This season's attractive offerings mean the best seat in the house is not necessarily inside, writes Georgia Madden.

Buying outdoor chairs was once an exercise in compromise. Pieces that were designed to last often lacked in looks while the more beautiful ones soon withered in Australian weather conditions. Today, however, compromise is no longer necessary. Our ongoing love affair with outdoor living, combined with developments in materials and technology, has led to a revolution in outdoor furniture design.

Fluid forms

Gone is the blocky plastic furniture of a few seasons ago, replaced with something finer and more delicate.

Stylist Owen Lynch says this refined aesthetic makes furniture visually light and more engaging. "These are sophisticated, feature pieces," he says.

Curves are still key, but voluptuousness now comes in the form of comfort — low-slung lounges and oversize armchairs that invite you to flop straight onto them, generous day beds and casual outdoor beanbags in tactile fabrics.

Timber is also embracing curves, with heavy designs giving way to fluid lines, rounded edges and lightweight, open construction that won't block your garden views. Chairs in woven plastic and streamlined aluminium have also come into their own. The lightweight, stackable nature of these seats makes them ideal for smaller areas.

Add drama

Incorporating one statement chair or sofa into your outdoor space creates an instant focal point. Standout designs this season include Kenneth Cobonpue's high-sided Ferris armchair, available from Ke-zu, and Driade's herringbone-patterned Cape West day bed, available from Space. There are also plenty of playful designs to add a touch of fun, such as benches with built-in planters, hanging seating and recliners that appear to float in mid-air.

Flexible furniture

Look for modular sofas that can be reconfigured in any number of ways, or generous woven armchairs that are still light enough to shift around. Also consider furniture that will do double duty, such as benches and ottomans that can be used as side tables, or seating that incorporates storage.

Formal seating has given way to casual: day beds upholstered in slubby weaves, floor cushions and rustic benches, which all provide flexible seating.

Mixed materials

"Now furniture is designed to reflect raw materials in their most natural form," says Jen Stumbles, owner of Eco Outdoor.

Low-maintenance materials have been manipulated into surprising shapes, or combined with unexpected materials to create unique furniture that's still true to its origins. Examples include spun-plastic seating and blocky timber chairs finished with heavy rope or luxurious woven fabrics.

The use of environmentally responsible materials is also on the rise, such as Nanimarquina's Practik soft seating, made from spun recycled-polyester thread, or the Turon chairs at Eco Outdoor made from galvanised steel and renewable timber.

Colour trends

Designers have embraced both ends of the colour spectrum this season, with earthy naturals at one end and electric brights at the other. Muddy brown, faded green and grey, burnt orange and charcoal shades echo the natural hues in our landscape and blend in easily with most outdoor spaces, while paintbox shades of yellow, red and blue bring a cheerful note into your outdoor setting.

Care guide

Timber Timber ages quickly if left uncared for outdoors. Maintain it by storing it in a sheltered spot or beneath furniture covers when not in use. Every six months, remove mould and dirt with soapy water or specialist timber cleaner, wash off any residue, sand it back if necessary, and apply a layer of clear outdoor- furniture oil.

Woven rattan or wicker These natural fibres should be protected from the elements as much as possible. A couple of times a year, use a soft brush to remove dust and cobwebs, then wash with mild, soapy water and dry well.

Cast iron Wash and dry well a couple of times a year. Sand off any rust, apply primer and touch up with rust-resistant paint.

With the grain

According to Greenpeace Australia Pacific, about 20 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to forest destruction. Look for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) labels to assure you that a piece is made either entirely of timber from well-managed forests or a mixture of well-managed forest wood with recycled or controlled-source timber. Also check the eco profile of various timber species at www.goodwoodguide.com.au.

Looking for more outdoor inspiration? Check out our Outdoor section.