Choosing the right garden furniture by David Domoney

Choosing the right garden furniture

Choosing the right garden furniture

Choosing the right garden furniture is like putting the final brushstroke on a masterpiece—it can elevate your outdoor space from merely good to truly extraordinary.

This selection isn't just about picking pieces that look nice; it's about finding furniture that harmoniously blends with your garden's aesthetic whilst meeting all your functional needs.

Imagine lounging in comfort, dining in style, and creating a seamless flow between your indoor and outdoor spaces. Here’s how to make the best choice for your garden, ensuring it becomes a haven of relaxation and beauty.

 

Determine your needs

Before diving into styles and colours, take a moment to envision how you'll use your garden space.

Are you picturing delightful alfresco dining under the warm, golden sun, savoring meals fresh off the barbeque?

Or perhaps you're dreaming of a serene, cozy nook where you can sip your morning coffee, surrounded by the gentle sounds of nature?

 

Dining

If garden entertainment for you means savouring a freshly cooked meal, whether it’s sizzling steaks from the barbecue, a crispy delight from an outdoor pizza oven, or a refreshing salad, ensuring your furniture accommodates these culinary adventures is fundamental.

Imagine a beautiful summer day where the sun is shining and the scent of delicious food fills the air.

To make these moments even more delightful, consider investing in a well-chosen dining set. A full dining table, spacious enough for family and friends, becomes the centrepiece of your outdoor gatherings. Add a parasol to provide shade, allowing everyone to enjoy their meals without squinting in the bright sunlight. This setup not only enhances comfort but also creates an inviting atmosphere where memories are made over shared meals and laughter.

 

Cafe Culture

A small bistro set can transform a quaint corner of your garden into a charming retreat, reminiscent of the picturesque street cafes of Paris.
This delightful addition is perfect for intimate dinners under the stars, where candlelight flickers softly and the air is filled with the scent of blooming flowers. Imagine starting your day with a relaxing cup of coffee, savouring each sip as you bask in the gentle morning sunlight, surrounded by the serenity of your own little haven.
The bistro set's compact elegance brings a touch of European sophistication to your garden, making every moment spent there feel like a mini-holiday.

 

Relaxing

If socialising and relaxing are desired more than alfresco dining then elevate your garden into a true sanctuary with plush, comfortable seating options.
Picture this, a luxurious lounge set with deep cushions that invite you to sink in and relax, perfect for long conversations with friends on warm summer evenings. Add a pair of cozy armchairs where you can curl up with a good book or simply enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings.
For a whimsical touch, consider a swinging seat or hammock, gently swaying with the breeze, offering a delightful spot for daydreaming or taking an afternoon nap.
These inviting pieces transform your garden into a welcoming retreat, a place where comfort meets style, and every moment outdoors becomes an indulgence.

 

Access your space

Understanding your available space is crucial when selecting the perfect garden furniture. This awareness allows you to make informed decisions that maximize both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Whether you have a cozy urban patio, a sprawling country garden, or a charming courtyard, knowing your space’s dimensions and characteristics helps you choose furniture that fits seamlessly without overwhelming the area.

It’s about creating harmony between your furniture and your garden, ensuring every piece enhances the overall ambiance and usability of your outdoor haven. With a clear grasp of your space, you can craft an inviting and stylish garden retreat tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

 

Small Spaces

There are plenty of options for smaller spaces, and this is made even easier if it is only for one or two people to use at a time, such as balconies or courtyards.

You can also mix themes up a little. Say, for example, you have aged, tumbled paving, such as Pavestone’s Natural Stone Tudor Antique as above. This classic paving has a lovely lived appearance, perfectly settling into its environment as if it has always been there. This style of paving may first suggest a classic, wrought iron dining set, and whilst this would pair wonderfully, perhaps a softer, rattan colour coordinated furniture set would suit your preferences better.

