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Furnishing a cozy area in your garden or terrace can add a room to your home that will likely become your favorite. In the fast pace of daily life, a relaxation space in our garden is a valuable retreat where we can find serenity and well-being. In this article, I will show you how to create a garden lounge area using the right fabrics for every situation to create a welcoming environment, just as I did at home!
Designing a Garden Relaxation Area
First, identify the best area to create your paradise corner: evaluate the sun exposure, wind, and privacy from prying eyes. If the space is large enough, you can furnish your garden with a seating area featuring sofas and armchairs, and also include a table and chairs for outdoor dining. If you want to enjoy both settings but lack the space, here are two possible solutions: 1. Arrange a sofa area with a table about 55 cm high in the center, allowing you to create both a lounge and a casual dining area. 2. Use a traditional dining table surrounded by armchairs with armrests, offering comfort similar to that of real armchairs rather than classic chairs. In both cases, the choice of fabrics will play a crucial role, not only defining the style of your outdoor area but also making maintenance easier.
Choosing the Right Materials: Natural or Technical Fabrics?
Selecting the right fabrics is essential to ensure your lounge area is both welcoming and durable. When choosing fabrics for your outdoor space, consider whether the area is protected from the elements. If you have or plan to install a canopy or awning, you can opt for a wide range of materials, not necessarily specific to outdoor use. If the area is covered and protected from rain, sun, and wind, you can choose natural fabrics like cotton or linen. These materials allow air to circulate, keeping cushions and seats cool even on hot days, and are easy to clean and maintain. Linen is particularly durable, becoming softer over time. Its natural texture adds a touch of rustic elegance to any environment, and it has hypoallergenic properties, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. However, if your outdoor area is exposed to rain or strong sunlight, it’s best to choose outdoor fabrics with a water-repellent treatment.
Furnishing the Lounge Area
A well-furnished lounge area with comfortable and functional furniture can transform your garden into an outdoor living room. Here are some materials and styles for garden furniture:
- Natural Rattan: Elegant and refined but should be placed under cover to ensure longevity. Synthetic rattan versions are also available and are nearly indistinguishable from the natural variety.
- Teak: Extremely durable wood that improves with age. Teak furniture can be left outside year-round with minimal maintenance.
- Outdoor Plastic and Steel: Very durable and often used for designer furniture.
Choose weather-resistant sofas and armchairs, possibly made of resin, enriched with linen or cotton cushions for added comfort. The choice of fabrics for your outdoor furniture will both protect and enhance the decor, making the space inviting and relaxing. Opt for treated outdoor fabrics if your relaxation area is completely exposed. Atmosphere is essential for a proper lounge area. Soft lighting from lanterns and string lights creates an intimate and cozy environment. Decorative accessories like natural fiber rugs and scented insect-repellent candles add warmth and personality, inviting you to spend pleasant evenings outdoors.
Style Ideas for the Relaxation Area
feel at ease. Consulting a skilled landscaper can yield surprising results and sometimes avoid unnecessary and short-lived expenses. A professional can create a project that harmonizes greenery and furnishings, carefully considering sun exposure and other factors crucial for plant health and the final result of your lounge area. If you prefer to do it yourself, start by imagining different styles, each attractive for a well-maintained garden.
Eclectic Style
The eclectic or boho-chic style is perfect for those who love a relaxed and creative environment, where furniture style, fabric choices, and plant selection seem to be the result of a time-collected assortment of elements unified by a creative and relaxed spirit. To create this, combine ethnic, vintage, and natural elements for a unique and cozy space. For example, pair reclaimed wrought iron furniture with wicker or wooden pieces. Fabrics will play a key role in tying various elements together or adding order to the well-planned chaos. Choose vibrant colors or bold patterns for cushions to unify mismatched furniture. For shading, consider installing striped canopies in matching colors or monochrome umbrellas.
Fabrics and Decorations
Use cheerful, wide stripes reminiscent of beach umbrellas in vibrant, modern colors. Alternatively, use vintage hemp or white linen to create a cohesive and elegant look, easy to bleach in the washing machine.
Plants and Pots
Choose diverse plants that coexist harmoniously, such as bamboo for an exotic touch or philodendron for decorative foliage.
Flooring
Natural wood or stone flooring can complete the boho effect, adding authenticity and warmth. If installing new flooring is not feasible, opt for outdoor rugs made of natural fibers or recycled plastic in colorful weaves.
Contemporary Minimalist Style
Minimalist style is characterized by simplicity and clean lines, focusing on high-quality design elements. This approach creates a serene and orderly environment, ideal for those seeking tranquility and order.
Fabrics and Decorations: Choose clean lines, neutral colors, and few decorative elements. Cushions in shades like white, gray, black, and beige create a sophisticated, sober, and elegant look. You can also introduce a primary color like red for contrast.
Plants : Select plants with geometric and clean shapes, such as boxwood, sansevieria, or ficus elastica. These plants maintain a tidy and refined appearance. Monochromatic blooms, such as white, can be paired with polished concrete or light wood flooring.
Rustic Style
The rustic style is ideal for those who love a warm and welcoming environment inspired by nature and traditional Northern European homes. Consider incorporating a large fire pit surrounded by armchairs for autumn gatherings, roasting marshmallows, and sipping mulled wine.
- Fabrics and Decorations : Opt for raw materials like wood, stone, and iron, with cushions in rough linen and metal details. Chunky knit rugs and covers add warmth and comfort.
- Plants : Choose plants like rosemary and lavender for their decorative and fragrant qualities. Ivy and ferns can create a lush green environment year-round.
- Plants and Flooring : Regardless of the chosen style, consider plants and flooring carefully to create a harmonious and functional lounge area. Select plants that fit the desired aesthetic and are suitable for your garden’s climate. Flooring should be durable and easy to maintain, ensuring comfort and longevity
Maintenance of Treated Outdoor Fabrics
Treated outdoor fabrics, like those in our collections, offer great resistance and practicality with minimal care. Always clean the table or garden furniture before placing your fabrics on them. Stain-resistant fabrics are water-repellent and have a completely stain-proof side. The treated side should face up, and the softer side down. Never leave your garden tablecloths exposed to strong sunlight or rain, even if they are waterproof. Clean them thoroughly after each use and let them dry completely before folding and storing them in a dry, protected place. Wash them on a delicate cycle with mild soaps as needed and iron on the reverse side with a hot iron if necessary.
Maintenance of Natural Fabrics
To preserve the beauty of natural fabrics, regular maintenance is essential. Wash cushions and covers according to the manufacturer’s instructions and protect them with waterproof covers during winter. Store them in large PVC wicker-like containers or use plastic sheets for temporary protection. Always clean the furniture before placing the fabrics on them.