Six versatile pieces of furniture for inside and out

Versatile furniture that works indoors and out is ideal for Ireland’s short summers and our ever-changing weather. When the evenings get darker and the chill sets in, they make it easy to simply move the furniture (and the party) inside.

Picnic table

This Nordal picnic table and benches (above), create an atmosphere and cosiness that is perfect in your dining room or garden. Enjoy a drink, dine or play a game of cards with family and friends. The spruce wood with a metal frame also means they’re tough enough to handle the knocks of family life. From €549, Woo .Design

Dining chair

The perfect chair for comfort in the garden, this Hay and Ikea collaboration are lightweight and easy to move indoors, and they’ll also add some colour to any kitchen or garden space. Both hardwearing and stackable, they’re perfect for use indoors or out. €50, Ikea.

Table lamp

The Cestita Table Lamp, designed by Miguel Milá in 1962, is easy to move around, casting a beautiful ambient light over summer evenings and doubles as a decorative object for inside your home. It is also available as the Cestita Bateria Portable Table Lamp with a Rechargeable lithium battery. Around €300, The Conran Shop.

Bench and table

The work of Danish designers Strand+Hvass, the Copenhagen bench made from powder-coated aluminium, is simple, well-designed and beautiful in its function. Use it together with the Copenhagen table for a casual setting for eating, or just relaxing with friends and family.  It looks striking against a dark wall in a hallway or used as extra seating indoors. Copenhagen table and bench, cane-line.com.

Side table

This little steel folding table is perfect for potted plants on a balcony or as an extra table in your living room or bedroom. Bow side table, Designed by Maximilian Schmahl, from €169, skagerak.dk, available to order through wearemaven.co.uk.

Plant Box

If you want to bring a little wildlife into some dark corners of your home, why not invest in a plant box you can move in and out? That way, when leaves start to look a little be drab, you can bring it back outside for a sunshine bath. Available in several muted colours, you’ll find it hard to choose just one. €199, Fermliving