Selecting the right garden furniture can be a bit of a minefield. From modern patio furniture to outside dining tables and chairs, the variety of options for furnishing your outside space can leave your head spinning.
With seemingly endless choices, it can be tricky to know what pieces will work best in your space, so we have written this guide to help you navigate your way to finding your perfect outdoor furniture.
Size
The first thing you need to consider is the space you’re working with. There’s no point hankering after an eight-seater extendable garden dining table if you have a tiny terrace, and on the flip side, a two-seater bistro table is going to look small placed on a sprawling patio.
If your perimeters are tight, fear not, small can be beautiful too – opt for a stylish balcony furniture set and you will have somewhere to sit, to eat, and to relax, all rolled into one small yet perfectly formed setting.
If space is not a barrier, make a statement with larger sets such as a complete outdoor lounge set or a garden dining set large enough to host al fresco dinner parties.
The generously sized armchairs of the Cebu Balcony Set in grey not only look great but offer complete comfort too.
Wicker detailing adds to the relaxed feel of this set while the on-trend grey cushions contrast with the black frame and coffee table.
Style
The style of outdoor furniture you choose will probably reflect the style of your garden as a whole. For example, if you have a traditional flower garden then you will probably lean towards more classic furniture but if your planting has a more modern feel then you will perhaps favour more contemporary furniture.
Materials such as wood and rattan work well in casual formal settings while the crisp lines of metal furniture and concrete planters are ideally materials in an urban or industrial design scheme.
However, don’t be afraid to be a little more eclectic. For example, the unfussy style of modern furniture can be complimented with the billowy, jumble of cottage garden borders, while the edges of a formal garden can be softened with a more bohemian seating arrangement.
If you are looking to make a statement with your furniture then the Vintage Mesh Garden Chairs in orange do just that.
While they are traditionally styled, the vibrant paintwork gives them a modern twist, along with the fact they are actually made from aluminium, not wood, meaning they are maintenance free and tough enough to withstand good old British weather.
These chairs also come in punchy aqua blue and vivid acid green which look great mixed and matched.
Purpose
A good way to make sure you pick the right garden furniture for you and your situation is to really consider how you want to use your outdoor space.
Is entertaining friends important to you? Do you prefer to gather together with tea and cake or a three-course meal? Will you be relaxing in the sunshine or with a glass in your hand when the evening rolls around? Do you want to create an open space to accommodate many guests or an intimate space for two, in a secluded corner?
Answering these questions should lead you to the furniture that will be well used and well loved by you for years to come – be that an outdoor dining or sofa set, a pair of loungers or a garden bar, or something different altogether.
Ticking all the boxes is the Havana Lounging and Dining Suite in graphite providing space to recline in the sunshine, relax with a drink and dine al fresco with friends and family.
Budget
Of course the budget you are working with will, to a certain extent, dictate what furniture you can opt for.
If you have a large pot to dip into, make sure you don’t fall into the trap of simply choosing the most expensive furniture on offer. Make sure the quality of the item matches the price tag and choose something which represents you, not your bank balance.
On the other hand, if you need to be a little more frugal, it doesn’t mean you have to settle for poorly made products. Rather than trying to stretch your budget too far, choose multipurpose furniture which will cover all bases, for example, a chaise lounge set will not only provide seating but a space to eat and somewhere to stretch out and chill.
If you need your garden furniture to offer more, the Stockholm Chaise Lounge Set with Armchair is a great option.
The table offers a space for a relaxed meal and a drink while the chaise section means you can put your feet up and top up your tan.
Longevity
When splashing out on new garden furniture, you want it to last for years to come. These are investment pieces which should last season after season so doing your homework before parting with any cash makes good sense.
Make sure you buy from a reputable company, read reviews, and find out if they offer a guarantee.
Along with this, choosing a timeless style which you won’t get tired of and that won’t quickly fall out of fashion will also mean you can look forward to many happy years of use from your outdoor furniture.
The five-seater Delano Garden Furniture Set with Storage Table in taupe comes with a one-year structural guarantee, for added peace of mind.
The maintenance-free set also offers style and comfort from the padded seat cushions which are removable and machine washable.
When the sun comes out it is tempting to rush out and purchase the first set of garden furniture you can get hold of but with a little forward planning and consideration as to what furniture will suit you best will be time well spent so you make the right choices for you and your outdoor spaces.
