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Design Icon: The Palissade Collection

Written by: Kieran Martin

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Published on

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Time to read 4 min

A collaboration between French design duo Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec and Danish brand HAY, the Palissade Collection has become one of the most recognisable outdoor furniture designs of the 21st century. Since its launch, it has reshaped expectations of what metal outdoor furniture can be.


Instantly recognisable for its symmetrical slatted silhouette and curved tubular frame, Palissade feels familiar and contemporary. The design is inspired by the municipal seating of Parisian parks and outdoor spaces, yet the execution is distinctly modern.


Not only popular in homes and private gardens around the globe, HAY Palissade can also be seen in cafes, galleries and public spaces. The Bouroullec brothers designed Palissade to bridge the gap between natural landscapes and urban environments, creating a collection that is unique for its aesthetics, exceptional quality and durability.

Industrial Logic, Refined

 

Created with longevity in mind, the Palissade collection is crafted from electro-galvanised steel. Galvanised steel is often used in industrial settings for its long lifespan and corrosion resistance.


For the coloured Palissade pieces, the steel frame is then finished with a weather-resistant powder coating. This equips each piece with rust resistance and colour fade, even in the harshest of conditions.


The hot galvanised finished Palissade pieces have a zinc coating, improving their durability even more, making them well suited to seaside or exposed areas.


The open slat structure of this collection serves a practical purpose as well as a visual one. It has been designed this way with the intention for wind to pass through it, preventing rainwater from pooling. This, in turn, makes for low maintenance and upkeep, only requiring a quick wipe-down.


Despite its strength, Palissade doesn’t feel heavy. The curved backrests soften the linear shapes and provide a comfortable and ergonomic experience. 


The collection has been tested in high-traffic outdoor environments, making it a go-to for restaurants, public spaces and hospitality settings.

How to style HAY Palissade in your outdoor space


Palissade works incredibly well in urban spaces, mirroring the linear nature of modern architecture. The minimalistic design, with its hint of industrial edge, looks particularly good outside cafes and restaurants. The recognisable design can be seen on the streets of London, Copenhagen and other big cities, placed outside design-led hospitality settings. It offers an effortlessly cool place for customers to sit and enjoy their coffees and lunches.


In a household setting, Palissade works in a variety of spaces. In a contemporary garden, place Palissade on a decking or patio area. Its clean lines mirror the simplicity of contemporary landscaping and architectural details such as repeating modern cladding, fencing or slatted screens. Keep planting restrained, focusing on sculptural greenery and sticking to a defined colour palette.


Palissade garden furniture was supplied by us to feature in two contemporary homes in Grand Designs. View how Palissade works differently in each modern space.

Palissade also works in period and traditional outdoor spaces, but the key here is to contrast rather than camouflage. Let the linear steel frame stand out against natural softness and organic texture. Because Palissade’s design is rooted in tradition, the design does not feel out of place.


In an English country garden, Iron Red or Olive works particularly well, echoing terracotta pots and abundant planting.


See how HAY Palissade is styled in Matthew Porter’s traditional garden or in the historic outdoor space of Purbeck Cottage.

Why is HAY Palissade an iconic design? 


The Bouroullec brothers design for Palissade is timeless, taking its main inspiration from familiar Parisian park seating and turning it into a modern creation that works in both household and commercial settings.


It doesn’t rely on decoration or trend-driven detailing to be popular. Because of its pared-back design, Palissade works in a variety of different outdoor settings, meaning it stays current and looks relevant with changing garden styling. The industrial strength and weather resistance mean Palissade pieces look good year after year.

There is a Palissade piece to suit all kinds of outdoor lifestyles and activities. This also means your own garden furniture collection can be expanded and interchanged, keeping up to date with household requirements. The collection is adaptable and modular, meaning it can be added to or stored away easily when not in use.


Years after its introduction, the collection continues to be popular, not only seen outside creative spaces, cafes and commercial settings but also in homes and gardens around the world.


The collection has been recognised by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), reinforcing its place within contemporary design history.

HAY Palissade Garden Furniture Sets


Our HAY Palissade pre-assembled garden furniture sets include complete outdoor dining sets, lounge sets and patio furniture sets, offering a complete solution for your outdoor space.


These sets make it easy to create a coordinated outdoor space without separate purchases.


Explore the our full range of curated HAY Palissade sets >


Speak to one of our team for tailored recommendations on product sets to suit your individual needs.

Where can I buy HAY Palissade Garden Furniture?


We are the UK’s leading retailer of HAY Palissade, holding large quantities of stock that is ready for despatch. As we deal directly with HAY, you can buy in confidence through us.


Shop the complete HAY Palissade collection >

Find out how to care for Palissade Garden Furniture > 

Written by Kieran Martin
Kieran is the Holloways of Ludlow Brand Manager and the face behind our social media. Outside of work he is an influencer in his own right running documenting the renovation of his home on Instagram @no.3renovation