An Expert’s Guide To Garden Furniture

When the sun comes out, there’s only one place to be (and no, it’s not the pub) – we’re of course talking about the garden. Just picture the setup: a sunny afternoon, laid back in a lounger or huddled around an artfully decorated table, with lanterns dotted around the space so that you can enjoy it from day until night. Sounds like a dream? We think so, which is why we’ve asked the experts just how we can bring our outdoor space up to scratch with the most beautiful garden furniture.

How Garden Furniture Can Elevate Your Outdoor Space

Many homebuyers might be after multiple bedrooms, transport links or even a parking space – but come summer, it’s all about the garden. And what better way to ensure you have the most coveted setup on the street, than with a carefully curated collection of garden furniture? 

The Heveningham Collection

‘Whether for a terrace or garden, providing an area to relax, soak up the sunshine or dine al fresco lets the outdoors become a beautiful extension of your living space,’ says Fred Horlock, Design Director at Neptune. ‘It’s an invitation to connect with nature over coffee in the morning, an afternoon nap on a perfectly placed sun lounger or hosting large gatherings around the table for a BBQ.’

‘Garden furniture not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces but also plays a crucial role in creating a comfortable and functional environment,’ adds a spokesperson from The Heveningham Collection. ‘It provides more than somewhere to sit and relax and can make a garden feel like an extension of the home.’

What To Keep In Mind When Shopping

On the hunt for some new garden furniture? Before you shop, make sure to do your research. ‘Durability is key, so researching the materials used is a good place to start,’ says Fred, who adds that the type of material can help preserve the longevity of your garden furniture setup. ‘To withstand the weather, look for exterior grade paint finishes, solid timber like teak and accoya which performs brilliantly in damp conditions, and all-weather rattan that looks as good as new years after purchase.’

JANUS et Cie

Expert Tips: How To Style Garden Furniture

Think About The Function

One of the key things to consider when styling the garden is how you want to use it. ‘In a similar way to how you may design your interior space, consider how you enjoy spending time in the garden and what suits your needs,’ says Fred.

Treat Your Garden Like An Extension Of The Home

‘The most successful outdoor spaces feel like a natural extension of the home,’ says Danya Lane, Senior Vice President of Residential Sales for JANUS et Cie. ‘Try to curate garden furniture with the same thoughtfulness as you would an interior space, balancing scale, comfort, materials and lifestyle to create a space that is both beautiful and lived in.’

Zone Your Space

The easiest way to create a flowing space? Zone it. Fred suggests ‘creating zones for different moments, whether it be a comfy armchair in a spot that gets the morning sun or a dining set on a patio closer to the kitchen.’

‘A dining table and chairs establishes an al fresco dining area, whilst sofas and lounge chairs create a space for relaxation,’ adds The Heveningham Collection. 

Neptune

Dial Up The Details

While bigger pieces of furniture may become the star of the (al fresco) show, it’s the details that will truly make your garden stand out, says Fred. ‘Consider the details that truly make these areas special – from parasols to outdoor cushions, cordless lighting and candles, accessories are not only practical additions, but also help to make the space feel comfortable and inviting.’

Don’t Forget To Measure The Space

And finally, some practical advice: ‘Measure your space thoroughly to avoid buying a set that doesn’t fit your space,’ suggests Fred. ‘Remember chairs aren’t always tucked under the dining table, allowing for plenty of space to move comfortably around it when guests are sat down and the chairs pulled out. Have a think about storage too, as most outdoor cushions will fare better if stored somewhere dry over the winter.’