Warm weather calls for outdoor rooms.

• Position: Your Life

Following a winter spent snuggled inside their homes, consumers are ready to move outside for warm-weather relaxing, entertaining, and just plain fun. What better way to enjoy exterior spaces than by creating a fully equipped outdoor room?

"There's never been a better time to redo your backyard," suggests Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of the American Furniture Manufacturers Association. "Manufacturers are offering a variety of fabulous exterior furnishings and accessories, and many of these feature exceptional functionality to meet your outdoor needs. It's now possible to have all the comforts of interior spaces on your porch, patio, or deck, or even in your yard."

Many of the new outdoor furniture selections are so ample and luxurious they could easily be mistaken for indoor furniture. Soft, supple fabrics are embellished with rich cords, welts, fringe, and ropes. "These new fabrics are unbelievable," she notes. "New technology has allowed them to have the desired soft touch, yet they offer the durability needed for outdoors."

Among other key trends in outdoor furniture are the following:

Big is in. Dining groups are designed for seating a crowd. Tables are often several feet long and can comfortably accommodate 12 people. Many dining chairs are wider, with...