Spring has arrived. Flowers are beginning to bloom, the days are growing brighter, and the first warm afternoons are inviting us back outside.
With summer on the horizon, now is the perfect time to turn attention to the garden. Whether that means clearing out the shed, planting new seeds or creating a comfortable seating area ready for long lunches and relaxed evenings with friends.
Increasingly, outdoor spaces are being treated as a natural extension of the home. Gardens, terraces and patios have become places to dine, relax and gather, blurring the boundaries between indoors and out.
In this guide, we explore how to create your own outdoor haven. From choosing the right materials to planning the ideal layout for your furniture, these ideas will help you design a space that is both practical and beautifully considered.
Material
When it comes to choosing the material of your outdoor furniture, there are a few things to consider: for example fading, rust and corrosion, wind, rain, cleaning and care. Tectona Grandis (the real name for teak) is one of the most valuable timbers in the world and unmatched in durability and beauty. Teak is a durable, strong wood, resistant to weather, decay and insects, no cracking or warping and it is easy to care for. Simply cleaned with mild soap and water, always scrub with the grain for best results. You can do this prior to the outdoor summer season. It is important to oil Teak furniture, unless you desire a silvery patina that will naturally occur over time if left unoiled.
In collaboration with David Irwin, we designed our Tanso garden furniture range made from grade-A Teak. Inspired by the simplicity of Japanese furniture, the Tanso Armchair from the Tanso range bridges the gap between outdoors and indoors by elevating the craftsmanship, quality and detail of outdoor furniture. Available with a removable seat cushion made from foam, upholstered in UV resistant Sunbrella ® fabric for enhanced comfort. Aluminium is another alternative, as it is weather resistant and low maintenance.
Our Eos outdoor furniture range designed by Matthew Hilton, was named for Eos, the Greek goddess of dawn and bringer of light. This range is designed to be totally maintenance and rust-free. Aluminium furniture does not rust, but if the powder coating is damaged it could peel. To prevent this, touch up the surface with a matching car or metal paint. It is extremely hard-wearing and can be exposed to the elements throughout the year.
The Eos Rectangular Table looks striking, in black with a modern structure. Certainly, a showstopper to have in your garden. The aluminium chairs are stackable, and powder-coated ensuring they are anti-corrosive and long-lasting. All tables and chairs are finished with nylon feet to protect the furniture and patio from scratching and excessive noise.
In a garden environment the atmosphere contains many impurities, which over time can create a layer of dirt on the furniture. Should such a build-up occur, then a non-abrasive sponge or soft brush can be used with lukewarm water to clean the surface of the product. We recommend cleaning the product at least once a season.
Space
How much space you have determines what sort of furniture you can fit. It is important to think of the appropriate layout for traffic flow and best amount of seating for your gardening or outdoor hosting space.
Measuring your outdoor space before purchasing furniture is a useful way to plan out your space and get the most out of it. Consider the direction of sunlight and how you may want to maximise this for your enjoyment. Take advantage of naturally shaded areas, and/or incorporate awnings, pergolas, umbrellas, or other ways to incorporate shade wherever possible.
Deciding what furniture to choose depends on how you use your outdoor space. Is it primarily used for hosting, or more for casual relaxing? If the latter, you may be interested in our Eos Platform Lounger, combining modern style with comfort and relaxation. Choose a focal point. Having an area or item in your garden such as a fire pit, a view or a dining table gives you and your guests something to focus on whilst they lounge. If outdoor dining is what your focus is, our Tanso Rectangular Table comfortably seats eight people with ample space for food and table accessories. The focal point of your outdoor space will give you an idea of what other furniture will enhance the space. Use end tables, side tables, and ottomans to add convenience to your patio.
No matter the size of your outdoor space, it’s good practice to make any space feel more open and less cramped. Always keep in mind creating a pathway around seating areas. Therefore, no one can interrupt the conversation by cutting through the centre of the area. When creating this extra space around the seating, you also creates the illusion of more room. Another tip is to rearrange your outdoor furniture every so often. By adjusting with the seasons, you’ll have a new perspective on your furniture that will make you appreciate it and make you feel like it’s a whole new way.
