How to choose garden furniture
It is no secret that we have started to appreciate our outdoor spaces a little more in recent years and as temperatures begin to rise and days are starting to get that little bit longer we are all turning our attention to our gardens and how to make the most of them this summer. It’s exciting to be able to get outdoors and sit and relax or dine in the sun. Gardens offer the potential to create an additional room that extends the living space within your home. From garden parties to barbeques it is now the time to start thinking about your outdoor furniture.
It can be rather overwhelming to choose garden furniture as there is a lot to consider and seemingly endless possibilities and options to choose from. The first thing to outline before choosing garden furniture is how you plan to use your outdoor space this summer and what types of furniture will help to facilitate your plans.
Outdoor furniture for the hosts and party people
If entertaining and hosting is high on your list of priorities then you will definitely want to consider investing in spacious dining sets made for alfresco meals. For casual dining and smaller parties seating should take priority as you will want to maximise the number of seats available to your guests. Adding side tables may be a useful feature for this type of activity as it will free up some space for extra chairs. Opting for more comfortable seating with cushions and large pillows will be the best route to take when comfort is also a priority.
Garden dining sets for the intimate family dining atmosphere
For those who are wanting to use their garden space for added family time, you should think of your garden as an extension of your family home. To ensure your home feels in cohesion with your garden try to match outdoor furniture colours with those within your home. You can also match the styles you have indoors too where possible as garden furniture comes in a variety of styles
Balcony dining for the smaller outdoor spaces
No matter how small your outdoor space is there can always be room made for garden furniture sets. Outdoor bistro sets and fold-up chairs are easy to store and don’t take up too much space.
Looking at pieces of garden furniture that serve two purposes can also be a great way to add more storage to your smaller outdoor space. For example, a garden bench with internal storage makes for a great seating arrangement as well as providing somewhere to store garden equipment and supplies.
Keep in mind that you will need to have sufficient storage space for your patio furniture as you won’t be able to use it all year round.
Choosing outdoor garden furniture that will last
You will need to ensure that you choose garden furniture that is durable and built to last in most weather conditions, made from a solid material that will withstand all the elements. Whilst your garden furniture may boast weather-proof tendencies it is always wise to cover your garden furniture during winter months or in wet weather.
Outdoor furniture can wear out quickie since it is placed outdoors, however, not all of it is hard to maintain. In fact, many materials aren’t hard to clean and are all-weather pieces.
Garden furniture can be made from a variety of materials from glass, plastic, wood, bamboo, metal or rattan, picking a suitable material will depend on how you want to use your furniture. If your space is more of a family space or a space used for hosting then you may want to look for something a little more durable.
Taking environmental aspects into account is also important, if you live in a place with lots of rainfall then you may want to consider weather-proofing your garden furniture with the right materials and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of furniture for gardens?
Garden furniture needs to be durable and robust to withstand its continued use over the summer months, you may also want to invest in lightweight furniture that is easy to move around your garden space and can easily be stored away when necessary. Garden furniture should also be easy to maintain and clean regularly to ensure that it lasts a long time.
What is the best quality outdoor furniture?
The best types of quality garden furniture should be stylish yet durable, comfortable and easy to maintain over time. These factors are mostly determined by the choice of materials in your frames and seating cushions.
What type of outdoor furniture is the most durable?
Outdoor furniture that is made from metal is usually the most durable and is weather-proof but wooden garden furniture is also quite sturdy and robust.
