"Luxury is in each detail." – Hubert de Givenchy
When it comes to outdoor living, those details matter more than ever. The right outdoor furniture doesn’t just complete your outdoor space—it transforms it. Whether you're enjoying wine on the terrace or gathering around an outdoor dining table for a summer feast, the choices you make will help shape every moment spent outside. So, it’s not just about picking something that looks good. It’s about finding pieces that blend comfort, durability, and a sense of personal style, perfect for New Zealand’s climate.
A recent study by the Landscape Design Institute found that over 75% of homeowners who invested in premium outdoor furniture spent significantly more time enjoying their outdoor spaces. This underscores the importance of comfort and quality in creating not just a beautiful, but a truly livable environment—one that enhances your overall lifestyle.
Here are nine essential questions to ask yourself when selecting premium outdoor furniture to elevate your outdoor space.
1. How do I envision using my outdoor space?
Before diving into options, start with the big picture: How do you want to live in your outdoor space? Is it for hosting long, leisurely dinners under the stars, or more for sunbathing and lounging by the pool? If you love entertaining, a spacious outdoor dining table with comfortable outdoor chairs might be your focus. For more casual afternoons with a view, you might prefer an outdoor sofa that encourages relaxing with a glass of wine in hand.
The Pipe Sofa and Armchairs create a striking minimlist aesthetic, while defining comfortable excellence for the outdoors.
The characteristics of your space should also guide your furniture choices. For instance, a poolside area naturally lends itself to sun loungers or daybeds, while a courtyard or deck may be best suited to a sophisticated outdoor dining experience. Don’t forget to consider any views—furniture like a corner sofa or lounge setting can take full advantage of these, offering both comfort and a perfect vantage point.
2. Make comfort a priority
We know this isn't framed as a question, but there’s a good reason for that. Comfort is non-negotiable when it comes to premium outdoor living. It’s the element that transforms a beautiful piece of furniture into something you'll actually use. Because, let’s be honest—no matter how stunning the furniture, if it’s not comfortable, it won’t be your go-to outdoor spot.
There’s no need to compromise on comfort just because it’s outdoor furniture. Modern design and advanced materials—many inspired by marine technology—have evolved to deliver the same level of comfort as indoor seating. From fully upholstered outdoor sofas to lounge sets with deep, supportive cushions, today’s outdoor pieces invite you to sink in and spend long, leisurely afternoons soaking up the sun.
But why focus so much on comfort? Simple. Comfortable furniture naturally draws you outside, turning your outdoor space into a place where you want to spend more time. The right seating isn’t just nice to look at—it completely changes how you experience your space. With premium materials like quick-dry foams and ergonomic designs, you can be confident that your family and guests will enjoy extended hours outdoors, all without sacrificing comfort.
Plus, with high-quality, weather-resistant fabrics, your new pieces won’t just look great—they’ll perform beautifully all year round, standing up to New Zealand’s intense sun, rain, and daily use. At Wolf & South, we believe outdoor furniture should deliver both luxury and longevity, offering you the best of indoor comfort—under the open sky.
3. How does the furniture fit into my space?
Before you make any decisions, get the measuring tape out. Whether you have a generous deck or a more intimate courtyard, precise planning is key. The right size and layout can make all the difference in ensuring your space feels both welcoming and functional, rather than crowded.
If you’re working with a smaller space, modular furniture or an outdoor corner sofa may be ideal for maximising the area available. The Coco Wolf Atlas Collection, for example, was designed with super yachts in mind—perfect for tighter spaces where every detail matters, without sacrificing luxury. Thoughtful planning allows you to create zones that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
When working with Wolf & South, our experienced Design Consultants collaborate with you to map out your expectations and create a custom brief. Every project—large or small—receives the same level of care and attention to detail, ensuring your space is brought to life with precision.
4. Should I consider multi-functional furniture?
Once you’ve considered how your furniture fits into your space, it’s time to think about versatility. Multi-functional furniture can elevate both small and large outdoor areas by providing flexibility without compromising on design.
Modular seating, for example, allows you to rearrange your setup depending on the occasion—whether it’s an intimate gathering or a larger outdoor event. Extendable dining tables or lounge sets with hidden storage are just a few examples of how you can make the most of your space while maintaining a sleek, cohesive look.
5. What materials best suit my environment?
Material selection is crucial when choosing outdoor furniture, especially in New Zealand’s diverse and often unpredictable climate. Whether you live near the coast or inland, your furniture will face the challenges of sun, rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations.
