Finally enjoying the sun in the garden or on the balcony again! We feel even more at home outdoors when the outdoor area is just as beautiful and cozy as our indoor spaces. Even if garden furniture is usually only actually used for a few weeks a year, it is worth investing in high-quality, durable and sustainably manufactured products. This way we can enjoy our outdoor furniture for more than one season and enjoy the beautiful weather in style and sustainability.
So that you know what is particularly popular this year, we present the most important outdoor furniture trends for 2024 as well as the best brands for sustainable garden furniture in our guide.
The outdoor furniture trends for 2024
Cozy, natural and functional - this year's trends in garden furniture reflect the growing desire for connection with nature, simplicity and slowing down. These are the top 5 garden furniture trends for 2024:
1. Pure nature
Whether wood, rattan or bamboo - natural materials are on the rise. The new trendy furniture for the garden area scores with a neutral color palette that soothes the eye and blends seamlessly into the surroundings. Furniture with a rustic, untreated look that highlights the natural beauty of the materials is particularly popular.
Source & Copyright by Jotex
2. Lounging
Spacious lounge furniture will offer plenty of space to relax in summer 2024. Modular Sofa systems, which can be divided into individual elements as required, combined to form a seating group or a large lounge area. This allows us to design our outdoor area completely individually - regardless of whether we want to make ourselves comfortable alone with a good book or relax with friends.
3. Outdoor dining
Cooking and enjoying in the open air! Outdoor kitchens are one of the must-haves for the garden area in 2024. Whether it's a fully equipped cooking island or a small barbecue area - the new outdoor cooking solutions are perfect for preparing fresh food directly outdoors and celebrating food together with our loved ones.
Source & Copyright by Jotex
4. Multifunctionality
One for all: Garden furniture with multiple functions, such as benches with integrated storage options or tables that can be converted into loungers, are becoming increasingly popular because they save space and are versatile, for example on small balconies in the city. These clever solutions also help to keep things tidy outdoors.
5. Colorful eye-catchers
In addition to the classic natural tones, strong Colors on trend. Whether bright turquoise blue, sunny yellow or warm orange - colorful eye-catchers such as colorful cushions or lamps create a beautiful contrast to muted tones and give the outdoor design an individual touch.
Source & Copyright by Jotex
What makes sustainable garden furniture?
Just like furniture for our Interior Sustainable garden furniture is characterized by the use of environmentally friendly, recycled or renewable materials and is produced under fair working conditions. In addition, it is particularly important for outdoor furniture to be durable and weatherproof so that it can withstand sun, rain and temperature fluctuations. After use, it should be possible to recycle or compost it, which keeps its ecological footprint low.
Materials of sustainable garden furniture
Not every material is equally suitable for outdoor use. For garden furniture to be truly sustainable, it should be made from renewable or recyclable materials. Below we have listed some of the most popular sustainable materials for outdoor furniture with their advantages and disadvantages:
- Wood:
- Advantages: Renewable, natural, durable, diverse optics (e.g. teak, acacia wood, eucalyptus)
- Disadvantages: Can turn grey or become brittle if not cared for properly
- Rattan and bamboo:
- Advantages: Fast growing, biodegradable, robust
- Disadvantages: Fades in strong sunlight and is sensitive to moisture
- Recycled plastic:
- Advantages: Environmentally friendly, durable, easy to maintain, diverse design options
- Disadvantages: Can fade in strong UV radiation
- Aluminium:
- Advantages: Durable, weather-resistant, easy to clean, recyclable, rust-proof
- Disadvantages: Heats up a lot in the sun
When purchasing, you should also pay attention to certificates and seals to ensure that the materials actually come from sustainable sources and have been processed under environmentally friendly and fair conditions.
Source & Copyright by Jotex
How do you properly care for outdoor furniture?
Sustainable garden furniture is an investment in quality and durability. To maintain its appearance and functionality for many years, it is important to properly care for outdoor furniture. These tips can help:
- wooden furniture:
- Clean regularly with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth.
- Impregnate untreated wood once a year with wood preservative oil or glaze.
- Store in a dry place during winter.
- Rattan and bamboo furniture:
- Remove small dirt with a soft brush.
- Treat once a year with a special care oil.
- Do not place in direct sunlight to avoid fading.
