The garden furniture I'd love in my summer garden
Scandi style expert Nicola Capper shares her top tips for choosing outdoor furniture with a Scandi vibe
Whether you’re looking to bring some Scandi style to a city balcony or a rural retreat there’s nothing like new outdoor furniture to put you in the summer mood. But, with so many products to choose from, and so much to consider, getting it right isn’t easy.
Here are my tips for shopping, styling and enjoying Scandi style garden furniture this summer…
* This blog post contains affiliate links - read more about how we work with affiliates here.
1 Start with a few questions
How you plan to use your outdoor space should always be the starting point when investing in new furniture. Do you want your garden to be a place to rest and relax in, or an outdoor room where you want to socialise and entertain? Are you looking to create a personal escape, or somewhere to hang out with the whole family?
2 Get to know your plot
Once you know what moments you want to enjoy, think about when and where you can make them happen. Take note of how the sun travels across your garden at different times of the day, where there's shade, and what will be in full sun – that way, you will find the perfect place to put your purchases.
3 Bigger isn't always better
Selecting the righ garden furniture can transform even the smallest space, so while you shouldn't let the size of your garden dictate your furniture choices, do take the time to measure where you plan to put it, making sure there's enough leg room for everyone to sit comfortably as well as walk around with ease.
 Broste Copenhagen Eden bench, £505, Nordic Nest |
 |
 |
4 Define your Scandi style
Creating a Scandi-inspired garden is all about making a seamless connection between inside and out, with landscaping left natural, the colour scheme neutral, and the furniture chosen simple yet functional. That way the beauty of the plants and the materials used can take centre stage.
5 Materials really do matter
Choosing the right material will ensure your furniture complements both your garden and Scandi sense of style. While wood is always a traditional and timeless choice, metal provides a sleeker, contemporary feel, while if you're looking to embrace the Scandi-rustic look, rattan is the one to pick.
6 Make a statement
With many Scandi brands now offering outdoor versions of their most statement indoor pieces, why not make a statement in your garden too. From Normann Copenhagen's Burra Lounge Chair to Gubi's iconic Beetle Dining Chair, use them as stand-alone pieces of pair with others.
 Clovelly lounge set, £1,995, Cox & Cox |
 |
 |
7 Think about maintenance
Outdoor furniture should be a long-term investment if cared for in the right ways. Apart from washing with a mild soap and water, anything metal is usually low maintenance, wood meanwhile, will need to be sanded and oiled regularly to prolong its appearance and protect it from the elements.
8 Green isn't just a colour
With Ferm Living's much-loved Desert Lounge Chair made from the equivalent of 53 recycled plastic bottles, garden furniture should not only look good but do good too, so be sure to take a closer look at how and where pieces are produced and sourced to ensure you make a sustainable choice.
9 Don't forget about storage
When not in use, it's always wise to store garden furniture away. While a shed or garage is ideal, if you have limited storage, consider foldable or stackable pieces or investing in waterproof and UV-resistant covers to make sure, whatever the weather, your garden furniture will look as good as new season after season.
 Normann Copenhagen Burra outdoor lounge chair, £2,155, Holloways of Ludlow |
 |
 |
10 And most importantly… get cosy
Finally, to give your garden furniture a truly Scandi feel, make it cosy. Add softer detail, such as a few portable rugs, an outdoor rug, lots of lovely cushions and a couple of blankets in case it gets cold.
You're well on the way to enjoying those hyggelig moments with those you love most way after dark.