Finding the Right Outdoor Chairs and Benches for Your Space
I've been working with outdoor furniture for years now, and honestly, the right pieces can make or break how you actually use your outdoor space. We've all seen those gorgeous Instagram setups that look amazing but fall apart after one season, right? That's why at HORNE, we focus on pieces that work in real life - not just in photos.
Our outdoor chair and bench collection has grown over time based on what our customers actually want: stuff that looks good, feels comfortable, and doesn't require constant maintenance. Because let's face it, most of us want to relax outside, not spend our weekends refinishing furniture.
Outdoor Chairs That Actually Work
When it comes to modern outdoor chairs, we've learned a lot from customer feedback over the years. The Fermob pieces, especially their bistro furniture, have become some of our best sellers. There's something about those classic French cafe chairs that just works - they're sturdy, they come in great colors, and they make your patio feel instantly more sophisticated.
I'm particularly fond of the Fermob Luxembourg Chair. We had one family buy six of them three years ago, and they still look fantastic. The aluminum construction means they're light enough to move around for different occasions but heavy enough not to blow around in storms.
The Gubi Beetle Chair is a different story altogether - it's more of a statement piece. We've had designers use these in some really stunning outdoor dining setups. They're comfortable enough for long dinner parties (trust me, I've tested this personally), and the design holds up well against different backdrop styles.
A few standouts that keep customers coming back:
- Those Fermob bistro pieces - seriously, they're like the little black dress of outdoor furniture
- Gubi designs that somehow manage to be both striking and practical
Benches for Gathering (and Everything Else)
Outdoor benches are tricky because they need to serve multiple purposes. Sometimes you want them for extra seating during parties, other times they're just part of the landscape design. We work with Sika Design and Cane Line because they get this balance.
The Sika Design Sofie Bench has this handcrafted feel that you don't see much anymore. It's light enough that I can move it around my own garden easily, but it doesn't feel flimsy. The Scandinavian influence shows in the clean lines, but it's not so minimal that it feels cold.
I'm also a big fan of the Cane Line Breeze Bench. We placed one in our showroom last year, and it's become the spot where people naturally sit when they're browsing. That says something about its comfort level and visual appeal.
The Sustainability Factor (Because It Matters)
More and more, our customers care about where their furniture comes from and how it's made. Ferm Living has been doing interesting work with sustainable materials lately. It's not just about looking good anymore - people want to feel good about their purchases too.
Pieces We Stand Behind
Here are some favorites that consistently get great feedback:
The Fermob Luxembourg Chair shows up in so many of our customer photos that it's almost embarrassing how popular it is. But there's a reason - it works with everything from traditional gardens to ultra-modern rooftop spaces.
For pure relaxation, the Cane Line Nest Lounge Chair hits different. I spent an entire Saturday afternoon in one last summer, and I didn't want to get up. It's one of those pieces that makes you actually want to spend time outside.
The Gubi Outdoor Dining Chair is what I'd call a "conversation starter." We've had couples debate over this one because one person loves how bold it is, and the other worries it's too much. Usually, they end up buying it anyway.
Putting It All Together
The best outdoor spaces feel lived-in, not like a showroom. We often suggest adding tables, maybe a sofa, sometimes even a fire pit to create different zones. The key is choosing pieces that complement each other without being too matchy-matchy. Some of our most successful customer spaces mix different brands and styles.
Why Choose HORNE?
Look, we're not the biggest furniture store around, but we know outdoor furniture. We use these pieces ourselves, we get feedback from customers who've had them for years, and we're pretty picky about what we carry.
Your outdoor space should work as hard as your indoor spaces. Whether you're hosting dinner parties or just want a nice spot for morning coffee, the right furniture makes all the difference.
Come check out our collection - we're happy to talk through what might work best for your specific situation. Every outdoor space is different, and sometimes it helps to talk through the options with someone who's seen it all.