Creating outdoor furniture that appears to bend light around it is a fascinating blend of science and design, offering a futuristic and almost invisible aesthetic. Here’s how you can achieve this innovative effect:

1. Use Transparent or Reflective Materials: Acrylic, glass, or polished metals can manipulate light. Transparent materials like clear polycarbonate create a "disappearing" effect, while mirrored surfaces reflect surroundings, camouflaging the furniture.

2. Incorporate Optical Illusions: Design furniture with curved or angular shapes that refract light. A carefully calculated curvature can make edges seem to vanish, blending the piece into its environment.

3. Leverage Metamaterials: Advanced materials engineered to bend light (like those used in stealth technology) can be adapted for furniture. While still experimental, these could revolutionize invisible design.

4. Strategic Placement: Position furniture where natural light enhances the illusion—near water, against open skies, or amidst greenery to amplify reflections and refractions.

5. Lighting Tricks: Install LED strips or ambient lighting to alter perceptions. Directional lighting can exaggerate the bending effect, especially at dusk or dawn.

This approach merges art with physics, turning functional pieces into conversation-starting marvels. Experiment with prototypes to perfect your light-bending masterpiece!