Garden sofas should be more than a functional consideration; they can be an essential element in enhancing the elegance of a design aesthetic and a continuation of the refinement of a curated interior.
“True elegance for me is the manifestation of an independent mind.” Isabella Rossellini
These words from a figure well known for her elegance and refinement ring true for those with an appreciation for aesthetic beauty. For those with a keen eye for design, designer sofas are a natural choice for the garden and patio. You may not be aware that the same level of luxury no doubt reflected throughout the interior spaces of your home are available in outdoor furniture.
More than just indoor furniture placed in an outdoor setting, luxury garden furniture is designed to be weather-resistant, while remaining elegant and stylistically versatile.
Get inspired with this useful guide full of advice and tips from our team of expert designers on everything from seating options to lighting and cushions, which will set you on the path to creating your own garden paradise and help you transform your entertainment area into a versatile space perfect for barbecues, evening cocktails, or peacefully unwinding with a book.
Build quality and resilient materials are of utmost importance when determining the quality of outdoor furniture, but solid and heavy don’t necessarily mean longer lasting. Thanks to the ingenious use and preparation of natural materials, outdoor furniture needn’t sacrifice beauty for strength. Let’s look at several of the best materials for luxury outdoor sofas.
Wood furniture is a naturally complementary choice for an outdoor area, as the constructed forms and natural materials create a logical bridge between the flowing beauty of a garden and the architectural lines of your home. Hardwoods are generally considered the best option for furniture that will be exposed to the weather for long periods of time, and there are several options.
But the key differences between the sectionals and modulars can be summarised as follows:
Teak is a very popular choice due to its hardness and tight grain, making it easy to seal against moisture. Teak is sturdy, durable and easy to clean, even with just a damp cloth. Teak wood grain is tight due to the high percentage of oil content in it. Teak takes more than 2 decades to mature fully before it is sustainably harvested and worked and is especially valued by craftsmen because of its high oil content and natural water resistance.
Rattan is sourced from a palm tree and the fibres are especially easy to work for wicker weavers. When dry, the surfaces can be polished to protect against moisture but must be maintained regularly to keep their lustre. Rattan is often used because it is very lightweight, durable and comes in a wide variety of designs.
Cedar is an especially strong wood that is resistant to warping or sagging. This is due to tiny pockets of air within the wood grain which allow the wood to expand and contract in changing weather conditions. Cedar is best suited for rustic and rugged designs and is exceptionally durable and resistant to bacterial and fungal growth. The tone of the wood tends to lighten and turn to grey with age, despite the integrity of the furniture remaining intact.
Despite redwood being a soft wood, it is naturally resistant to moisture, naturally anti-bacterial and is renowned for its durability in all climates. Redwood is a premium wood and is sought after for its warm red colour and silky smooth finish.
Beech Wood is an excellent economical timber and when steam treated, becomes as strong as some hardwoods with excellent resistance to splitting and warping. What makes them most attractive is their straight grain and uniform appearance.
Ipe is a member of the cypress family and is sometimes referred to as ironwood. As the nickname suggests it is one of the most durable and strong hardwoods. Shipbuilders use ipe because of its excellent resistance against rot and termites, qualities that make it ideal for furniture that will have consistent exposure to moisture.
While wood may convey a sense of warmth, some modern designs are more suited to industrial, sleek or minimalist designs.
For this sort of effect, there are several manufactured materials that are hardy, lend themselves to sharp aesthetics and still carry a sense of refinement and stylish flair.
Aluminium is very lightweight, easy to customise and has the advantage of being able to hold a wide variety of colours, finishes and textures. Outdoor furniture made from aluminium is resistant to rust and are readily available in any number of designs.
Steel is a commonly used heavy-duty metal for balcony railings because of its ability to retain a sleek finish for very long periods of time and minimal maintenance requirements. An ideal investment, steel furniture will stay strong for many years, despite exposure to weather.
Plastic is an economy material one wouldn’t automatically associate with luxury, but there are several designers who have elevated this common material to new heights with highly stylised and artistic forms. Plastic takes colours so easily, that it’s possible to customise these types of sofas to match virtually any style imaginable.
Luxury outdoor sofas should be considered a long-term investment. When selected carefully, these items can last a lifetime. Elegant designs in the right combination of base material and upholstery can take on a timeless nature, meaning that your outdoor furniture can evolve with your tastes by making small aesthetic changes, like recoating metals or staining wood.
Purchasing high-quality outdoor furniture may extend the usable floor space of your home to your patio, balcony or garden with style. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, the ideal outdoor furniture is made to endure severe weather conditions and hold up over time.
Your outdoor garden sofa reflects your personality and your taste as much as your interior does; however, comfort should not be sacrificed to style, but rather a natural consequence of quality craftsmanship that can combine the two.
Sleek metal garden sofa sets are ideal for contemporary spaces. Using neutral colours in combination with clean lines will make your patio a statement of minimalism. Choose a size and sofa that appeals to you and take the advice of an experienced interior designer to help you make sure that it matches both your preference and the overall theme of your home design.
FCI London has more than 40 years of experience in the luxury furniture and interior design industry and we pride ourselves on being a trusted name in London.
FCI London is the foremost lifestyle and furniture house in London, with almost four decades of experience in creating luxury homes. Our longstanding relationships with the best craftsmen and designer brands from all over Europe are at your disposal and we offer first-class delivery and installation of any product you purchase through us, ensuring that your experience is stress-free and convenient.
Visit our 30,000 sq. ft. showroom, the largest luxury showroom in London, to discover, explore and experience a wide range of contemporary and traditional sofas, along with professional advice from a team of experienced and award-winning interior designers.
Utilise our complementary services like 3D Rendering, project planning, and enjoy our signature personalised service. We aim to make your design journey as seamless as possible, saving you time and effort wherever possible.
Book your appointment today!
From picking out functional modular units to layouts and customisation options, the FCI team is on hand to give you the best advice. Schedule an appointment to visit our spectacular 30,000 sq. ft showroom and we’ll gift you a free one-time sofa design consultation.
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