A well-appointed cottage or patio is a permanent invitation to unwind. Here's how to create a space that makes you want to stay outside from morning until sunset — and sometimes after.
Areas to create on your patio
1. The lounging area
This is the heart of any good patio. It should invite you to sit, lie down, and stay. The essentials:
- A generous bean bag for naps and reading — the Osmoze bean bag is designed exactly for this
- A coffee table within reach for coffee or a glass of wine
- A parasol or shade sail (essential in Quebec in July-August)
2. The dining area
Separated from the lounging area, it allows for natural transitions between activities without moving everything around.
3. The fire/evening area
An outdoor fire pit or brazier extends your evenings until October in Quebec. Provide seats that can be easily moved towards the fire.
Materials that survive Quebec winters
In Quebec and the Atlantic provinces, your patio furniture must survive extreme conditions:
- Teak or aluminum for structures — resistant to rust and UV
- Treated Oxford fabric for cushions and bean bags — waterproof and UV resistant
- Avoid untreated wood — it warps and cracks after the first winter
Lighting: the touch that changes everything
A well-lit patio in the evening becomes an extra room. Simple and effective options:
- Solar string lights (no wiring, work all night)
- LED candle lanterns (wind resistant)
- Ground spotlights around flowerbeds
Winter storage: plan from the purchase
A tip that experienced Quebecers know well: before buying patio furniture, think about where you will store it in November. Choose furniture that is:
- Light and easy to bring inside (like the Osmoze bean bag — one person is enough)
- Stackable (chairs, cushions)
- Durable even if you leave them outside a few weeks too long
The cottage: a different logic
At the cottage, the outside and inside blend together. A versatile bean bag that moves from the patio to the living room in a few seconds is particularly practical — it follows guests, the weather, and children.
"The best time of day at the cottage? When everyone finally settles down outside and no one is looking at their phone."
Planning your relaxation space? Discover the Osmoze bean bag — filled, delivered anywhere in Canada, ready to become your favorite spot.
