What is the Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Furniture?

Most people enjoy spending time outdoors, especially when the weather is nice. However, many people are hesitant to put furniture outside because they worry that it will get damaged by the elements.

5 Differences Between Outdoor and Indoor Furniture

There are five main differences between the two types of furniture:

Outdoor furniture is made to be weather-resistant and durable

When choosing furniture for your outdoor spaces, it’s important to consider the climate and weather conditions in your area. Outdoor furniture needs to be able to withstand harsh weather conditions – direct sunlight, high temperatures, humidity, and occasional rainstorms. That’s why outdoor pieces are typically made from materials like aluminum, stone, or teak that are resistant to rust, rot, and fading.

While indoor furniture can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic, outdoor furniture is usually limited to a few specific materials that can stand up to the elements.

Outdoor furniture is put through a lot of wear and tear. Whether it’s being dragged around the yard or constantly exposed to the elements, it needs to be able to withstand a lot of abuse. That’s why outdoor furniture is made to be weather-resistant and durable. The joints are also reinforced to make sure that the furniture can handle being moved around.

Outdoor furniture is often treated with an anti-rust coating or sealant to help protect it from the elements. As a result, outdoor furniture is built to last.

Outdoor furniture is often heavier and sturdier than indoor furniture

Outdoor furniture is designed to withstand the elements, so it’s typically made from tough materials like metal or wood. This means that outdoor furniture is often heavier and sturdier than indoor furniture. While this can make it a bit more difficult to move around, it also means that outdoor furniture is less likely to tip over or be blown away in strong winds.

Indoor furniture is typically more delicate and can’t handle extreme weather conditions

Because indoor furniture isn’t made to withstand the elements, it’s typically made from materials that are more delicate, like wood or fabric. This means that indoor furniture is more likely to be damaged by exposure to direct sunlight, high temperatures, humidity, or rain. By keeping furniture out of the heat and humidity, you can help to extend its lifespan.

Outdoor furniture often has a more rustic or natural look to it

While indoor furniture can come in a variety of styles, outdoor furniture is usually limited to a few specific looks. Outdoor furniture is often designed to have a more rustic or natural look to it. This might include furniture made from logs or branches or furniture that’s been painted to look like it’s made from stone or wicker.

One reason for this is that outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements, so it needs to be built to withstand the weather, which can take a toll on more delicate materials and finishes. Another reason is that many people want their outdoor space to have a relaxed, natural aesthetic that complements the natural beauty of the outdoors.

Indoor furniture is usually upholstered with fabric

While outdoor furniture is typically made from tough materials like wood or metal, indoor furniture is usually upholstered with fabric. This helps to protect the furniture from spills and stains. It also makes indoor furniture more comfortable to sit on. However, because fabric is more susceptible to damage from the elements, it’s important to keep indoor furniture out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat or moisture.

Can Outdoor Furniture be Used Indoors?

While outdoor furniture is designed to withstand the elements, it’s not necessarily made for indoor use. Outdoor furniture is often heavier and sturdier than indoor furniture, which can make it difficult to move around. It’s also more likely to be made from materials that are less comfortable to sit on, like metal or wood.

And because outdoor furniture is often treated with an anti-rust coating or sealant, it might not be safe to use indoors. If you’re considering using outdoor furniture indoors, it’s important to check with the manufacturer to make sure that it’s safe to do so. The materials that outdoor furniture is made from can damage flooring or walls, and the furniture itself can be a tripping hazard.

If you want to use outdoor furniture indoors, comfort should be a top priority. Outdoor furniture is often made from tough materials like wood or metal, which can make it uncomfortable to sit on for long periods of time. It’s also important to consider the aesthetics of the furniture. Outdoor furniture often has a more rustic or natural look to it, which might not fit with the rest of your indoor décor.

Can You Put Regular Furniture Outside?

Regular furniture is not designed to withstand the elements, so it’s not ideal for outdoor use. The materials that regular furniture is made from can be damaged by exposure to direct sunlight, high temperatures, humidity, or rain. As a result, regular furniture is more likely to fade, warp, or rot if it’s left outdoors.

There are some types of regular furniture that can be used outdoors if they’re properly protected from the elements. For instance, metal or glass-topped tables can often be used outdoors if they’re kept in a shady spot out of direct sunlight. Upholstered furniture can also be used outdoors if it’s kept in a covered area away from sources of heat or moisture.

Ultimately, whether or not regular furniture can be used outdoors depends on the type of furniture and the conditions of the outdoor space.

Best Furniture for Indoor and Outdoor Use

Below you’ll find some of the top picks that I have found for furniture that can be used in an indoor or outdoor environment. This includes indoor-outdoor chairs, indoor-outdoor tables, and more.

Indoor-Outdoor Chair

 

Kingsley Bate Quogue Wicker Club Chair Check Price at Frontera Furniture

 

Indoor Outdoor Sofa Set

 

Indoor Outdoor Table

FAQ

Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor wood?

Yes, there is a difference between indoor and outdoor wood. Outdoor wood is typically made from denser, harder woods like teak or mahogany, while indoor wood is usually softer woods like pine or maple. Outdoor wood furniture is often treated with a coating or sealant, which makes it more durable.

What is the difference between indoor fabric and outdoor fabric?

Outdoor fabrics are typically made from materials like polyester or acrylic that can withstand direct sunlight and moisture. Indoor fabrics, on the other hand, are usually made from natural fibers like cotton or linen.

What is considered outdoor furniture?

Outdoor furniture is any type of furniture that is designed to be used outdoors. This includes items like patio furniture, garden furniture, and deck furniture. Outdoor furniture is often made from weather-resistant materials like teak wood or polyester to prevent it from fading or rotting in the sun and rain.

Does wicker furniture last outside?

Wicker furniture can last outside if it’s made from durable materials like rattan or synthetic wicker. However, wicker furniture made from natural materials like willow or bamboo is not as durable and may need to be brought indoors during bad weather.

Does outdoor furniture get moldy?

Outdoor furniture can get moldy if it’s made from natural materials like wood or wicker that are not treated to resist moisture and mold. However, outdoor furniture made from synthetic materials like polyester or plastic is less likely to get moldy.