The Best Outdoor Furniture Stores in Australia in 2023
6 min
Outdoor furniture is not what it used to be. Long gone are the rickety timber settings and faded plastic chairs. Thanks to innovations in surface development, outdoor furniture and fabrics can now be hard to distinguish from their indoor counterparts. Water, UV and mould resistant, they have been engineered to withstand weather conditions while still maintaining their good looks. With summer almost here, we’ve assembled our best 10 outdoor furniture retailers to ensure that when the sun comes out, you’re ready to enjoy your own great outdoors.
Tait
Susan and Gordon Tait started their outdoor furniture business in 1992 with a commitment to Australian designed and made outdoor furniture created to withstand local conditions. Thirty years later, they have an enviable reputation for sustainability, offsetting 25 tonnes of carbon dioxide and diverting almost a tonne of soft plastic from landfill each year, as well as continuing to manufacture out of Melbourne. Oh, and their ranges of steel and timber chairs, tables, benches and accessories have a timeless beauty and durability that makes them incredibly desirable.
madebytait.com.au
Mamagreen
Another business committed to sustainable practices, Mamagreen furniture is manufactured using materials that are either recycled or can be recycled. More than 90 percent of the teak Mamagreen uses is sourced from old buildings, with the remaining timber from managed plantations. If you’re looking for that resort feel at home, this is the place to go. In fact, their products can be found in hotels around Australia. We love the circular Begonia lounge, which is perfect for hosting friends while, for shade, you can’t go past the flexible Sombrero shade.
mamagreen.com.au
Coco Republic
This Australian business headed up by Anthony Spon-Smith has been making great strides with its outdoor furniture ranges in recent years. Perhaps more than any other of the leading brands, the outdoor furniture looks and feels like the indoor equivalent, with upholstered seating (designed to get wet and dry off quickly) and chunky timber or stone-look tables and pedestals. Taking inspo from Mediterranean resorts like the French or Italian Riveras, this is one brand worth staying home for.
cocorepublic.com.au
Cosh Living
Founded in 2008 on an ethos of Live Life Well, Cosh Living offers a comprehensive range of products for outdoor use, from pots, tables and chairs, through to outdoor lighting, rugs, daybeds and more. With leading brands such as Manutti, Tribu, Dedon and Coast at their disposal, the look is one of relaxed sophistication, whether it’s a bean bag poolside or an oversized sofa on the deck. With such an extensive range of products, this is one company where a visit to the showroom is useful, to help coordinate your look.
coshliving.com.au
Eco Outdoor
Equally well known for their range of outdoor building supplies such as pavers, walling and pool surfaces, Eco Outdoor’s selection of outdoor furniture is just as popular, thanks to its focus on European styling and durability. Specifically designed for outdoor living, there’s everything from outdoor dining tables and chairs in teak, wicker or aluminium through to lounges, beanbags and umbrellas. With showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, you can drop in and assess the quality for yourself.
ecooutdoor.com.au
Satara
Whatever you need to furnish your outdoor space, chances are Satara has it. From lounge chairs and barstools to outdoor rugs and pot stands, this retailer has everything you need to create a comfortable and stylish outdoor space. With showrooms in most capital cities, you can experience the quality for yourself before making a final purchase. Designs range from classic Australian style through to contemporary Euro.
satara.com.au
GlobeWest
If it’s flexible outdoor furniture with modern lines you’re after, check out the range of sofas, coffee tables and dining suites from GlobeWest. Materials range from teak and aluminium to woven resin and ceramic in contemporary styles suited to a variety of architectural styles. Available direct to trade, the website also has an easy stockist search option to locate your nearest retailer.
globewest.com.au
Cotswold Furniture
There’s a reason why this legendary outdoor furniture supplier has been in business for more than 40 years. Known for its classic, durable outdoor furniture, Cotswold has longstanding associations with brands such as Vincent Sheppard and Fast Outdoor Lifestyle, as well as Cotswold Teak. While their loyal client base loves the classics, including Lloyd Loom and teak Adirondack chairs, this company has continued to evolve and innovate with contemporary ranges designed to stand the test of time.
