Furniture for the Garden and Patio

Patio & Garden Furniture

When we think of patio and garden furniture, what springs to mind? Wrought iron? Rich wood? Folding chairs?

Something that often fails to occur to homeowners is the fact that the garden is actually the largest room in your home - and, usually, that which is most neglected. Whether you're looking to add value to your property or simply fashion a pleasant relaxation area, selecting the right furniture can help transform any garden into a paradise.

So what should you look for when you're shopping for outdoor furniture? Well, it will always come down to personal taste, so here we'll simply take a look at the basic essentials of any great garden.

Benches and Chairs

When it comes to garden benches you have more options than you may realize:

Hardwood Benches

To create the traditional look of an English garden you can choose a rich, dark hardwood such as mahogany or teak. Hardwood benches look great amongst thick greenery - with the added bonus that they resist harsh weather conditions, so you can leave them out even on the coldest winter days. 

Aluminum Benches

For a more modern look, aluminum and iron benches and chairs bring to mind a Parisian café scene. Best suited to a patio or deck, these benches are ideal for that modern continental look.

Steamers and Sun Loungers

For gardens in warmer climates there is the option of padded steamers and sun loungers. However, you should take care to keep them under shelter during wet weather to protect the upholstery from the elements.

Adirondack Chairs

Finally, for the ultimate in convenience and comfort there is the deeply angled Adirondack chair. Since many Adirondacks are fully foldable for storage during inclement weather, Adirondack chairs can be set up at a moment's notice to take advantage of the sunshine. They also come in handy for when you have visitors and need to provide additional comfortable seating.

Patio Tables

To match your garden chairs you should invest in a good quality table. Ideal for serving barbecues in the summer, your garden table should serve you well for years.

Before you invest in your garden table you should consider the local climate. If you can expect clement weather all year round you should choose a patio table that can be safely left to the elements. If, however, your winters are not so mild you might want to consider a folding table that can be stored inside until the summer.

Your choice of table should also depend on the number of people in your home. A small coffee table should be sufficient for a household with two or three people, but to serve a large family you should consider a full-sized table - perhaps even a picnic bench!

To shade yourself from the sun you may also want to consider investing in a parasol for your table. Not only will it keep you cool in the heat of the day, but it will also protect your table from the harsh midday sun, preventing it from ageing before its time. Most garden tables are built with a space to support a parasol - and many come with the parasol supplied.

For general use, no garden should be without an occasional table or two. Ideal for resting your drink while sunbathing, your occasional table should be small enough to store during the winter months.

The best thing about decorating your garden is that there are no real rules. In selecting accessories you should feel free to express yourself - whether you choose a water feature, decorative bird feeders or even garden gnomes! So, whether you have just a small patio or an enormous lawn, your choice of furniture can help give your garden a form and beauty you would never have believed possible.