From Indoors to Outdoors: Second-hand Pieces That Work for Australian Summer Living
Australian homes are designed for openness. With large windows, sliding doors and outdoor extensions, furniture often needs to function across multiple spaces. Certain vintage pieces are particularly well suited to this lifestyle, thanks to their materials, proportions and versatility. Below, we explore the types of vintage furniture that transition seamlessly from indoors to outdoors during the Australian summer with featured examples from Bazaa.
Rattan and Cane Seating: Lightweight and Breathable
Rattan and cane furniture has long been associated with warm climates, and for good reason. These natural materials are lightweight, breathable and visually airy, making them ideal for summer living. Vintage rattan armchairs can be styled in a living room during the day, then moved onto a covered terrace or veranda for evening entertaining.
Bazaa pieces to feature:
- Vintage IKEA Storvik Rattan Lounger by Carl Öjerstam
- Vintage Rattan Armchair
- Mid Century Rattan Chairs
Solid Wood Lounge Chairs for Flexible Living
Mid-century vintage lounge chairs in solid wood are designed with balance and proportion in mind. Their sturdy construction allows them to be moved between indoor and outdoor-adjacent spaces without feeling temporary or fragile. Teak and hardwood frames are particularly suited to Australian summers due to their durability and resistance to temperature changes.
Bazaa pieces to feature:
- Parker Teak Dining Chairs
- Australian Mid Century Fler 'Flermark' Teak Armchair
- Scandinavian Lounge Chair
Low Vintage Tables for Summer Entertaining
Low tables play a central role in relaxed summer entertaining. Vintage coffee tables and side tables provide functional surfaces for drinks, books and shared meals, whether placed inside or just outside open doors. Stone, travertine and solid wood tables remain cool and stable, making them ideal for warm conditions.
Bazaa pieces to feature:
- Large Modern Travertine Top Square Coffee Table
- Low Triangular timber Coffee Table
- Restored 'Nore' Coffee Table in Solid Victorian Ash by Norman Archibald | c.1970s
Side Tables That Move With the Day
Vintage side tables are among the most versatile pieces in a summer home. Used indoors during the day and outdoors in the evening, they support a fluid way of living. Their compact scale and craftsmanship ensure they feel intentional wherever they’re placed.
Bazaa pieces to feature:
- Restored solid timber side table
- Vintage French round marble top games table
- Vintage NAMCO laminate drop leaf side table mid-century modern 1970's
Low Storage for Indoor–Outdoor Flow
Low vintage storage pieces such as sideboards and cabinets help maintain openness while adding functionality. Positioned near doors or transitional spaces, they can store tableware, linens or bar essentials for summer gatherings. Their horizontal lines reinforce the visual connection between indoors and outdoors.
Bazaa pieces to feature:
Portable Vintage Lighting for Long Summer Evenings
As daylight fades, portable lighting becomes essential. Vintage table lamps and floor lamps can be repositioned to suit different moments, creating warmth and atmosphere without fixed installations. Their sculptural forms also serve as decorative elements during the day.
Bazaa pieces to feature:
- Vintage White on White Table Lamp with Pleated Lampshade
- Mid Century 1950s Rattan Cane Floor Lamp
- Vintage Wood & Brass Table Lamp
Creating a Cohesive Summer Home
Successful indoor–outdoor living relies on continuity rather than duplication. Repeating materials such as wood, rattan and stone across spaces creates a natural flow. Vintage furniture, with its timeless forms and durable construction, supports this lifestyle effortlessly.
At Bazaa, our curated vintage pieces are selected not only for their design value, but for how they live within Australian homes, adaptable, functional and designed to be enjoyed across seasons, from indoors to outdoors.