Photography: Hannah Puechmarin / Styling: Hayley Jenkin
We love our sunburnt country. Unlike some parts of the world, which are blanketed in snow for months on end, most of Australia gets to enjoy our outdoor spaces year-round (although sometimes heating is needed). With such excellent conditions, it makes sense that outdoor furniture trends are skyrocketing. After all, the furniture we use outside is just as important to the look of our home as any indoor piece.
As interior designer Katie Sargent explains, โIndoor-outdoor connections are very popular, with your alfresco space almost an extension of your interior spaceโ. But there are a number of points you need to consider before you head to the shops and start investing in a new suite of furniture. Read on for all the important details and outdoor furniture trends that will help you create your dream outdoor oasis at home.
How to create outdoor โroomsโ
There are many types of โroomsโ you can create in your outdoor area, depending on the size and scale you are working with. Alfresco living, dining and entertaining spaces are the most popular, but you can also get a bit more creative. โI love little unexpected zones,โ shares Katie. โA table and chairs for two, or a lounger or armchair in a secluded zone in the garden to take advantage of the light or view at a particular time of day.โ
Outdoor furniture materials
Australiaโs climate is diverse and seasonal, creating different material requirements for outdoor furniture. Those in humid climates should be mindful of rust and mould, while those living in more arid areas need to think about how harsh the sun can be. Another weather concern is wind. โLook at the weight of the items,โ suggests Simone Sarson, manager at Xavier Furniture. โA wrought iron chair in a windy location could be a good solution, as opposed to a lightweight chair.โ
โChoose outdoor designs that are easy to maintain. Look for removable covers and fabrics designed for machine washingโ
Dominic Harrison, King Living designer.
There are many durable material options. โOutdoor furniture frames can be made of timber, rattan, plastic, fibreglass and powder-coated steel or aluminium, just to name a few,โ shares Katie. โTimber is great, giving you a natural, classic and warm feel, but it will generally need maintenance. Powder-coated aluminium is hardy and lightweight.โ King Living makes use of powder-coated engineered steel frames. โThis is complemented by choices like sustainable teak or high-performance ceramic,โ adds Dominic Harrison, King Living designer.
Outdoor furniture fabrics
Fabrics create an opportunity to add colour and pattern, but they also need to meet a set of requirements to make them suitable for outdoor use. โLook for items that feature removable covers and fabrics specifically designed for easy cleaning or machine washing,โ suggests Dominic. On top of this, check the qualities of any fabric before you buy it. โFabric comes with different outdoor suitability,โ explains Katie, listing colour fastness, UV protection, stain repellent, water repellent and waterproof attributes among the medley of possibilities. For extra protection, treat your fabrics with an outdoor protector spray.
What to consider before you buy
Before you purchase any piece of outdoor furniture, itโs vital to do your research. โThe number one question to identify is what items will be fully exposed and which will be outdoors but undercover,โ shares Katie. This will help determine whether or not your furniture needs to be able to withstand full exposure to the elements.
As with any room, ensuring functionality is the next step. โThe designs you choose must accommodate the intended use, whether hosting large gatherings or more intimate moments,โ explains Dominic. Make sure you measure your space and check the size of the pieces youโre eyeing off as well as the durability of the materials and their style. โBy considering both aesthetics and practicality, you can create an outdoor oasis that reflects your personal style while providing lasting enjoyment,โ shares Dominic.
Cushioning for outdoor furniture
What goes inside your upholstery is as important as the fabric itself. Ensuring cushion fill and cushion liners can fully drain out water or dry out completely is the key to avoiding mould. โCushions should always have foam inserts made of reticulated outdoor foam to allow for drainage of moisture and rain,โ explains Simone.
Not sure where to store your cushions when not in use? Opt for furniture that has storage incorporated into its design, such as bench seats, coffee tables or ottomans. โCushion storage spaces need only be slim,โ says Katie. โYou could incorporate a storage shed down the side of your property if space is tight, or racking in your garage.โ
Keeping your outdoor furniture in good condition
Youโve done your research and purchased high-quality products suited to your environment โ now itโs time to focus on maintenance so your outdoor furniture stays in tip-top shape for years to come. โOil timbers regularly, bring in cushions when not in use, remove fallen leaves from furniture as they can stain, and wipe them down often so dirt doesnโt become ingrained,โ says Katie.
