When the warm season arrives, life moves outdoors. But it only gets really cosy with inviting lounge furniture and relaxing seating. One current trend is to create an outdoor living room that mirrors your indoor one – which is why more and more indoor ranges are being made suitable for outdoor use.
Outdoor lounges in all sizes:
1. Extendable lounge furniture for every balcony
2. Lounge furniture: furnishing a small terrace
3. Flexible and modular
4. Generous garden lounges: big, bigger, biggest
5. Accessories for extra cosiness
1. Extendable lounge furniture for every balcony
If you've ever lived in a flat with a small balcony, you'll know how tricky outdoor furniture can be. It shouldn't be too bulky, but it still needs to offer enough space to enjoy the sun with friends. Instead of a chunky bench with seat cushions, go for a two- or three-seater sofa with a slender frame that keeps a low profile. That way, you won't waste valuable space – and powder-coated metal or stainless steel ensures stability and weather resistance.
If one sofa isn't enough, simply add poufs or stools to your balcony. You can use them to put your feet up or to extend the seating, and they give every guest a cosy spot. Add a tray, and a pouf even becomes a side table. This makes the most of a small balcony – and nothing stands in the way of relaxing.
2. Lounge furniture: furnishing a small terrace
A small terrace offers a little more space for lounge furniture than a balcony. It's best to choose different seating groups that you can combine and rearrange as you like. Classic arrangements of two- and three-seaters have proved their worth here.
"A tropical feel is always a clear trend in outdoor lounge areas, and it's particularly easy to pick up with woven furniture, bamboo in any form and large-leaved plants." – Viktoria, interior expert
To create an atmospheric, natural feel-good space in a small area, go for woven lounge furniture. Natural materials such as rattan and bamboo work just as well as robust, easy-care synthetic rattan.
3. Flexible and modular in your garden or balcony lounge
With modular lounge furniture, you can create a lounge area tailored to your outdoor space. Two-seater, three-seater, chaise longue, corner unit with daybed, U-shaped arrangement or a large seating landscape – anything is possible, it's easy, and it works for any space.
And if you don't want exactly the same garden lounge every summer, a flexible system is ideal. Rearranging the individual modules instantly shows your outdoor space in a new light – and is easy on your wallet too.
Another advantage is that you can add or swap modules at any time to suit your needs. A garden lounge set is also a good starting point. Integrated shade solutions are a smart way to save space, as they minimise the space required and help you make the most of the space you have.
4. Generous garden lounges: big, bigger, biggest
A large garden offers endless possibilities for creating a lounge with garden furniture. As with a loft, the challenge is usually to make a large area as inviting and cosy as possible. It can help to decide how many people you want seating for.
For lots of people, a generous arrangement of one or two sofas plus several poufs and armchairs is particularly recommended. Unlike on a small balcony, the key here is to choose large lounge furniture that confidently takes centre stage.
"Arranging lounge furniture in a circle encourages sociability in a group and also creates a relaxed, feel-good atmosphere. The longest piece of furniture largely determines the radius and the space required."
5. Accessories for extra cosiness
As well as comfortable furniture, an inviting lounge area needs the right accessories to add that special something and invite you to linger. So complete your lounge area with lovely mood lighting for the evening, such as lanterns and rechargeable lamps, and frame it with plenty of plants.
Outdoor textiles, such as a rug to define the area and cushions as a splash of colour, are also essential. If your textiles are going to stay outside overnight, make sure they're weatherproof, so that you don't get unsightly marks from an unexpected summer shower or simply from high humidity at night.
Side tables or serving trolleys are perfect for snacks and drinks and for placing the mood lights mentioned above.
Have fun furnishing your lounge corner!
