FCI Favourites: Outdoor Furniture

As spring eases graciously into the long days of summer, we find ourselves drawn more committedly towards the outdoors. Whether it’s al fresco family lunches, elegant evening affairs or Sunday mornings spent lounging on your patio, cappuccino in hand, our gardens are the place to be.

New trends allude to our need, in these times, to escape and breathe in a place that simultaneously allows us a change of scenery, while still holding a synergy between interior spaces and our furnishings outside.

At FCI we believe that designing your garden is a subtle integration of both greenery and the best outdoor furniture. So one of the biggest trends to look out for in 2021 is the inclusion of edible plants: Carefully chosen flowers, hedges and bushes will always give form and substance to our outdoor landscapes. But we are now encouraged to encompass decorative pots filled with sustaining flora such as chilli plants, herbs or strawberry shrubs – an added reward for time spent in the fresh air.

The Atmosphera Flair Planter combines both style and spatial opulence and would be an ideal vessel in which to start a leafy salad garden.

Garden furniture ideas for 2021

As an extension of our homes, garden furniture for this year looks closely at elements that incorporate bountiful cushions, garden sofas and weatherproof rugs. There is a strong pull towards pops of colour and bold patterns, easily achieved by ornaments and soft furnishings. It is important to remember to tie in hues that match your indoor fixtures.

Making small areas look grandiose involves growing plants that fill vertical spaces and creating distinctive pathways and bespoke outdoor rooms, beautifully enhanced by trendy patio sets. Another consideration is ambient lighting. Make use of fire pits and chimeneas to provide both a mellow glow and bring some snugness to long summer nights. Alternatively, create a statement with something more spectacular like these Rockets Floor Lamps, or indulge in timeless illumination with the La Parc White Floor Lamps, both by Skyline Design.

Hanging swing chairs or cocoons are also a worthwhile purchase. They ooze both comfort and style and create a sense of easy elegance, something that is definitely in vogue in 2021. Include this stunning Heri Hanging Outdoor Chair by Skyline Design. Warm company and meaningful conversations are sure to follow.

Rattan Furniture

Dedicated to quality and innovation, Skyline Design is one of FCI’s most favoured brands. Using strong aluminium frames and a substantial collection of weave colours and styles paired with superior fabrics, you can choose from an extensive range of contemporary outdoor furniture pieces that are built to last, come rain or shine.

The Dynasty Outdoor Armchair and matching footstool are ideal for lounging in comfortable chic. Their curvaceous form ensconces you in cosiness without detracting from their unarguable grace. They are, in our opinion, the cream of the Rattan crop.

If you’re looking for a more sociable feel, the Journey Bar Stool collection is ideal. Sporting a height of 107 cm, they are perfect for dangling on, while sipping Martinis and laughing with friends.

Wooden outdoor furniture

Bring your spaces to life with the warmth of wood. Teak outdoor furniture, in particular, is an excellent choice. Aside from its natural beauty and sheen, Teak is rot-proof, weather-resistant and incredibly hardwearing, making it a sensible investment for any garden patio set, and totally on trend for 2021.

The modern, minimalistic lines of Ethimo’s wooden outdoor furniture is reminiscent of Italian country living, adding a welcome vivaciousness to your back yard. Thoughtful and refined, each piece features strong lines and, when combined, there is a seamless harmony between metal and Teak. We especially love the Laren collection, a range of tables, chairs and bistro stools that speak of banging breakfasts and happy days in the sun.

If voluminous entertaining is part of your soul, then lingering over a scrumptious luncheon will be a top priority. And what better way to celebrate than around a gorgeously stylish outdoor dining table. This Flexx eight-seater by Skyline Design is one of our hottest choices this year.

Sun loungers for 2021

Grabbing a gripping book, a well-deserved cocktail and dedicating a few stolen hours to soaking up the sun is the ideal way to spend a summery Sunday. And what better than a sun lounger to make you feel deliciously relaxed? Aside from its obvious benefits, sun loungers add lavishness to any outdoor area. Manutti is known for its pioneering designs and outstanding craftsmanship, the best combination for luxury living. And, for those worried about protecting them on rainy days, outdoor furniture covers are an accessible solution. If you’re on the hunt for sun loungers that are truly stylish, Manutti’s River collection is an absolute must!

Another tantalising choice is daybeds, a splendid way to recline in the fresh air and experience the tranquillity of your garden. Just one makes a significant statement or gather a couple together for a more convivial space. Add side tables and an outdoor ottoman, and you have the perfect ensemble. Atmosphera’s Twiga daybed is sublime!

Best garden accessories 2021

Mundane is definitely not a part of 2021’s outdoor vibe and there’s nothing that jazzes up your surroundings more than trendy garden accessories. Outdoor cushions and candles aren’t the only way to add some flair because bespoke garden tools are the new in thing.

Garden Glory, a brand whose main aim is to inject some delight into banal necessities, have a glorious range of extraordinary watering cans, gloves, bird feeders, hoses and nozzles, good enough to leave lying about for all to see. Their gem-shaped, brass Diamond Spade and matching Crystal Gardening Can are most certainly a sight to behold.

For those who love to lounge, the Garden Glory Shell Cushion Flower is a heavenly solution. With its soft foam interior and heavy-duty cotton fabric, it can be opened or closed, making it versatile enough to place on any of your outdoor furniture sets or just strewn on the floor.

Our friendly sales team is always around to help you find your perfect outdoor furniture solutions. Come and visit our showroom and see what tickles your fancy.