When it comes to outdoor furniture, it can be difficult to balance functionality and style. Patio furniture isn't like the type you use indoors; it needs to be resistant to sun, humidity, and cold.

With summer quickly approaching, you may have already started working on your garden, planting your favorite flowers and cultivating the fruits and vegetables you plan on harvesting in a few months.

Creating the perfect patio used to mean loading it up with a table, a few chairs and maybe a planter or two. These days, the real stars of outdoor living are the pieces that pull double duty. After ...