cotswoldfurniture.com.au
Ikea
It’s hard to go past Ikea for knockabout, versatile outdoor furniture that retains a sense of style. If you have an outdoor space to fill, chances are Ikea has the chair, lounge, outdoor table or accessories to fill it. We particularly love the classic moulded frame of the Skarpo chair (pictured) but could be persuaded by the highback woven Hogsten chair. For smaller spaces, the Torparo is a great shelf or mini table you can attach to the railing or fence.
ikea.com/au
Castlery
This largely online furniture retailer initially sought to provide adaptable, compact furniture for the apartment market in Singapore. As it turns out, it’s a great fit for the Australian market too, as backyards and balcony spaces decrease in size. The range of dining and lounge suites is classic, with slimline armrests and legs. Colours are limited to greys and beiges but could easily be brightened up with accent cushions if that’s your style.
castlery.com/au
How do I choose the right outdoor dining setting for me?
While many of the same principles apply whether you’re dining indoors or out, the big difference is the weather. Outdoor furniture can take a beating if it is exposed to UV and rain for extended periods of time, so your choice will depend on whether your furniture will at least have some covering or will most likely be completely in the elements. Aluminium furniture can be a great option because it is lightweight and easy to move around, while teak ages to silver grey when left in the sun. If space is a factor, folding or stackable chairs can be useful.
What’s the difference between indoor lounge cushions and the ones on outdoor lounges?
Outdoor cushions are specially designed for the weather conditions, with quick dry foam inserts to allow water to drain away relatively fast. They’re also covered with UV, water and mould resistant fabrics specified for outdoor use. Sunbrella is the market leader for outdoor fabrics in Australia and uses solution dyed acrylic to create fabrics that are almost indiscernible from their indoor equivalents. Interior designers have been known to specify high quality outdoor fabrics for use in high traffic indoor spaces, such as family and rumpus rooms.
I have an outdoor space I want to furnish. Should I choose a lounge suite or a dining setting?
It’s really a lifestyle decision here. If you enjoy entertaining friends regularly, a dining setting might be the most useful option. In some homes, outdoor dining might also provide a bit more room to move, making it a great option for hosting bigger groups. However, if you already have an indoor dining setting facing onto the outdoor space, there’s not much point doubling up. An outdoor lounge can create a flexible space for casual relaxation, or somewhere to sit to enjoy coffee or drinks with friends before or after dinner.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
The Dubai International Chamber’ strategic initiatives aimed at promoting Dubai as a global business hub, fostering bilateral trade, and empowering businesses through a range of innovative services.
5 min
The Dubai International Chamber, part of the Dubai Chambers umbrella, opened its first office in Australia in 2023. This expansion is a strategic move to enhance Dubai’s global presence and support its economic growth goals under the “D33” plan, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033.
Leading the Australia office from Sydney is Ms. Sophia Demetriades Toftdahl, who brings over 25 years of experience in the international education and trade sectors as a coach and consultant. She is the founding President of the Norwegian Australian Chamber of Commerce (NACC), established in 2014, the main organizer of Euromix, a networking event for all EU Chambers in Australia, and a Co-Chair of the Revenue Enablement Society (RES).
In this interview with Sophia, we will explore the Chamber’s objectives in Australia, including promoting Dubai as a global business hub, facilitating bilateral trade and investment opportunities, and providing valuable services to empower businesses.
Can you provide us with an overview of the Dubai International Chamber’s operations in Australia?
The Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers along with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, opened its first office in Australia in 2023.
This expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance Dubai’s global presence and support its economic agenda, particularly the “D33” plan, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033.
The primary objectives of the Chamber in Australia include promoting Dubai as a strategic global business hub, facilitating bilateral trade and investment opportunities, and providing innovative value-added services to empower businesses. We are not a membership organization in Australia, we operate as a trade office.
By supporting and protecting the interests of Dubai’s business community, the Chamber seeks to drive competitiveness and business growth, positioning Dubai as one of the top three cities globally for living, investing, and working.
Are there specific sectors that could benefit more from trade with UAE/Dubai?
We are sector agnostic, and we explore a wide range of industries for potential collaboration and growth. Key sectors include biotech, MedTech, big pharma, renewable and sustainable energy, smart city and urban planning, high-tech industries such as AI and robotics, defense, aerospace, manufacturing, tourism, and food & beverage. We are also working on getting more attention from family businesses to invest in Dubai.
