Summer's sunny days beckon us to spend time outdoors. And after a hard day's work, there's nothing quite as relaxing as unwinding al fresco "," with a fragrant cup of coffee or a good book in hand. The best spot for relaxation is a well-arranged garden nook, which simply must feature comfortable garden furniture. So, what garden furniture should you choose?
Wooden or plastic garden furniture? What to choose?
Furnishing your garden or balcony is just as important as kitting out your living room or bathroom. The immediate surroundings of your home demand a unique and aesthetically pleasing setting, of which garden furniture forms an integral part. It's where we sit and relax or entertain guests. The market for garden furniture is vast, which means choosing the right set can leave many of us in a bit of a quandary. What should guide your purchase of garden furniture and what elements should you pay attention to? We're putting wooden and plastic garden furniture under the microscope, outlining their pros and cons.
Type of material used | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Wood | - Natural material - Pleasant to the touch - Durable and sturdy - Properly impregnated wooden furniture will last for many years - A set of wooden garden furniture perfectly complements diverse greenery and various types of decorations - These products are allergen-free - Wooden garden furniture is quite heavy, but this makes it stable and comfortable to sit on - They are aesthetically pleasing and, in addition to their practical function, also serve a decorative role | - Unlike plastic furniture, they require regular care, impregnation, and maintenance - The beauty, high quality of craftsmanship, and durability translate into a rather high price |
Plastic | - Relatively inexpensive - A set of plastic garden furniture is easy to keep clean - Lightweight - Resistant to UV radiation - Durable - Characterised by interesting, modern design | - Plastic furniture, compared to wooden models, is light and delicate, meaning it can be overturned and damaged by strong winds - Considered unecological |
As you can see, both solutions have their pros and cons, so the final choice depends on individual preferences and the style of your garden. Below, we present proposals for garden furniture made from wood and plastic, though not exclusively. We are convinced you'll find the ideal garden furniture set for you!
Skagerak furniture – Danish precision and simplicity
The Danish company Skagerak debuted on the market for furniture and home accessories in 1976. Natural design, unique Danish style, and exceptional accuracy and precision of execution are the distinguishing features of the Skagerak brand, one of whose specialities is the production of wooden garden furniture, particularly from teak, oak, and exotic sapelli wood. The brand's philosophy is based on using the highest quality materials for furniture production, which, combined with skilled designers, allows Skagerak to create exceptional and unique products.
Skagerak garden furniture, though minimalist and sparse in form, stands out with its extraordinary design, and importantly, its functionality. The garden furniture is properly protected against ageing, and consequently, against the loss of its beautiful appearance, lustre, and colour. This means it boasts high durability and resistance to damage, and will serve as a practical ornament for your garden or terrace for many years. Also noteworthy is the material that the Danish garden furniture manufacturer uses for sewing covers. It's an innovative, stain-resistant and waterproof Barriere "Panama fibre, combining the durability of synthetic material with the softness of cotton. Among Skagerak's most popular collections are:
- Tradition – the name of this garden furniture collection is somewhat ironic, as the products within it are characterised by their modernity. A distinguishing feature of this collection is the modular nature of the armchairs, which offers unlimited possibilities for combining them. These are aluminium garden furniture powder-coated, a lightweight and durable material.
- Skagen – these are wooden garden furniture pieces made from teak wood, known for its high resistance to adverse weather conditions. The collection includes a wooden garden table, a chair, and a bench, as well as comfortable garden furniture cushions made from durable, long-lasting fabric filled with quick-drying foam.
- Drachmann – extraordinary wooden tables, garden chairs and benches with decorative backrests can be found in this collection. These products are characterised by solid craftsmanship, classic shapes, and comfortable, wide seats. They are made from very durable types of wood – teak and sapelli.
- Reform – these are garden furniture pieces made from aluminium or aluminium combined with teak wood. In the Reform collection, you'll find metal garden tables and benches in an industrial style, distinguished by their openwork and geometric pattern.
- Mira – these are furniture pieces made of steel, including modern chairs and armchairs with or without armrests, as well as rectangular or square tables. Furniture from the Mira collection features interesting, openwork seats and tops and slightly curved legs.
The brand's offer also includes sturdy garden parasols that will shield you from the scorching sun. Beauty and original design are synonymous with the Danish brand Skagerak, and with their products, your garden will truly look exceptional.
Skagerak garden furniture
Nardi "," Italian design in the garden
Nardi is an Italian brand that produces garden furniture distinguished by its modern design, high-quality craftsmanship, and a diverse range of colours and intense, vibrant hues. The main raw material used in furniture production is polypropylene reinforced with fibreglass, which guarantees many years of durability and sturdiness for products bearing this brand's name.
Precisely crafted Nardi chairs, available in many interesting colours, are lightweight and easy to move, they don't fade, and are designed so that they can be stacked one on top of the other, thus saving space in your garage or cellar. Meanwhile, practical plastic garden tables are solid yet lightweight and easy to relocate. These furniture pieces combine elegance with high quality and functionality. Perfect for your garden!
Fatboy seating "," will liven up any garden
The Fatboy brand is a producer of all kinds of seating, as well as hammocks and inflatable armchairs and mattresses made from high-quality fabrics resistant to adverse weather conditions, such as moisture or sunlight. Originality and unconventional design are the hallmarks of this manufacturer.
Fatboy's flagship product is the comfortable and functional The Original beanbag "," ideal for both home and garden. The beanbag cover is made of nylon, a durable material resistant to all dirt and moisture. Its interior, in turn, is filled with flexible polystyrene, guaranteeing comfort of use. Terrace beanbags are available in a wide range of colours "," from bright, neon shades to somewhat calmer tones. However, beanbags aren't all that Fatboy offers for your garden. Another interesting proposition is a comfortable hammock with a frame, which allows you to place the hammock wherever you choose.
Or perhaps you'll be tempted by an original bench shaped like... a dog? The Fatboy bench resembles a dog made of balloons in its form, though in reality it's made from durable plastic. This is an intriguing piece of garden furniture that will enliven any space and become a favourite spot for relaxation and gatherings with loved ones.
Seletti garden furniture "," a byword for originality, creativity, and elegance
Seletti is an Italian brand founded in 1964 by Roman and Maria Seletti, renowned and appreciated worldwide for its unconventional and original designs. The products offered in the Seletti catalogue are unique and often surprise with their appearance. The same goes for garden furniture. Just take a look at the proposed deckchairs styled after Italian post-war chairs, which are sure to delight lovers of vintage design who enjoy breaking the mould. Similarly, a unique 19th-century Victorian armchair in a new guise, with a variety of patterns in its backrest "," from cogs to floral motifs and even a crown. In addition, the Seletti brand offers interesting garden decorations in the form of lighting, which, when hung in the garden, will create a unique atmosphere and mood.
