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Outdoor Bar Stool

Garden Furniture Buying Guide

We are all getting our gardens and outside spaces ready for the Summer, and with the great weather we have recently had, some of us are a bit behind. So, read our buying guide for garden furniture ideas and inspiration to create the perfect outdoor space for you.

1. Garden Chairs

First up in our guide of garden furniture ideas is a great garden chair. A must-have piece of furniture for the garden. Whether that is a lounge, dining, or armchair you will most certainly need somewhere to sit for yourself and your guests. Maybe this is a metal frame dining chair like our Distressed Style Metal Garden Chair or perhaps you fancy something a little more loungy like our Alfresco Woven Rattan Outdoor Chair With Footstool.

If you are limited in space look for easily manoeuvrable lightweight garden furniturelike a stool. Ideal for small gardens or balconies. Even when you have a large space to entertain in you may not need or want full-size chairs out all the time. A stool like our Black Rattan Outdoor Bistro Bar Stool is ideal for when you need an extra seat or two for unexpected guests.

Your outdoor space needs to be an inviting and comfortable place to be. Keep your garden furniture relaxed with touches of your indoor style so it becomes a second living room. We may only get the proper use of our gardens for a few months a year, but let us make it as good as it can be during this time.

2. Garden Table Furniture Ideas

 

The perfect pairing for your garden chair is, of course, a table. You might like to mix and match garden furniture styles for an eclectic look, or alternatively, you may prefer a dining set like our Black Metal Garden Table & Chairs Set. A gorgeous compact bistro set, ideal for a small garden or balcony. Other options for a dining table would be something bigger, possibly made from wood or metal. You could even get creative and make something bespoke for yourself.

The garden furniture you use in your outside space does not necessarily need to be specifically outdoor suitable. If you choose something like a side table which is easily movable then it's a great option to use indoors and out.

As we all know tables are very useful in all settings. Whether it's a dining table you need to eat at or smaller side tables, it is good to plan ahead to know what you will need. Sometimes a large coffee table will be perfect for your seating area, alternatively, you may find 2 or 3 smaller side tables work better, freeing up more floor space.

3. Outdoor Rugs

 

It has only become a thing in recent years, that we would consider putting a rug outside in the UK. In hotter climates, they have been doing it for years. Now we have been introduced to the outdoor rug, an item that can be left outside in the rain and this has changed everything. We can now create an extension of our living room outside and also means you can decorate your outside space more like you would inside.

When choosing a rug for the outside, be sure to take the same steps as you would if it was in a room in the house. The 2 main things to consider are size and colour. It may sound obvious but there is nothing worse than having a rug that doesn't fit. Having an outdoor rug with your garden furniture gives the opportunity to go bold with colour and pattern and when the sun is shining you can recreate that Mediterranean feeling.

For a punchy hit of blue in your garden look at our Blue Mosaic Reversible Outdoor Rug or for something monochrome our Round Aztec Design Reversible Outdoor Garden Rug. Opting for a garden rug will help soften the outside space, especially if you are thinking on a patio or concrete area. Layer up your rugs as you might do indoors, and cover with cushions, creating a Moroccan vibe. A great place to catch some rays!

 

4. Garden Planter Ideas

As with any indoor space, adding accessories will complete the room. Outdoors and gardens are the same, and considering accessories like planters are so important. Not only are they great for housing your favourite plants or flowers, but they now come in so many shapes and sizes, you can get something that is more than just a practical item. Whatever your style there is a planter out there for you. Arrange a handful of different designs together next to your garden furniture for a curated look. Or have large stand-alone planters like our Large Stone Effect Classical Face Planter in a prominent space on its own.

For something a bit more rustic and industrial how about our Set Of 3 Galvanised Garden Planters. The set is made up of three sizes and look great grouped together. You can also achieve this look with similar-looking planters of different sizes. The great thing about planters is that you can move them when you get bored. This offers flexibility and having a variety of planters in your garden means you can plant with gorgeous flowers each year.

Continue reading for more garden furniture ideas.

5. Outdoor Mirror

As with outdoor rugs, mirrors have slowly become a must-have in any outdoor space. Taking inspiration from other countries like Morocco, France, and Spain, having a mirror outside creates the feeling of space. Place the mirror where you can get the best reflection and also in view of you and your guests. Unlike indoor mirrors, you need to be happy letting them wear in the weather and age over time.

Mirrors are particularly useful for smaller gardens and balconies giving the impression of more space. Mirrors can also be attractive accessories to look at, whether on the ground or upon a wall. Our gorgeous Tall Arched Crittell-Style Mirror Suitable For Outside is a great example of an outdoor mirror that will work with any setting and style of garden furniture. Crittall style is very popular right now and this large mirror would make a great addition to your outside space.

Gardens can often become quite flat-looking, but as with any space you need to have height and depth. A mirror is the ideal item to use to achieve this. A tall mirror works perfectly covering up an unsightly wall, at the same time reflecting the best parts of the garden. Layer a couple of different size mirrors for impact, and of course additional reflection.

6. Lighting

Although lighting can sometimes be overlooked and left to the end when planning your garden space, we believe it needs to be pushed higher up the list. During the day the lights are not necessary, but after dark, you want to continue enjoying your garden. Picking the right light is so important, whether it is a wall light for an external wall, a table lamp, or festoon lights they all need to be considered.

Our Solar Powered range of lights is a good place to start. These decorative lights will give a lovely glow at night creating patterns and ambiance. For something brighter you may prefer the St Ives Dipped Harbour Wall Light. This type of light will give more evenly distributed light.

 

7. Garden Bench Furniture Ideas

 

If you want to get some additional seating in your garden but don't want a lot of chairs, get yourself a bench or garden sofa. Our Sunflower Yellow Metal Garden Bench is a show-stopping piece that seats two and you can pair this with other metal chairs.

A bench is a lovely garden furniture alternative to just using chairs and breaks up the space nicely. Mix & match different styles for an eclectic look. Over time you can buy new chairs without worrying about them looking the same as what you have already.

As with any indoor space, there is always room for something quirky in the garden. As with any room inside your home the garden needs to show an expression of your personality.

 

For more inspiration and garden furniture ideas head to our Instagram & Pinterest pages.


You May Also Like To Read...

11 Garden Room Ideas To Steal

5 Ideas To Make Your Own Garden Furniture

Garden Furniture Ideas For Small Gardens

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