outdoor

The phrase that the manufacturer uses to describe the Geniol Fireplace Majestic Edition is "awe-inspiring." The indoor fireplace is mounted in a tall glass cylinder and sits far higher off the ground than the similar floor model of the same fireplace. The fixture requires no chimney or extractor, although a slightly open window or two will both help with ventilation and allow a bit of air circulation to help the flame dance around. It can also be used outside if a fire risk is a concern. A stainless steel furnace fixture, which gives the appearance of floating in mid air due to the way it is mounted in the glass tube, is what produces the flames. The fireplace burns a slow-burning fuel paste that is sold separately. Price: $1,800.

Summer is on the way out, but here is one more pool-side chair before the weather makes it unpleasant to lie out in the sun all day. The AGK Cabana Chair is another piece from Andre Agassi's furniture line. The chair has a long-lasting woven synthetic rattan over an aluminum frame and all-weather upholstery, so there is no need to worry about how it will stand up to the elements. The canopy raises and lowers easily, allowing for just the right amount of shade or sun for one or two people. Price: $4,250.

Picnics are supposed to take place on warm spring or summer days, when you can relax in the shade and escape from the sun's rays. The Carnival Midnight Picnic Basket looks like it's meant to be used at night, though. The basket includes 4 plates, insulated food and bottle coolers, stainless steel cutlery and glasses for four, a glass serving tray, napkins and a corkscrew. Every piece, including the basket itself, is in a shade of grey or black, making it a good choice for a midnight snack or taking to an outdoor show, where you don't want your dishes catching the lights and distracting those around you. Price: $109.95 (sale).

[via Cribcandy]

Part day bed and part chair, the Bahia Chaise Loungers are an elegant way to relax in the summer sun. They have aluminum frames that are wrapped in a material known as Ty-Flex, which looks similar to wicker, but is far more durable, and the backs of the chairs have five adjustable positions. The plush cushions are made of dry-fast foam, so they will recover quickly after a summer shower or if you choose to recline after a swim. They are upholstered with marine-grade white vinyl that is long-lasting and easy to clean. The single lounger is on sale for $2,677, while the double lounger is $4,579.

The Aquarium Chaise is part of a new collection from designer Ilan Dei. Dei was inspired to try an utilize natural lighting in the design of his collection, which includes a coffee table and matching chair in addition to the chaise, and did so by constructing the chair with transparent, tinted acrylic panels. The panels are supported by a frame of weather-resistant (marine grade) plywood, which is finished in a natural color. Dei mentions that the chair could be used indoors, as well as out, but it is fairly obvious that it was meant to be beside a sparking pool. Price: $780.

This sleek table is one of the most interesting outdoor furniture pieces we've seen. The Picnik Table, designed by Dirk Wynants, is made of 1cm thick aluminum and is one solid piece. The powder-coated finish - which is available in 5 different colors - is extremely durable, and will hold up very well even under heavy use. It is actually quite small, but this makes it ideal for two people, which very few outdoor picnic-type tables are actually intended to accommodate, not without having unused seating for 6 or 8 more people, anyway. It can also fit on a porch or even a balcony with little difficulty. If you do require seating for more than two, two tables can be placed with the open ends together to make seating for four. Price: $1,700.

A good grill is really a must-have for the 4th of July, which is one of the biggest days of the year for outdoor cooking. There are endless debates over the merits of charcoal vs. gas, but the look and quality of the grill are important, too. After all, you're not going to end up with a quality steak if you're grill can't handle the heat.

Significantly less complex than some of our previously featured outdoor grills, the Eva Solo Barrel Grill is a sleek beauty that could be mistaken for a sculpture in the yard. The grill is a classic barrel, where the charcoal (or wood chips, if you prefer) is put down into the base where a removable coal bucket sits. It is made entirely of stainless steel, including a stainless, heavy-duty grill top. You can also use it as a sort of firepit/outdoor heater after grilling. The grill itself is $560, but you can get a domed lid for an additional $120 or a jacket-like zippered cover for $51 as optional accessories.

The Spirit Song Bench has a look that is even more beautiful than its name. Made of teak, it could coordinate with your new barbecue tools, but it is actually made to be eco-friendly (using durable, enviornmentally sound materials) and evoke the rippling of running water. Its unique look won the Design Excellence Award at the International Casual Furniture Show for designers Barbara and Robert Tiffany. There are two versions of the bench available, one straight and one curved. The curved bench is slightly larger and slightly more expensive, but the addition of the curved seat really adds to the flow of the bench in an appealing way. Price: $4,990.

[via Apartment Therapy]

Outdoor daybeds are the ultimate in summer relaxation and we love them. This posh Bali Lounge from Tuuci bills itself as a versatile outdoor lounging area, not simply a daybed, though the overall effect is essentially the same. It is made of fiberglass and stainless steel, with weather resistant cushions, pillows and a wicker trim. The canopy, which provides much needed relief from the sun on a hot day, is retractable in the event that you decide to work on your tan. Sheer curtains hand from stainless steel rings, and can offer protection from prying eyes as well as irritating insects. It's priced around $10,000.

Part sculpture, part furniture, the Obelisk is an entire outdoor collection that stacks neatly up into one piece - unlike the vast majority of lawn furniture, which either must be left out or collected in an ungainly pile. Designed by Frank Ligthart, this modular stack appears to be a sculpture, hand woven from a synthetic fiber called Hularo. The stack deconstructs to reveal that it is comprised of four chairs and a coffee table. Available at JANUS et Cie, the Obelisk is $9,800.