Comfortable, stylish patio furniture

By Meda Kessler and Buzz Mcclain - McClatchy Newspapers

We saw a vintage folding patio chair in a tag sale recently. Its woven web design and aluminum frame took us back to our youth, when we sat in the back yard watching the fireflies blink in the inky darkness of summer nights. But today, patio furniture is less about nostalgia and more about luxury and comfort.

From teak to powder-coated metals to all-weather wicker, this stuff is meant to last. And no longer do modernists have to go without, as more manufacturers are offering contemporary designs. Here are a few choices.

The Robinwood Deluxe Collection

Philippe Starck has joined forces with David Sutherland in creating a Robin Hood-inspired collection of outdoor furniture. With names such as Marian, Tuck and Sherwood, the teak-and-polished-aluminum designs are a far cry from anything you'd likely find at Nottingham Castle. Instead, the 31-piece RobinWood Deluxe Collection features what you'd expect from a collaboration between design titans: well-crafted pieces with an unexpected sense of irreverence. To see more, go to www.sutherlandfurniture.com.

Kingsley-Bate, Tiburon Chaise Lounge

This elegant piece of mixed media is made of heavy-duty stainless steel and Indonesian teak.

The comfortable Batyline sling (Batyline resists sun and moisture) makes it sit as good as it looks.

$990 at www.chaiseloungesandmore.com; see www.kingsleybate.com for more information.

Lakeside Adirondack Chair

The classic Adirondack style has been reinvented with antique white all-weather wicker made of flexible resin. $549 or $578 as open stock, Crate & Barrel or www.crateandbarrel.com.