With glorious weather forecast well into next week, as well as a bank holiday to enjoy, safe to say I’m hoping to spend as much time as possible alfresco. And, as someone who loves their gardening just as much as their interiors, when it comes to choosing the right outdoor furniture, I always turn to my favourite brands for inspiration.
With a climate not too dissimilar to here in the UK, you know whatever Nordic name you choose it will be made with durability and longevity in mind. This, coupled with a timeless sense of style, each and every product is guaranteed to look just as good on a city centre balcony as it does in a rural retreat.
So, if you need some help choosing what outdoor furniture to invest in this summer, I’ve rounded up my five favourite collections for 2025, including some you’ll find in my own garden too.
Pelagus collection from Fritz Hansen
It was while visiting the Fritz Hansen headquarters last year that I first learnt about the new additions to the Pelagus collection. Inspired by the Stockholm archipelago, which is also home to their creators, Note Design Studio, designer, Susanna Wåhlin explained how these forward-looking pieces take their visual reference from the nautical culture of the Swedish capital, while the restrained combination of solid teak and powder-coated aluminium ensures they resonate gracefully within their environment too.
With stackable counter stools, finished in ‘Hunter Green’ or ‘Light Ivory,’ for 2025 there are also four new table sizes available as well. Comfortably seating two to four diners, they are perfect for morning coffees or evening sundowners, while the circular café-style, even has a hook underneath for hanging coats and bags on.
Palissade collection from HAY
It probably comes as no surprise to hear that the instantly recognisable Palissade collection from HAY is one of the brands biggest selling products. Conceived by Paris-based brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec ten years ago, this summer their modern-day classic is available for the first time in a soft yet striking ‘Cream White’.
And, if that wasn’t enough, there is now a new ‘Cord’ finish to choose from too. Retaining the same design language as the original, the recycled polyester cord is actually handwoven onto the steel frame adding a more relaxed feel. Available in the same five colours as the existing Palissade products, which one will be arriving in your garden?
May collection from New Works
This season, leading German-Swiss design duo Hannes & Fritz, have added a beautiful bench and two cosy bistro tables to their May collection for New Works. Designed to pair with existing pieces, as well as expand the combination of possibilities to best suit your space, this understated and elegant series embodies the brands paired-back aesthetic perfectly.
Influenced by the hues of nature, I personally love the thoughtfully selected dark green and light grey powder coated finishes, as well as the neat slit that is repeated throughout the collection as a unifying design detail. Cleverly created for water drainage it means that whatever the weather you can sit and enjoy your outdoor space in comfort.
Vig collection from Normann Copenhagen
As I write this post, I am in fact awaiting the delivery of four Vig dining chairs for my own garden. Designed by Simon Legald, I first saw this outdoor collection in the Normann Copenhagen courtyard last summer. Proving just what a success this series has been, a dining bench and stool have now also been added, and like the rest of the Vig family, these new pieces maintain the clean lines and welcoming expression we’ve all fallen in love with.
Coming in double powder coated black or dark green to withstand even the heaviest of use, there is also the added option of mixing the metal with Robinia wood, which is renowned for its exceptional strength, weather resistance and minimal maintenance.
Ville collection from &Tradition
As a huge Anderssen & Voll fan I’m thrilled to see this Oslo-based design duo’s Ville collection expand this year. First launched by &Tradition in 2023, the new lounge chairs, stools and coffee table once again combine their optically light, latticed textile look with a solid steel base.
Coming in either ‘Warm Black’ or ‘Bronze Green’, shades that were chosen by the designers to complement the earthy tones found in soil, grass and foliage, these latest additions also incorporate a touch of teak in both the armrests and tabletops, providing warm touchpoints for users, plus if even more comfort and support is required you’ll be glad to hear that there are also complimentary seat pads and cushions available too made from 50% recycled, water repellent, acrylic fabric.
So, which is your favourite outdoor furniture collection for 2025? You’ll find more details of the products shown on their individual websites.
All images courtesy of the brands featured.
Enjoyed reading this post? Then find even more outdoor furniture inspiration in my chat with Karl Lindqvist, CEO at Swedish brand Grythyttan Stålmöbler for 30 years.
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