Buying garden furniture: everything you need to know

You can’t put a price on time spent outdoors. Whichever outdoor space you have, using it to its full potential is very important.

Small balconies are perfect for lazy morning coffees, while patios can replace your dining room during warm evenings. If you have a large garden, you can turn it into outdoor heaven!

To learn more about how to choose the right garden furniture for our outdoor space, take a look at our garden furniture buying guide.

 

What to keep in mind when buying garden furniture 

An outdoor area is so versatile: it’s ideal for unwinding after a long day, dining under the sun and perfect for a BBQ party. This is where your kids can play in the fresh air, where you can have your own home office, or take up gardening as a new hobby.  

We all love the sun, but wouldn't it be nice to enjoy the garden all year long? Investing in weatherproof garden furniture and some additional garden items like a parasol, awning or overhang is the answer! 

The first step in designing the perfect garden is determining its purpose. Knowing how you are going to use it defines the garden furniture you need. For the best find, you have to take several things into consideration, starting with the material of your new furniture. 

 

Garden furniture material guide

When choosing garden furniture, think of which material you prefer. We’re opening this list with the most popular one – also one of our personal favourites – rattan. We love rattan for many reasons. It is extremely versatile and comfy, but it’s also durable, weatherproof, lightweight, and requires low maintenance. Rattan is also UV-resistant which makes sure it looks great year after year.

If you’re into an industrial look, then we recommend lightweight aluminium, and sturdy powder-coated steel. Both are protected from the elements and last for a long time. Plus, they come in great designs that can suit industrial, romantic, or contemporary styles.

Evidently, there’s wood. Wood is gorgeous and warm and can brighten up every kind of place. At the same time, wood requires a bit of maintenance and needs to be stored or covered up during bad weather. Plastic is another great option, often used in modern gardens. It provides comfort and needs low maintenance.

 

Types of garden furniture

There are many garden furniture options to choose from. You can turn your small balcony into a cosy coffee place with a bistro set for two. Pick a round table and two comfy chairs in your preferred style. People who love hosting dinners on their patio need an outdoor dining set that can be found in a variety of styles and shapes.

Enjoying your leisure time in the sun with family or friends requires an outdoor sofa or a lounge set. Add some pouffes for extra seating space or modular lounge sets, in any desired form – from 1-seater to 8-seater ones. Garden benches are also a great addition, helping you save space.

If your garden should be a place to relax, we recommend sun loungers or some charming garden beds. Outdoor areas are also great for social gatherings. In this case, foldable chairs are the best solution, next to outdoor cushions and again, poufs or footrests.     

 

Garden accessories you definitely need

Maximize your outdoor area with accessories that will make your life easier. During hot summer days, you’ll definitely need a parasol to keep you out of the scorching sun. All those outdoor parties will only be complete with a BBQ and some additional folding chairs.

Keep your outdoor area clean by adding a storage box for cushions and other garden items. Some boxes can even be used as a seat! For cosy afternoons, spend some quality time in a hammock. To make sure you enjoy your garden in fall and winter as well, a firepit is just what you need together with some blankets and cushions. 

 

Garden furniture that’s easy to maintain 

When thinking about how to choose garden furniture, easy maintenance is an important factor. Look for items that are easy to clean. Outdoor furniture covers are also worth investing in. They are water-resistant and will protect furniture that's too big to store during bad weather.

Take a look at your space, think about its purpose, and purchase items that meet your needs.