For Australia specifically, we see strong potential in FinTech, HealthTech, and AgriTech, where innovative solutions and technologies can greatly benefit from strengthened trade and investment ties with Dubai.
What kinds of support and services does the Dubai International Chamber offer to businesses in Australia looking to expand into Dubai?
The Dubai International Chamber provides support services to businesses in Australia looking to expand into Dubai. This includes access to market research and data, assistance with licensing, bank openings, and site selection, and support in identifying potential partners.
Our dedicated account managers help businesses during the setup process and offer them continuous support throughout the first year to help them scale up and continue their expansion.
The Chamber also facilitates B2B and B2G meetings and visits, helps resolve teething issues such as real estate choices and school selections, and offers follow-up virtual calls to support the evaluation process.
Additionally, the Chamber provides guidance on how to manage to establish a business and offers investment incentives, including access to the Golden Visa program, which provides long-term residency benefits for investors and entrepreneurs.
It also facilitates business networking opportunities for businesses by providing contact with senior Australian and Emirati officials, government bodies, and government-linked entities. It assists Australian companies and organizations in connecting with their UAE counterparts, promoting both Australian and Emirati businesses, and fostering new opportunities and enterprises.
The Chamber actively builds and develops stronger ties and mutual understanding between Australia and Dubai, ensuring that members have the necessary connections and resources to thrive in both markets.
What are the key areas of trade and investment that the Dubai Chamber focuses on between Australia and Dubai?
The UAE is Australia’s largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East, with $9.3 billion in two-way goods and services trade in 2022, making it Australia’s 19th largest trading partner globally. Key Australian exports to the UAE include alumina, meat, oil seeds, and higher education, while UAE investment in Australia totaled $12.6 billion in 2022.
Approximately 300 Australian entities currently operate in the UAE, including 60 in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA). Notably, the UAE has been the second top export destination for Australian vegetables for over a decade, with exports reaching $32 million in 2021.
Dubai alone contributes 78% to the total UAE-Australia trade. The UAE presents an opportunity for market diversification for Australian goods exporters, with Australian producers serving as reliable trade and food security partners for the UAE. Additionally, trade in services such as construction, minerals, resources, engineering, education, agribusiness, and health offers further opportunities for both nations.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Australia and the UAE aims to enhance economic ties by reducing trade barriers, facilitating smoother trade flows, and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries. The CEPA benefits both nations by promoting increased trade and investment, fostering innovation, and enhancing economic growth. For more detailed information on the CEPA, you can visit the DFAT page.
Mr. Marwan AlMarri visited Australia end of May, and it his first business mission to Australia as the Regional Director of Asia & APAC for Dubai Chambers… What were the reasons behind his visit, and what significance does it hold?
The main purpose of this mission was meeting in person with some of the multinational corporations (MNCs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in various stages of their expansion into Dubai. Marwan also met with various government entities responsible for the internationalization of Australian companies, such as Austrade and Investment NSW.
Additionally, he engaged with different business groups like the Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Australia UAE Business Council. The mission also involved meetings with trade associations in relevant sectors, including the Australian EV Association (AEVA), Electric Mobility Manufacturers of Australia (EMMA), Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), Australian Energy Council (AEC), and Australian FinTech.
Furthermore, Marwan had the chance to meet with Dubai company DP World operating in Australia, to discuss future collaboration.
How does this event align with the broader goals and objectives of the Dubai Chamber?
The mission fostered strategic relationships and facilitated business expansion. It included meetings with MNCs and SMEs, government entities, ethnic business groups, and trade associations, which are crucial for the internationalisation of Australian companies. These engagements will help promote Dubai as a business hub and support Australian companies in their expansion into Dubai.
The mission’s aim was to strengthen ties and create opportunities for collaboration, aligning with the Chamber’s key performance indicators (KPIs) of promoting competitiveness and business growth.
What are the future plans for the Dubai International Chamber in Australia?
Having launched the Dubai International Chamber in Australia a year ago, our current focus is on strengthening the business corridor and enhancing our visibility so that businesses are aware of our presence and how we can support them.
Subsequently, we will extend our efforts towards New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. And we encourage interested parties in these regions to reach out to us now.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
