1. Durable and hard-wearing

Concrete furniture doesn’t scratch or chip as easily as timber, glass or stainless-steel furniture and it takes a very heavy object hitting the edge to chip it. Concrete furniture does, however, vary in its ability to withstand impact, stains and the outdoor elements, which is why it’s essential to choose pieces that have a strong, durable composition and an effective sealant or coating, like Blinde Design’s Fluid™ Concrete tables, stools and planters, and EcoSmart’s ventless, environmentally-friendly fire tables and fire pits, which are designed for residential and hospitality settings.As concrete furniture can support very heavy items, a concrete coffee table, like Blinde Design’s Fluid Concrete Bloc range of rectangular and square concrete coffee tables, can conveniently double as a bench, creating much-needed additional seating when entertaining.“Concrete is one of the strongest, most durable man-made products. While new technology has improved on the traditional basic concretes, concrete structures built over 2000 years ago by the Romans – such as The Colosseum, The Pantheon, bath houses and aqueducts – are still standing today and a testament to concrete’s exceptional strength and durability,” says Stephane.

2.Versatility

“Concrete works incredibly well outdoors – for example, on covered or exposed patios, terraces, in courtyards, or in your backyard – but the beauty of this material is that it’s also superb when used inside,” says Stephane. “We’ve created concrete furniture, accessories and fireplaces that are equally at home in an alfresco or interior environment. They’re designed to create an attractive, seamless flow between different spaces and enhance the look and liveability of any home. Concrete provides amazing flexibility.“However, it’s important to note that not all concrete furniture is ‘made equal’, as some have surfaces that are more weather resistant than others.”All Blinde Design Fluid™ Concrete coffee tables, stools and plant pots, and EcoSmart Fire Tables and Fire Pits are coated in a special sealant that makes them highly resistant to moisture, UV rays, and extremes in cold and heat, including frost, snow and ice, which prevents them from staining, warping, cracking, expanding and fading. And they won’t blow over in a strong wind. They also don’t have any seams that can harbour moisture and lead to mould, dirt and grime that can affect the look and feel of each piece.  

3.Design freedom

With its uniform smooth finish, natural hues and clean lines, concrete furniture looks good on its own and when paired with any style of furnishings to create the look you desire. And its earthy natural hues complement timbers, stone, tiles and man-made composites, like terrazzo style concrete floors, and create an inviting cohesive space.Interior designers are using concrete furniture and accessories to create many looks including:

modern minimalist looks with pared back styling and accessories

industrial style by pairing with metal accents like steel chairs and rough and unfinished timbers

retro ‘70s look by adding dark timbers, terracotta and slate tiles, sheepskins, cow hide rugs, and indoor plants

country or rustic style with raw timber, check and/or floral fabric cushions, vases with flowers from the garden

“Concrete furniture perfectly complements timbers. For example, by pairing a concrete coffee table or concrete outdoor fireplace with a Blinde Design teak upholstered armchair, you can create a beautifully harmonious look. Adding concrete furniture is also an effective way to break up the ‘wood on wood’ look that can result from having timber floors and timber furniture,” explains Stephane.

4.Eco-friendly

The intrinsic qualities of concrete furniture – strength and durability – make it long lasting and therefore an eco-friendly choice as it doesn’t need to be replaced every few years.However, not all concrete furniture has an environmentally-friendly manufacturing process like that used for Blinde Design concrete furniture and accessories and EcoSmart fire tables and fire pits. These ranges are made from the bespoke eco-friendly green concrete called Fluid™ Concrete, which uses natural recycled materials and doesn’t produce carbon during its manufacture. In fact, this ‘green’ concrete uses 95% recycled natural materials that absorb CO² and produces 90% less pollutants than traditional Portland cement during its production. Everything made from Fluid™ Concrete is also 100% recyclable and releases minimal greenhouse gases.