You weighed your options and decided to invest in a modern lake house, providing a serene escape for your family. This oasis will be perfect for long weekends and summer vacations, with room for flexibility and amenities. Maintaining the lake house requires attention to detail, so take time to select durable outdoor furnishings. Follow our guide to find the best furniture styles and materials, plus design tips for creating the perfect lakeside aesthetic.
Identifying Outdoor Spaces at Your Lake House
Pinpoint the best outdoor furniture choices for your lake house by deciding how you’ll spend your time. These popular options will provide structure to your deck, patio, or lakeside hangout.
Waterfront Seating
Not every lake house sits directly on the water, but when it does, you’ll want to take full advantage of the breathtaking view. A chaise lounge can be a comfortable place to read, nap, and soak up the sun if you have prime lakefront land. If the lake lies further on the horizon, an Adirondack set offers a relaxed setting where you can enjoy a drink and watch the brilliant colors streak the sky at sunset.
Featured: Nautical 3-Piece Curveback Adirondack Set in White
Dining Area
Lake houses are ideal for family gatherings because they offer beautiful scenery and plenty of space for everyone to relax and enjoy time together. The outdoor areas foster connection over meals and fun activities, making it easy for families to create lasting memories.
If you want to add shade for sunny days, opt for a dining set with a built-in umbrella hole, and select a large patio umbrella with adjustable tilt to keep the canopy perfectly placed to block the sun as it moves through the sky.
Garden Pathway
A lake house offers the opportunity to create a beautiful garden. Arrange garden furniture along your walkway or veranda to establish a peaceful retreat away from the house's activity. A simple bench or garden chair set can serve as a focal point and anchor the space.
Featured: Chippendale 48" Glider in Black
Weather Considerations for Outdoor Furniture
Your lake house is exposed to nature’s extremes. When shopping for outdoor furniture, keep in mind these common issues that can damage certain materials.
Rain and Moisture
Nestled next to a large body of water, a lake house faces a double onslaught of moisture from the nearby lake and frequent rainfall. You’ll need furniture that resists moisture and humidity, and the ideal material is high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This strong plastic is non-porous, so it won’t absorb water, which means no warping or rusting.
Genuine POLYWOOD™ lumber is a proprietary material that includes HDPE. It won’t crack, peel, or chip, and it’s highly resistant to mold and mildew—the best choice for lasting lake house furniture.
Featured: Palm Coast Adirondack in Lime
Dirt and Grime
Waterfront decks and furniture can get dirty fast, especially if kids and pets are around. To spend less time cleaning and more time relaxing, opt for furniture built with low-maintenance materials that need minimal upkeep.
Our HDPE lumber resists stains and spills common to lakeside living. A simple scrub with soapy water at the beginning of the season and an occasional wipedown with a damp cloth are all that’s needed to keep your furniture looking fresh.
Cold Weather and Snow
Lake-effect snow can make wintertime pretty intense, especially in northern regions of the U.S. You’ll want build-to-last furnishings that won’t need to be replaced or repaired every season. POLYWOOD furniture, built with ClimateTuff™ materials, is capable of outlasting the most frigid forecast.
We engineer our Genuine POLYWOOD™ lumber and marine-grade quality hardware to perform beautifully in any climate. Heavy snow, subfreezing temperatures, and strong winds won’t damage our products, even when left outside year after year. It’s an investment that saves you time, money, and worry.
Featured: Nautical Adirondack Chair in Lime
Best Color Schemes for Your Lake House
Warm Neutrals
For a welcoming aesthetic, consider soft whites, warm beiges, and muted greys. These shades are practical and create a serene atmosphere that opens up the space. They reflect light beautifully, enhancing the natural beauty of sunrises and sunsets.
Featured: EDGE 6-Piece Modular Deep Seating Set in White/Grey Mist
Bold Accent Colors
Consider deep blues, soft sage greens, or sun-drenched corals to mirror the natural elements of water and nature. Explore striking options like burnt orange or a vivid red for a more dramatic flair.
Keep in mind that sun exposure is stronger around lakes due to the intense light reflection, which accelerates fading for unprotected furniture. Shop for pieces that won’t lose their beautiful hues over time. POLYWOOD furniture, for example, is made with ColorStay™ technology that locks in lasting color—even in sun-soaked lakefront settings.
Featured: Vineyard Adirondack Chairs in Sunset Red and Navy
Earthy Tones
Incorporate deep earth tones like terra-cotta, olive green, and mahogany to evoke a connection with the outdoor landscape. These colors bring warmth and richness, making the space feel grounded and inviting. Pair these hues with natural wood finishes to enhance the organic feel of your lake house.
Accessorize with soft textiles in similar tones to create a cozy and welcoming environment that blends seamlessly with your surroundings.
Featured: Lakeside 7-Piece Farmhouse Dining Set in Mahogany
Lake House Outdoor Space Design Tips
When designing a lake house, the scenery plays a pivotal role in shaping the space. Embrace expansive windows and create an unobstructed flow to enhance your connection with the stunning views of the mountains or the tranquil shoreline. An open, airy layout is key to achieving that seamless harmony.
For furniture selections, focus on sleek lines and soft curves that exude a relaxed coastal vibe. Opt for lounge-ready pieces that sit close to the ground, featuring elements like curved slats and substantial support. With its contemporary flair, a lake house allows you to explore and incorporate patterns and shapes that resonate with your personal style, making it feel like home.
Lake House Furniture Style Tips
- Choose weather-resistant furniture for durability and comfort.
- Create cozy seating arrangements with plenty of cushions and throws.
- Opt for string lights, lanterns, or a fire pit table to add ambiance and charm after dark.
- Use natural wood or stone decor, or greenery-filled planters, to blend with the surroundings.
- Create shaded areas with umbrellas or pergolas for sunny days.
- Use rugs to define spaces and add comfort underfoot.
- Incorporate outdoor dining sets for alfresco meals with a view.
- Personalize the space with decorative accents like wind chimes or art pieces.
