The sun is out, doing good to body and soul, but just like rain, it is relentless to most outdoor furniture and textiles. With good care and protection, you can extend the life of your product by many summers.
THE BEST MOMENTS of the year include the first coffee outdoors and a nap on the terrace in the sunshine. You should maintain your terrace furniture before the summer, as you will also find out whether you need to buy anything new. Wooden terrace furniture is still more popular than metal, although it requires a bit more maintenance.
This Design Stories column provides answers to some recurring questions from our customers, which may be helpful and inspirational to others, as well. We have recruited Miina Lindblad from Finnish Design Shop’s customer service team to answer your conundrums.
1. I’m looking for a wooden table and chair set that is durable and withstands different kinds of weather. Any tips?
“Yes, how about HAY’s new products for 2023, Crate and Weekday. The sturdy, pine Crate furniture is surface treated to withstand varying weather. The wood has been dried well to withstand wet weather, and this is why the manufacturer recommends that this furniture should only be used outdoors, because otherwise the wood may shrink. The screws are made of stainless steel again corrosion and oxidation. So an excellent choice on the seaside! You can add the finishing touches with water-repellent cushions, using different colors if you like.
To make it easier for you to find what you are looking for, you can filter outdoor furniture on our webshop per material. We recommend that you act quickly, because the most popular products, both the old models and newer ones, are being sold quickly!”
2. Have you got cushions suitable to be used outdoors?
“To build your beautiful summer oasis, try Paraati textiles by Marimekko made of recycled polyester, designed specifically for outdoor use. A seat cushion brings life and color on the balcony or your boat. The surface is water-repellent and protected against UV radiation, but should nevertheless not be left deliberately in the open. You may also consider seat cushions and foot stools, but remember to take them under cover when not using them. Marimekko’s seasonal products are available for a limited time only, so you better act quickly.
“Marimekko’s seasonal products are available for a limited time only, so you better act quickly.”
Cane-line also has Divine decorative cushions for outdoor use, and check out also Fatboy’s Outdoor cushions. If you cannot find a product you are looking for in our webshop, you may nevertheless be able to order it through us provided the brand is included in our selection. Please do not hesitate to contact our customer service or fill in a query form and we’ll get back to you.”
3. I’m dreaming of having a nap outdoors but have no place for a hammock. Have you got any alternatives?
“Having a nap outdoors in the happiest time in the summer! Our new products include Stay Day Bed by Blomus, in two sizes and three colors. This plush bed is easy to move around should you decide to go from the terrace to under the apple tree, for example. The bed materials are water-resistant, UV-protected and environmentally friendly. You can also buy a protective cover as an accessory.
Another example of a bed that can be used outdoors is the OGK Daybed made of beech, linen and sisal. Fatboy’s Headdemock hammocks can be placed practically anywhere if you cannot have a classic hammock. From out selection of outdoor textiles, I’d go for the Joutsen Kulkuri throw.”
Miina Lindblad works as a design sales representative in Finnish Design Shop’s Customer Service team. She is currently renovating an almost hundred-year-old house, and the interior seamlessly combines the new and the old. Miina’s newest design treasure is Vitra’s chrome Wire Chair, which fits perfectly into the atmosphere of the old house.
For help with your design purchases:
• Finnish Design Shop’s Customer Service >
Text: Miina Lindblad Illustration: Evi Rinkinen