Summertime is synonymous with easy living given that downtime activities during this season consist mainly of lounging about, barbecuing, al fresco dining, and frequent dips in the pool. If you’re fortunate enough to have an outdoor space that is sufficiently large enough to accommodate a few guests, you should consider giving up your foldable beach chairs for a set of patio furniture worthy of your pad and your guests.

We’ve taken some of the work out of this task for you by selecting a variety of outdoor furniture sets that accommodate varying lifestyles. So whether your abode is a chic Manhattan loft or a rustic country cabin, you’ll be sure to find a set of outdoor pieces to complement your home’s current decor.

Lloyd Flanders Harmony Collection
Altogether, 12 pieces make up this cleanly designed Mediterranean-inspired collection from Lloyd Flanders. Apart from the lounge chairs, a comfy sofa, ottomans, and swivel rockers, two dining sets are also available to create an elegant, loungy atmosphere in your outdoor area. Just add a bar and this set is perfect for relaxing by the pool. Be warned: An entire set will set you back several grand. These pieces are worth the investment though, since their vinyl wicker construction means they’re durable and can be left outdoors all year long. If you have a small yard, consider investing in only a couple of key pieces to save on cost as well as to avoid making your garden appear cramped.

Dedon Hemisphere
If you have a moderate-sized downtown balcony or a rooftop space, Dedon’s uber-cool Hemisphere collection is the way to go. These lounge chairs with their accompanying foot rests that also function as coffee tables are the ultimate fusion of style and function, not to mention beautiful conversation pieces. This set is seriously impressive and just right for serving your signature cocktails to a small group before moving the party along to a hip club.

Ikea Hemso
If your outdoor space is more like a cramped balcony overlooking an alley than a verandah with an ocean view, don’t worry because you’ll still be able to entertain in style with Ikea’s Hemso bistro set. Easy to clean with stackable, space-saving chairs, this set is chic and cozy as well as an incredible steal at just $59.99 USD. Pretty up your small space by adding lots of plants and invest in some quality wine glasses to create your own slice of paradise. If you’re having a girl over, add a small vase with a few flowers -- she’ll be instantly wooed by your home-decorating genius and sense of romance.

Summer Classics Summer Cottage Collection
Those of you lucky bastards with a cottage at your disposal can give your patio a makeover with this laid-back but chic cottage collection from Summer Classics. A few rocking chairs, some pillows and maybe a side table will be all it takes to turn your patio into a hot spot for chilling out and watching the sunset. If you have a fire pit, even better -- you can forgo any kind of dining table and just place your chairs around it for easy access to late-night marshmallow toasting. Whatever your cottage setup, you’ll be happy that you really only need a few pieces to revamp your space since you can expect to shell out a couple of grand for a set of four chairs.

Float Wave set
Covet a swanky but minimalist decor for your patio? Look no further than Float’s Wave set to meet your requirements. Designed to emulate a wave and artfully display the human form, these gorgeous lounging chairs will look best by the pool or on a terrace with an ocean view. Don’t forget to add some towels and pillows with Missoni- or Pucci-inspired prints to complete the luxe look of these pieces. The price for such swish finery? If you have to ask, it’s too much.
funky furnitureIf you’ve moved past the stage of hanging out on your front stoop, acquiring some presentable outdoor furniture is a reality you will have to face. While most patio furniture doesn’t come cheaply, you’ll definitely be keeping your pieces for years to come, so consider the furniture to be an investment and buy the best you can afford. We hope you’ve found a set here that can meet your needs or at least that you’ve been inspired to do a bit of shopping and turn your outdoor space into the place to be this summer.