The days are getting shorter, the air is getting crisper, and those end-of-summer sales are in full swing. While it might be tempting to just buy a fun little piece for the last few barbecues, this time of year is actually a fantastic opportunity to find versatile furniture that will work hard for you all year long.
Instead of thinking about what you need for just a few more weeks of sunshine, let’s talk about pieces that will be just as loved and functional when the leaves are falling and even when the snow is on the ground. Here are some end-of-season finds that you’ll be glad you bought, no matter the season.
The All-Weather Wicker Chair
We’ve all seen them: those beautiful, hand-woven chairs and loveseats that look perfect on a patio. But today’s all-weather wicker is far more durable and stylish than ever before. Many of these pieces are built to withstand the elements, making them a smart investment for your outdoor space.
Year-Round Love: As the weather cools, you can easily bring these chairs indoors to create a cozy reading nook or add extra seating to your living room. Their natural texture and often neutral colors blend seamlessly with other indoor furniture. Just add a plush throw blanket and a decorative pillow, and your summer patio chair becomes a perfect accent piece for fall and winter.
The Versatile Console Table
A console table is a design powerhouse, and you’ll find plenty of them on sale as retailers make room for new inventory. These long, narrow tables are often relegated to a hallway, but their potential is so much greater.
Year-Round Love: In the summer, use it as a makeshift bar for drinks on the patio or as a buffet for a casual meal. Come fall, it can be the perfect spot to display pumpkins, candles, and seasonal decor. In winter, it can hold holiday decorations or be a practical entry table to catch keys and mail. Its slim profile means it can fit just about anywhere, offering a stylish landing spot for a lamp, books, or plants throughout the year.
The Stylish Storage Bench
A storage bench is one of the most underrated pieces of furniture you can own. It solves the eternal problem of clutter while also providing extra seating.
Year-Round Love: In the summer, it can live on your porch or in your mudroom, holding flip-flops, towels, and kids’ toys. When the seasons change, it’s the ideal spot to stash hats, gloves, scarves, and boots. It can also function as a chic end-of-bed bench or even a coffee table in a small living room. The ability to hide away seasonal clutter while still looking great is a year-round win.
The Lightweight Pouf or Ottoman
These small, multi-functional pieces are often on sale at the end of the summer season. A pouf or ottoman is the Swiss Army knife of furniture, and it’s a wonderful way to add a pop of color and texture to any room.
Year-Round Love: Outside, a pouf can serve as an extra seat or a footrest for an outdoor lounge chair. Inside, it can be a comfortable footstool in the living room, a quick seat for a child, or even a small side table with a tray on top. When you want to change up the feel of a room, you can easily move it around or simply swap out the throw blankets and pillows around it.
So, as you browse the end-of-season sales, think beyond the season. Look for quality pieces with a timeless feel and multi-functional purpose. You’ll not only save money now but also create a home that feels fresh and inviting all year long.