4 Luxury Italian Furniture Brands Go Alfresco

If you’re a design aficionado and follow the latest trends, you’ll know there’s been major gravitation towards alfresco living over the past two years. We’ve all come to realise that spending time in the fresh air surrounded by nature is the key to maintaining both mental and physical wellness. And entertaining in your own backyard is both sophisticated and fun!

It stands to reason that creating exterior spaces that exude opulence and style has become a spotlight in the luxury furniture sector, somewhat blurring the line between interior and exterior design. This has led to an upsurge in renowned high-end Italian brands turning their focus towards producing bespoke outdoor collections that will blow your mind. Here are some of the hottest new offerings this season.

BD Barcelona Design

Best known for their partnerships with standout designers (including the great Salvador Dali), BD Barcelona invent one-of-a-kind art pieces for discerning devotees. This extraordinary company has now extended their range to include outdoor options while still maintaining their collaborative culture.

A prime example is their spectacular El Poeta (The Poet) bench by Alfredo Häberli, a bestseller that now graces fine establishments such as Hudson Yards restaurant in New York and the Ave station in Logroño. Part of his Swiss collection, this masterpiece in bronze or silver painted steel is beautifully considered, offering extra little details intended to elevate both its functionality and aesthetic. The inclusion of the perforations, for instance, help to keep it cool in summer, dispel water and infuse it with a sense of lightness and transparency.

For a more domestic feel, take a look at their Gardenias collection. Created by Jaime Hayon, it makes a perfectly charming garden ensemble, infused with elegance, character and a touch of romanticism. On offer are a sofa and two armchairs, one with a built-in pergola. They each come in a range of eye-catching colours with matching upholstery and there’s an utterly fabulous monkey-shaped side table to complete the set.

Pedrali

With a firm eye on sustainability, Pedrali is blazing a trail into the world of luxury outdoor furniture while taking into account both the Planet and its inhabitants. Their focus is on durability, recycling and clean manufacturing processes, and they certainly put their money where their mouth is.

The three-seater Reva D sofa was built for comfort and, with its elegantly tapered die-cast aluminium legs, has a gentle, floating appearance. Not only are the cushions waterproof but take them off and you have an instant sunbed perfect for poolside lounging. True to the brand’s ethos, the whole ensemble can be disassembled and, even more excitingly, recycled.

Characterised by simple lines, the Rail lounger is a clean, contemporary piece comprising a stackable powder-coated aluminium frame, stainless steel legs and an adjustable backrest. The padded cushion is made from dry-feel foam and covered in water- and UV-resistant fabric, making it everything you need for an afternoon in the sun.

Smania

Smania’s “made by hand” manifesto has rendered them another one of Italy’s top manufacturers, and the Smania garden selection has become greatly sought-after. The transition from inside to outdoors has sparked a flame that fuels their desire to transform ordinary spaces into spectacular sanctuaries, seamlessly. The Samos sofa comprising a powder-coated aluminium frame covered in woven, weather-proof polyester in carob (red), ice (grey) or midnight (navy), is a perfect example of the brand’s ability to bring panache to your patio. Fitted with an array of seat and scatter cushions it’s wonderfully comfortable and, paired with other furnishings in the range, creates an accomplished aesthetic for any contemporary home.

The brand also designs some stunning table offerings, so for those who adore the glamour of entertaining in style, you’ll be hard pushed to distinguish whether you’re eating in your dining room or on your beautifully styled terrace. Nettuno, for instance, is an expertly constructed blend of beautiful teak and shiny steel and is ideal for convivial evenings under the stars.

Flexform

This family-driven Italian furniture business has been in the public eye since the 1960s, producing impeccably stylish offerings that are, timeless, tasteful and relaxed. Their recent and highly successful inroads into outdoor furnishings was a natural progression, bolstered by experience and a knack for innovation, and inspired by the bespoke designs they created for private yachts and upmarket resorts. The Atlante daybed designed by Antonio Citterio personifies Flexform’s ability to integrate comfort, opulence and versatility into their designs. Its impressive profile comprises an epoxy powder-coated aluminium base in a range of beautiful shades that supports a contrasting water-repellent elastic webbing. The backrest is made from solid iroko wood, and the entire assembly is topped with a super-soft mattress, beautifully upholstered and finished with tasteful grosgrain piping.

A signature feature that is especially prized by Flexform is their woven pattern, which appears again in their plush Vulcano collection. A sublime offering with a marine plywood base on a steel frame and stunning, all-weather upholstery. Every piece produced is a nod to their unquestionable grasp on what makes outdoor furniture worthwhile and maintains their dominance in the competitive world of luxury design.

Shop outdoor furniture at FCI London

If you’re looking for luxury outdoor furniture to die for, we have it! Plus all the advice you need to get your backyard looking like a million bucks. To find out more about our fabulous offerings, pop into our showroom today and we’ll have a chat about it over a steaming hot cup of Brazilian coffee.