Garden Furniture: How to Style your Outdoor Space

Pick the right garden furniture

Of course, top of everyone’s list for their garden is usually a comfy place to sit. But before you rush into buying garden furniture, give some consideration to how you want to use it. Do you want a table for dining al fresco, for example? Or would you prefer a lounge-style area for coffee, cocktails and nibbles? Do you want to be able to leave your furniture out all year, or will you be packing it away in the winter?

Size matters too. Furniture that’s too big for your space could swamp it and detract from any other styling touches you add, while if you go too small, you’ll find yourself forever wishing you’d opted for a larger set (and dragging chairs out from inside when you have more guests than you can seat!).

Many garden-furniture sets come in a variety of styles and configurations, so it’s worth exploring all the options. One of our favourites is the Michigan collection: a weatherproof wicker style in a contrasting weave of brown and grey that’s warm and eye-catching, but still provides a neutral base for your accessories. With its rounded silhouette, roll-back arms and deep cushions, Michigan adds a contemporary touch to any garden. The collection includes a Petite Corner Dining Set, a Three-Seater Sofa Set and a Grande Corner Dining Set, so there’s something to suit any space.

Add colour and cosiness

Soft furnishings and accessories like cushions, rugs and throws really do make the difference between a functional outdoor space and a welcoming extension of your home.

Just as you would if you were decorating a room inside, think about the colours and style you would like to see in your garden. Do you love bold pops of colour, for example? Are you a fan of florals or geometric prints? It can be helpful to create a mood board that includes examples of things you like, so you can refer back to it as you shop for your space – this will help you stay on track and build a cohesive theme that brings your visualisation to life.

Don’t forget, when it comes to cushions for your garden furniture, look for options that are specifically designed for outdoor use. While you’ll ideally need to shield them from unrelenting downpours, they’ll be made from water-resistant fabric that will survive being caught in a shower. Outdoor cushions are usually UV resistant too, which means the colours and patterns you love won’t become faded and drab by the end of the summer.

Outdoor rugs are a big trend right now, and it’s easy to see why. Just like an indoor rug, adding one to your garden’s seating area helps to pull the space together into an inviting space. It’s also another opportunity to add your personal stamp and soften the overall look. As with cushions, look for a water-resistant rug that’s designed for outside. It will withstand rain and mildew – and an added bonus ­– be extremely easy to clean.

Light it up

At the risk of stating the obvious, lighting in a garden is first and foremost about functionality: having a well-lit outdoor space means you can eat, move around safely and continue to enjoy the area after dark. But practicality is by no means its only role! Lighting is a huge part of how you create a pleasant ambience and set the tone for relaxing and entertaining.

Remember that the last thing you want to create is a glaringly bright, floodlit space! Keep garden lighting as subtle and discreet as possible, this will give you the functional light you need while adding mood and atmosphere. Consider whether you want to use something like spike or solar lighting to highlight a pathway or a particular feature of your garden – for example a striking tree or gorgeous shrub.

String lights are a lovely way of adding overhead light to your garden without it looking intrusive, but you’re no longer restricted to traditional fairy lights! There’s now a huge selection of garden string lights available in a variety of colours and textures, from Moroccan-style lanterns to quirky bulbs and rattan designs.

Last but by no means least, candles and candelabras infuse any space with a soft, warm glow that’s especially lovely if you’re dining outside.

If you’d like to transform your outside space, why not book a consultation with our Interior Designer, Holly? She’s passionate about creating spaces our customers adore and would love to help you bring your dream garden to life.