Remember the allotment garden gazebos of the 1980s, where the height of luxury was a deck chair made of string and a transistor radio playing Radio 3? Or apartment balconies, where two square meters could fit camping chairs, a case of beer, and the whole family? Today, our terraces and gardens are extensions of the living room—a place where Zbigniew Wodecki meets lo-fi hip hop, and a gas grill sits next to the vegetable garden, just like in your grandparents' day. Because at Pillovely, we believe that the outdoors isn't just a space—it's a lifestyle, where you can be yourself even in slippers and a tracksuit.

Mid-range – the golden mean of common sense

Before we start dreaming of paradise gardens, let's talk about budget. The mid-range price range (2000-8000 PLN per set) is the sweet spot – the furniture looks like it's from a premium catalog, but you don't have to take out a second loan. It's like buying from Reserved instead of Zara – practically the same quality, but your wallet breathes.

In this category, you'll find furniture that will last more than one season (unlike those 500 PLN "bargains" in the supermarket), but doesn't cost as much as a used car. This is the choice of pragmatic idealists – we want beauty and comfort, but we also care about the bills.

Garden sofas – an open-air living room

Modular Systems – LEGO for Adults

Modular sofas are the hit of the season. They work like building blocks – you can stack them into a corner for a family barbecue, separate them into individual armchairs when the team comes over for a game, or fold them into a large daybed for sunbathing. It's like a furniture transformer – a breakfast area in the morning, a party zone in the evening.

Technorattan in graphite or beige is a classic. It looks like natural rattan from colonial films, but it will survive a Polish winter hidden under a tarp. Cushions in mid-range sets are usually waterproof – they'll withstand a sudden storm, though it's best to tuck them away overnight (like laundry used to be tucked away from the rain).

Sofas with storage function – as clever as Alternatives 4

The base features storage compartments for pillows, blankets, and charcoal for the grill. Prices start at 2,500 PLN for a two-seater sofa. This is a solution for small terraces where every centimeter counts – like in prefab apartments, but with plenty of fresh air.

Lounge chairs – a throne for the backyard monarch

Cocoon hanging chairs – rocking like a kid

Remember those carpet swings? Cocoon hanging chairs are their adult version. Mounted to the terrace ceiling or on a stand, they're perfect for reading Musierowicz or scrolling Instagram with a cup of coffee. Choose models with thick cushions—thin ones are like sitting on a board after an hour.

Zero gravity – levitation at a reasonable price

Zero gravity seats aren't a NASA whim, but real comfort. They recline so your legs are higher than your heart—a relief for your spine after a week in the corporate world. They fold like a pocket knife, so they'll even fit on an apartment balcony. Perfect for an afternoon nap with "Przekrój" on your face.

Classic outdoor club chairs

Deep seats and wide armrests perfect for a beer or lemonade. The outdoor version is made of aluminum and technorattan, with cushions as thick as those in your grandfather's armchair. This furniture is for those who appreciate classics – like a good Polish crime novel, it never gets old.

Deckchairs – dolce vita in Polish

Adjustable loungers – from reading to sunbathing

Standard loungers with a 5-position backrest adjustment are a must-have. A sitting position in the morning for coffee and a croissant, a flat position for sunbathing in the afternoon, and an angled position for reading in the afternoon. Models with wheels make chasing the sun easier – like sunflowers, only more comfortable.

Lettino sun loungers – affordable luxury

A bed as wide as a one-and-a-half-person bed, with a 10-15 cm mattress. Often with a canopy or side blinds – the privacy of a spa, all your own. Some have built-in tables or storage compartments. It's like an all-inclusive experience on your own terrace.

Tables and chairs – the garden party command center

Extendable tables – from breakfast to party

Extendable garden tables are an investment in flexibility. 160 cm for everyday family use, 240 cm for when the whole gang arrives for the May Day weekend. Tempered glass or HPL (high-pressure laminate) tabletops look elegant and are durable.

Coffee Tables – More Than Just a Beer Mat

Sofa tables often have additional features. Internal storage? Space for ice for drinks. A removable top? A serving tray. Some even have built-in Bluetooth speakers – the music literally flows from the furniture.

