The IKEA Tananger and Tussøy outdoor furniture collections represent two distinct aesthetics: Tananger offers a sleek, modern Scandinavian feel with materials like powder-coated steel and synthetic rattan, while Tussøy provides a more rustic, natural look using classic materials like acacia wood. The primary difference comes down to style and maintenance, with Tananger being lower maintenance and contemporary, and Tussøy offering a warmer, more traditional vibe that requires some upkeep.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right outdoor collection from IKEA for your patio, deck, or garden.
IKEA Tananger Outdoor Furniture
The Tananger collection embodies the modern, minimalist aesthetic IKEA is known for, translated for outdoor living. It focuses on clean lines, neutral color palettes, and weather-resistant materials like powder-coated steel and all-weather synthetic rattan, making it a popular choice for contemporary patios and urban balconies.
- What it is: A collection of modern Scandinavian-style outdoor furniture including dining sets, chairs, and lounge pieces.
- Key features: Durable powder-coated steel frames, hand-woven synthetic rattan details, and a sleek, minimalist design profile.
- Price: Dining tables start around $150, individual chairs from $50, and lounge sets typically range from $200 to $600.
- Style: Contemporary, minimalist, and clean. It pairs well with modern architecture and uncluttered outdoor spaces.
- Materials/Construction: Built with powder-coated steel, synthetic rattan, and sometimes tempered glass for tabletops, all chosen for their resistance to outdoor elements and low maintenance requirements.
- Pros: Highly weather-resistant and requires very little maintenance. The sleek, modern design complements many exterior home styles. A lightweight construction makes pieces easy to move and rearrange.
- Cons: Metal frames can become hot to the touch in direct summer sun. The minimalist style might feel too cold or sterile for cozier, more traditional garden settings. Less of a natural "blends with nature" feel.
The Tananger collection is ideal for those who want a stylish, low-maintenance outdoor setup that reflects a modern design sensibility.
Shop this style: ikea.com/us/en/cat/outdoor-lounge-furniture-od004/
IKEA Tussøy Outdoor Furniture
The Tussøy collection channels a more traditional, rustic feel with an emphasis on natural materials, particularly warm acacia wood. This line is designed to create a cozy and inviting outdoor gathering spot, blending seamlessly with gardens, lawns, and more natural landscapes.
- What it is: A collection of rustic and traditional outdoor furniture, including benches, storage, dining sets, and lounge chairs.
- Key features: Employs natural materials like solid acacia wood, aluminum frames, and durable, weather-resistant textiles.
- Price: Individual items like benches can start around $80, with larger dining or lounge sets priced between $250 and $700.
- Style: Warm, natural, and rustic. Perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in a cottage garden, on a wood deck, or in any space aiming for a relaxed, natural feel.
- Materials/Construction: The core material is often solid acacia wood, a dense, durable hardwood great for outdoor use. This is paired with practical materials like aluminum and weatherproof fabrics.
- Pros: The natural wood offers a timeless, warm aesthetic that blends beautifully outdoors. Sturdy construction provides a solid, durable feel. The style is inviting and versatile for casual settings.
- Cons: Wood requires periodic maintenance, such as oiling or staining, to protect it from the elements and maintain its color. Pieces are generally heavier and more difficult to move than their synthetic counterparts.
The Tussøy collection is perfectly suited for anyone who loves the look and feel of real wood and wants to create a comfortable, rustic retreat in their outdoor space.
Shop this style: ikea.com/us/en/cat/outdoor-dining-furniture-25219/
IKEA Tananger vs. Tussøy Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The Tananger collection tends to focus on standard dining and lounge setups, with tables typically accommodating 4-8 people. Its chairs have a reasonably compact footprint, making the line suitable for medium to large patios where dedicated seating areas are desired. Pieces have a visually light look due to their slim profiles and clean lines.
The Tussøy line offers more variety in scale, including smaller individual pieces like benches and storage units alongside full dining sets that usually seat 4-6 people. This makes it a bit more adaptable, with pieces that can work equally well on a small balcony or spread out in a large garden. The solid wood construction gives Tussøy furniture more visual weight and presence.
Materials & Construction
There's a clear distinction in materials. Tananger puts trust in modern, low-maintenance materials like powder-coated steel and synthetic rattan. This construction is designed to withstand sun and rain with minimal fuss - just a simple wipe-down is needed for cleaning. It's built for function and longevity in exposed environments.
