If I were furnishing a shaded city patio or courtyard that gets very little direct sun, I’d stop thinking about sun protection and start thinking about moisture. In urban shade, the real enemies are dampness, mildew, moss, and dirt that never quite dries out. The best furniture is therefore breathable, raised off the ground, and easy to wipe down.
My first pick would be powder-coated aluminum frames. They are lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to move around in small urban spaces. Look for slatted seats and open frames rather than solid surfaces, because airflow helps everything dry faster. Matte finishes also tend to look better than glossy ones in shady gardens and courtyards.
For a natural look, teak or robinia is a good choice, but I would choose slatted tops and raised feet so water does not sit underneath. Avoid untreated softwood, which can rot in a low-sun spot. High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is another practical option: it will not rot, it cleans up easily, and it works well for benches, chairs, and small tables. If you like woven furniture, choose high-quality synthetic wicker with drainage holes, not cheap woven pieces that trap water.
Cushions are where people often go wrong. In a shaded area, thick solid foam stays damp and starts to smell. I would use quick-dry foam, mesh-backed cushions, and removable covers, and I would bring them inside or store them during wet weather. A breathable cover is better than a plastic tarp, which can trap condensation.
For a small shaded urban patio, I’d choose a powder-coated aluminum bistro table with two slatted chairs, a teak or HDPE bench with a quick-dry cushion, and a couple of stackable stools. Keep the furniture slightly away from walls, clean off leaf litter, and leave gaps for airflow. The goal is not to fight the shade; it is to choose furniture that handles damp, low-sun conditions gracefully.