5 Top Tips To Choosing Your Garden Furniture

Whether it’s a sunny spot for morning coffee, somewhere for a glass of wine with friends, or a quiet corner to read and relax, it’s worth getting it right.

But with so much choice out there, how do you pick something that not only looks good, but works for your space and actually lasts?

Here are five things I always recommend thinking about before you buy:

1. How do you want to use the space?

Before getting into styles and materials, think about how you really want to spend time in your garden. It sounds obvious, but it’s the most important place to start.

Is it about morning coffee in the sun? Lunches with friends? Evening drinks? A quiet spot to read or simply enjoy the view?

Knowing this makes it much easier to decide what kind of furniture will suit you best, where it should go, how big it needs to be, and whether you even need that full dining set.

If you’re short on space or just after a quiet little spot to sit, a bistro set like this one from Agriframes is ideal. It’s compact, elegant, and just right for one or two, and can be moved around your garden.

2. Does the furniture feel like it belongs with your house and garden?

Good garden furniture should feel like it belongs. It’s not just about what suits the garden, it should also work with the style of your house too.

Think about the overall look and feel of both your house and garden, the materials you’ve used and the colours you love. This will all help narrow down your choices before you buy.

The lovely, classic shape of this Agriframes bistro set feels right at home in traditional cottage and country gardens, but is also simple and elegant enough to work in more contemporary spaces too. 

And don’t forget how your furniture looks from inside the house. A well-placed table and chairs can give you a lovely focal point to look out.

3. Will you want to sit in it?

How your furniture looks in your garden is important, but if it’s not comfortable you’re unlikely to use it for long. 

Comfort and practicality makes the difference between a space that gets used a lot and one that’s just for show. Ask yourself, are the chairs genuinely comfortable to sit in? And is there enough room to sit comfortably? Small tweaks like a cushion or a throw can turn a nice seat into your favourite spot in the garden.

And other extras like this Agriframes Tealight Lamp can really lift a space. Candlelight in the evening introduces a lovely warm and relaxed feel, even to the smallest corner.

4. Is it the right size for your space?

One of the easiest mistakes is going too big.

It’s tempting to go for the largest table or chairs with the biggest cushions but furniture that’s too large can dominate a space, feel out of proportion, or make it awkward to move around.

Think about how much room you’ll need to move freely. Will you still be able to get from one area to another without squeezing past chairs? Will the furniture block key views or feel like it cuts off part of the garden?

Always measure out furniture before you buy. Masking tape, string, or cardboard boxes can help you visualise how it will feel in the space. And if your furniture has lots of cushions, think about where you would store these.

5. Is it built to last?

Let’s be honest, garden furniture in the UK must cope with all the elements! 

It’s worth thinking about whether what you’re looking at is built to last. Will it need lots of maintenance to keep it looking good? Does it need covering in winter? And can you still use it on the odd occasion you might want to take the opportunity of winter sun?

This Agriframes bistro set is made from powder-coated steel making it hardwearing and able to withstand the British weather, as well as lovely to look at.

A bit of planning goes a long way. Think about how you want to use your garden. Let the style of your home and outside space guide your choices. Prioritise comfort, get the proportions right, and don’t underestimate the difference good lighting and well-made pieces can make. 

Taking all these elements into account will help you choose furniture that works with the way you want to use it, complements your style, and sits comfortably in your garden.