When you have a nice outdoor area, it shouldn't go to waste. You should use it as much as possible. Spend your summer nights and days entertaining your friends and family, or just enjoy a cup of coffee on your own. But many homeowners are confused about the furniture arrangements, the materials they should use and the design they should go with. One of the best designs that work perfectly with any outdoor space is the coastal style.

If you want to create an outdoor space that has a breezy feel and is filled with beachy designs, the coastal style is the right choice. This is a design that reflects the natural seaside elements such as sand, sea and sky. It mostly does it through colours and different textures. It consists of casual and comfortable coastal wood furniture, neutral colours and not a lot of accessories.

What Materials to Use?

When you’re choosing the type of material for your outdoor space you should consider a few things. The first thing is the weather conditions. If you have a lot of sunny days and high temperatures, you‘ll need something that can stand up to harmful UV rays. The sun can also cause fading and cracking of your furniture. If you live in a windy area you’ll need something heavier and sturdier.

Rain and moisture can permanently damage your furniture. Moist and humid conditions create the perfect environment for mould, mildew and rot. They can also rust and corrode the metals and cause discolouration. Wood is a very popular outdoor material that has a natural beauty and works perfectly with the coastal design. but not all woods will work.

Hardwoods are sturdier, stronger and will resist weather damage. Teak is one of the most popular choices. it won’t warp, crack or brittle. It has a high natural oil content which makes it water reparent. its lifespan can go up to 50 years if you take care of it properly. It looks gorgeous with its honey-brown appearance and will perfectly compliment your coastal style design.

Wicker is also a choice. There are two types. the first one is made from synthetic polyethylene resin, and the second one comes from organic sources. For your outdoor furniture, the synthetic option is a better choice. Wicker is strong, easy to clean and maintain, very durable and lightweight. Plus, it's recyclable which makes it ecofriendly. the only downside is its weight. it won't stand up to strong winds.

Rattan is a natural material, very similar to bamboo. It's also strong, made of solid wood and very versatile. you can easily change its colours because it's susceptible to stain and varnish. it's also low maintenance and will last for many years. Rattan can be a great addition to your Outdoor space because it embodies the coastal style perfectly.

Of course, you’ll need some fabrics for your cushions or to upholster your chairs, benches, deck chairs, armchairs and other seating options. Acrylic fabric is one of the best choices. It's mould and mildew-resistant, hard to wear and tear, and can stand up to 1,000 hours of damaging UV rays. Olefin is stain and fade-resistant and a good choice for people that are living in rainy areas.

Polyester is also something that’ll work. It's very durable and can resist staining and water damage. It dries very quickly, and you can get in many colours and patterns. But keep it away from the sun. The UV rays can damage it.

What Furniture You’ll Need Outside?

Depending on how you imagine the outdoor area and how much space you have on your patio, garden or backyard, you can choose the coastal wood furniture, its size and location. You can create an outdoor living room where you can relax, read a book or have a cuppa. This includes seating areas such as sofas, deck chairs, rocking chairs or benches. Pair it with a matching coffee table and you get the perfect setting.

You could also do a dining area where you can enjoy meals while enjoying the view. You can choose from a wide array of dining table sets. They come in different sizes so you can accommodate 4, 6, 8 or even 12 people. This depends on the available space you have. To accentuate the coastal vibe, add some light blue or greenish cushions for more comfort. You can place a woven rug underneath, and maybe a few neutral-coloured pots and planters.

If you have a pool or your house is on the beachfront, you’ll need a chaise set. Two chairs and a small coffee table can create the perfect setting where you can tan and enjoy a cocktail. This set usually comes in white or a natural wooden tone. Adding some striped cushions will add to the coastal theme. If you feel like the sun is too much you can always add shade with some umbrellas. Get them in lighter, natural colours. First, because they’ll match the theme, and second, they’ll repel the sun’s rays.

Coastal Style Landscaping

You can’t just leave it to the furniture and duration to get the full coastal style design. Especially if you’re installing it in your garden or backyard. Landscaping can have a big part in creating something unique and pleasant. Pavers can be a good starting point. They can be very practical because you can mark the road towards the seating area or all around the backyard.

This will prevent people from wandering around and going in the wrong direction. But they’re also very aesthetically pleasing. A pop of stone or brick in the middle of the grass is something that reminds us of fairy tales and sweet memories. Adding some greenery is never a bad idea. Australia has a wide range of bushes, trees and flowers you can choose from.

If you want bushes you can go with the coastal rosemary, woolly bush, hebe or diosma. They'll add greenery and a pop of colour. If you want to decorate the walls or the fences you can go with climbing plants such as Hibbertia scandens. It also has large yellow flowers that will accentuate the theme even more. If you want to colour around with some pink, the so-called “pigface” plant will do the trick with its bright pink flowers.