It may not seem like it just yet but summer is fast approaching! Long evenings, garden parties with friends and outdoor lounging are all on their way. We want to help you to get your garden gorgeous in time for all the wonderful outdoor antics to come. That’s why we’ve put together our top garden furniture ideas to inspire and delight you.
1. Contemporary design
A major buzzword when it comes to garden furniture is contemporary, but what exactly does it mean and how can the look be achieved? Contemporary garden furniture makes use of metal, concrete, straight lines and hard materials to bring a modern feel to your space. The use of concrete garden furniture gives an instant contemporary feel to your garden and works extremely well with the natural textures and colours of the outdoors. Opt for a simple sculpted dining set to make a statement. If this feels a little too harsh for you then you can always soften up the look with soft furnishings such as cushions and throws or place your concrete furniture on a wooden decked area to warm up the space and provide contrast.
2. Great gazebos
Here in the UK, we can’t always be guaranteed a sunny summer but don’t let that spoil the fun! Gazebos are a fantastic way of ensuring that your garden remains functional no matter the weather. In the past, gazebos got a bad rep and became associated with white tents hired out for parties but this couldn’t be further from the truth! Today’s modern, versatile gazebos make a great addition to any garden space. Extend your indoor dining area with a gazebo placed above your patio or create a relaxing space at the end of your garden where you can sit back with a cup of tea and a good book dodging those pesky showers. If you’d prefer to have something a little more flexible then a moveable garden shade could provide the answer. Offering you shade from the sun and a comfortable spot for kids or pets to hang out under.
3. Traditional rattan
Although many of us are now opting for more contemporary garden furniture materials such as concrete and wrought iron, rattan still remains a tried and tested garden furniture material. Rattan works well in more traditional gardens and can be a great bridging material from the conservatory to patio area. One of the key considerations for rattan is its durability. In wetter months be sure to store your rattan furniture appropriately or consider placing it under a gazebo or pergola to prolong its lifetime.
4. Go bold with colour
Don’t be afraid to add a pop of colour to your garden furniture. The use of colour works particularly well in gardens which are quite minimal with concrete features or stone walls. The addition of yellow seating can help to add a Mediterranean feel to your space while the use of bold blues and greens will help to add a playful feel to your space. Colour can also be injected through the outdoor accessories you decide to use including outdoor lights, cushions and rugs.
5. Blended living
A major trend in recent times has been the blending of indoor and outdoor spaces and this is a trend that is set to last for quite some time to come. One of the most natural and functional ways to blend your indoor and outdoor spaces is to create a dining area that can expand across both areas. By choosing similar flooring for both your inside space and patio or decking area you will create a seamless flow between the two spaces. A conservatory or bi-folding doors offer the perfect place to blend your indoor and outdoor spaces.
6. Indoors, outdoors
The idea of our gardens being an extension of our indoor space also lends itself to the use of more traditional indoor furniture items, outdoors. Think outdoor sofas, rugs and cushions.
This trend is all about creating a flow from your inside space to your outdoor space. By choosing plants that work both indoors and outdoors you can further create that sense of flow and continuity.
7. Focal point
Similar to how a television often forms the focal point of your living room, a garden with a focal point will feel full of purpose and function. A firepit can provide an excellent focal point for your space, a cosy heat source that everyone is sure to gather around as the night draws in. Your fire pit doesn’t have to be a stand-alone feature however, why not opt for a dining set with a built-in fire pit which offers you a stunning focal point with the benefit of a direct heat source to sit around.
8. Muted tones
2021 saw grey and white garden furniture and accessories sweeping across the nation and this year we see a slight variation on these trends. Natural and muted tones such as cream, sage and beige are going to be taking the lead for garden furniture. Muted tones are extremely easy to incorporate into any style of garden making this an easy trend to introduce into your outdoor space.
9. Minimalism
Less is often more and in the case of garden trends this year, minimalism is set to be popular. As we mentioned, neutral tones are set to be huge this year and these go extremely well with minimalist furniture options. When it comes to choosing furniture that aligns with a minimalist theme, opt for thin structured metals, compact seating and sharp edges.
10. Gardens of all shapes and sizes
Balcony gardens exploded over the last number of years and have opened a whole new world of possibilities to those living in apartments. The key to achieving a great small garden space whether that be on your balcony or within a small rear garden space is to be practical. The use of easily moved planters allows you to be flexible with your placement of plants so that they can simply be moved aside when it's time to dine. When it comes to seating, the use of foldable bistro sets or a much sought after egg chair or hanging chair allows you to be flexible with your placement while saving on space.
We hope our selection of garden furniture ideas has provided you with the inspiration you need to update your space in time for summer. For more style inspiration to create your perfect home and garden, follow us on Instagram and Pinterest, or to search and discover over 100+ furniture retailers across the entire market, simply click here.