For coastal environments, modern materials like TechTeak are ideal. TechTeak mimics the beauty of natural teak but offers far superior durability, resisting UV rays, salt air, and moisture—all without the need for ongoing maintenance. If you live in a more inland area with heavy rain or humidity, aluminium frames and weatherproof outdoor furniture are perfect for their lightweight durability and rust resistance.
Explore the TechTeak Kubik collection and experience the perfect combination of modern design and sustainability.
Sustainability also comes into play here. At Wolf & South, we take sustainability seriously, with many of our collections featuring FSC-certified teak or TechTeak, both recycled and recyclable. Quality materials not only last longer but are also better for the planet, making them a smart and responsible choice for the environmentally-conscious buyer.
6. How will I maintain the furniture?
High-quality outdoor furniture should enhance your lifestyle, not complicate it. That’s why low-maintenance living is essential for premium outdoor furniture. When choosing materials, consider how much upkeep they’ll need over time. TechTeak, for instance, offers the timeless beauty of natural teak without the upkeep. It doesn’t require oiling, refinishing, or regular treatment, allowing you to enjoy its elegance without hassle.
Pressure washers offer a convenient way to refresh your outdoor upholstery, keeping it looking pristine season after season.
Additionally, the majority of Wolf & South upholstered designs are suitable for pressure water cleaning, making it faster and more convenient to maintain your outdoor pieces. This ensures your furniture stays in top condition, continually elevating the look of your outdoor space and enhancing your home’s design for years to come.
7. Should I consider protective covers?
To extend the life of your items including your outdoor dining chairs and outdoor coffee tables, protective covers are an easy solution. Covers not only protect against harsh weather but also make it easier to keep your furniture clean and ready for use. After a sudden downpour, waterproof covers can be quickly removed, ensuring your furniture is dry and ready for spontaneous al fresco dining.
Beyond longevity, covers offer peace of mind. You can relax knowing that your luxury outdoor furniture is protected from the natural elements, dirt, and debris. The convenience factor is hard to beat—just slip the covers off, and your furniture is good to go, even after heavy rain.
At Wolf & South, we offer high-quality protective covers designed to seamlessly fit your furniture.
8. What kind of fabric is best?
Fabric choice is key for outdoor comfort and practicality. High-quality UV-resistant and water-repellent fabrics, like those used in 3Beaches cushions, can handle New Zealand’s intense sun and sudden rain showers. Wolf & South’s premium outdoor fabrics resist fading, stains, and mould, and their removable covers make cleaning a breeze.
These fabric options are engineered for durability, ensuring your outdoor sofa stays as vibrant and inviting as the day you bought it. Whether you’re dealing with spilled drinks or relentless sun, your furniture will remain worry-free for years. Plus, customisation options allow you to choose the perfect colour, pattern, and style to suit your space, blending seamlessly with your outdoor aesthetic.
9. Does it align with my style and lifestyle?
Outdoor spaces should reflect you. Whether you lean toward sleek, modern designs or timeless, classic looks, your outdoor furniture should blend seamlessly with your home’s architecture. Pieces like outdoor bar stools or a stunning outdoor dining table add not just function, but beauty.
At Wolf & South, we offer a wide range of curated collections to suit almost any aesthetic, whether you prefer modern minimalism, coastal chic, or something more traditional. With the ability to customise finishes, colours, and fabrics, we ensure that your outdoor space is both functional and visually stunning.
10. How will my outdoor furniture hold up in New Zealand's weather?
New Zealand’s weather can be harsh, so you need outdoor furniture that’s up to the challenge. Strong winds? Choose heavier, more stable materials like solid wood or TechTeak, which offer both impact resistance and durability. For sun-soaked patios, opt for UV-resistant materials that won’t fade or warp.
Investing in quality outdoor furniture designed for year-round use ensures that your pieces not only look stunning but stand up to the elements. That’s why Wolf & South designs are built with durability in mind, combining beauty with practicality for the toughest outdoor conditions.
Bringing Your Outdoor Vision to Life
Selecting the right outdoor furniture in NZ is about creating a luxurious space that’s ready to handle the elements, while offering you comfort, style, and long-lasting quality. By asking these nine essential questions, you’ll be able to make informed choices that reflect your lifestyle and your space, ensuring your outdoor areas are as inviting and enjoyable as possible.
You’re not alone in this process. At Wolf & South, our interior design services are here to help ensure your outdoor space reflects your personal style and practical needs. Whether you’re creating a serene retreat or a vibrant entertainment area, our design experts can assist in bringing your vision to life.
Ready to create your dream outdoor retreat? Explore our Curated Collection for inspiration and discover how we can help transform your outdoor space.