certain landscaping features.

“Mood-based lighting makes you feel like you are on a constant vacation,” John explains. “A simple flick of a switch completely transforms the atmosphere and makes every moment feel immersive and special.”

To bring this bright idea to your backyard, start with these style suggestions:

• Hang string lights to free up valuable floor space.
• Avoid complicated electrical work (and save money) with sustainable solar lights.
• Light the way for guests by lining walking paths, stairs, and ledges with unobtrusive lanterns.
• Think outside the lamp with light post caps, an outdoor rug with sewn-in LED strips, or an illuminated planter.
• Prevent tripping hazards by lining the edges of steps, railings, or walkways with strips of subtle LEDs.