- Plastic furniture:
- Wipe regularly with a mild soap solution and a damp cloth.
- A gentle scouring agent helps against stubborn stains.
- Do not expose colored furniture to the sun for too long.
- Aluminium furniture:
- Clean regularly with warm water and a mild detergent.
- Do not use hard brushes or sponges as they can scratch the material.
- For a fresh shine, apply polish once a year.
In addition to these care tips, it is advisable to store the garden furniture indoors when not in use or in winter, or at least to cover it to protect it from the elements. Cushions and pads should also be stored in a dry place to prevent mold from forming. This way we can extend the life of our garden furniture, making it a truly sustainable purchase.
The 5 best brands for sustainable outdoor furniture
Ecological and aesthetic: Here we have compiled the 5 best brands for sustainable outdoor furniture, which are characterized by high ecological standards, innovative designs and long-lasting quality.
Top 5 brands for sustainable garden furniture:
- WYE
- Jotex
- Loll Designs
- Ferm Living
- yardbird
1. WYE
The German label WYE is a real pioneer in sustainable furniture production. The brand has developed the innovative, recyclable material Neolign, which is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. This consists of 83% wood chips, a byproduct of the wood industry, and a polymer. No new trees are felled for production, instead waste materials are given new life through upcycling. WYE also attaches great importance to social responsibility and produces under fair working conditions in Europe.
Brand origin: Weilheim, Germany
Key Facts: innovative, pollutant-free and recyclable material Neolign
Where to buy: wye-design.com
Source & Copyright by WYE
2. Jotex
Scandi design in the open air: The Swedish brand Jotex specializes in sustainable outdoor furniture that is durable and weatherproof. Whether lounge furniture, garden tables or parasols - here you will find a large selection of furniture and matching accessories for the outdoors. Durable materials such as aluminum, wood or recycled plastics are mainly used. Jotex attaches great importance to environmentally friendly procurement and ethical production conditions.
Brand origin: Boras, Sweden
Key Facts: FSC/PEFC certified wood, recycled plastic, organic cotton
Where to buy: jotex.de
Source & Copyright by Jotex
3. Loll Designs
Modern style with sustainability: Loll Designs from the USA manufactures sustainable, durable and weather-resistant garden furniture from recycled polyethylene (HDPE). This consists of post-consumer plastic, such as recycled milk packaging, as well as industrial waste. Each product is 100% recyclable, and the brand also offers the option of sending discarded parts back for recycling. All raw materials come from local suppliers to minimize the carbon footprint.
Brand origin: Duluth, USA
Key Facts: Partner of 1% For The Planet and Cradle to Cradle certified
Where to buy: lolldesigns.com
Source & Copyright by Loll Designs
4. Ferm Living
At Ferm Living, environmental awareness meets Danish coziness. The brand has introduced a "Responsible" line made from recycled and sustainable materials such as PET yarn made from reclaimed plastic or FSC-certified wood. The furniture is easy to assemble and disassemble and is manufactured to such a high quality that we can enjoy it for a long time.
Brand origin: Copenhagen, Denmark
Key Facts: “Responsible” line made from recycled materials and partly GOTS, Organic Blended or FSC certified
Where to buy: fermliving.com
Source & Copyright by Ferm Living
5. Yardbird
The sustainable garden furniture from the US brand Yardbird is 100% recyclable and is made using plastic that was obtained from collected beach and marine waste in the Philippines. Yardbird's outdoor furniture also scores points for its durability, as only rust-proof aluminum and extra-durable Sunbrella fabric are used. The label also offsets 100% of its CO2 emissions via CarbonFund.org.
Brand origin: Richfield, USA
Key Facts: Use of ocean plastic and 100% CO2 compensation
Where to buy: yardbird.com
Source & Copyright by Yardbird
Conclusion: Sustainable garden furniture in harmony with nature
Green living in the open air: In the outdoor sector, the trend is increasingly moving towards naturalness and sustainability. Renewable and recyclable materials such as wood, rattan, bamboo or recycled plastic and aluminum are not only popular, but also score points with their positive environmental impact. When purchasing new garden furniture, it is particularly worthwhile to invest in environmentally friendly alternatives, as these are manufactured with a focus on longevity. They are usually of higher quality than conventional outdoor furniture and thus accompany us through the summer months in style and comfort for many years.
