Decorating & Design

April 4, 2012

Mix & Match Outdoor Furniture

My 12-year-old faux-teak outdoor furniture from one of my favourite stores, Caban (still so sad it’s gone) has finally bit the dust. The recent mild weather has got me thinking I’d better sort out a new plan soon. Don’t you find outdoor furniture disappears from stores before the snow is even gone? The sales seem to be on, so I’d love to take advantage! Not sure about you, but I like to mix up the table style from the chair style. Here are a few items I’ve been considering:

The West Elm Jardine dining table is super. I love the driftwood colour of the wood and trestle base. It can expand to 100″ long to accommodate a big group.

This is a classic Parsons-style table from Restoration Hardware. The teak will develop that silver-grey patina over time, which I love. And the lines are so simple and clean. A four-legged table means nobody will have any awkward legs to deal with when pulling up their chair. Unfortunately, I think this one is out of my budget, but I still like to look at it!

This is a new outdoor dining table by Pottery Barn called the Abbott — a sophisticated version of the old picnic table. The galvanized zinc tabletop is apparently naturally rust resistant and very durable. I like how it contrasts with the wood (eucalyptus) base. It has a nice chunky, solid look to it.

As for chairs, I like mixing and matching. This wishbone-style Dexter chair is from West Elm, and I think it’s amazing. The only issue for me is that the website refers to the wood as being “weather-resistant”. I need my chairs to last a while — and that makes me a bit nervous. Have to think about this one…

I was at Crate & Barrel over the weekend and saw this “wicker” Summerlin Armchair. I sat in it and fell in love — it’s super comfy. I love the look of some of the quirkier looking chairs out there, but when you’re sitting in one all night, comfort is important, too! This is a top contender for me. It’s likely the most durable with regards to weather, given it’s made out of resin.

I also saw this great Ming chair at Crate & Barrel. Appropriate for outdoor use (the metal chair has a high-gloss powdercoat finish), this was what I was imagining in my backyard all along. Originally I wanted some fun, colourful chairs and these ones certainly fit the bill!

To get you excited about summer, view these Tropical-Inspired Outdoor Spaces.

Photo credits:
1. Jardine Dining Table, West Elm
2. 84″ Parsons Dining Table, Restoration Hardware
3. Abbott Zinc Top Rectangular Fixed Dining Table, Pottery Barn
4. Dexter Chair, West Elm
5. Summerlin Armchair, Crate & Barrel
6. Ming Chair, Crate & Barrel