That classic ‘sofa and blanket combo’ no longer has to be confined to the living room. Welcome to the world of Cosy Outdoor living, where comfort extends far beyond the four walls of your home
Known in Spanish as the terraza abrigo (warm terrace), the ‘Cosy Outdoor’ trend is transforming balconies, terraces and patios into havens you can enjoy all year round. A simple but powerful idea – it brings the comfort of indoors, outdoors. And it’s perfectly suited to life in the Canary Islands, where the mild climate invites outdoor living, even when the temperature dips.
Born from the fusion of Scandinavian hygge and our growing demand for homes that prioritise comfort and well-being, Cosy Outdoor combines comfy, weather-resistant furniture like sofas, armchairs and pouffes with warming textiles such as blankets, cushions and outdoor rugs to ramp up the snuggle factor. Add the glow of warm lighting with lanterns, candles, or strings of fairy lights, and you create a space that radiates both physical and visual warmth.
Cosy also means versatile. Your outdoor nook should be just as inviting for breakfast in autumn, reading at sunset in winter, or dining under the stars in spring. More than a passing trend, it is a new way of enjoying the outdoors without sacrificing that warm hug you once thought only your living room could provide.
Textures are key to creating a comfortable sanctuary. Natural, aged, treated or teak wood adds warmth and complements almost any style. Rattan or wicker, real or synthetic, give a natural, handcrafted feel. Ceramic and stoneware crockery, plant pots or decorative accessories add texture and personality.
As for textiles, choose wool and chunky knits in blankets or cushion covers for a handmade look. Organic cotton or washed linen are soft, breathable fabrics that work well layered over sofas and chairs. Suede or shearling cushions and soft, squishy armchairs add an extra cuddle quotient.
Of course, no outdoor space is complete without plants – lots of them! Use potted plants for their natural beauty and to provide privacy. Play with heights and sizes for a lush, layered effect – hardy perennials or resilient shrubs work well. For cooler temperatures, consider outdoor heating solutions like fire pits, butane or pellet stoves, portable patio heaters, anything that allows you to enjoy your sociable and cosy outdoor living long into the night.
