Classic Adirondack at Penney's for Pennies

If you need to get in gear for summer, JC Penney has their collection of Adirondack furniture (chairs and the little folding table) seriously marked down.

These chairs are so classic, you really can't go wrong. Plus, they're made of acacia and fir (yes, real wood) and have weather resistant finishes.

They're only available online or via catalog order, so don't rush out to your local mall.

Adirondack chair, $89
Adirondack table, $25

Bongenre Melamine Dinnerware

Poolside and picnic dining are getting a little dose of elegance thanks to Bongenre. The company manufactures gorgeous dinnerware patterns in Melamine for very reasonable prices.

Winchester Mandala Hot, 4 places settings for $90.

Wilde's Sun, 4 12" dinnerplates for $45.

Louis Rouge, 4 12" plates for $44.

Dope Dormat

This doormat is awesome.

The Fo' Shizzle doormat, $19.99 from What on Earth.

Via Style Hive.

Patio Set for $199

The retro-inspired Orbit outdoor lounger set is on sale at Crate and Barrel for $199! Summer's barely here and we're already marking down patio furniture? Sounds good to me.

Via Crib Candy.

Stackable Planters = Living Space Divider

These stackable planters look like aged terracotta, but they're actually made from composite (and light at 15.4 lbs).

Line them up to create a modern railing that looks like something you'd find on a European side-street. Or stack them for a stunning sculpture.

Tuttisuperterra planter, $295.

Via Better Living Through Design.

FLOR for Outdoor

FLOR has some bold outdoor flooring options ready to go for summer.

A modular take on the classic synthetic putt-putt green. Green Acres, $3.71 per sqft.

Swiss cheese anyone? Seeing Spots in Tabby Cat, $.46 per sqft.

Cut it Out in Hummingbird, $4.46 per sqft.

Patio Furniture: More than Meets the Eye

You may have heard about Transformers, the live-action Dreamworks movie, but what about the patio furniture? These Obelisk Chairs, made of woven polyethylene with a powder-coated aluminum frame, fit together to form a sculptural rocket-like cone that is highly unlikely to turn evil and attempt world domination.

Robot jokes aside, the set is quite stylish and practical. Too bad it weighs in at a whopping $8,922. I'll wait for the Target sequel.

Via Gizmodo.

Overlapping Squares Patio Furniture

West Elm has made some lovely patio furniture this season using their popular Overlapping Squares pattern. Produced in powder-coated metal and glass, the pieces, which include table and chairs, lounger, sofa, and occasional tables, will easily withstand the weather.

Shown here:

Table: $299
Set of 4 Chairs: $599
Lounger: $269
Cushions: $49-$99

Nice Patio Set at Wal-Mart

Something I like at Wal-Mart? I was a little confused too. Not that there's anything wrong with it, but the mega-chain and I don't usually agree on the finer points of furniture design. That said, I'm very impressed with the patio furniture on the Wal-Mart site this season. It's nothing ground-breaking, but they've got simple, classic designs at a great price.

I'd have to see them in person to be sure about quality, but at a fraction of the cost of typical outdoor wood furnishings, I might be tempted to take a chance.

I've been online searching for inexpensive patio furniture because here in Dallas, Spring has officially sprung. I posted a few pieces I found yesterday over at Shak in Style.

If you're still shielding yourself from a single-digit wind-chill, don't be jealous. It'll be hot enough in DFW to fry an egg on the sidewalk in about 2 months. (Picture left, Delahey 6-piece wood dining set, $268)

Delahey 4-piece wood chat set, $298

Delahey 6-piece sectional, $498

Davinci 4-piece cushioned wicker chat set, $798