Can I use indoor furniture outside for a short time?

A question more common than you might think: Can you really use indoor furniture outdoors, even just for a short while?

When planning a summer garden party or spontaneous family BBQ, it’s tempting to grab a few extra chairs or that lovely wooden coffee table from the living room and bring them outside. After all, what harm could a few hours in the garden do?

The truth is, using indoor furniture outdoors can work — but only for a short time and with proper precautions. Indoor pieces simply aren’t designed to withstand outdoor conditions like rain, UV rays, and temperature swings.

However, with the right protection and a covered setup, you can enjoy your indoor furniture in an outdoor space temporarily without lasting damage.

Let’s look at how to do this safely, how to protect your pieces, and why, as a company that specialises in durable cast aluminium outdoor furniture, we’d never recommend it as a long-term solution.

When It’s Okay to Use Indoor Furniture Outdoors

There are certain occasions when taking your indoor furniture outside is perfectly practical:

Occasion	Duration	Best Furniture to Use	Precautions
Garden party	A few hours	Dining chairs, coffee table	Keep under a covered patio or gazebo
Family BBQ	1 day	Wooden or rattan pieces	Add outdoor cushions and protective covers
Outdoor photoshoot	Short session	Decorative or statement pieces	Avoid direct sunlight and damp grass
Temporary outdoor dining	Weekend only	Treated wood furniture	Apply outdoor sealant beforehand

If you’re careful, a few hours in your outdoor living space won’t ruin your favourite pieces — but it’s all about preparation and timing.

How to Prepare Indoor Furniture for Outdoor Use

Bringing indoor pieces into an outdoor setting requires some thoughtful protection.

Here’s how to make them as weather-resistant as possible — because in the UK summertime, the worst can always happen.

1. Choose the Right Furniture

Start by selecting furniture made of durable materials like hardwood (oak, teak, or cedar), metal, or resin. Avoid soft woods or delicate fabrics that can soak up moisture and develop mildew.

If you must use upholstered pieces, pop outdoor cushions or throw blankets made from weather-resistant fabrics over them. These are designed for outdoor use and can help protect against sun damage and stains.

2. Apply an Outdoor Sealant — If You Must

If you’re determined to take wooden furniture outside for a short time, a quick coat of outdoor sealant or wax can offer a bit of protection against rain, UV rays, and moisture without causing them any harm. It’s not a perfect solution, but it can help prevent warping or rot during a one-off event.

Just be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first to make sure you’re happy with the finish. However, if you find yourself regularly reaching for the sealant, it might be a sign that investing in purpose-built outdoor furniture could save you time, effort, and money in the long run.

3. Keep It Covered

Even with a protective sealant, it’s best to keep your furniture out of direct exposure to the elements. Whenever possible, place pieces under a covered patio, awning, or parasol. Just a few hours of intense summer sun — or an unexpected downpour — can cause damage that’s difficult, if not impossible, to repair.

Temporary setups should be shielded from direct sunlight and rain. A simple furniture cover or outdoor rug can make a huge difference in protecting the overall aesthetic and structure of your indoor furniture too.

4. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Dust, pollen, and moisture can build up quickly outdoors. Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth after each use and allow them to dry fully before bringing them back inside.

Regular cleaning prevents mildew, discolouration, and that musty outdoor smell that sometimes lingers on wood and fabrics that are not designed for outdoor use.

5. Protect the Feet and Legs

One of the most overlooked areas when using indoor furniture outdoors is the feet.

The bottom of chairs and table legs often absorb moisture from grass, patios, or decking — even in dry weather. To prevent wood swelling, rust, or rot, etc, use plastic feet cups, rubber protectors, or felt pads with waterproof backing.

These small accessories act as a barrier between the furniture and damp surfaces, helping extend the life of both indoor and outdoor wooden furniture for that matter.

Why Indoor Furniture Isn’t Designed for Outdoor Conditions

While using indoor furniture outdoors can work for a few hours, there are clear reasons it shouldn’t become a habit.

1. Materials Aren’t Weatherproof

Indoor furniture is made from materials suited for controlled interior spaces. Veneers, untreated woods, and indoor fabrics can easily swell, fade, or crack when exposed to the elements.

By contrast, outdoor furniture is built from durable, weather-resistant materials like cast aluminium, teak, or synthetic rattan — all chosen to withstand outdoor conditions.

2. Moisture and Temperature Fluctuations

Even brief exposure to rain or humidity can cause wood furniture to warp and joints to loosen. Metal frames may rust, and cushions can trap moisture, leading to mildew or odour.

UK weather is unpredictable — what starts as a sunny afternoon can end with a sudden downpour. If your indoor coffee table or dining chairs get caught out, they could be permanently damaged.