In contrast, Tussøy champions the natural durability and beauty of solid acacia wood. This gives the furniture a robust and sturdy feel, but it comes with a trade-off. To maintain its look and resist weathering, the wood needs to be periodically cleaned and re-stained or oiled. This maintenance routine is essential for its long-term health.
Style & Versatility
Style is the key differentiator. Tananger is explicitly modern and minimalist. With its neutral color palette (often grays, blacks, and whites) and sharp, uncluttered lines, it's the perfect match for contemporary home exteriors, sleek decking, and urban patios. It enhances a space without overpowering it.
Tussøy is all about rustic charm. The warm tones of the acacia wood create an inviting, relaxed atmosphere suited for cottage gardens, traditional backyards, and spaces that prioritize a connection to nature. Its style feels more organic and grounded, easily complementing natural stone, brick, and vibrant plant life.
Price & Value
Both collections fall into IKEA’s budget-friendly price range, making outdoor furnishing accessible. On a piece-for-piece comparison, their prices are quite similar, though Tussøy offers some smaller, more affordable entry-level items like benches. The true difference in value comes down to lifestyle. If your priority is saving time, Tananger's "set it and forget it" low-maintenance nature provides excellent value. If you value aesthetics and don't mind a bit of annual upkeep, Tussøy's timeless wood look offers fantastic long-term value.
Who Each One Works Best For
The right choice depends on your personal style and how you plan to use your outdoor space. Tananger is designed for the modern-minded individual who values clean aesthetics and low-maintenance convenience. It’s perfect for city dwellers with balconies, homeowners with new-build patios, and anyone who wants a sharp, contemporary look.
Tussøy is for the person who wants their outdoor space to feel like a cozy extension of their garden. It appeals to those with a more traditional or rustic taste, people who enjoy the tactile quality of natural materials, and homeowners who are willing to put in a little effort to maintain the beauty of real wood furniture.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both outdoor furniture collections deliver on the IKEA promise of style and affordability, but they cater to very different outdoor living visions.
Choose Tananger if:
- You prefer a clean, modern, and minimalist aesthetic.
- You need weather-resistant furniture that requires almost no maintenance.
- You are furnishing a contemporary patio, deck, or urban balcony.
- You favor the sleek look of powder-coated steel and synthetic rattan.
Choose Tussøy if:
- You want a warm, rustic, and natural outdoor setting.
- You love the look and feel of real wood and don't mind occasional maintenance.
- You want your furniture to seamlessly blend into a garden or natural landscape.
- Creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere is your top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IKEA Tananger and Tussøy?
The main difference is style and material. Tananger is modern, uses powder-coated steel and synthetic rattan, and is very low-maintenance. Tussøy is rustic, uses natural wood like acacia, and requires periodic maintenance to preserve its finish.
Which IKEA outdoor furniture is more durable?
Both are designed for durability. Tananger's synthetic materials are highly resistant to moisture and fading right out of the box. Tussøy's acacia wood is a very dense hardwood that is naturally durable, but its longevity against weather depends on proper maintenance like sealing or oiling it a couple of times per year. Properly cared for, both can last many seasons.
Do I need to cover IKEA outdoor furniture in the winter?
Yes, it's highly recommended. Covering any outdoor furniture or storing it indoors during the off-season will drastically extend its lifespan. This protects it from harsh winter conditions like snow, ice, and prolonged moisture that can damage wood, fade fabrics, and strain metal frames.
Is the wood in the Tussøy collection sustainably sourced?
IKEA places a strong emphasis on sustainability, and much of the wood used in its outdoor products, including acacia, comes from sustainably managed sources, often backed by certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Which collection is easier to maintain?
Tananger is far easier to maintain. Its steel and synthetic rattan surfaces typically only need to be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Tussøy's wood furniture requires cleaning plus re-applying a wood stain or oil once or twice a year to protect it from moisture and UV rays.
Which line is better for a small balcony?
Both offer solutions for smaller spaces. Tananger's visually light chairs and tables can make a small space feel less crowded. However, Tussøy often includes smaller standalone pieces like benches that can be more space-efficient than a full dining set.
Can I mix and match pieces from Tananger and Tussøy?
While you certainly can, their styles are very different and may clash. Tananger's cool, modern minimalism might look jarring next to Tussøy's warm, rustic wood. It would be difficult to create a cohesive look by mixing them.
How difficult is the assembly for these collections?
Both collections feature standard IKEA flat-pack assembly. You can expect to spend some time putting pieces together with the included tools and instructions. The assembly process and difficulty level are comparable for both lines.
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