Furniture for outdoors and indoors

Outdoor furniture: which material is right for you?

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From wooden benches and metal tables to lounge sofas, hammocks and beanbags, the possibilities are virtually endless when it comes to styling our private outdoor spaces. One factor that can influence the choice over the long term is the material. Garden furniture is exposed to rain, wind and UV rays all year round. Which is the most weather-resistant material? Which models are both durable and stylish? Let’s take a deep dive into three options.

Three black Farmer Chairs from Cor and a side table stand on a terrace with a view of the greenery.

At one time, the Farmer Chair predominantly graced the terraces of artistic bohemians, but today it can be used anywhere, from the waiting area of a young start-up company to the living room of a private home or outdoors. Copyright: COR

As a general rule, robust, weatherproof materials such as solid wood or iron last a long time and require little maintenance. However, the range of possibilities for outdoor applications is enormous, with HPL, recycled plastic wood, ceramic, glass, stainless steel, polyethylene and Batyline or polyester fabrics just some of the materials available. The options are just as varied as the pieces themselves. There is no right or wrong. Ultimately, the decision as to which product best suits your green oasis is often based on your personal preference for a particular material.

The Farmer Chair by Cor in natural wood stands together with an ottoman in front of a yellow wall on which the shadows of plants are reflected. There is a bowl of lemons on the ottoman.

Despite its minimalist design, every detail of the Farmer Chair has been thought through with loving care. Copyright: COR

Naturally beautiful – furniture made of native timber

The most natural material for weather-resistant garden and balcony furniture is wood. Many people will automatically think of tropical woods such as teak, mahogany, eucalyptus or bamboo, but the use of home-grown timber is on the rise. Furniture pieces made from larch, spruce, oak or ash are more than just attractive features in an outdoor space – when produced sustainably, they also have a smaller carbon footprint. However, they do need some care in order to withstand the weather and last a long time. Ideally, wooden garden furniture should be treated twice a year with wood preservatives such as impregnation products and varnishes to ensure that it retains its colour and doesn’t dry out even in intense sunlight.

The wooden Farmer Chair from COR is a classic piece that has adorned balconies, patios, gardens and many homes for almost 60 years. Eight slats of wood, four square-profile uprights, two fabric panels. All assembled at precise right angles. The fabric panels are arranged crosswise. Two metal brackets. That’s all that’s needed to relax in comfort. Developed by Gerd Lange in 1965, this design for a versatile piece of seating furniture continues to make an impression even today thanks to its timeless simplicity and ingenious construction principle. The model can be assembled and disassembled in just a few minutes, satisfying the user’s need for freedom, flexibility and connection with nature. The outdoor fabric is available in five colours; the oiled solid ash frame comes in natural, red or black.

A 2-seater bench stands together with a chair and a side table in a garden. The furniture is all beige. On the table is a magazine, a pair of sunglasses and a lemonade with a glass on top.

The bench from the String collection seats two and looks great either on its own or as part of a lounge set. Copyright: Hübsch

Shining splendour – metal furniture

Metal is another popular material for the outdoors. Garden furniture made of stainless steel or aluminium repels rain and is both weatherproof and resistant to UV rays. Since these materials aren’t susceptible to rust, they can be left outside in all weathers. Stainless steel or aluminium furniture is lighter than iron, but no less robust. Thanks to modern powder coating, it looks as good as new without much maintenance even after years of use.

The String collection from Hübsch is a timeless example of metal furniture designed for the outdoors. Individually, the slender, lightweight pieces fit onto small balconies, and they’re perfect for any patio or garden as a set. With its clear lines and muted colours, the collection is somewhat understated in terms of design, so it complements a range of looks.

The grey Grow lounge sofa from Blomus stands on a terrace. A beige blanket is placed on it. There is also a tray with a water carafe and a glass on the seat.

The fabric for the Grow range is water-repellent. The designers have developed two colour palettes so that users can create a harmonious monochrome version or a two-tone combination. Copyright: Blomus

Unlimited variety – plastic furniture

Many people consider plastic furniture to be the most practical solution for balconies or seating areas in the garden. Plastic is a lightweight and, above all, inexpensive material that’s very easy to clean. However, outdoor furniture made of plastic sometimes doesn’t have the same high-quality look as furniture made of wood or metal.

The Grow collection from Blomus defies this preconception. Created by German design studio kaschkasch, this new outdoor furniture range consists of several coordinated pieces that together produce the perfect lounge ambience. The flexible design means that many different combinations are possible, so the collection can easily adapt to the size and layout of individual outdoor spaces. The softness of the fabrics as well as the voluminous, gently curved shapes ensure that the furniture looks comfortable and inviting when it comes to al fresco relaxation. Although designed for use outdoors, the Grow range shares some qualities with conventional indoor furniture. So, if you’re looking for a piece of furniture to relax on both indoors and outdoors, Grow is ideal.

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