The search for the perfect outdoor lounge set

Tried and tested but still bang on-trend: The outdoor wooden lounge set

Outdoor sofas crafted from water-resistant hardwood are a clear trend at the moment. If you want something that is close to nature, you can’t go wrong with wooden furniture. As well as teak, there are now quite a few good alternatives. Acacia and eucalyptus wood are the main ones. But even with those types of wood you need to make sure you look for quality seals like FSC. It goes without saying that wooden furniture is better on covered terraces than open spaces. Although that doesn’t mean the furniture isn’t water-resistant. If you don’t mind putting in a bit of effort with maintenance products, you can enjoy your wooden furniture for years to come.

Pros:

• Warm, appealing look
• Natural
• On-trend

Cons:

• Only water-resistant to an extent (depending on the type of wood, you have to oil the furniture once a year)

The robust solution: The poly rattan wicker lounge set

Wicker lounge sets made of poly rattan are perfect if you’re looking for weatherproof furniture and design that won’t date. This type of material is known for its resistance to light and weather, meaning you can leave the seating outside all year round. As well as this, poly rattan is UV-resistant, the colours don’t fade and it is hard-wearing against dirt. But if you’re looking for something more unique, you may be struggling as these types of outdoor sofas are now ten a penny.

Pros:

• Weatherproof
• Made to last
• UV-resistant
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Not particularly unique
• Can lack elegance

Wear-resistant: The stainless steel lounge set

Metal outdoor seating sets are particularly popular at the moment. In fact, the stainless steel version is considered the Rolls Royce of lounge sets. It has the advantage of being rust-proof and easy to maintain. Stainless steel is a modern look, making it the perfect choice for fans of cool, minimalist design. This material even allows delicate shapes and basic workmanship to be incorporated.

Pros:

• Low maintenance
• Made to last
• Elegant look
• Rust-proof

Cons:

• Can seem cold
• Has a price tag to match the pros

New and on-trend: The lacquered aluminium lounge set

If you opt for a lacquered lounge set, it’s always best to check that it has been made from aluminium – especially if it’s going to see a lot of rain. However, the lounge set is much less likely to get rusty on a covered terrace or balcony. If that sounds like your set-up at home, you could go for the much cheaper type of steel. Generally speaking, a good powder coating provides long-lasting protection. Metal lounge sets are definitely top of the class when it comes to cool. You can count on them to turn up the modern, trendy look in your outdoor living space. The only disadvantage is an obvious one, namely that dark metal gets hot when in the sun.

Pros:

• Affordable
• On-trend
• Lightweight
• Rust-proof

Cons:

• Can get hot when in the sun

Plastic is fantastic: The synthetic lounge set

The synthetic lounge set is the most steadfast and low maintenance of the lot. Prices vary a lot from model to model, so you can choose from entry-level lounges to designer models. There is something for everyone, as long as you like the base material. If you want to leave your outdoor furniture in the hands of mother nature all year round but don’t want the hassle of a cover or any kind of maintenance, a synthetic lounge is the best option for you.

Pros:

• Weatherproof
• So low maintenance it practically takes care of itself

Cons:

• None

Forever changing: Modular lounge furniture

If you like change and don’t want to be stuck with a fixed outdoor furniture set, you should have a look at modular options. The big advantage here is that you can add to your seating area. You can also rearrange sections of it any time you like. If you don’t have a lot of outdoor space, you can attach individual pieces – such as a garden sofa and a stool ¬– to create a small, unique lounge corner.

Pros:

• Can be expanded
• Unique

Con:

• You have to factor in more time for designing and putting together

From a natural source: Rattan outdoor furniture

Rattan is a natural material that is sourced from the woody shoots of the rattan palm Calamus. The only advantage of furniture made of natural wicker is that it looks great. Real rattan pieces should only be used in a conservatory or an outside area that is covered. This kind of material is not weatherproof and the colour can quickly fade or the furniture can even become brittle in strong sunlight.

Pros:

• Looks great
• Natural

Con:

• Not weatherproof

A brief note on weatherproof outdoor furniture

Lounge set covers

Even if your lounge set is weatherproof, you should still protect it from sun, hail and rain when you’re not using it. With the right cover, it’s ready for whatever our erratic Swiss weather throws at us. What is a real deal-breaker is being able to use the lounge set right after a downpour. Wooden furniture in particular needs protection from the weather. This maintains its beautiful colours and means you don’t have to oil it as often.

Outdoor seat cushions

The best cushions for a lounge set are weatherproof and non-fade. There are, of course, a number of innovative new options available but they are much more costly. Make sure you choose a cushion with 8–10 cm thickness so that you get something that is comfortable. Ideally, you should opt for cushions with removable and washable covers. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to store your cushions in a garden box when they’re not in use to help protect them from damp. But if there is no risk of your lounge set getting rained on that’s not absolutely necessary.

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