Dreaming of relaxing in your garden, whether it’s a warm sunny afternoon or a beautiful starlit evening? Creating the perfect outdoor space starts with choosing the right garden furniture. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.
As the leading garden furniture retailer in Wellingborough, we at Bestbuys have helped countless customers across Northamptonshire find the perfect pieces to suit their needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking for durable, weather-resistant outdoor sets, comfortable furniture for small spaces, or affordable options without compromising quality, this guide has got you covered.
We’ll explore how to choose the right furniture type and size, understanding weather resistance and proper maintenance, plus much more! This guide will walk you through seven important things you need to consider to make an informed decision and transform your outdoor space.
1. Furniture Type
Identifying the purpose of your outdoor space is the first crucial step. Do you picture yourself enjoying leisurely afternoons lounging in the sun? Perhaps you’re looking to create a lovely outdoor dining area for al fresco meals with family and friends? Or maybe you’re looking to create a cosy conversation area? Let’s take a look at some of the different types of outdoor furniture available…
Dining Sets:
Explore a range of stylish dining tables and comfortable chairs to create the perfect setting for summer barbecues and dinner parties. Keep in mind the largest group of people you’ll be hosting and choose a set that provides enough seating and dining space.
Sofa Lounge Sets:
Create a relaxing and inviting seating area with comfortable sofas and armchairs. Perfect for lounging, socialising, and enjoying the summer evenings. Some sets might include features such as ice buckets or gas fire pit tables. Look for sets with comfortable relaxed seating and plush cushions for maximum comfort.
Casual Dining Sets:
Providing a perfect mix of comfort and dining practicality, these versatile sets are ideal for entertaining and can be easily transformed from dining to lounging. Many of these sets come with height adjustable tables, making it easy to unwind on the sofa in the afternoon with the table lowered, then raise the table in the evening to enjoy some al fresco dining with family and friends.
Bistro Sets:
Ideal for smaller spaces or balconies, bistro sets offer a compact and charming dining solution. Perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or a light lunch. Consider a bistro set with folding or stackable chairs for easy storage when not in use.
Lounge Chairs & Sun Loungers:
Immerse yourself in pure relaxation with comfortable lounge chairs and sun loungers. Ideal for lying back, soaking up the sun, and escaping the stresses of everyday life. Choose from a variety of styles, such as reclining arm chairs and zero-gravity loungers, to find what suits your comfort and style best.
Hammocks & Swinging Chairs:
Add a touch of relaxation to your garden with a comfortable hammock or swinging egg chair. Enjoy gently swaying away as you take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Thinking about the key uses of your outdoor space will help you select the ideal furniture options or combinations that cater to your lifestyle. Feel free to stop by our store in Wellingborough to see all the different styles of outdoor furniture we offer.
2. Furniture Size & Layout
Before choosing your garden furniture, it’s important to measure your outdoor space. Take into account the dimensions of your patio, deck, or garden area, and consider any existing features that might obstruct the area like flowerbeds, trees, pathways or doors. This will help you figure out the right size and give you an idea of the number of furniture pieces that can fit in your outdoor space. Where possible, try to avoid overcrowding, as this can make the area feel cramped.
Think about how you’ll use the space and how people will move around. Will you be hosting large gatherings? Do you need separate dining and lounging areas? Or, can you combine both into one versatile area? Sketching out a rough layout of your area and furniture can help you visualising your ideas and maximise your areas flow and usability.
If you have a smaller garden, look for compact furniture sets that can be easily moved or stored away when not in use. Folding chairs and tables are great space-saving solutions for smaller outdoor areas. You may also want to think about making the most of vertical space by using hanging planters or wall-mounted decorations to free up more floor space.
By carefully considering the size and layout of your outdoor space, you can create a beautiful and practical setup that maximises the enjoyment of your garden.
3. Durability & Weather Resistance
The weather can be unpredictable in the UK, with rain, wind, and even occasional snow. Therefore, it’s important to choose quality weather-resistant outdoor furniture. Look for materials that are designed to withstand the elements and keep their aesthetic appeal for years to come.
Steel frames offer great strength and durability. Look for powder-coated steel which can significantly boost rust resistance, especially given our wet climate.
Aluminium is a lightweight and naturally rust-resistant option, making it a popular choice for outdoor furniture. It’s also relatively easy to maintain.
Rattan, made from synthetic materials like resin or wicker, is usually treated with a UV and weather-resistant coating to enhance its durability and reduce fading. Thicker half-round or rod weaves generally offer greater durability and sturdiness compared to thinner, flat weaves.
