The Art of Outdoor Living: Designer Furniture for Your Patio or Garden

To make the most of your outdoor living space, it's important to choose designer furniture for your patio or garden that balances style and functionality.

Outdoor living has become increasingly popular in luxurious houses. There's nothing like enjoying the fresh air and sunshine in your backyard. However, it can be challenging to choose the appropriate outdoor furniture for your needs.

Today we'll explore the art of outdoor living and provide tips on choosing furniture for and styling your outdoor space, as well as maintaining your furniture to keep it pristine.

Choosing the right furniture

1. Types of materials suitable for outdoor furniture

When selecting your outdoor furniture, it's essential to consider suitable outdoor materials that look elegant and can withstand exposure to different weather conditions. The following materials are the best options for outdoor furniture that will be long-lasting and look fabulous in your space:

Aluminium: Lightweight and durable, aluminium furniture is rust-resistant and easy to maintain.
Teak: A popular choice for outdoor furniture, teak is a dense hardwood that is resistant to water, rot and insects. It’s also simply beautiful, exuding a natural warmth that connects you to nature.
Wicker: Wicker is a style of weaving frequently found in outdoor furniture. It can be done using either natural or synthetic materials. It is lightweight and adds a natural, rustic look to your outdoor space.
Steel: Strong and durable, steel furniture is a good choice for windy areas, but can rust if not properly maintained.

2. Measure your outdoor space

You should measure your outdoor space and include any obstacles, such as trees or flower beds, to make sure that the furniture you choose fits well in your garden or patio. A good general rule of thumb is to allow 90 cm of clearance around the furniture to ensure you have space for walkways.

3. Balance design and functionality

When selecting outdoor furniture, it's important to balance design with functionality. Select pieces that look elegant but also serve your purpose. If you like sunbathing, a sunlounger will be perfect for you. If you want to spend time with your friends or family, a sofa and coffee table or dining table set will be a wiser choice.

The Horizon Chaise Longue by Skyline Design, with its posh grey tone and soft fabric, provides a stunning sunbathing solution for your outdoor oasis.

The Art of Outdoor Living: Designer Furniture for Your Patio or Garden

Styling your outdoor furniture

1. Match colours for a cohesive look

To create a cohesive look in your outdoor space, match the colours and patterns of your luxury furniture with the rest of your outside decor. Choose colours that complement each other.

Selecting colours that derive from the same primary colour on the colour wheel will provide a harmonious contrast. Beige, grey and white create a timeless and classic look, while bold colours such as red or blue can add a pop of colour and make a statement. T

The Surabaya Off-White Mushroom Coffee Table by Skyline Design, with its graceful design, is one such timeless piece of art that you can add to your outdoor paradise.

2. Choose accessories to complement your outdoor living space

Accessories will help tie your outdoor space together and create a more inviting atmosphere. Add outdoor cushions and pillows in similar colours to make your seating area more comfortable. Our gorgeous rugs can help you define the seating area and create a cosy atmosphere, while our outdoor lighting can add ambience and create a warm glow in the evenings for you to relax and enjoy.

We have been providing luxury outdoor furniture for nearly 40 years to the UK market and beyond from our 30,000 sq. ft. showroom located in London, which encompasses 700+ brands under 1 roof. We are experts at helping you select not only outdoor designer furniture but all the accessories that you require to create your garden oasis.

3. Consider modular options

Modular outdoor furniture allows you to mix and match different pieces to create a customized seating area that fits your specific needs and space. Modular sofas in particular are great for small outdoor spaces or if you like to frequently change up your furniture layout. Additionally, they allow for more flexibility in seating arrangements for special occasions, like hosting a large party.

We have been designing luxury interiors and sourcing the best outdoor modular furniture from all over the world. You can browse through our interior design portfolio for some design inspiration on how to arrange our state-of-the-art furniture in your outdoor space.

4. Creating the perfect outdoor space

Incorporate outdoor lighting: Adding outdoor lighting to your patio or garden will create a serene and relaxing atmosphere in the evenings. Use string lights, lanterns, or sconces to create a soft glow. Lighting can also add a layer of safety to your outdoor space by illuminating walkways and stairs.
Add greenery and plants to your patio or garden: Plants and other flora can add a lively personality to your outdoor space. Choose plants that are suitable for outdoor conditions, such as succulents, ferns, or flowering plants. Don't forget to water them regularly and keep them well-maintained.
Provide shade: While sunbathing on a perfect summer’s day is enjoyable, it's essential to provide shade to protect yourself and your furniture from harmful UV rays. A patio umbrella or pergola for your outdoor space will not only provide shade but also adds a decorative element to the area.

Maintaining your designer outdoor furniture

1. Protect your furniture from the elements

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this certainly applies to outdoor furniture sets! An effective way to keep your outdoor furniture clean is with a polyester or vinyl furniture cover, which protects it from adverse weather conditions.

Regularly clean your furniture with mild soap and warm water to remove dirt that can cause damage over time.

2. Store outdoor furniture during the off-season

You can also safeguard your outdoor furniture by storing it in the garage or attic during the off-season to keep it in pristine condition for years. Clean and dry your furniture before storing it to prevent mould and mildew. Proper maintenance and care can help your designer outdoor furniture look pristine for years to come and make your outdoor living space a comfortable and inviting retreat.

Conclusion

Designer outdoor furniture is a great investment for your patio or garden and can enhance the overall look and feel of your outdoor space.

When choosing outdoor furniture, consider the materials, size and design to ensure it meets your needs and complements your space. Maintaining your outdoor furniture is crucial for its longevity. Protecting your furniture from the elements and storing it properly during the off-season can help ensure that it remains in good condition for years to come.

At FCI London, we understand that everyone has unique needs, which is why we have a wide range of contemporary outdoor furniture to choose from for your patio or garden.

You can visit our showroom to explore the range of outdoor furniture that we have to offer, or you can WhatsApp us for recommendations or chat with us about your furniture requirements. Take the first step towards designing the luxurious outdoor furniture of your dreams.