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Natural Oasis: How to Create Relaxing Outdoor Spaces

Woman in hammock next to Bink table

Did you know? One study found that the average American spends roughly . This can be out of necessity, convenience, or simply because we enjoy the comforts of the indoors 鈥� but venturing outside comes with many benefits too. Namely, is associated with increased energy, improved mental health, more restful sleep, and even (for children) better vision.

You don鈥檛 need to travel to the wilderness to reap these benefits either 鈥� it can be as simple as stepping out into your own backyard. Relaxing, eating, or hosting gatherings outdoors are great ways to get in touch with nature, bond with others, and enjoy life more. This is especially true if the design, furnishings, and decor of your outdoor space make it feel like your personal oasis.

With the exciting addition of Copenhagen鈥檚 outdoor furniture and accessories collection, it鈥檚 easier than ever to create stylish and functional setups for your patio, deck, poolside, and more. Below is our guide on what to consider when designing outdoor spaces, featuring tips and recommendations from Victoria Avella, store manager of Copenhagen Gilbert.

Function & Layout

Consider how you want to use your outdoor area and what kinds of activities you envision doing there. Perhaps you dream of hosting dinner parties or barbecues with lots of guests, or maybe you simply crave a quiet spot to read. Your intended function will guide you when deciding what kind of furnishings to buy and how to place them. For instance, setting up a table and chairs close to your back door will be more convenient for bringing food or supplies from inside to outside, while a lounge chair in a shady, distant corner can feel more private and escapist.

Existing outdoor features will also influence how your furnishings are laid out. If you have a pool, grill, or shade trees, it makes sense to set up your outdoor living area around these spots where people naturally congregate. Also, take note of where light and shade fall at different times of the day, and how that might help or hinder your activities. If you have a lot of space to work with, you may enjoy creating different zones, like a dining area, a lounging corner, a play zone for kids or pets, or a place for outdoor leisure activities like ping-pong, cornhole, or dancing.

Materials & Style

When shopping for outdoor furniture, Avella emphasizes the importance of high-quality pieces that are durable and suited for your particular climate. For the sun and heat of Southwestern states like Arizona and Texas, she recommends UV-protected materials resistant to cracking, fading, and other damage. 鈥淚 love our new outdoor furniture by HOUE of Denmark,鈥� she enthuses. 鈥淭he chairs are made of UV-protected plastic and rust-resistant powder-coated metal, and the tables feature durable and sustainable bamboo.鈥�

If you live in a rainy and windy climate, make sure your outdoor furnishings can resist damage from water and rust, as well as being sturdy enough to not blow away. For cold climates, furniture may need to be put in indoor storage during winter to prolong its life. Furniture covers are also a good idea for protection against the elements.

In terms of aesthetics for your outdoor area, think of colors, materials, and shapes that harmonize with your natural landscape or with other features of your outdoor space. For example, if you live in the desert, you may like warm earth tones and stone finishes 鈥� or pops of brighter color. Avella also adds that your outdoor design scheme should be an extension of, or complement to, your indoor style. 鈥淚f your home is more contemporary, you can transition easily to the outdoors with our HOUE pieces, which have a clean, modern look,鈥� she says.

Environment & Ambiance

For hot climates, shade is essential, providing cover from the sun and adding a touch of coolness that facilitates relaxation. Creating shade can be as simple as placing outdoor furniture so that it stands in your home鈥檚 shadow at the right time of day. Trees are an excellent source of shade from Mother Nature, but you can also use structures like outdoor umbrellas or shade sails. If you want a more luxurious option, you can splurge on a gazebo or pergola to add a resort-like feel to your yard.

Depending on the season and time of day you plan to be outdoors, you may need to take measures to keep bugs away 鈥� the relaxing ambiance of a summer evening can quickly be ruined by mosquitoes. Take a proactive approach by eliminating sources of standing water, mowing tall grass, and clearing piles of yard debris, as these can be breeding grounds for insects. Citronella lamps, bug zappers, and insect traps are also helpful. If you鈥檙e serving food, consider using clear dish covers to keep out flies and other critters.

