30 Low-Tech Accoutrements for a Screen-Free Summer—Including Outdoor Furniture, Lighting, and More
Whether you’ve got acreage to spare or will be kicking it at the park, these finds will ensure you’re happily offline.
Whether you’ve got acreage to spare or will be kicking it at the park, these finds will ensure you’re happily offline.
Summer is here, which means it’s time to revel outdoors and spend time lounging with friends. There are cook-outs to host. Picnic baskets to pack. Maybe even a sauna to install. Regardless, your phone is better left inside. This season, we encourage you to rely less on the Bluetooth-enabled products, extension cords, and the latest tech accoutrements. With the help of relatively unfussy objects to make it all happen, these open-air scenarios are sure to make your screen time plummet.
Home Sauna
Illustration by Lauren Tamaki, photo courtesy Agape
There’s much to love about sweating things out in a private relaxation pod. Sitting in a sauna improves circulation, reduces blood pressure, and relaxes muscles. But, underratedly, when you’re enclosed in a hot box you really have no choice but to fully unplug. From a wood-paneled sauna pavilion to heat-resistant accessories, these pieces can assist in creating a tranquil spa retreat just steps away from your back door.
Dreamweave Waffle Robe by Brooklinen
An ideal robe for schvitzing is soft and absorbent but also light—you don’t want to feel weighed down after a massive sweat. This Turkish cotton cover-up checks all the boxes.
Sauna Sand Timer (Cedar Wood) by Northwood Sauna
No electric components here. This old-school hourglass timer lets you know when 15 minutes have passed, at which point it’ll be time to escape the heat.
Classic Lined Clog (White) by Crocs
Whatever your opinion is on these polarizing clogs, you have to admit the comfy levels are high. Slip these on for chilly nights when you have to scurry back to the house.
Hinoki Oil by Vörda
One whiff of this oil, made from fragrant Japanese cypress wood, and you’ll feel dropped into the forest and oh so calm, too.
Taso Tray Table by Cecilie Manz for Nikari
They’re part table, part caddy, and part storage solution. Keep your cooldown essentials organized on these wooden trays, or use them to carry food and beverages to the backyard.
Sei Modular Sauna by Nicholas Bewick for Agape
This modular build-it-your-way sauna allows you to manifest your dream decompression chamber. A shower, relaxation room, and mini workout studio are among the possible add-ons. Price upon request.
Backyard Games
Illustration by Lauren Tamaki, photo courtesy L.L. Bean
Mario Kart, begone! An upside to having vast, grassy space is ditching the Switch and spreading out to play instead, giving guests of all ages an opportunity for friendly, low stakes competition. Inevitably, partygoers will wander over to engage with any collection of toys and analog lawn games, particularly if they’re eye-catching.
015 Peace Outdoor Lounge Chair by Vaarnii
This sturdy recliner, constructed out of Finnish pine and treated to withstand heat and wet weather, is British designer Faye Toogood’s pared-down take on the classic Adirondack chair.
Jack Large Portable Light by Tom Dixon
Illuminate dark areas of the backyard with these rechargeable and waterproof lamps that double as stools. If you’ve got multiples, stack them to create a towering, glowing sculpture.
Small Talk Side Table by Blu Dot
Those chilling on the sidelines certainly won’t mind a snack table. Available in two heights, these are hand cast and made of glass-fiber-reinforced concrete for extra durability.
Grasshopper Outdoor Ping Pong Table by Basaglia + Rota Nodari for Fas Pendezza via Lumens
Time to channel your inner Marty Supreme. Yes, this is for table tennis, but just remove the net, add some chairs, and you’ve got an outdoor dining table.
Braniff Playing Cards by Art of Play
You might need a time machine to fly Braniff Airways, but you can always enjoy the card deck designer Alexander Girard created for the airline in 1965.
Geneva Denim Throw by Sien + Co
You don’t have to worry about getting this throw, which is resistant to the elements—including UV radiation, mold, mildew, and stains—near ice cream cones or sprinklers.
Yard Games Wooden Ladder Toss by L.L. Bean
Don’t fear this contraption if you’ve never played before. Simply toss the balls, hanging by strings, to wrap around the rungs for points.
Alfresco Entertaining
Illustration by Lauren Tamaki, photo courtesy Alessi
See the full story on Dwell.com: 30 Low-Tech Accoutrements for a Screen-Free Summer—Including Outdoor Furniture, Lighting, and More
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