Garden bars – the bartender's home zone

Mobile bars are a trend straight out of American movies, but with a Polish twist. They offer space for bottles, a shaker, and glasses, plus a worktop for mixing drinks. Some have wheels – you can move them wherever the party is. Like a food truck, only for drinks.

Mid-range materials – durability without breaking the bank

Aluminum – light as a feather, strong as steel

Aluminum frames are standard in mid-range models. They don't rust, are lightweight, and look modern. Powder coating is available in a variety of colors, from classic black to trendy terracotta. The downside? In full sun, they get as hot as a Polonez's hood in July.

Premium Technorattan – not the one from the supermarket

Thicker weaves (flat or round), UV-resistant, won't fade after one season. The difference between supermarket and mid-range is like between Tyskie from Biedronka and craft beer from a brewery – theoretically the same, practically the same.

Class B exotic wood – the perfect compromise

Eucalyptus or acacia instead of expensive teak. It requires impregnation once a year (like window cleaning – no one likes it, but it's necessary), but the natural wood effect is priceless. Prices are 40-60% lower than teak, and the look is very similar.

Solution-dyed fabrics – technology in the service of comfort

The fibers are solution-dyed, not just surface-dyed. The result? The color doesn't fade even after years, and stains come off like Teflon. It's like comparing Lumik sweatpants from 20 years ago with today's technical fabrics.

Space Arrangement – ​​Little Wonders of Organization

The principle of zones – everyone has their own corner

A dining area by the grill, a lounge area under the pergola, and a children's area on the lawn. It's like an apartment – ​​every activity has its place. You don't have to have a hectare – just divide the space cleverly.

Pergolas and umbrellas – a roof over your head

An aluminum pergola with an adjustable roof is a long-term investment. A 3x3m garden umbrella is a budget-friendly option. Both provide shade and protect from light rain. Choosing between a station wagon and a hatchback is like choosing between needs and budget.

Lighting – Magic After Dark

LED garlands create an atmosphere reminiscent of an Italian tavern. Solar lamps are an eco-friendly option – they charge during the day and glow at night. Citronella candle lanterns are romantic and repel mosquitoes. It's like a party playlist – the right lighting does half the work.

Accessories that make a difference

Decorative pillows – low cost, great effect

Additional pillows in trendy patterns will transform even last year's set. Geometric, botanical, abstract – just like in an art gallery, it's impossible to resist. Buy them with silicone filling – they dry faster than foam.

Outdoor blankets and rugs – coziness under the stars

Special outdoor blankets are waterproof on the bottom and soft on the top. Perfect for cooler evenings. Patterns ranging from classic plaid to boho fringe – everyone will find their own style.

Flowerpots and flowerbeds – green for me

Tall planters create a space like natural walls. Plant bamboo or ornamental grasses – privacy like a hedge, only faster. Plus, they can be moved around – like furniture blocks.

Care – to last for years

Wood preservative once a year (May Day is a good time), wash cushions at the end of the season, and cover them with a tarp for the winter. It's like a car inspection – neglect it, and the repair will be more expensive. Mid-range furniture is rewarding – minimal effort, maximum effect.

Trends 2025

"Hygge outdoor" – garden coziness just like in Danish catalogs. Lots of textiles, warm colors, and natural materials. "Smart garden" – furniture with built-in LED lighting, speakers, and chargers. And a return to nature – your own vegetable garden next to the relaxation area, just like at your grandparents' in the countryside.

Mid-price isn't a compromise – it's a wise choice. As Grzegorz Turnau sang, "There's as much bad as good between us" – but in the case of garden furniture of this caliber, there's definitely more good. After all, it's not about having a garden like something from a magazine, but about having a place where "the love of home warmth" extends into the fresh air.

And remember – the best conversations take place not in expensive restaurants, but on your own terrace, with your feet up on a pouffe, a beer in hand, and a playlist ranging from Stare Dobre Małżeństwo to Kwiat Jabłoni playing in the background. Because true luxury isn't the price of furniture, but the time spent with loved ones. And good furniture only makes that easier.

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