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From a design standpoint, I'm just not vibing on this particular line of outdoor furniture. There's something institutional about it, like the stuff you would see on the rooftop deck of my government building.

But, for the price, I suppose it's alright. I do like the fact that it sits low to the ground.

I hate metal outdoor furniture. It gets too hot in the sun and you can really get a nasty surprise leaning up against it, resting an arm, etc.

That said, if you don't live in the desert and can keep these under some shade, they look much nicer than the equivalent price-point versions at the 'Po.

I don't think I would use it outdoors but I think it would like nice in a loft or someplace small that you want to still have an open feel especially if you were aiming for an industrial vibe.

N.

http://badhuman.wordpress.com

i have been having a terrible time finding patio furniture in this price range that is modern (no, no, no, no wicker!) in style. after assessing what this furniture would cost once i replaced the cushions with more comfortable back and seat cushions, i might as well be looking at crate and barrel.

does anyone have suggestions for good sites for affordable and modern patio furniture? i was hoping to get two deep seating/lounge (not dining) chairs and possibly an ottoman. places like smith & hawken seem to be way out of my price range. :(

hidden exposures - this buena park collection is the most affordable (non-wicker/non-plastic) outdoor furniture we've ever seen! I don't think you need to replace the seat cushions...if you had two of the chairs, each one needs one pillow and you'd be set.

hi aaron,

thanks for the reply. i guess i was thinking replacement because there was no back cushion (and was reading people's concerns about metal in the sun) and figured i'd get a thicker bottom cushion. i think at this point i'll probably just end up getting the set and sitting in it and will see...cb2/crate & barrel have always (in my mind) had a very good return policy.

thanks for featuring it - it's the closest i've found to something modern and reasonable!

Check out west elm. Their line is pretty modern looking. Unfortunately the quality is less than great, but if you are looking for less expensive stuff it was about the only place we found that had modern wood outdoor furniture that wasn't outrageously priced.

Here is a picture of some of it on our deck:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremyhollis/761042697/in/set-72157601456578114/

I want to love it, since it's a decent price, but I can't get over my first reaction, which was that it looked kind of like my college-era metal futon, without the cushion.

I'm with you, hiddenexposures! I spent the last few weekends looking for the right patio furniture to fit a medium sized balcony. I'm not a fan of metal (I'm lounging, not correcting my posture) or super modern bistro tables nor do I love Adirondack chairs or wicker----trying to find a happy medium has been tiresome!

I bought this cute (I hope) table in red on Kmart.com (online only):
http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_1430007181862000P

Bamboo fencing from home depot, string lights from world market and the rest - well I'm still digging for furniture to sit on. Cushions would be more comfortable than most patio furniture.