Honestly, the first fix is to stop letting the sun hit the furniture directly. In a city, concrete and glass bounce heat back at you, so dark metal, black resin, and thick foam cushions can become painful fast. Add shade with a cantilever umbrella, a shade sail, an awning, or even a movable screen. If you rent and can’t install anything permanent, use a light-colored breathable cover when the furniture is not in use, then pull it off before you sit down.
For cushions, choose light colors and open-weave or mesh fabrics that let air move. Dark, dense foam holds heat. A bamboo mat or slatted seat pad can also feel cooler than a solid surface. If the furniture is already hot, a quick splash of water or a damp towel can help metal and stone cool through evaporation, but don’t soak wood. A mister or a small fan with a water spray makes a big difference on a balcony or courtyard.
Materials matter too. Powder-coated aluminum, teak, and synthetic rattan with light cushions usually stay more comfortable than black wrought iron or dark plastic. Avoid glass tabletops in full sun if you can; they get scorching. If you can’t change the furniture, move it to follow the shade, or use a pop-up parasol. The goal isn’t to make it cold—it’s to block radiant heat and let air circulate. Once you do that, you can sit down without doing the hot-seat dance.