โWe look to materials, such as natural teak, which wears beautifully and ages to a lovely, silvery grey over timeโ
Simone Sarson, Xavier Furniture.
If youโve selected low-maintenance materials, such as wrought iron, Simone says that a simple wipe down with a damp cloth will do the trick. โFor more stubborn marks, a soft brush and water is suitable,โ she explains. Dominic recommends a fortnightly hose down of outdoor furniture and warns people to avoid abrasive cleaning methods. Ultimately, you should follow the specific care instructions detailed for each individual piece.
The latest outdoor furniture trends
With alfresco areas rising in popularity, itโs no wonder experts are noticing a flurry of trends. โWe have seen more clients requesting ottomans to pair with their sofas and armchairs, to create a more relaxing atmosphere,โ says Simone. At King Living, Dominic has noticed a move towards modular customisation, which helps people in โcurating a space that adapts to their evolving lifestyleโ. After all, furnishing your outdoor area to support the lifestyle you love is the most important part of all.
Shop the latest outdoor furniture trends
01
โLe Ventโ dining package
$3,239 (usually $3,599)/ 7 pieces, Freedom
This seven piece set is the whole package. With six chairs and a dining table, all crafted from durable acacia timber, the โLe Ventโ dining set creates an inviting atmosphere for alfresco dining. The chairs have removable fabric cushions, ensuring you can protect and clean them with ease.
02
โSonataโ outdoor sofa in Wicker/Olefin Natural
$1,954 (usually $2,299), Freedom
This outdoor sofa combines serious comfort with trending style. The three-seater sofa has soft, curved edges that ooze relaxation. Rust-resistant aluminium frames ensure durability underneath tactile and chic rattan. Available in two colours, this sofa will look at home in any outdoor area.
03
โAlessoโ curved coffee table
$399 (usually $499), Early Settler
The oval shape of this 140cm-long coffee table is perfect for gathering around but the contemporary curves arenโt the only good feature of this product. An oiled tabletop made from acacia wood sits atop a powder-coated aluminium frame, creating durability and hardiness well-suited to the Australian climate. The low height is perfect for relaxation.
04
โTorakinaโ outdoor lounge chair in Soft Moss
$950/2 seater, Koala
This outdoor lounge is available in four colours, all inspired by nature but the serene green of the Soft Moss shade is our favourite. The frame and legs are made from powder-coated steel for durability and hardiness, while the arm rests are 100% solid teak. You can enjoy it as is or make use of the matching seat cushions that are included.
05
โBelmarโ concrete indoor/outdoor dining table in White
$1,139 (usually $1,269)/200cm, Luxo Living
Bring contemporary chic to your outdoor areas with this curved concrete dining table. Suitable for interiors and exteriors, the three legs have a ribbed profile that creates visual interest underneath an asymmetrical oval-shaped tabletop. Since itโs made from concrete it is durable and totally termite-free.
06
โRioโ outdoor side table in Teak
$359 (usually $399), Castlery
This solid teak wood side table is sleek, practical and stylish. The C-shaped design means you can rest objects on the upper or lower levels of the table. You could purchase it with an ivory fabric cover to go over the top for protection. Castleryโs โRioโ range has other outdoor furniture pieces that you can pair this with.
07
โRioโ outdoor lounge chair in Natural Beige and Teak
$2,369 (usually $2,498)/set of 2, Castlery
Like the side table, these lounge chairs are from Castleryโs โRioโ range. They are available in two frames, teak or aluminium, and can be purchased as a set, with an ottoman, or on their own. As with the side table, you can purchase an ivory cover for protection from the elements.The angular profile of the chairs makes for a chic appeal while the cushions bring comfort in spades.
08
Cabana Dreams โYambaโ sun lounge in Black
$499.99, Temple and Webster
Go back to black with this stunning sun lounge. The reclining backrest makes for a flexible design while the cushions are UV-resistant and water-resistant, ensuring durability and easy care. The powder-coated aluminium frame and quality olefin upholstery are sturdy and stylish.
