Finding the best garden furniture set for your outdoor lifestyle is all about blending your aesthetic preferences with your practical needs. It is important to think about how you plan to use your outdoor space, the climate, and how much time you like or want to spend in that area.
John Brookes, the pioneering landscape designer, asserted that "gardens are fundamentally a place for the use by people," highlighting the importance of tailoring our outside spaces to the needs and desires of the users, while Australian landscape designer, Ellis Stones believed that gardens should be "designed for the people who use them, considering the owners' way of life and evolving needs over time".
The best garden furniture sets are much the same as the spaces they occupy. They will give you a balance between practicality, durability, and style. By carefully considering the space, materials, and how you plan to use the area you can ensure that your investment suits your needs for years to come.
How we like to use our patios and gardens in the UK
We use our patios in a variety of ways but most important is that they enhance our outdoor living experience and help us to make the most of our gardens.
Lifestyles in the UK can vary widely depending on factors like location, culture, and personal interests.
City dwellers, for example, might have smaller outdoor spaces like balconies or courtyards, while those in rural areas often have larger gardens for relaxation. Some of us prefer a more relaxed approach, a quiet garden retreat for reading and unwinding, while others love hosting BBQs and garden parties.
Gardens in the UK are often a reflection of our diverse cultural styles, from classic English cottage gardens to modern, minimalist outdoor spaces. Plus, the unpredictability of our climate means our spaces often include covered areas, fire pits, or heated seating for year-round use.
Here are some of the popular ways we like to use our patios in the UK:
1. Outdoor Dining
Probably the most popular pastime and therefore the most popular type of patio set is to use the space as an outdoor dining area. Equipped with a patio table and chairs, family and friends can enjoy a meal or a BBQ.
2. Relaxation
Up there with dining, many of us use our patios as a place to simply unwind and relax. This could include lounging in the sun, grabbing a drink on a comfortable outdoor sofa, reading a book, or simply enjoying the fresh air.
3. Entertainment
Patios can serve as great outdoor entertainment areas. You could set up an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven and grill or a garden bar for hosting summer parties and enjoying drinks with friends.
The market is growing and savvy homeowners are installing features like fire pits, outdoor TVs, and sound systems for entertainment.
4. Gardening
Patios are not just about furniture, they are also the perfect space for container gardening. You can place potted plants, flowers, small shrubs and trees or herb gardens on your patio to enhance its beauty, blur the lines with the rest of your garden and surround yourself with greenery.
5. Exercise
Post-pandemic many of us use our patios for yoga, exercise, or fitness activities. The open space and fresh air make it an ideal spot for outdoor workouts.
6. Play Area
Families with small children often use their patios as an outdoor play area. It can be a place for kids to play with toys, draw with chalk, or engage in various outdoor activities such as crafting at your patio table.
7. Sunbathing
Patios with comfortable lounge chairs or sun loungers provide the perfect spot for kicking back, sunbathing and getting some much-needed Vitamin D when the weather permits.
8. Hobbies
Some will set up their patios as creative spaces for arts and crafts, painting, or other hobbies. It's a serene environment that can inspire creativity.
8. Pets
Patios can be pet-friendly spaces where dogs and cats can relax or play. Some homeowners even create dedicated pet-friendly zones with water features or designated pet play areas.
10. Outdoor Office
With the rise of remote working, some of us have transformed our patios into outdoor home offices. It allows us to work in the fresh air and still stay productive.
11. Reading
Patios are the ideal spot for creating a cosy reading nook. Adding a comfortable chair and a small table can make it the perfect place to enjoy a good book.
What are the common types of patio furniture on sale in the UK?
Many of us use patios for multiple purposes, allowing us to adapt to different activities and occasions and create a true outdoor living space. The specific use of a patio depends on personal preference, the size and layout of your patio, the local climate, and the overall design of your outdoor space.
