When choosing garden furniture, it’s worth paying attention to the material it is made of. Wood, rattan and steel require different type of maintenance, and not only the preferred style, but also the intended place of use affects the choice of outdoor furniture. This Design Stories column provides answers to questions by design lovers.
FOR THOSE WITH A YARD, patio or balcony, seasonal maintenance of outdoor furniture is often the first step toward summer. When choosing new garden furniture, pay attention to at least its material, intended location and need for maintenance. Future summers will also be carefree when you choose durable furniture that meets your needs best.
This Design Stories column provides answers to popular questions, which may be helpful and inspirational to others, as well. Miina Lindblad from Finnish Design Shop’s customer service team answers the questions.
Which outdoor furniture set would be durable and particularly easy to maintain?
“Outdoor furniture made of steel is a good choice if oiling furniture is not your favorite pastime or if you don’t have a warm place to store the furniture for the winter. HAY’s Palissade furniture made of powder-coated galvanized steel withstands even extreme weather conditions. The impressive, distinctive design of the Bouroullec brothers also stands the test of time and use. The steel tubes and slats allow rainwater to run off, so the furniture dries quickly. When it comes to maintenance, all you need to do is wipe the furniture with a cloth and mild detergent, if necessary. For the winter, the Palissade furniture only needs a space that is covered.
“Outdoor furniture made of steel is a good choice if oiling furniture is not your favorite pastime.”
Other easy-to-maintain outdoor furniture includes Fermob’s Bistro furniture, which is also suitable for small spaces, Petite Friture’s Week-end furniture as well as all of Cane-line’s polyethylene furniture. Another item worth mentioning is Fatboy’s new product for the spring 2022; the Kaboom chair that is being marketed as a ‘super strong design chair’!”
• HAY's Palissade outdoor furniture >
• More patio furniture >
How can I make rattan furniture stay in good condition on the balcony?
“Rattan furniture is an excellent choice for a covered balcony or patio, as it withstands temperature fluctuations very well. Rattan palm is a tropical plant, due to which rattan furniture is highly resistant to moisture. However, rattan furniture should not be left outdoors without a cover. In other words, rattan furniture should be place under a canopy to protect it from rain and harsh sunshine. Rattan doesn’t mind sub-zero temperatures as long as it is protected from snow and excessive moisture.
To maintain rattan furniture, all you need to do is vacuum it and wipe it with a damp cloth, if necessary. Rattan surfaces should be wiped regularly with a damp cloth to keep dirt from sticking. Plain water suffices for this, but you can also use a small amount of natural detergent, such as pine or Marseille soap, if necessary. If the surface has dark spots due to rain, for example, it can be washed with mold remover. Dry surfaces can be carefully sanded with fine sandpaper.”
• GUBI's Bohemian lounge chair >
Does your selection include products that help use the patio or balcony already in the early spring?
“Yes, Finnish Design Shop offers many products for making the most of your patio or balcony from spring to late fall. For example, Eva Solo’s collection includes several stylish outdoor fireplaces that make the space warm and cozy in a mere moment. For a wooden patio, the electric HeatUp patio heater is a safer choice.
“Eva Solo’s fireplace make the space warm and cozy in a mere moment.”
This spring, Fatboy launched rechargeable Hotspot heating blankets and cushions. The products are easy to recharge with the magnetic charging cable, and the covers can be washed. Under the warm blanket used like a kimono, you can stargaze in the hammock whatever the season.”
Miina Lindblad works as a design sales representative in Finnish Design Shop’s Customer Service team. Her design treasures include a self-designed lamp based on an old spinning wheel, and underneath it, her latest acquisition, Artek’s Trienna table.
Help with your design purchases:
• Finnish Design Shop’s Customer Service >
Text: Miina Lindblad Illustration: Evi Rinkinen