If you're lucky enough to own a beach property in Italy, we have just the thing to make your home away from home even more inviting. There are many ways to make stays at your beach house enjoyable, and one of them is by making the outdoor space functional and stylish. Here’s how to furnish your beach house terrace with the right colours, suitable furniture for hosting family and friends, and the most beautiful plants. Your outdoor space can be transformed into the perfect seaside retreat, combining style, functionality, and affordable solutions.
Style and colours: evoking the essence of the sea
When thinking about how to furnish your Italian beach house terrace, imagine bringing a piece of the beach to your home. To achieve this, it's important to choose the right colours and materials. For an open terrace, opt for fresh and bright colours like white, blue, and beige, along with sea-inspired decorations such as blue and white striped cushions, nautical lanterns, and various maritime accessories—everything that adds a touch of coastal mood. Now is the time to furnish your beach house, letting yourself be guided by textures and sensations: elements like ropes, driftwood, and brass details can be incorporated to further emphasise the nautical theme.
For curtains, covers, and cushions, use lightweight and breathable fabrics that not only resist humidity and salt but also bring a refreshing touch to the space. Integrating these materials into the design will allow you to enjoy your outdoor area without worrying about constant maintenance.
Furniture and lighting: weather and salt-resistant
The furniture, the true heart and defining element of your balcony or terrace decor, should be made from materials resistant to the elements. Treated wood, synthetic rattan, or aluminium are excellent choices for withstanding the salty corrosion typical of coastal environments.
Lighting also plays an important role: a series of soft lights or lanterns can transform evenings on the terrace into magical moments. How do you furnish a modern terrace from a lighting perspective? Opt for outdoor lamps that are water and wind-resistant, ideally solar-powered, for a sustainable and worry-free illumination. With these considerations, your terrace will not only look stunning during the day but also be welcoming and atmospheric in the evening.
How to furnish a terrace depending on the size
Furnishing a beach house terrace can be an exciting challenge, especially when dealing with spaces of different sizes. There are several solutions to make the most of both compact and larger areas.
- Furnishing a 30 or 40 m² terrace: For these dimensions, it's essential to choose space-saving furniture that can be easily stored or has multiple functions. For example, poufs that double as extra seating or stackable tables and chairs. Adding mirrors can also help make the space appear larger by reflecting light and the coastal scenery.
- Furnishing a 100 m² terrace: If you're lucky enough to have such a large space, you can unleash your creativity. What can you do with such a big terrace? You can create a comfortable outdoor dining area with a large table under a sail to provide shade—an excellent, budget-friendly idea for covering the terrace. You could set up a lounge area with comfortable sofas and armchairs for relaxation, or even install a large hot tub or a small above-ground pool.
- Furnishing a large terrace with plants: A large space also allows for plenty of greenery. Choose plants that are wind and salt-resistant, such as lavender, rosemary, and agave, which are ideal for a seaside terrace.
Budget-friendly solutions for a cosy and modern terrace
Even with a limited budget, you can enhance your outdoor space by creating a warm atmosphere and beautifying a terrace affordably. Here are some practical and accessible ideas to transform your outdoor area into a delightful spot with potted plants, solar LED lights, and colourful fabrics.
- Used and recycled items: Start by considering the purchase of second-hand or refurbished furniture. This eco-friendly approach not only helps you find unique pieces that add character to your space but also keeps costs down.
- Plants and greenery: Investing a small amount in pots of various sizes and shapes can help you create a vertical garden that doesn’t take up much space but adds vitality to the environment.
- LED lights: Solar LED lights are another excellent choice as they offer a sustainable lighting solution that can add a greater atmosphere to your outdoor evenings.
- Colourful fabrics: These are perfect for adding vibrancy and comfort to your terrace.
Ideas for using your Italian terrace all year round
To enjoy your beach house terrace throughout the seasons, consider these enhancements to make the space versatile and comfortable year-round. Removable coverings, such as sunshades or shading sails, are crucial for adapting to various weather conditions. They provide protection from the intense summer sun, helping to keep the space cool, and also offer shelter from light rain showers, allowing you to use the terrace even in less favourable weather.
In addition, if you plan to visit your beach house during the cooler months, incorporating features that provide warmth and comfort can extend the usability of your terrace. Outdoor heaters, whether freestanding or mounted, can keep the space cosy on chilly evenings. Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces not only offer warmth but also create a welcoming atmosphere for gatherings. These elements, combined with well-chosen furniture and decorations, ensure that your terrace remains an inviting and functional space throughout the year.