Here in the UK, you can find a wide variety of garden furniture sets to suit different tastes and preferences. Some of the best-selling types of patio furniture available for sale in the UK include:
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Garden Dining Sets
These sets typically include a table and chairs, perfect for outdoor dining. They come in various materials, such as wood, metal, rattan, or plastic. -
Sun Loungers
Ideal for sunbathing or relaxing in the garden, they often have adjustable backrests and may come with cushions or padding for added comfort. -
Sectional Garden Sofas
Outdoor sofas and sectionals are great for creating a cosy seating area for socialising or relaxation. They often feature weather-resistant cushions for extra comfort. -
Garden Benches
Garden benches offer a classic and versatile seating option. They come in various styles and materials and can be paired with a side or coffee table to create an intimate seating area. -
Bistro Sets
These small cafe-style sets generally include a compact table and two chairs. They're perfect for smaller outdoor spaces or for creating an intimate outdoor dining spot. -
Swing Seats & Hammocks
Swing seats and hammocks provide a relaxing and swinging seating experience and were a big trend during the pandemic.
How do you choose the right type of garden furniture?
Selecting the perfect garden furniture means considering your lifestyle, the size and style of your outdoor space, and your taste—ensuring it suits how you love to enjoy your garden. Here are the steps to help you make the right choice:
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Measure
Start by measuring your outdoor area to determine how much space you have. Think about layout, traffic flow, and designated zones for dining, lounging, or other activities. -
Purpose
Consider how you plan to use your patio. Will it be for dining, relaxing, entertaining, gardening, or a mix of activities? Your furniture should support your lifestyle. -
Lifestyle
Think about how you use your outdoor space. Do you spend more time outside during the day or evening? Are you a keen gardener, a BBQ enthusiast, or someone who enjoys peaceful solo moments? -
Materials
Select materials suited to your climate and maintenance preferences. In the UK, popular choices include wood, metal, plastic/resin, and rattan, each with varying durability and upkeep requirements. -
Style
Your furniture should complement the aesthetic of your garden and home. Consider colours, designs, and patterns that align with your taste. -
Comfort
Look for ergonomically designed seating and enhance it with cushions or shade solutions to create a cosy and inviting space. -
Maintenance
Consider how much upkeep you’re willing to do and how you’ll store your furniture in the off-season. Folding or stackable options are great for small spaces, while some materials may require regular cleaning or protective coatings. -
Budget
Establish a budget that balances quality and affordability. Investing in durable materials can save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements. -
Environment
If sustainability matters to you, look for eco-friendly options such as reclaimed wood, recycled metals, or sustainably sourced materials. -
Weather
UK weather can be unpredictable, so choose furniture designed to withstand rain, wind, and seasonal changes. -
Reviews
Before purchasing, research brands and read reviews to ensure you’re investing in high-quality, long-lasting furniture.
Our final thoughts...
Finding garden furniture that fits with our outdoor lifestyle is important because it enhances comfort, functionality, and style, making your outdoor space more enjoyable and practical.
The right furniture set will ensure you can relax and unwind in your garden, whether you're reading, sunbathing, or entertaining guests. Different lifestyles require different furniture, so if you entertain often, you might need a large dining set. If, on the other hand, you prefer quiet evenings, a cosy lounge set may be better.
Choosing materials suited to our erratic climate will also ensure our furniture lasts longer and requires less maintenance. Well-chosen furniture will maximise our available space, whether you have a large patio or a small balcony.
Coordinated furniture, such as our collection whereby sets and pieces can be mixed and matched, will enhance the overall look of your garden, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. Our high-quality cast aluminium furniture will suit your lifestyle and provide long-term value rather than needing frequent replacements.
By selecting furniture that aligns with how you use your outdoor space, you create an area that is both practical and inviting, improving your overall outdoor experience.
If you have any photos of your Lazy Susan garden furniture set, we’d love to see a few for our Do Some Good charity campaign when it is all set up on your patio. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload It Here.
