I’d start with modular seating, because a parklet needs to work for coffee dates, quick lunches, solo readers, and small groups without feeling locked into one layout. Moveable chairs and small tables are worth the investment too—people naturally rearrange furniture to suit their comfort, and that flexibility makes the space feel more social. Just make sure the pieces are heavy enough to handle wind but light enough for staff to reset at the end of the day.
For structure, use durable planters as soft barriers between the parklet and traffic. They add greenery, improve the street edge, and can double as informal dividers without making the space feel boxed in. Pair them with a few simple bollards or low barriers if safety is a concern. I’d also include at least one fixed bench for people who want to sit without pulling out a chair, plus a perch-height rail or ledge for short stops.
Comfort matters more than a long furniture list. Add shade—an umbrella, canopy, or pergola—and use warm, downward lighting so the parklet works in the evening without spilling light into nearby homes. A bike rack, a small waste-and-recycling station, and accessible seating with clear knee space and armrests will make the space far more usable. Choose powder-coated steel, weather-treated wood, recycled composite, or aluminum for low maintenance, and avoid dark surfaces that get too hot in summer.
The best parklet furniture is durable, easy to clean, and flexible enough to change with the day. Keep the palette simple, anchor everything against wind, and leave clear walking paths. If you get those basics right, the furniture will invite people to stay rather than just pass by.