Summer furniture favourites

We may be facing another summer without international holidays in hot and sunny locales, but that doesn’t mean spending the season indoors. With fun and functional summer furniture setup and a bit of luck (for the weather), you can give your own back garden a refresh that will have you feeling like you’re on the beach in the Mediterranean—well, almost.

So fire up that barbecue, slap on some SPF and your favourite sun hat, and read on for our guide to a successful summer that starts with your garden furniture. 

Inside outdoors

This year’s interiors trends are all about bringing the outside in, with houseplants, green tones, and natural materials giving your living space an outdoorsy look and feel. For your summer furniture and garden styling, reverse that, and use elements of your favourite interior decor styles to inspire your outdoor setup. 

Add throw pillows to your outdoor couch that match the ones on your sofa inside, opt for potted plants that can grow well both on the windowsill and on the patio, or even choose an area rug for beneath your garden set that will complement the one in your front hallway. 

While this trend may require a bit of extra work as you’ll want to move some items indoors when the weather calls for rain, you’ll love having a coordinated look across your indoor and outdoor spaces. 

Hawaii 7 Piece Garden Table and Chairs Set

Going grey

Grey furniture is always on-trend thanks to its chic, contemporary look that pairs well with any decor aesthetic, and there’s no exception when it comes to summer furniture. Grey summer furniture is a reliable classic because it’s easy to style whether you’re setting it in a colourful, flower-filled garden or going for a sleek and simple minimalist setup. 

Light grey summer furniture can bring bright and breezy detail to your outdoor area, while darker grey options add a bit of an edge to your summer setup. A reliable neutral, grey is perfect for pairing with bold accessories, colourful lighting, or anything else you want to add to your summer furniture picks to bring your own personalised style to your outdoor space. 

Costa Rica Grey Rattan Garden Furniture Set

Take it easy

When you’re in the mood to sit outdoors and relax, you want summer furniture that’s ready for lounging without much work. Unlike dainty indoor furniture options that may warrant frequent care and maintenance, the best outdoor pieces are those that stand up to the weather and the test of time. 

Some favourite features of summer furniture for durability are sturdy rattan weave bases, toughened glass tabletops, and UV-, mould-, and stain-resistant fabric for cushions and pillows. Blending these elements in your summer furniture sets ensures that your garden setups will look fresh and new through seasons of use.

Your other outdoor essentials can also offer easy living for summer lounging. For example, artificial grass eliminates the need for seeding, watering, and mowing, and lets you keep a green lawn all summer long. 

Haiti Grey Rattan Furniture 4 Piece Set

Lay (in) an egg

Last year’s trendiest summer furniture type is back. Egg chairs, sometimes also called cocoon chairs, are sure to keep flying off the shelves this summer. In fixed and hanging variations, these chairs are the perfect pairing of charm and comfort. 

Padded with cushions and bolstered with pillows, egg chairs feature woven seat backs that curve around to create a cosy space to sit outdoors and enjoy a good book or simply bask in the sun. And with an array of fun colours to choose from, they’re also a playful way to add a pop of colour to your summer furniture choices. Embrace this trend to make your back garden feel like Bali, or at least Banna Beach. 

All-weather appeal

Who says you can only enjoy your summer furniture when it’s blazingly hot and sunny outside? Last summer, we learned to love our time outdoors, rain or shine, and that trend continues this year with gardens that are ready to enjoy in any weather conditions. 

Irish weather may be famously unpredictable, but you can prepare for anything with the right accessories. An umbrella for your patio table will keep off the rain or the sun, and why not add some snug throws to your outdoor couches so you can relax into the evening. 

For an even cosier solution, add a gas outdoor heater, portable bioethanol fire, or fire pit that will emit warmth across your summer furniture setup. Extend your summer hours with a heat source that will let the warm atmosphere last as long into the night as your great chats over cocktails and barbecues. 

Biomesa Black Freestanding Biofireplace and Umbrella Steel Gas Heater

The days are getting warmer and the nights are getting longer, so there’s no better time to choose summer furniture from Corcoran’s for your garden or patio. Shop our collection online or get in touch to learn about the rest of our range and kit out your garden today to enjoy summer in style. 

Show off your summer favourites! Share your summer setup featuring your Corcoran’s garden furniture using the hashtag #mycorcoran’s on Instagram, or tag us on Facebook. And don’t forget to follow our pages for plenty of summer furniture inspiration!