Our outdoor spaces have become an extension of our homes, reflecting our lifestyles and providing areas for relaxation, entertainment, and connection with nature.
In fact, research has shown that 50% of Brits believe a well-designed garden is as or more important than a well-designed bathroom or kitchen. This highlights the growing value we place on our gardens as part of our living environment.
Choosing the right garden furniture is essential here. Carefully selected pieces can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space and ensure it functions seamlessly for your specific needs, whether for casual lounging, dining, or entertaining guests.
Our guide on how to choose garden furniture will help you make the right decisions when it comes to decorating your space.
Let’s dive in!
1. Consider How You’ll Use Your Space
Before you start picking out garden furniture, take a minute to think about how you plan to use your garden.
If you’re into hosting dinner parties or barbeques, a large bistro set could be perfect. But, if you’re just looking to chill out with a few drinks, a comfy outdoor sofa and table might be all you need.
Many garden furniture pieces are designed to be versatile, which is ideal for those who want flexibility in how they use their outdoor space. For example, storage benches provide a place to stow away cushions and accessories, while foldable furniture helps maximise a small garden space without overcrowding it.
Having an idea of how you’ll use your future garden space can help ensure your garden is both functional and inviting.
2. Remember To Measure
Before purchasing garden furniture, measure your outdoor space to ensure the pieces fit comfortably, without overcrowding the area. Overfilling a garden can make the space feel cramped, especially if it’s limited to begin with.
While the right furniture can greatly enhance the look of your patio, it’s important to strike a balance—avoid both overfilling and underutilising the space. A good rule of thumb is to keep furniture coverage to no more than two-thirds of the available area, leaving room for other outdoor living items like lanterns, planters, and a storage box for cushions when not in use.
Keep enough ample space for guests to move freely and for everyone to sit comfortably. Opting for corner or L-shaped sofas can help you make the most of the available space while keeping the layout open and inviting.
3. Match The Style To Your Home
Another point when considering how to choose garden furniture is to stick to your garden’s style. Whether your space is modern, rustic, minimalist or traditional, the furniture you choose should complement your garden’s overall aesthetic.
Here are some types of outdoor furniture materials that work well with different garden styles.
Traditional Gardens
Wooden garden furniture offers a timeless charm that enhances classic outdoor spaces. Its natural beauty and rich textures blend seamlessly with traditional garden designs, creating an authentic, earthy atmosphere.
Premium woods like eucalyptus and teak can add elegance to your garden while maintaining that classic, rustic feel.
Modern Gardens
Sleek, minimalistic furniture made from materials like metal or glass suits contemporary gardens perfectly. Metal furniture, with its clean lines, offers a modern look, while glass furniture adds an airy, sophisticated touch.
Glass tables, for instance, reflect the surroundings and create the illusion of more space, making them an excellent choice for a modern, open design. The transparency pairs beautifully with the sleekness of metal frames, striking a balance between elegance and simplicity.
Rustic Gardens
For a natural, earthy feel, choose furniture made from wood, wicker, or rattan. These materials perfectly complement the rustic aesthetic, creating a cosy atmosphere.
Wooden furniture, especially pieces with a weathered look, enhances a rustic garden’s timeworn feel.
Wicker and rattan, with their textured, handcrafted appearance, add charm and warmth to the space. You can opt for natural rattan for its classic appeal, or choose synthetic resin rattan that is suitable for all seasons.
Still unsure about how to match the style to your home? A garden designer can help. Check out our blog on how to choose a garden designer and get started today.
4. Choose Durable Materials
Outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements, so durability is key. Go for materials that can withstand different weather conditions and consider how frequently you’ll be able to maintain them.
- Rattan: Natural rattan has a classic aesthetic, but isn’t completely weatherproof, making it less than ideal for year-round outdoor use. Synthetic resin rattan is weather-resistant, making it a great choice for gardens exposed to the elements. However, as it is so lightweight, rattan garden furniture will need storage in frequently windy areas.
- Wood: Wooden garden furniture is timeless and brings a natural appeal to outdoor spaces. Softwoods like pine are better for indoor use, but hardwoods, like eucalyptus and teak pieces, stand up better outdoors. Wooden garden furniture requires annual maintenance but can add beauty to your garden, particularly when treated with oils and stains.
- Metal: Metal furniture is durable and low maintenance, which is ideal for smaller garden spaces or modern aesthetics. It’s weather-resistant and typically designed to withstand the outdoor elements, but can get hot under direct sunlight, so consider adding cushions for comfort.
- Plastic: Plastic garden furniture is an affordable, weather-resistant option, though it may not have the same longevity as wood or metal. Many plastic pieces are stackable and come pre-assembled for convenience, but it’s important to note that they aren’t the most environmentally sustainable choice.
What Garden Furniture Can Be Left Outside All Year?
If you want to leave your garden furniture outside all year, look for teak or cast aluminium pieces. Aluminium is long-lasting, easy to maintain, and rust-resistant, making it well-suited to withstand wet and wintry conditions. Teak resists decay and insect damage, making it a good choice for a year-round garden.
Though teak and cast aluminium materials withstand the elements well, it’s still a good idea to cover or store garden furniture away during extreme weather. This will prolong its lifespan and keep it looking its best.
5. Think Green
If the environment is one of your concerns, keep an eye out for sustainable furniture.
FSC-certified wood is certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) to ensure the wood comes from responsibly managed forests, preventing the deforestation of indigenous areas and minimising the use of harmful chemicals.
In addition to FSC certification, look for furniture made from recycled or upcycled materials. This minimizes waste while also decreasing the need for additional resources. Studies have even shown that reusing furniture can reduce environmental effects by 42%, compared to purchasing new furniture.
Choosing eco-friendly garden furniture also supports a circular economy, where products are reused and recycled instead of discarded. Making conscious choices can help you enjoy stylish, sustainable furniture, while also minimising your ecological footprint.
How We Can Help
We hope that our guide on how to choose garden furniture helps you make the right decor choices for your outdoor space.
At Raine Garden Design, we’re here to help you create a garden that’s as beautiful and works with your lifestyle. We’ll take the time to consider your needs to create an inviting garden that you can enjoy all year round.
Contact us today to find out more.
