If you’re looking for an outdoor décor brand that ticks all the boxes in terms of luxury, style, longevity and sustainability Gloster is a phenomenal brand that exceeds expectations. So, with a gloriously long summer firmly in our sights, we’re excited to bring you our interior design team’s favourite Gloster picks.
Whether you’re planning a cosy patio, a lush garden or an expansive deck, choosing the right type of furniture is key. Why? Because it connects the natural beauty of your surroundings to the comfort of your home and extends your living areas outwards to include functional, well-considered spaces.
Using practical items like chairs, dining tables, sofas and loungers will ensure that you can relax, entertain and bask in the sun. But, as we professionals will tell you, exterior design is about more than just the efficient use of your backyard. Instead, it involves creating an aesthetically pleasing oasis that sets the tone, makes you feel at ease and enhances your general sense of well-being.
Here are our team’s top tips on how to do this along with an exposé on Gloster and their extraordinary outdoor furniture offerings.
Gloster has been creating timeless, high-quality teak outdoor furniture for over 50 years and is known for its clean, Scandinavian-style aesthetics.
Founded in West Africa in the 1960s by a group of highly skilled entrepreneurs, the brand has become recognised and highly respected for its sustainable practices.
To honour this cornerstone principle (adopted long before the term became popular) and meet increasing demands for their offerings, they relocated their factory to Indonesia in the 1980s.
Now a global leader in their field, they recently opened a privately owned plantation, promote ethical forestation and are key players in the growth of Indonesia’s economy.
The brand also embraces the use of other recyclable materials like aluminium, ceramic and rope, employs eco-friendly finishes and endeavours to reduce its carbon footprint wherever possible.
Their exquisite furniture is now shipped to just about every corner of the planet, gracing the decks of private homes, cruise ships, businesses and luxury hotels alike.
With award-winning collections that are modern, timeless and highly durable, even in inclement weather conditions, we believe they’re a must-have choice.
Our expert designers have been producing beautiful spaces for over three decades and know what to look out for when it comes to quality outdoor furniture. Here are 6 reasons why Gloster is one of their top choices:
Let’s face it, spending time outside is good for the soul, especially during the warm summer months. Therefore, having high-end furniture that will enhance your sunbathing sessions, garden parties and fun time with the family is essential. On top of all of that, aesthetics are essential.
To help you make all the best decisions, two of our experienced designers, Benjamin Ibanez and Cristina Chirila, have put these 7 invaluable pointers together:
The material used in outdoor furniture is crucial to its longevity, so look for weather-proof items that are resistant to fading, cracking and rotting when exposed to the environment.
“Teak, wrought iron, aluminium, rope and high-quality synthetic wicker are all ideal, and with Gloster’s offerings, they look gorgeous too!” says Ben.
Pay close attention to how each outdoor furniture piece is constructed to ensure sturdiness and stability. Look for things like well-made joints, rust-resistant fasteners and robust frames.
Ben warns that you should “Avoid anything flimsy or weak as it’s unlikely to last more than a season and will just burn a hole in your pocket”.
Because outdoor furniture frequently includes cushions, make sure they are made from waterproof materials that dry easily and are impervious to mould and mildew. In terms of upholstery, opt for UV-protected and fade-resistant fabrics specifically intended to survive exposure to the sun and other outside conditions.
“And remember to order some waterproof coverings or make sure you buy a resilient storage solution to keep them in on those extra rainy days,” advises Cristina
Comfort is key, so don’t just pick something that is aesthetically pleasing, it has to feel good too. Most quality outdoor furniture manufacturers pay close attention to ergonomics in their design processes, giving you optimal lumbar support and ease of use.
“Don’t be shy about having a seat, wriggling around and plumping up the cushions on a sofa before you decide to buy it,” says Cristina. “It’s vital that you feel 100% happy before you walk out of the shop”.
Take the design and style of a prospective item into account to ensure that it suits both your environment and aesthetic. Look for classic forms that will stand the test of time and also complement the interior of your home.
Cristina insists that “Impulse buying just because something is trendy is a bad idea because chances are, it will be out of style within a month or two”.
Outdoor furniture demands regular maintenance and upkeep since it is constantly exposed to the elements. In order for this to be manageable, look out for items that are stain-resistant, easy to clean and won’t need endless treatments.
“I also believe in finding out more about the brand and whether it offers any warranties before you invest in it”, says Ben. “Reputable manufacturers go the extra mile to ensure the best quality and your designer should be able to tell you all you need to know”.
