Okay, Let's Talk Rope Outdoor Furniture — When to Use It, How to Style It, and, of Course, Where To Shop For It

A seating area on a sun-drenched, off-white, stone pool deck. There is a seating area with a rope bench and matching rope arm chairs and a yellow and white parasol.

This season, I've scoured most interior brands looking for the best pieces to buy for the garden. Chairs you'll want to lounge in, dining pieces that make al fresco dinners more enjoyable, and accent tables that could be styled indoors as well. And one material that I keep coming back to is rope. Rope outdoor furniture is a classic choice, but when combined with contemporary ideas and the hottest outdoor furniture trends, well, it feels surprisingly elevated.

First of all, there are a few ways to do rope outdoor furniture. There is the traditional rope material that nods to a very nautical aesthetic. Then there are high-performance cords made of materials like polyester that are particularly resistant to UV rays and moisture. The latter typically comes in stylish colors and applications, while the former provides a more natural, traditional look. Basically, rope outdoor furniture combines form and function, and makes for a dependably fashionable outdoor material.