Small bistro sets only need a small corner space to be effective, with just an iron chair or two giving you plenty of room to enjoy your morning coffee or an evening glass of wine. Or if something more comfortable would be preferable, perhaps a cosy reading nook in an egg chair would be your perfect solution.

 

Large Gardens

Having a large garden gives you a lot more choices and flexibility in terms of furniture. Considering then which furniture you want or need, and where to put it is more key to your decision-making process. A lot of this may depend on how much patio or decked space you have available in your garden. Corner sets can be a great way to utilise a large space and provide plenty of room for relaxing outdoors.

Remember to consider the terrain; avoid placing furniture directly on grass to prevent damage during wet periods.

 

Find The PERFECT Spot

When choosing the perfect spot, prioritise areas that offer privacy, allowing you to unwind without interruption. A secluded corner can transform your garden into a personal sanctuary where you can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Additionally, opt for a location that provides a full, unobstructed view of your garden.

This vantage point allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings, enjoying the vibrant colors, fragrant blooms, and gentle rustle of leaves as you relax. By carefully selecting both the type and placement of your furniture, you can create an outdoor oasis that combines comfort, style, and tranquility.

 

Furniture with style and colour

The style and material of your garden furniture should transcend mere functionality, although practicality is undoubtedly important, especially when considering maintenance and storage logistics. Equally crucial is how well the furniture integrates aesthetically into your existing garden landscape. Imagine your furniture as an extension of your garden's natural beauty, seamlessly complementing the colours of your plantings, the textures of your paving, and the overall ambiance you've cultivated.

 

Colour Coordination

Similarly, your paving may determine the best colour for your garden furniture. For example, as with Pavestone’s Natural Stone Tudor Antique in the shade Cathedral, a lot of flexibility is provided, with subtle sandy tones and greys threaded throughout, allowing tan, grey, beige, or even black furniture to sit nicely in the space.

 

Bright Colours

The colour of your furniture can either blend with or stand out against your garden backdrop. Neutral shades like tan, grey, beige, or black are versatile. For more vibrant paving like Pavestone’s Dolomite Porcelain in White, use the blank canvas to experiment with bold colours or natural wood tones.

 

Perhaps your chosen planting scheme is the design determination you would prefer to lean on. Formal planting schemes may have you leaning towards intricate wrought iron furniture such as a small bistro table and chairs. Or even a wooden seating area with simple and uniform lines to match those in your topiary Ilex crenata (Japanese holly) or manicured lawn. Instead, you may have a Mediterranean planting scheme, with which your furniture may evoke the sense of dining al fresco in an Italian restaurant, with silvery olive trees or fragrant Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary).

Or a cottage planting scheme including towering Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove) and dainty Campanula (Bellflowers) may suit a cosier, wooden or rattan furniture set for a truly rural feel.

Enjoy Your Space

In conclusion, choosing the right garden furniture is about creating a space that not only meets your practical needs but also enhances your enjoyment of outdoor living. Whether you prefer dining al fresco with loved ones, lounging in serene solitude, or simply savoring moments of quiet reflection, there's a wealth of options to suit every taste and garden size. By carefully considering how your furniture can optimise your space and aligning it with styles that resonate with you, you can transform your garden into a sanctuary where you can unwind and reconnect with nature throughout the summer months. Embrace the opportunity to personalise your outdoor haven, and make every day a delightful retreat right in your garden space.

Take a look at this video which I think encapsulates all that we have explored in this blog. For the home owners here realised their perfect garden feature area, taking all these points into consideration:

 

 

We have hundreds of stunning videos, depicting beautifully landscaped gardens, which have used Pavestone landscaping and building materials to realise our homeowners 'dream gardens'. Set yourself some time to explore our videos. Maybe make some plans for a garden makeover this Spring?

David Domoney, TV gardener, horticultural expert ,and Pavestone brand ambassador blogs monthly on the Pavestone website on all things landscaping related. We look forward to seeing you back again next month.

 

Pavestone Brand Ambassador David Domoney