Decorating
Furniture That Excels, Indoors and Out
Looking to make the most of the winter sun, but worried about the changeable weather? Choose furnishings that work both inside and out
The only thing you can depend on when it comes to our so-called winter climate is its changeability. So rather than invest in chic garden furniture that may not get much use, take a smarter approach and furnish your home with pieces that can be whipped outside as soon as the sun has got its hat on. Say hip hip hooray for these clever, indoor-outdoor gems.
Take a tray
Tray tables are stylish indoors and a useful, practical choice outdoors. Use the tray to transport drinks, food or just the paper and a cuppa outside, then set up the table somewhere close to your lounger and relax.
Bar trolleys: let the good times roll!
Tray tables are stylish indoors and a useful, practical choice outdoors. Use the tray to transport drinks, food or just the paper and a cuppa outside, then set up the table somewhere close to your lounger and relax.
Bar trolleys: let the good times roll!
Celebrate secondhand
Upcycling old furniture is an inexpensive way to create personalised pieces that will then work beautifully both inside and out. After all, when your old dining chair only cost a few dollars, there’s no need to be precious.
Upcycled dining chairs also make a nice alternative to traditional garden furniture. Choose bright shades of outdoor paint to make them stand out in even the most shady garden.
Upcycling old furniture is an inexpensive way to create personalised pieces that will then work beautifully both inside and out. After all, when your old dining chair only cost a few dollars, there’s no need to be precious.
Upcycled dining chairs also make a nice alternative to traditional garden furniture. Choose bright shades of outdoor paint to make them stand out in even the most shady garden.
Seek out metal chairs
Traditional cafe chairs look great indoors, but were, of course, designed for a life outside. Pick up a few folding designs (great for storing away too) or splash out on the classic metal Tolix chair.
Traditional cafe chairs look great indoors, but were, of course, designed for a life outside. Pick up a few folding designs (great for storing away too) or splash out on the classic metal Tolix chair.
Strike a light
Candlelight creates a mellow mood come nightfall. For maximum indoor-outdoor fun, choose hurricane lamps for your candles, or transform old glass jars into tealight holders. The design will protect the flame from the breeze and allow you to use them outside too.
Candlelight creates a mellow mood come nightfall. For maximum indoor-outdoor fun, choose hurricane lamps for your candles, or transform old glass jars into tealight holders. The design will protect the flame from the breeze and allow you to use them outside too.
Roll out some cover
Choose a rug that can work outdoors as well as in. You could pick a rug designed specifically for outdoor use, which will be water-resistant and really tough – you can find lots of lovely designs made from woven recycled plastic. Or simply use an inexpensive woven dhurrie or rag rug to brighten the floor indoors, as well as a terrace or bench seating area outside on dry days.
Choose a rug that can work outdoors as well as in. You could pick a rug designed specifically for outdoor use, which will be water-resistant and really tough – you can find lots of lovely designs made from woven recycled plastic. Or simply use an inexpensive woven dhurrie or rag rug to brighten the floor indoors, as well as a terrace or bench seating area outside on dry days.
Choose multi-tasking pieces
Pick indoor furniture that’s versatile and even ambiguous in design. Are these beautiful wooden pieces coffee tables or stools? Or both? They look gorgeous inside, but would also work well on an outdoor terrace as seating or side tables.
The magic of multi-tasking furniture
Pick indoor furniture that’s versatile and even ambiguous in design. Are these beautiful wooden pieces coffee tables or stools? Or both? They look gorgeous inside, but would also work well on an outdoor terrace as seating or side tables.
The magic of multi-tasking furniture
Bag a bench
Benches provide lots of informal seating and will often tuck under a table, making them space-efficient too. They work beautifully both inside and out.
Benches provide lots of informal seating and will often tuck under a table, making them space-efficient too. They work beautifully both inside and out.
Camp it up
Choose a camping table and benches for your indoor dining room, safe in the knowledge it can all be whizzed outside for an alfresco lunch as soon as the sun comes out. A classic camping table comes with folding top and collapsible benches in wood and metal, and makes a cute, vintage option for a compact space.
TELL US
Can you recommend any versatile indoor-outdoor furniture? Tell us about it in the Comments below.
MORE
Get more ideas for indoor/outdoor living
Choose a camping table and benches for your indoor dining room, safe in the knowledge it can all be whizzed outside for an alfresco lunch as soon as the sun comes out. A classic camping table comes with folding top and collapsible benches in wood and metal, and makes a cute, vintage option for a compact space.
TELL US
Can you recommend any versatile indoor-outdoor furniture? Tell us about it in the Comments below.
MORE
Get more ideas for indoor/outdoor living
Wicker, rattan (pictured here) and Lloyd Loom furniture (which is made with twisted paper, though weatherproof versions are also now available too) are traditional options for both garden and indoor furniture. Invest in new pieces in these materials, or source pre-loved furniture for a more vintage feel. Give a traditional piece a twist by painting it.