Elvis Presley's 1968 Pool-Side Furniture Captures the Retro Look Designers Say is Set to be on All the Chicest Patios in Summer 2026
Ornate metal outdoor furniture was everywhere in Elvis' era, but nearly 60 years on, it's making a reappearance in a big way
Picture those retro images of Malibu-style pool parties where revelers soaked up the sun in ice-cream colored swimwear and lounged on wheeled chaise longues, clutching a tequila sunrise. Those were exactly the scenes that sprang to mind when I stumbled upon this archival image of Elvis Presley, kicking back on one of those iconic white metal sunloungers with Priscilla and baby Lisa Marie.
This outdoor furniture style is having something of a resurgence for 2026, with many retailers leaning into powder-coated aluminum frames, with ornate flourishes like twists and swirls in chic white or even pastel palettes. It's proof that retro home decor isn't just for inside the house.
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Retro Outdoor Furniture Edit
The scalloped detailing, handy wheels for maneuverability and sunshine-stripe cushion make this sun lounger a truly retro-inspired icon.
This more contemporary twist on the metal frame look has a European vibe whilst it would still pair beautifully with retro pieces and prints.
With scrolled arms and a cross-hatch design, this piece will bring vintage vibes to your pool-side. Pair with floral cushions like Elvis to complete the look.
There's something undoubtedly retro about a white metal bistro set and this ornate 3-piece is made for sipping cocktails by the pool.
For a nod to this trend, add in smaller pieces like this metal twist design side table which is in lightweight metal and comes with matching pieces.
Place this bench under a leafy tree or parasol for a moment on pool-side piece. It mirrors the style of Elvis' outdoor furniture beautifully.
The archival shot of Elvis Presley and his family, from 1968, taps into a pivotal moment in design and culture that felt so free and easy, and full of expression, marking the dawn of a new decade, both literally and decoratively.
Laura Southern, Brand Director of QVC – which is about to launch Studio 70 in the UK, a collection of 70's inspired homeware and garden accessories – explains why we find this look so appealing: 'There's something almost cyclical about our relationship with 70's design, like it's never really left. The era had an instinct for bold, joyful, design-led living that feels timeless rather than trendy.'
While the image of Elvis feels unmistakably retro, the style of poolside furniture is so versatile for any era. The white color is practical for summer (not too hot), and in today's durable powder-coated aluminum, it's lightweight and easy to move around your patio with the daytime sunshine or to accommodate company. Add to that a chic, yet ergonomic design, and you've got yourself an iconic piece.
Laura explains that this look 'reimagines those sensibilities for outdoor spaces today, bringing back the decade's bold confidence without it feeling like a costume.' She also praises the design of the wheeled sun lounger, which has been replicated in QVC's collection, with its 'spoke wheels and curved armrests that carry the kind of considered detail that defined the best of seventies design'.
What we know for sure is that while trends come and go, iconic design will never fall out of fashion. Laura adds: 'Retro done well isn't about nostalgia but about recognizing that some aesthetics endure for a reason.' The fact that Elvis' outdoor furniture is still loved today and the style is being reproduced for modern customers is proof.
If this look appeals for your summer outdoor furniture upgrade, check out Anthropologie's outdoor drop for 2026, which also leans into the 70's look with its whimsical pieces, bold stripes, and pastel palettes.