Lighting is important to consider if you plan to go outdoors at night. For example, solar-powered lamps are a smart choice for sunny regions. Outdoor-friendly string lights and hanging lanterns can add a magical or whimsical vibe, while candles, housed in a container like the Sculpt or Gem vase, can feel cozy and romantic. Avella recommends the Beckham, Nicolas, and Zayden lamps for outdoor-friendly lighting 鈥� 鈥淭hey鈥檙e all cordless, dimmable, and resistant to splashing water, so you can place them by the pool without worrying.鈥� Finally, if you want to splurge, you can invest in an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, which will make your space hospitable on chilly winter nights as well.

Dining & Lounging

鈥淚n Arizona, we tend to eat outdoors a lot,鈥� Avella notes. 鈥淟uckily, building an outdoor dining setup is quite easy with Copenhagen鈥檚 stylish selections.鈥� The Four Dining Table has a minimalist form with a bamboo top that adds natural beauty and a touch of warmth. Or make a unique statement with the Circle Dining Table, featuring bamboo planks that radiate outward from a granite center that鈥檚 ideal for placing hot serving dishes. Both go seamlessly with the Click Dining Chairs, available in vibrant multicolor or special orderable in every shade of the rainbow. Add a mobile bar cart to keep drinks or snacks in easy reach for guests.

For lounging areas, invest in comfortable seating that keeps your body supported through long and languid relaxation sessions. For instance, the Click Lounge Chair and Footrest have ergonomic designs with flexible plastic lamellas 鈥� or go a step further and indulge in the soothing motion of the Click Rocking Chair. If you love the motion of rocking, a porch swing or hammock can be another solid investment for bringing laid-back vibes to your yard.

Don鈥檛 forget occasional tables for setting down your beverage, snack, or book. 鈥淭he Eyelet Tray Table has a light and compact design that鈥檚 so much fun,鈥� Avella says. 鈥淚ts drain system also lets water escape, so you don鈥檛 have to worry about leaving it outside during a rain shower.鈥� The Bink Media Table is suitable for limited outdoor use, making it a truly versatile piece whether you鈥檙e working from your couch or reading by your pool.

Accessories, Decor, & More

Round out your outdoor space with accessories that add flair. 鈥淚 love the Folk vases and bowls,鈥� says Avella. 鈥淭hey have bright, fun colors that make them perfect as a centerpiece for your table, especially filled with flowers or fruit.鈥� The Folk Reverse Bowl has a particularly clever design that lets it function as either a standard bowl or an elevated display platter. For dining setups, the colors and patterns of your dinnerware, placemats, and napkins are another opportunity to show off your style.

Outdoor throw pillows and rugs can go a long way in adding comfort and coziness. Copenhagen offers the Adonic Mist and Ash Melange outdoor rugs, available in earthy brown and neutral grey color options. These rugs also feature a reversible construction and are woven from 100% recycled polyester for a durable, sustainable choice.

Looking for outdoor decor that鈥檚 off the beaten path? You may love our selection of indoor/outdoor aluminum sculptures. Add subtle accents with small sculptures like Happy Climbing Man or Biola Woman or make a striking statement with a life-size piece like Walking Horse or Swim Swallow, sure to be a conversation starter.

If you鈥檙e passionate about outdoor aesthetics, you can make your space even more special by planting a garden, upgrading your landscaping, or adding water features. Depending on your interests, other ideas include building an outdoor wellness space for yoga or meditation or setting up an outdoor cinema with a projector and a blank wall.

Whether you鈥檙e dining al fresco or cooling off by the pool, outdoor spaces offer a world of enjoyment right in your backyard. Browse our outdoor furniture collection online or in-store for inspiration on creating your own natural getaway close to home.