Outdoor Furniture

Metal outdoor furniture framed in marine-grade stainless steel resists rust and is commonly used for sofas, chairs and tables. 

Choosing outdoor furniture is about a balancing of form, function and materiality. Understanding how the furniture will be used and in what contexts is the best place to start. Having a clear idea about its use will inform the decision-making process. For example, if children and pets are likely to be using the furniture, selecting pieces with stain-resistant qualities will be important. For a dedicated relaxation area, luxury outdoor recliner chairs can be considered alongside sofas and daybeds.

Once the use is clear, the next thing to consider is the size of the area and what type of aesthetic you are aiming for. Ensuring the furniture chosen isn’t too large or too small for the space is important. Oversized furniture can make a statement but if the area is small, it can quickly make it feel cramped and uninviting. Often, opting for softer pieces in materials suitable for the conditions is the best option for smaller spaces. Wicker furniture is a popular choice in New Zealand because of its longevity as well as the visual appeal of the woven aesthetic, which brings texture and depth to an alfresco area.  For an outdoor deck, deck furniture should be sized to preserve clear circulation around doors, planting and entertaining areas.

Often, the quality of the outdoor furniture you choose will determine if it is waterproof. For example, an inexpensive outdoor cushion may not be suitable to be left in the elements in New Zealand, while a more expensive cushion filled with material that dries quickly and is designed to withstand the weather will be able to be left outside. A waterproof outdoor couch still benefits from regular cleaning and protection when it is not in use.

It’s always best to check the materiality of outdoor furniture to determine whether it is suitable for your needs. Different materials will be suited to different settings. For example, a rattan hanging chair may be suited to an area of the garden protected from wind and weather while the same chair would not be suitable for an exposed area with high wind exposure and the likelihood of being exposed to significant rainfall. 

Creating relaxing outdoor areas is an inexpensive and often satisfying way to extend the available living areas of a home in New Zealand. In the right context, outdoor spaces can become additional rooms and change the experience of a home that was once limited in space. Patio furniture can help define this area, particularly where the paving provides a stable surface for tables, chairs and lounge pieces.

Contemporary outdoor furniture is often geared towards comfort, with more and more pieces designed to bring indoor living outdoors.

To create outdoor spaces that will offer coveted connections with nature as well as functionality as outdoor rooms, carefully creating the design before investing in furniture is important. Working to a detailed brief is always best practice as it will provide a clear direction and a set of goals to achieve, for example privacy, shade or shelter, social areas or relaxation zones.

When you have a clear brief, choosing the best pieces becomes a much easier task. Sofas and suites or daybeds may be a primary focus in an area designed for relaxation while bar leaners, stools, tables and benches may be the hero pieces for an entertainment area. For poolside living, sun loungers and hammocks might be at the top of the list.  Outdoor seating can include sofas, daybeds, bar stools and chairs, depending on the activities planned for the space.

If you need assistance to find outdoor furniture for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals in New Zealand, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.