There are many different things that go into designing the perfect garden, from size and layout to plants and pathways. But one of the aspects that plays a key role in the process and can help you make the most of your outdoor living space is choosing the right furniture pieces.
Apart from providing comfort and convenience, garden furniture also enhances the functionality of your outdoor area, turning it into a place that meets everyone’s needs. A small backyard can become an extension of your home by adding multipurpose seating areas. Similarly, modular outdoor furniture can turn your porch into a cosy al fresco spot or a stylish entertainment venue where friends and family can gather on warm summer evenings.
However, choosing garden items is not the same as picking indoor furniture since there are different requirements to keep in mind. For example, wood preparation differs for interior and exterior pieces. So, even if you consider yourself an expert in interior design and have an eye for beauty and aesthetics, your skills might not transfer to garden design. Besides, with outdoor furniture being available in a wide array of styles, shapes and sizes, it can be all the more difficult to select the right items for your garden.
If you want to get things right the first time and make things easier for yourself, this guide is going to teach you how to choose the perfect furniture and turn your garden into an inviting retreat that everyone will enjoy.
Think About Your Needs
The first aspect you need to focus on when choosing garden furniture is your personal needs. The internet abounds with garden ideas and design inspiration, but not every furniture arrangement you see on Pinterest or Instagram is going to suit your requirements. Outdoor furniture needs to provide comfort and functionality first and foremost, so you should look beyond aesthetics and make sure that the pieces you choose match your lifestyle.
Think about how you’re going to use your outdoor space before you start looking for furniture. Do you intend to use it as a reading nook or a relaxation spot for yourself or do you have bigger plans like transforming it into a place for family and friends’ gatherings? It’s important to know exactly what you want to do with the space so you can choose furnishings that will accommodate your needs and help you bring your vision to life.
Measure Up The Space
The size of your garden or patio is another crucial aspect you need to keep in mind when going furniture shopping. You might be dreaming of adorning your outdoors with lavish lounge chairs and huge bean bags, but if you only have a small backyard at your disposal, you might not be able to fit all these items inside or you could end up crowding the space so much that there won’t be any room left for you to move around.
You have to do things in the right order and measure your garden or patio and then start searching for adequate furniture that suits your space requirements. If you want to avoid clutter, it’s recommended to fill no more than two-thirds of the space with furniture. Anything more than that is going to affect the functionality of your outdoor area.
Decide On The Style
The large variety of outdoor furniture you can find on the market right now allows you to style your garden in many different ways. You’re no longer limited to the neutral or nature-inspired colour palette and the classical shapes that once dominated outdoor furnishings.
So, you have the possibility to create an outdoor space that reflects and matches the interior design of your home or, on the contrary, you can go in the opposite direction and opt for a contrasting look. If you feel the need to change things from time to time or spice up your design, you can always add interest with throws and cushions in vivid colours and bold patterns.
Choose Quality Pieces
Unlike indoor furniture, outdoor pieces are going to be exposed to the elements, so you need to make sure they’re able to withstand sun, rain and harsh weather conditions. While you can apply interior wood treatment for your home furniture to ensure longevity, garden items are more difficult to maintain. This means quality and durability should be top of mind when choosing garden furniture.
You have to check the structure and consider the materials they’re made of. Rattan, wood and metal are the most common materials used for outdoor furniture, as they provide strength and sturdiness and with adequate upkeep can ensure furniture pieces last for years. However, if you find quality items to be too pricey for your budget, you can always purchase second-hand furniture and restore it. With a bit of TLC, you can make these pieces look brand new, not to mention you’ll also be able to cut back on your carbon footprint.
Consider Maintenance
If you’d rather spend your time relaxing in your outdoor oasis than cleaning or fixing your furniture to make sure it remains in the best condition possible, we suggest choosing easy-care items. This is going to save you a lot of time, trouble and most importantly money in the long run.
However, even easy-care furniture requires a bit of maintenance to stay in top shape. So, make sure you clean your furniture regularly and store it in a protected location when it’s not in use – a garage, basement or shed is ideal in this respect. Depending on the material they’re made of, you might also have to seal your furnishings with a clear coat to protect them from the elements.
Final Thoughts
A garden or any outdoor space for that matter is a gift that keeps on giving, but only if you know how to plan it properly. With the right furniture pieces, you can unlock the full potential of your outdoor area and transform even the smallest or dullest spaces into eye-catching and cosy retreats.