3. UV Rays and Sun Damage

Direct sunlight can fade fabric and cause wood to dry out and crack. Without proper maintenance, even treated indoor furniture can suffer from sun damage after even a single use in outdoor settings.

The Long-Term Alternative: Invest in Purpose-Built Outdoor Furniture

If you find yourself frequently dining or relaxing outside, it’s time to consider purpose-built patio furniture.

We specialise in cast aluminium garden dining sets designed to complement your outdoor living style while offering maximum durability.

Unlike indoor pieces, our outdoor furniture range is:

• Completely weatherproof
  Designed to withstand sun, rain, and frost.

• Low maintenance
  It requires only regular cleaning to keep it looking its best.

• Lightweight yet durable
  Perfect for outdoor dining areas or patios.

• Stylishly designed
  Crafted to match both traditional and contemporary living spaces.

Choosing furniture specifically made for outdoor use protects your investment while elevating your space with durable, long-lasting pieces you’ll enjoy for years to come. 

How to Blend Indoor and Outdoor Styles

Love your indoor aesthetic? You can still create a seamless flow between your two spaces without dragging your sofa outside.

Here’s how:

• Match colours and textures
  Use similar tones in your outdoor cushions, rugs, and accessories.

• Add comfort outdoors
  Bring elements like throws, candles, lanterns, and outdoor rugs for a cosy living space feel.

• Choose furniture wisely
  Mix durable materials (like teak and cast aluminium) with soft weather-resistant fabrics for balance.

• Create zones
  A covered patio can serve as a transitional area between your indoor and outdoor areas, perfect for relaxing or entertaining.

This approach gives you that “indoor-outdoor living” vibe — without risking your furniture’s durability.

Quick Reference: How to Protect Indoor Furniture Outdoors

Step	Tip	Benefit
Apply outdoor sealant	Use polyurethane or marine varnish	Protects against moisture and UV rays
Use covers	Invest in waterproof furniture covers	Prevents rain and sun damage
Add outdoor cushions	Replace indoor textiles temporarily	Shields upholstery and adds comfort
Choose a covered patio	Keep furniture out of direct elements	Extends temporary outdoor use
Perform regular cleaning	Wipe surfaces and dry thoroughly	Prevents mildew and odour build-up
Move pieces back indoors	Don’t leave it out overnight	Preserves finish and structural integrity

FAQs About Using Indoor Furniture Outdoors

1. Can you use indoor furniture outside under a covered patio?

Yes, a covered patio offers good protection against sunlight and rain, making it the best option if you must use indoor furniture outdoors. Just ensure there’s adequate ventilation and protection from blowing rain.

2. How long can indoor furniture stay outside?

Ideally, only a few hours to a day. Extended exposure, even under a cover, can cause moisture build-up or sun fading.

3. Can you make indoor furniture suitable for outdoor use?

You can temporarily treat indoor furniture with outdoor paint or sealant, but this won’t make it fully weather-resistant. It’s suitable for short-term outdoor use, not long-term durability.

4. What’s the best way to clean furniture after outdoor use?

Use mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage finishes. Regular cleaning prevents mildew and dirt accumulation.

Final Thoughts: A Short-Term Fix, Not a Long-Term Solution

Using indoor furniture outdoors can be a clever, quick fix — ideal for an impromptu garden party, family BBQ, or extra seating when a few extra guests arrive. With a bit of care and protection, your favourite indoor pieces can absolutely enjoy a brief outing in the fresh air.

But as charming as that idea sounds, it’s important to remember that indoor furniture simply isn’t built for the great outdoors. Even when sealed, covered, and well cared for, it won’t ever truly withstand outdoor conditions for long. Moisture, sunlight, and fluctuating temperatures inevitably take their toll — leading to fading, warping, or irreparable damage.

For those who love spending time outside, investing in purpose-built outdoor furniture is a far more practical and long-lasting solution.

At Lazy Susan, our cast aluminium patio dining sets are expertly crafted to combine style, comfort, and resilience. They’re completely weatherproof, lightweight, and require minimal maintenance — designed to handle the unpredictable British weather while looking beautiful season after season.

The result? A true outdoor dining area that blurs the lines, elevates your living space, enhances your garden’s overall aesthetic, and gives you the freedom to enjoy every sunny moment without worrying about rain, UV rays, or moisture damage.

So yes — bring that beloved indoor table outside for the occasional celebration, just take precautions and bring it back in afterwards. But when you’re ready to create a lasting outdoor lifestyle, nothing compares to furniture designed to live outdoors from day one.

We’d love to see how you make the most of your outdoor living space!

Share your beautifully dressed garden tables and outdoor dining moments with us on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @LazySusanFurniture, or join our Do Some Goodcampaign by uploading your photos.

Every shared table helps us give back — and inspires others to create outdoor spaces they love.