Summer Outdoor Furniture Shopping Guide

Summertime calls for idyllic afternoons with an iced beverage, lounging in the sun with loved ones. If you’re planning to host parties, or simply unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily life, investing in outdoor furniture is a fantastic way to elevate your outside space. Quality sofas, tables and chairs can transform your garden into an inviting alfresco living area to entertain, relax and unwind.

Finding the right furnishings for your space will help you get the most from your garden, however big or small it might be. To help you create the stylish outside area you’ve always dreamed of – and impress your friends and family in the process – we are looking at how to select the perfect tables, chairs, benches, and sofas for your open air living space.

A roomy option like the Sorrento Extended L-Shape Sectional Sofa is perfect for guests to mingle while you load up the BBQ.

Think about how you want to use the space

Before you start shopping for your garden furniture, take five minutes to sit down with a cup of freshly brewed coffee – preferably out in the sunshine – and think about how you’re going to use the space. Do you want to create an area for alfresco brunches, or perhaps somewhere to socialise on warm summer nights, or even just a spot where you can enjoy a bit of ‘me’ time?

Deciding exactly how you want to use your garden before you start searching for exterior furniture will help to ensure you pick the perfect pieces for your space and your lifestyle.

To add a touch of bohemian charm to your outdoor dining space, consider the Sierra Dining Table, complete with rustic-yet-modern elements.

Choosing your material

Good quality outdoor lounge and outdoor dining furniture is generally made either from treated wood or metal. Both materials are resistant to rain, wind and sun and should last you years if they’re looked after properly.

If you want to create a rustic, natural feel in your garden, opt for outdoor furniture that’s made from solid wood. Timber tables, chairs and sofas will give your garden a welcoming, generous feel. Ideal for big spaces, large wooden furniture will transform your garden into a fantastic living space.

If you like the idea of wood but don’t want a rustic aesthetic, you can smarten up your outside area with some plush cushions and modern lighting. Placing wooden furniture in a garden with a formal layout will also change the feel of your outside area.

With its modern feel and sleek aesthetic, metal furniture is perfect for patios, terraces, and balconies. As metal furniture is generally slimmer than wooden pieces, it’s a good option for smaller spaces. If you like the idea of creating a contemporary eating or entertaining area in your garden, metal tables, chairs and sofas would be the way to go.

If you have a very small outside space, think about investing in furnishings with woven elements. Pieces that have rope backs and seats are perfect for compact gardens and balconies as they allow light and air to pass through, creating the illusion of space and lightness.

Woven details on the Sierra Outdoor Lounge Chair Set adds visual and tactile interest to your outdoor space.

Create flexibility

Just like interior pieces, outdoor furnishings need to be as flexible as possible. After all, the more versatile your layout is, the easier it will be to really make the most of your garden.

A great way to make your outdoor dining area more flexible is to invest in modular furniture. Going for a modular configuration lets you arrange your sofa in the way that best suits your garden and your requirements.

If you want a sofa that’s big enough to accommodate all your friends and family, you can add a module or two to the design. Alternatively, if you want a sofa that’s large enough to lie down on but that doesn’t dominate the space, just choose a few modules for your seating area.

You can make your eating area just as flexible as your lounging space by selecting dining benches instead of chairs. Benches allow you to seat extra people for alfresco dining, and when the food has been cleared from the plates, can be moved closer to the sofa or outdoor armchair to provide extra seating.

Keep your furniture looking fresh and protected from the elements with outdoor furniture cover made to fit your pieces perfectly.

Protect your furniture

Because outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements, it needs a little extra protection to keep it looking good. Intense summer sun can quickly fade wooden furniture and textile cushion covers, while rain can cause exposed elements to rot sooner than they should.

One of the best ways to extend the durability and good looks of your exterior pieces is to cover them when they’re not in use. Outdoor furniture covers will keep the worst of the rain and sun off of your furniture – something that can significantly increase its lifespan.

You don’t need to put the covers on your furniture every time you finish eating or socialising outside. But it’s a good idea to cover your tables, chairs, and sofas when rain is forecast and when you know you’re not going to be using them for a while. The more you use the covers, the better protected your furnishings will be.

A stylish, well-furnished outside space will enhance your home and expand your living area. Find the perfect pieces for your garden, by exploring our collection today.

Cover Image credit: @emilywelchstyle