how to pick the right dining furniture
JAMES MAIR, FOUNDER OF DESIGNER SHOWROOM VIADUCT, TALKS SETTING UP FOR A SEASON OF OUTDOOR EATING
It’s important for you to think of your space as a room. And before measuring up, consider how the area will be used and by how many people. Is it a balcony for two, a family dining spot or chill-out lounge area overlooking a wonderful view or pool?
Next, look at circulation.
There’s nothing worse than having to move tables and chairs to squeeze past.
Classic cafe styles
always look good, Fermob has a great selection. Classic timber doesn’t date and simple shapes will last style-wise, too.
Anodized aluminium,
timber and powder-coated or galvanised steel furniture pieces work well and have longevity. Plastic will lose colour and can change texture if left in the sun. However, it’s easy to wipe down and dry after a summer shower. It’s often the most comfortable option, too. Timber is warmer to the touch and hardwoods like oak develop a beautiful patina as they age. Unpainted cast iron ages well, as does stone.
Steel, aluminium and plastic
will offer the widest selection of styles. Be aware that skinny legs can sink into lawns or fall through gaps in decking so consider the ground. It’s best to have timber furniture on a hard surface which drains. If left on a lawn, the legs can rot after a few years.
The priority is storage.
Where will the furniture live during the winter? Does it need to stay outside all year? If storage is limited, look at stacking and folding options and tables that can be dismantled. Alternatively, opt for dining chairs that are equally at home inside or out – like those from Emeco or Vitra, which can be moved outdoors in summer.
For modern Scandi style,
look at the Bodil Kjaer range for
Carl Hansen & Søn. Classic mid-century tastes are satisfied by Tolix stacking steel chairs. As an all-round contemporary range, the Palissade collection by the Bouroullecs for Hay is one of the best.
If you have a terrace
with retaining walls, choose the best corner and consider permanent seating using gabions with suitable hardwood planking over or railway sleepers stacked up. Simple concrete shapes can be cast to form benches. This will look good all year round, and tables and chairs added as required in summer. When choosing fabrics for cushions, durability, lightfastness, water repellency and sustainability are the key elements.