Purchasing outdoor furniture can be an exciting project for any homeowner. Having a beautiful and functional outdoor living space extends your home’s square footage and provides a peaceful spot to relax and entertain. When selecting outdoor furniture for your garden, patio or deck, there are several key factors to consider before making this important investment. Follow this guide to choose pieces that suit your style, space, and budget.
1. Consider the Climate
The UK weather can be unpredictable, with sunny spells interspersed with wind, rain and cooler temperatures. Look for all-weather outdoor furniture made from durable, weather-resistant materials like teak, eucalyptus, aluminium, synthetic wicker, or powder-coated metals. Waterproof and UV-resistant cushions are a must for comfort. If you experience harsh winters, look for heavy pieces that won’t blow over in high winds and can withstand snow loads. Strategically place outdoor furnishings near overhangs, trees, or fences as shelter from the elements.
2. Measure Your Space
Before shopping, carefully measure your outdoor area’s dimensions. Consider how you want to use the space and where you’ll place furniture groupings. Leave enough room for walking paths between seating areas and to accommodate food preparation or dining spaces. Measure doorways too to ensure new furniture can be easily transported outside. Outdoor sectionals, loveseats, chairs and benches for a garden or patio can provide ample seating if properly sized and arranged. Make a layout map to scale so you can try different furniture configurations.
3. Complement Your Style
Your outdoor furniture should blend seamlessly with your interior décor for a cohesive look. Choose designs and materials that mirror or complement your home’s architectural style. For a contemporary space, sleek sections in bold colours or modern textures are ideal. Farmhouse motifs, woven textures and distressed woods pair well with shabby chic interiors. Classic wicker furniture adds British cottage charm. Most manufacturers offer coordinating outdoor furniture collections designed to mix and match well with their indoor lines.
4. Factor in Functionality
Consider how you plan to use your outdoor area for both relaxation and entertaining. Comfort features like deep seating, cushions, ottomans, reclining chairs and swivel mechanisms add long-term enjoyment and versatility. Look for tables with built-in storage, serving trays and wipe clean surfaces. Chair sets that can be reconfigured are useful for accommodating different group sizes. Benches provide casual seating and can double as extra tables. Look for weatherproof cabinets or shelving units to keep games, blankets and more items neatly stored but close at hand.
5. Set a Budget
Outdoor furniture ranges widely in price. Establish a realistic budget before falling in love with pieces you can’t afford. Lower priced options include plastic, resin wicker and aluminium, while teak and concrete cost more but last longer. Cushions can add significantly to the price tag. Measure the dimensions of your current cushions before purchasing replacements. Consider slipcovers to protect cushions when not in use. When properly maintained, higher quality all-weather outdoor furniture can last decades, making the investment worthwhile.
Choosing the ideal outdoor furniture to suit your home and lifestyle is an important decision. Keep these tips in mind as you shop to help guide your selection. Investing in properly sized, comfortable, and weather-resistant outdoor furnishings can turn your exterior space into a favourite room that brings you joy for years to come.
