How to select furniture for seamless indoor-outdoor living

When designing a space that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living, selecting the right furniture is key. To help guide this process, we asked Eloise Sim from Cosh Living to share her expert insights on how to choose furniture that not only fits the proportions and aesthetic of both spaces but also incorporates the right materials and design consistency to ensure a cohesive, durable design. Here, Eloise breaks down the essential elements to consider when selecting furniture that transitions effortlessly between the indoors and outdoors.

What to look for when choosing cohesive outdoor furniture 

According to Eloise, the right materials and design elements play a crucial role in achieving a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors. “Choose furniture with a cohesive design language—similar colours, finishes, and silhouettes—so pieces feel intentional in both settings,” shares Eloise.

To achieve this, opt for materials that are weather-resistant yet refined in appearance. Teak and powder-coated aluminium are excellent choices. Teak, renowned for its natural resistance to weather conditions, pairs beautifully with powder-coated aluminium, which offers lightweight strength and corrosion resistance. For example, the Addis Teak Table  from Cosh Living combines high-quality teak and aluminium to deliver a durable yet stylish outdoor solution.

In addition to the frame material, consider the fabrics used for upholstery. They should be fade-resistant, water-repellent, and easy to clean. Solutions like solution-dyed acrylics, treated linens, and quick-dry foams ensure that your furniture remains comfortable and resilient outdoors. These fabrics are soft to the touch while still offering the durability necessary for prolonged exposure to the elements.

For furniture that transcends indoor and outdoor spaces, look for pieces designed for both environments, such as Cosh Living’s lightweight Johanna Ottomans, which can be used as additional seating, footrests, or even side tables, making transitions between spaces effortless. 

How to ensure the durability of outdoor furniture in varying weather conditions 

Outdoor furniture faces a range of weather challenges, from intense sunlight to heavy rain. To preserve its longevity, protective treatments and regular maintenance are crucial. 

“For wooden furniture, regular application of protective oils or sealants will help preserve the wood’s integrity, preventing water damage and mould,” Eloise advises. Sealants protect against moisture, while UV inhibitors prevent sun damage, keeping your furniture looking pristine.

For outdoor seating, easy-to-clean materials are key. Fabrics designed for outdoor use, like those with water-repellent and mildew-resistant properties, can be quickly wiped or hosed down to remove dirt and spills. Quick-dry foam cushions also help prevent moisture build-up, reducing the risk of mould and mildew. These low-maintenance options ensure your furniture stays fresh and effortless to care for, no matter the season.

Modular and lightweight designs also contribute to the longevity of outdoor furniture. The Dala Lounge Chair from Cosh Living, for example, offers adaptability, allowing you to easily move or store the chair when facing extreme weather. 

While these materials are designed for easy cleaning and durability, using protective covers and maintaining a regular cleaning routine will help extend their lifespan even further.

Recommended materials for outdoor spaces

To ensure that your outdoor furniture stands the test of time while maintaining a sophisticated look, consider materials that are inherently weather-resistant. Teak is an excellent choice due to its natural oils, which help it withstand rain, sun, and wind. The Forrest Sofa from Cosh Living is a great example of the versatility of teak, showcasing a versatile aesthetic perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. 

Powder-coated aluminium is another top choice. It offers both strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring that your furniture can endure the elements without losing its sleek appearance. Cosh Living’s Wye Outdoor Chair is a great example of how this material can be used to create elegant yet durable furniture.

For upholstery, opt for weather-resistant fabrics that combine the look and feel of indoor textiles with the resilience needed for outdoor settings. Many people are surprised to learn that our pieces are made for the outdoors, as they have the sophistication and comfort of indoor furniture. Thanks to advancements in material technology, these fabrics not only withstand the elements but also maintain their softness and elegance over time. Cosh Living’s Outdoor furniture offers a range of upholstery options that strike the perfect balance between style, comfort, and weatherproofing, ensuring your furniture remains both beautiful and practical.

Current design trends for creating fluidity between indoor & outdoor spaces

In recent years, the design trend has shifted toward blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. A seamless transition between these spaces is essential for creating a unified look. Eloise highlights the importance of using consistent materials and finishes across both areas. “Using the same flooring, wall treatments, or furniture styles inside and out fosters a cohesive aesthetic,” she says. Natural materials like timber and stone are perfect for achieving this seamless flow.

Indoor-outdoor furniture is also becoming more versatile, with pieces designed to function in both spaces. The use of soft furnishings in outdoor-grade fabrics further enhances this fluidity, creating a harmonious connection between the two environments.

Incorporating lush greenery, such as indoor plants and vertical gardens, reinforces the bond with nature, blurring the lines between the indoors and outdoors. Planters from Atelier Vierkant work beautifully in both settings, providing a sophisticated way to integrate nature into your design.

Covered outdoor areas, like pergolas and verandas, extend the indoor living experience, providing protection from the elements and allowing outdoor spaces to be enjoyed year-round. Soft lighting, such as the Monsieur Tricot Lighting from Tribu, helps create a warm, inviting atmosphere, whether indoors or outdoors, enhancing the connection between the two spaces.

Explore versatile indoor/outdoor furniture and lighting from Cosh Living