Yes, quality outdoor furniture may be a little heavier on the pocket but with the guarantee of high quality, comfort and durability you can’t go wrong. With less chance of constantly having to repair or replace it, you’ll be saving money in the long run.
“Decide on a budget and spend all of it”, laughs Cristina. “If you’re going to invest in something, you need it to be the top option within your available price bracket”.
Planning your outdoor landscape takes some skill and imagination along with the perfect furnishings. In order to get it right, we suggest you take these essential tips onboard. They’ll have you designing your exteriors like a pro in no time.
Consider how you will use your patio, balcony or garden before you start to pin down your final concept. To get this 100%, ask yourself the following questions:
To get all your dimensions right, you need to measure your space accurately and divide it into different zones in accordance with your end purpose. Once you’ve done this, you’ll have a clearer idea of how much furniture you can fit in and what proportions each piece should be.
Take all your exterior elements into consideration before you start the planning phase. Sun exposure, glare, beautiful views and wind patterns are all important. After all, you don’t want to be sipping on a late afternoon cocktail with your back to the sunset.
Apply the same care when constructing an outdoor space as you would when developing the floor plan of your interiors. Every furniture item should have its rightful place, ensuring that there is a natural flow between each piece.
A flawless transition between your home and garden is key, so pick a style that matches your overall aesthetic, genre and colour palette.
Creating cosiness, elegance, warmth, character and a sense of ease will ensure that your outdoor space is the full package. To do this optimally, you’ll need some gorgeous accessories like rugs, parasols and well-considered lighting.
Find more helpful ideas in our article on how to create a cohesive luxury outdoor furniture design scheme.
Bringing the best of everything to your alfresco designs is easy with Gloster, which is why we found that agreeing on our absolute favourites was no simple task. But it had to be done. So, without further ado, here are our top 8:
What could be better than being able to lie comfortably in the sun protected by a teak canopy on plush cushioning in a colour of your choice? Nothing. So if you’re looking for an incredibly stylish addition to your pool deck, we can assure you that the Cradle daybed is it. Available with extra accessories including a side table, back cushion and side and roof screens.
If you’re planning a little reading nook or a cosy space where you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh air, the Kay rocking chair is sublime. Its sturdy teak base and woven back are ergonomically curved to give you extra support and it comes with a fabric seat cushion to complete the ensemble. If you want something in line with your own taste, simply customise it to suit your needs.
For that super relaxed vibe, the Zenith two-seater sofa will make you feel like you’re chilling at a luxury lodge. The perfect blend between striking aluminium legs, warm teak armrests, a textured woven back and plush cushioning, it offers everything you need for those lazy summer afternoons.
Impeccably stylish and easy on the eye, the Omada coffee table will add visual interest and more than a touch of class to your outdoor aesthetics. The durable aluminium frame is completely enveloped by an attractive woven base and topped with a ceramic surface that will make entertaining a breeze.
Partner up with a loved one on your deck and spend all day basking, why don’t you? Ultimately stylish, the Grid sun lounger has seating for two flanked by a ceramic-topped side platform, allowing you to reach your martinis without moving a muscle. And, if you’d prefer some alone time, it comes in a single unit with either a left or right shelf, too.
We believe that outdoor living involves putting your feet up, and what better way to do that than with the Maya footstool? Generously proportioned and topped with a firm cushion, you can easily double it up as a coffee table should you need to. This fabulous piece comes in a choice of sixteen different fabrics to suit your colour palette.
Don’t forget to light your way when the sun goes down with this gorgeous Ambient Cocoon floor lamp. Its curvaceous polypropylene shade is beautifully enhanced by a natural finish teak handle, so you can move it around as needed. Powered by a rechargeable LED light and with 8 different settings that can be changed via remote control, it’s sure to set the mood for any summer soiree.
When it comes to your personal comfort, Gloster really has thought of everything. So to keep you cool on those steaming hot afternoons, why not invest in the Halo parasol? Available with either a cantilever or push-up canopy, you can choose the profile that best suits your needs.
Make your outdoor landscape dreams come true by shopping for the beautiful Gloster furniture range at our showroom.
From luxury sofas to bespoke accessories and everything in between, we have everything you need to make both your interior and exterior spaces look like a million bucks. And, with years of experience under our belts, our top-notch team is on hand to inspire, so browse our latest projects portfolio for some great ideas.
To find out more, get in touch with us today or book a consultation. We can’t wait to meet you!
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