Wood adds a touch of natural beauty to any outdoor space. However, it requires regular maintenance, including cleaning, oiling, and protection from the elements.
By choosing durable and quality materials, you can be confident that your outdoor furniture will bring you joy for many years to come.
4. Comfort & Ergonomics
When it comes to choosing outdoor furniture, comfort is key. Look for furniture that has soft, well-cushioned seats and supportive backrests. Consider the density and thickness of the cushions, and look for weather resistant materials that are easy to clean.
When selecting seating, make sure it provides adequate back support and that the armrests are at a suitable height. Options like reclining chairs and height adjustable tables can enhance your comfort and cater to your individual preferences.
When selecting a dining set, it’s important to pay attention to the height and depth of the seats for a comfortable dining experience. Likewise, when choosing sofa sets, make sure they provide enough room for you to relax and stretch out comfortably.
Ultimately, the most comfortable furniture is the one that best suits your individual needs. Remember, that comfort is a personal preference, which is why we always suggest that people visit our store in Wellingborough to personally experience the comfort and feel of our outdoor furniture sets firsthand. By trying out different items in person, you can decide what works best for your needs and tastes, which is something that online shopping just can’t provide.
5. Style & Aesthetics
Selecting outdoor furniture that fits the style of your home and garden is another point to consider. Think about the architectural style of your property. Is it modern, traditional, rustic, or contemporary? Choose pieces that compliment or blend well with these existing styles.
Consider the vibe you want to achieve for your space. Are you leaning towards a clean and modern look, or do you favour a warm and cosy rustic charm? Consider incorporating natural elements such as wood or woven materials to create a relaxed and welcoming feel.
Colour significantly influences the visual appeal of your surroundings. Choose colours that enhance both your outdoor setting and your home’s exterior. Classic neutrals such as grey, beige, and white are always in style and can be easily paired with different colour themes. You can also add your own personal touch by incorporating contrasting or vibrant coloured scatter cushions and different patterns to inject personality and style.
6. Budget & Value
It’s a good idea to set a realistic budget before making any purchasing decisions. Consider the overall cost of the outdoor furniture you are interested in, as well as any extras you might require, such as protective covers, parasols, or scatter cushions.
Remember that investing in good quality furniture can provide great value over the long-term. Selecting durable materials and well-built pieces means your furniture can last for many years to come. Although steel frame sets tend to be more budget-friendly than aluminium frame sets, it’s important to think about the long-term maintenance. Steel will need occasional painting touch-ups to avoid rust, while aluminium may be slightly more expensive, but offers better long-term resistance to corrosion.
Also, consider whether the furniture is supplied flat-packed or pre-assembled. Flat-packed furniture is normally less expensive, but requires assembly at home. On the other hand, mostly assembled or pre-assembled furniture requires little or no assembly, but it usually comes with a higher price tag because of the extra shipping and transport costs involved.
7. Maintenance & Care
Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to prolonging the life of your outdoor furniture. Remember that some materials require less maintenance than others. For instance, aluminium generally requires less maintenance than steel, while wooden pieces require frequent oiling and protection from the elements.
Storing your outdoor furniture properly when it’s not in use for long period, such as during winter, can really help increase its lifespan. Consider using protective weatherproof covers or putting your furniture in a shed or garage, to shield it from the wet weather and frost in winter.
For more information on cleaning and maintaining specific materials, please see our blog post on Top Tips for Winter Storage. By following some of our simple maintenance tips, you can help keep your outdoor furniture in excellent condition and prolong its lifespan, ensuring you get the most out of your set and that it continues to bring joy for many years to come.
Summary
Choosing the right furniture for your outdoor space requires consideration of several factors. Start by identifying how you plan to use the area, then choose furniture that fits both the style and size you need. Don’t forget comfort and durability are also important to ensure your outdoor retreat is both comfortable and long lasting.
Keep in mind the importance of selecting weather-resistant materials that can cope with the British weather. By investing in good quality furniture and staying on top of routine cleaning and maintenance, you will be able to enjoy your new outdoor furniture for many years to come.
With so many factors to consider, visiting a store to see and test furniture in person gives you the opportunity to assess the size, quality, and comfort firsthand. That’s why we always encourage our customers to visit our store in Wellingborough to explore our extensive range of outdoor furniture. Whether you’re looking for Patio Dining Sets, Corner Sofa Sets, or Casual Dining Sets, we have it all in various different styles and colours. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to offer expert guidance to help you discover the ideal outdoor furniture to turn your outdoor space into a stylish and relaxing retreat that truly works for you.
