Short as it may be, the summer season offers a welcome cue to slow our pace and savour the longer, warmer days. And while there are plenty of activities to pass the time, there is sometimes nothing more appealing than a lazy day in the sun. Whether watching the world go by from your balcony or lounging by the pool, we’ve rounded up five outdoor collections to do it in style.

1

Dream View Bench by Muuto

Muuto’s latest launch was one of the most memorable we encountered during 3daysofdesign. Scattered across the rooftop of the brand’s Copenhagen HQ, the sculptural stainless-steel Dream View benches were a sight to behold — and encouraged a moment of pause amidst the bustle of the design fair. And this was exactly the intent of designer Lise Vester, who devised the seat to allow the optimal position for gazing upwards at the sky. “This beauty – and these small moments of appreciation – are often overlooked in the rush of daily life,” Vester explains. “I wanted to create a design that draws the viewer’s gaze upward, curating moments of focus and daydreaming while gazing.”

To determine the ideal form of the backrest, Vester mapped the curvature of her own posture in the sand, which she then translated into a Styrofoam prototype, which she tested on family members of different heights. For the final product, she elected to use brushed stainless steel, which would reflect back the beauty of nature, in line with her belief in sensory design as a tool to improve well-being. Available in two widths — 60 and 100 centimetres — the bench can sit one or two. While the former offers a place for quiet self-reflection, the latter encourages intimate social interaction. Equal parts furniture and sculpture, Dream View offers a fresh take on a time-worn typology.

2

Buddy Oasi by Pedrali

As is signature Pedrali, the Buddy Oasi series of seating brings playful forms and a pop of colour to the great outdoors. Launched at Salone del Mobile in 2024, the furnishings collection is comprised of generously sized pouffes and sofas that place chunky, organic volumes, made of injected polyurethane foam, atop spindly metal legs. Moveable backrests, each with a ballast and non-slip fabric base, can be positioned in multiple configurations on each seat. Available in two heights and multiple sizes, the collection offers myriad design possibilities. Its waterproof lining and removable fabric cover make it both durable and easy to maintain for outdoor use, but its versatile design language is also right at home in a variety of interior settings, from collaborative workspaces to lounge areas and everything in between.

3

Embrace Outdoor Lounge Series by Carl Hansen & Søn

Another 3daysofdesign standout, the Embrace Outdoor Lounge Series held pride of place on Carl Hansen & Søn’s rooftop terrace. Originally designed by EOOS for indoor use back in 2016, the seating collection has been revamped for the outdoors with a durable untreated FSC-certified teak frame, which will patina over time, and a contrasting hand-woven flat rope back and armrest in dark charcoal. The cushions, meanwhile, are all made from quick-dry foam and upholstered in weather-resistant Agora Life textiles, available in range of neutral hues inspired by the Scandinavian landscape. Seven standard modules can be combined to create configurations from two- to four-seaters, with optional chaise lounges and table platforms. A standalone low-profile lounge table rounds out the collection, comprised of 43 pieces that form a daisy formation atop its steel frame, which rests on a solid wood base. Together, they make for a sculptural and sophisticated addition to any outdoor setup.

4

Settle In Outdoor Deck Chair by Sundays

For condo and apartment dwellers, outdoor space often comes at a premium. Luckily, Canadian furniture brand Sundays offers solutions that suit spaces of all sizes. Take the Settle In Outdoor Deck Chair, which effortlessly folds up into a compact form when not in use, making for easy storage during the long winter season. But for all its functionality, this design doesn’t sacrifice style. An updated take on the retro sling chair, the design boasts an elegant, timeless silhouette made of high-quality materials, including solid teak and Sundays’ custom Sunbrella fabric, made of 100 per cent acrylic canvas that is both waterproof and UV resistant. Its adjustable back and customizable headrest make for a comfortable sitting experience for all users. With two sizes and four colourways to choose from — classic Canvas, as well as striped options in Black, Tan and Scarlet — the Settle In Outdoor Deck Chair is the perfect balcony companion.

5

Urban Canopee Corolle by Maglin Site Furniture

In the summer months, public spaces come alive as people take to the streets to enjoy all the city has to offer. But as global temperatures rise, worsening the urban heat island effect, carving out comfortable outdoor spaces has proven an ongoing challenge. Enter Maglin Site Furniture’s Urban Canopee Corolle, a hybrid system that introduces both greenery and much-needed shade into the urban realm, with a shade range of up to 8 metres in diameter. Crafted from lightweight, flexible fiberglass, the canopy’s frame is wrapped in climbing plants that naturally filter the air — and provide a habitat for pollinators and other creatures, supporting biodiversity in the city. The result is a tree-like effect that can be achieved even where traditional planting isn’t feasible, thanks to moveable options that are suitable for paved streets and plazas. When paired with Maglin’s Ogden circular bench or Integrated Bar Height Tables, the Urban Canopee Corolle can be transformed into a full-blown social hub.

Available with three adaptable bases — Standard (Mini and Large, surface mounted), Contrario (freestanding) and Olympus (surface mounted) — in 16 powdercoated colourways, including metallic, neutral and bright hues, the collection can be customized to suit any outdoor setting. And with its rust-proof coating and UV-, impact- and corrosion-resistant finishes, it is also ready to take on the elements.