Most stools and benches are designed for indoor use. Materials like solid wood, veneer, and upholstery rarely tolerate moisture, frost, and direct sunlight for extended periods. Some models made of metal or specially treated wood can withstand being outdoors for shorter times, but they should be brought inside during bad weather.
Marlene 3 min. læsning
I often see it when I visit friends or look at pictures of people's homes: a beautiful stool moved out onto the patio to serve as a small side table or an extra seat. It is a lovely idea, but the Danish weather is harsh on furniture not made for it. I always wonder what happens to the wood when the rain comes, or when frost sets in.
At Houmøllers, we have many stools and benches, and most are intended for indoor living. It is about the materials and how they react to wind, weather, and temperature fluctuations. 
When we talk about whether stools and benches can withstand being outdoors, the material is crucial. Wood is a living material that reacts to moisture. Solid wood can swell and contract, which over time can lead to cracks and loose joints. Veneer and laminated surfaces can delaminate when moisture penetrates. I think, for example, of FRAMA's simple and beautiful stools like the Low Stool 01 or the Petit Rond Stool, which are made of solid wood or veneer. They are created for a stable indoor climate, where the wood's natural beauty is best preserved.
Metal can be more robust, but not all metals are made to resist rust, especially not in a humid climate. Upholstered stools are not suitable for outdoor use at all, as the upholstery will absorb moisture, grow mold, and fade in the sun. It is important to remember that even if a stool looks solid, it does not necessarily mean it is meant to stay outdoors all year.
Our climate presents significant challenges for furniture left outdoors. We have long periods of high humidity, rain, wind, and frost. The sun's UV rays can also be harsh on materials, even on an overcast day. Wood will grey, metal can corrode, and colours will fade. I have seen many pieces of furniture that ended up looking worn and sad after just a single season outdoors, even though they were beautiful design pieces.
Some of the stools and benches we carry, such as the Aml Stool or the Tasca Stool from FRAMA, have a minimalist expression and are often made from materials that age with a patina, but only under the right conditions. Outdoors, they age faster and in a way not often intended by the designer. 
If you wish to use your indoor stools and benches outdoors, it is best to think of it as a temporary solution. I recommend bringing them back inside as soon as they are not in use. Especially at night, when dew falls, and in winter, when frost and snow can cause significant damage. A Baenk Stool or an Fm630 Stool can certainly be used as an extra seat on the patio on a summer day, but they should be brought inside again when evening falls or when rain arrives.
If you are looking for something that can stay outdoors permanently, it is better to look towards dedicated garden chairs or outdoor furniture made of materials like aluminium, stainless steel, or specially treated teak wood. These materials are designed to withstand the elements and require minimal care.
I also meet customers who consciously choose to leave their stools and benches outdoors because they like the patina the weather gives them. It is a personal choice, but it is important to be aware of the consequences. The furniture will change its appearance, and its lifespan will be significantly shortened. This becomes part of the furniture's story, but it is a story that involves a shorter life for your design pieces.
For most of our stools and benches, they are created to be used and enjoyed indoors. I will always recommend taking good care of your furniture by giving them the conditions they were designed for. If you are in doubt, always ask. It is better to be safe than sorry, so your furniture can last for many years.
Metal like aluminium or stainless steel, as well as specially treated wood such as teak, are more weather-resistant and better suited for outdoor stools and benches than solid wood, veneer, or upholstery.
Yes, by covering your stools and benches, moving them under shelter during bad weather, or bringing them indoors completely during the winter, you can significantly extend their lifespan, even if they are used outdoors.
Yes, there is a significant difference. Outdoor stools and benches are typically made of materials resistant to moisture, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations, while indoor models prioritise aesthetics and comfort in a stable climate.
If indoor stools and benches are left outside in the rain, wood can swell, crack, and rot, metal can rust, and upholstery can grow mold and fade. This damages the furniture's structure and appearance over time.
Fra artiklen
De stykker artiklen nævner, som de står i butikken lige nu.
Houmøllers leverer til 41 markeder – 17 med lokalt sprog, resten på engelsk. Priser vises i markedets valuta.
Min konto
Skriv din e-mail, så sender vi en ny adgangskode.
I know the shop range and can answer questions about sizes, materials and delivery.
You are talking to an AI assistant, not a member of staff. Answers about sizes, prices and delivery may be inaccurate — write to the shop if you need something binding.
