How to choose practical outdoor furniture

There are few things quite as enjoyable as basking in the sunshine with our friends and family. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a petite balcony, entertaining outdoors is a ritual that us Aussies adore, with 1 in 2 Australian homeowners using their outdoor space to host loved ones.

And that ritual? It starts with the right outdoor setting.

Picking the right outdoor furniture is about more than putting a table and chairs outside. On top of being an extension of your style, there are some added considerations you need to take into account when choosing outdoor furniture to ensure they stand the test of time.

So how do you choose outdoor furniture that’s practical and stylish? We share our top tips below.

Start with the vision

Every chic outdoor setting begins with a vision.

Revisit your space and think about the prime function it’s going to serve. Is it an outdoor living area? A place for guests? A poolside lounge for reading and relaxing? Each of these functions requires a different type of furniture, so it’s important to focus on what matters to you.

If you’re tight on space, it’s even more essential to plan ahead. Measure out your balcony or yard, and prioritise a few key pieces to ensure your outdoor area doesn’t get too cluttered.

Consider the weather

Outdoor furniture has to do more than just look great. It has to be able to withstand different weather conditions, from stormy days to wind and hail. How exposed your outdoor area is to the elements should significantly influence the type of outdoor furniture you choose.

If you live in a tropical area that’s prone to rain, opt for seating that looks great without cushions, like our new Lounge Lovers Paris range. Constructed with a powder-coated aluminium frame and synthetic PE rattan, these pieces are ready for all weather conditions, rain or shine.

On the flipside, if your area enjoys plenty of sunshine, upholstered lounges make for a comfortable spot to bask in the great weather all year long.

Ensure it’s UV stabilised

Like us, our furniture needs to be protected against the harsh Australian sun. Sunlight can dull and discolour paint, cause fabrics and wood to lighten over time, and even degrade other synthetic materials.

The best way to ensure your outdoor furniture doesn’t suffer from excessive sun exposure is to check that they’re UV stabilised. UV stabilisers protect furniture from long-term damage, which means your furniture will look brand new — even after multiple seasons spent under the sun.

Pay attention to the materials

There are two types of outdoor furniture materials. Some, like powder-coated aluminium and synthetic rattan, will maintain their original appearance regardless of what the elements throw at them. Others, like brass or wood, are designed to develop a gradual patina as the years go by. Keep this in mind when choosing furniture, as it will influence how your space looks over time.

In our orbit: The Orbit Dining Chair is the perfect host for outdoor events. Constructed from polypropylene, these stylish chairs will retain their look no matter what you throw at it — making it a great solution for terraces and yards.

Make sure you have enough storage space

While most outdoor furniture can be left out 365 days of the year, this doesn’t mean they should be. If you’re not planning to use your outdoor area for extended periods of time — say, in the winter or if you’re on holiday — storing your furniture indoors or under covering will preserve its lifespan and keep your pieces looking newer for longer.

Even if you have a large outdoor lounge that can’t be stored, you can still keep the cushions inside to prevent them from getting mould or mildew.

Stackable style: Sleek and minimalist, the Maui Dining Chair is made to be as flexible as your lifestyle. Its stackable design means you can quickly create more room when needed or store them away with little fuss.

Pick pieces that are easy to clean

Despite our best efforts, outdoor furniture can get dirty more quickly than indoor pieces. Although some lounges look great with their plush cushions and intricate designs, these are also the pieces that are most at risk of gathering dirt or getting mouldy as the seasons go by.

Where possible, pick outdoor furniture that can easily be wiped down with a wet cloth. These low maintenance pieces will look great, both now and in the future.

Head honcho: With its gorgeous curved silhouette, the Honcho Dining Chair is a modern alternative to traditional alfresco timber seating. Best of all, its moulded polypropylene frame is easy to wipe down to keep it looking fresh and dust-free.

Choose your seating wisely

Seating plays a big role in the overall aesthetic of your terrace or backyard, so be sure to take your time when picking out your outdoor dining chairs.

If your home’s style is more contemporary coastal, European cafe-style chairs are the perfect way to create harmony between the indoors and outdoors. Got a penchant for Scandi or industrial decor? A minimalist frame might be more your style.

Paris dreaming: The Paris Dining Chair is effortless, sophisticated, and oh-so-chic. With three striking hues — black, white and natural — this collection is a magnifique way to bring Parisian style into your home.

Shop our favourite outdoor furniture pieces below.