Outdoor living can be divided into two main types: permanent setups with robust outdoor furniture and lamps that endure all weather, and flexible arrangements where indoor comfort extends outdoors. Materials like powder-coated steel, aluminum, and teak are weather-resistant, while textiles and certain woods require more care. Always consider the Danish summer and winter when choosing for your outdoor living space.
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I have seen many guests in the Houmøllers shop who dream of moving their living room into the garden as soon as the sun appears. It is a lovely thought, and it is certainly possible. However, my experience is that people often forget to consider what happens when the sun disappears again, and the Danish summer shows its more rainy side. For me, outdoor living is about two things: what can stay outside all year round, and what creates an extension of the indoor environment, perhaps requiring a little more attention. A cold winter and a wet summer place demands on materials. It is an investment one should be able to enjoy for many years. Therefore, it is important to consider how you use your outdoor space and what you expect from your furniture and lighting. Should it stay outside 365 days a year, or should it be brought in when the season ends?
I place great importance on the furniture and lamps I have outdoors being able to withstand the Danish weather. It is an investment one should be able to enjoy for many years. Therefore, it is important to consider how you use your outdoor space and what you expect from your furniture and lighting. Should it stay outside 365 days a year, or should it be brought in when the season ends?
When I think of robust outdoor living, I think of furniture that can stay outside in all kinds of weather without needing worry. Here, the materials are crucial. I have good experience with powder-coated steel and aluminum, which are easy to maintain and very durable. A good example is Noble Denmark's outdoor furniture, which is often designed to withstand the elements. Their Tisvilde Garden Table is a table that can stay on the patio year after year. It may require a wipe down now and then, but otherwise, it takes care of itself.
Teak wood is another popular material for outdoor living because it is naturally oily and therefore very resistant to rot and fungus. Over time, it develops a beautiful silver-grey patina, which many appreciate. If you wish to maintain its golden color, it needs to be treated with oil regularly. For me, it is important that the furniture is not only beautiful but also functional and designed to last. It is about choosing furniture that suits your lifestyle and the time you wish to spend on maintenance.
The second type of outdoor living is where you create a more fluid transition between indoors and outdoors. This involves bringing the comfort and atmosphere from the living room out onto the patio or balcony. This can be with soft textiles, cushions, or blankets that you bring out on a warm summer evening. I often see customers who want an outdoor lounge where they can relax with a good book from, for example, a Pap Bookcase from Normann Copenhagen, which they keep indoors.
Here, furniture from SACKit with their beanbags and poufs is a good example of comfort that can be brought outside when the weather allows. They are often made from robust materials but are not necessarily designed to stay out in the rain for extended periods. This is also where the details come in. I have seen many people use pots from AYTM, such as the Terra Flowerpot and Torus Flowerpot, to create green oases that connect the outdoor space. These pots can stand both indoors and outdoors and help create a common thread in the decor. It is about creating a space that feels just as cozy and inviting as the living room, but under the open sky.
Lighting plays a huge role in creating the right atmosphere in outdoor living, especially when darkness falls. Just like with furniture, there is a difference between lamps that can stay outside all year and those you bring out for special occasions. For permanent outdoor living, I prefer lamps designed to withstand weather and wind. These can be wall-mounted lamps or floor lamps in robust metal that provide functional light while also creating a cozy atmosphere.
For more flexible solutions, there are many lovely portable lamps that you can take out onto the patio or balcony. They provide a soft and atmospheric light and can be easily moved around as needed. I have seen many use them to create small cozy corners where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Light helps define the space and extend the bright evenings, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor living longer.
For me, it is about finding the balance between the practical and the aesthetic. I have chosen some outdoor furniture in weather-resistant materials that I know can withstand a Danish winter. This gives me peace of mind, knowing I do not have to worry about packing them away when summer ends. At the same time, I have supplemented with soft cushions and blankets that I can bring out when the sun shines, and I want to fully enjoy my outdoor living. It is this combination that truly makes the patio an integrated part of the home, regardless of the season.
For outdoor living in Denmark, materials like powder-coated steel, aluminum, and teak wood are good choices, as they are weather-resistant and can withstand the Danish summer and winter. These materials are designed to endure wind and weather.
You can certainly bring indoor comfort outdoors with items like cushions and blankets. Some furniture is robust enough for short-term outdoor use, but most indoor furniture is not designed to stay outside permanently and should be brought in during bad weather to preserve its durability.
Maintenance of outdoor furniture depends on the material. Teak wood can be oiled to maintain its golden color or left to develop a silver-grey patina. Powder-coated steel and aluminum typically only require a wipe-down. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for optimal durability of your outdoor living items.
When choosing lamps for outdoor living, consider whether they need to stay outside permanently or only be used occasionally. For permanent outdoor living, choose lamps designed for outdoor use that can withstand weather and wind. For flexible outdoor living, portable lamps can create atmosphere and be easily moved in and out.
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