The ideal garden furniture for every type of garden
If you’re looking to enjoy your garden more this year, we’re here to help! Choosing the right garden furniture can make a real difference to your outdoor space - whether you have a spacious country garden or just a small balcony to play with.
In this garden furniture buying guide, we’ll explore the best options for different sized gardens, as well as what furniture will help solve those pesky garden problems - like not enough shade or storage - and even what garden furniture works best with your favourite garden style. Let’s get enjoying our spaces more this summer!
What are the different types of garden furniture?
The days of moulded plastic garden chairs are long gone! Before we dive into what furniture is best for your garden, let’s take a look at the different types of garden furniture that are out there.
Garden sofa
A comfortable sofa specially designed to be used outdoors - with extra hardwearing and quick-dry upholstery
Garden corner sofa
Fixed or modular, these specially designed outdoor corner sofas are ideal for gathering families or friends together
Bistro set
The classic small table with two chairs - ideal for a meal for two, or enjoying the sun with your morning coffee
If your outdoor space is limited to a balcony, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy it equally as much as a larger garden! A space-saving bistro set is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee in the mornings, and also lets you eat al fresco easily. If you have the space, consider a small outdoor sofa, which doesn’t take up too much room, but lets you kick back and enjoy the fresh air in comfort.
Top tip: Make use of walls, rails and ceilings with hanging planters, outdoor rugs, and wall decor to create your own cosy outdoor oasis.
Small gardens can be tricky to get right, but with some clever planning, you can find the right garden furniture to enjoy your outdoor space. You could consider a bistro set, but we think if you do have the space, something extra comfortable like a small outdoor sofa, a lounger set, or even a round sofa dining set would help you enjoy your small garden even more. All of these options also let you enjoy your outdoor space with family and friends!
Top tip: If you only have space for minimal garden furniture, think carefully about how you use your garden most of the time. Regularly eat al fresco? Choose a dining set. Glass of wine with friends more your style? A lounge set or sofa might be better.
A medium sized garden brings many more possibilities, but you still may feel limited on space. Flexible options can help you enjoy your garden in new ways - like a modular garden sofa, which can be rearranged to offer the best view of your outdoor space throughout the seasons. A garden sofa set is another great option for hosting friends and family in comfort, and will help make your garden the place to be this summer!
Top tip: You might have space for multiple items of furniture, but make sure they have space to breathe. Consider investing in multifunctional furniture - like a sofa dining set with a rising table, that works for both casual drinks and formal dining.
If you’re lucky enough to have a large garden, you definitely want to be able to enjoy it from all angles! Whether it’s kicking back and relaxing on a large garden corner sofa, or gathering the whole family around an elegant 8 seater dining set, you have almost limitless options when it comes to garden furniture. Creating quiet, private areas in a larger garden is great for when you just want to be alone, though - and for those areas, a smaller lounge set or roofed day bed can create that cosy feel you’re looking for.
Top tip: A large garden offers the space for multiple furniture pieces, but don’t place them all in one area. Designate different areas of your garden for dining, relaxing, and socialising, so you can enjoy every corner of your outdoor space.
The best furniture for different garden problems
My garden is too shaded
Shady or north-facing gardens can be a bit of a pain, because it’s hard to enjoy the sun when it’s not shining on you! When it starts to get chilly, there’s no better way to extend the outdoor enjoyment than with an outdoor dining set with a fire pit, which is equally great for dining al fresco, casual drinks or just enjoying the evening ambience.
My garden is too sunny
Having a consistently sunny or south-facing garden is generally seen as a huge positive, but it’s tough to enjoy the sun without the right places to relax. We recommend treating yourself to a sun lounger set or garden day bed so you can kick back and soak up those rays - but don’t forget to invest in a pergola or parasol too for when the sun gets too hot. You might also consider a dining set with an integrated ice bucket - which makes another great way to cool off.
My garden is too exposed
Feeling overlooked by your neighbours? It’s hard to relax when you think there might be a few pairs of eyes on you - even if that’s not really the case! Planting a hedge or a screen of trees is a great option, but not really a quick fix. We think a smart pergola is the ideal solution - a comfortable place to relax, with an adjustable level of privacy.
My garden has no storage
If you don’t have a garage or garden shed for winter storage space, you might think your garden furniture options are limited. Think again! Not only are most of our garden furniture pieces at DFS are designed to be left out year-round (yes - even the cushions), but many even come with specially designed covers for extra protection. A round sofa dining set is designed for the seats to be tucked neatly away when not in use, making it a great option if you don’t have storage elsewhere.
What furniture works best for different garden styles?
Courtyard or urban garden
Courtyard and urban gardens are often limited on space and planting areas, but many are still just as beautiful as larger gardens, making use of container gardening, small trees and raised flower beds for greenery. Make the most of yours with a corner outdoor dining set, which are ideal for awkwardly shaped gardens, or for even smaller spaces, enjoy a sunny spot with a small lounge set.
Preston conversation set
Sal conversation set
Anslie corner dining set
Cottage garden
The quintessential cottage garden, with stunning flower beds overflowing with colour, is a classic and timeless garden style, loved by people all over the UK. Relax and enjoy the beautiful planting in an elegant outdoor day bed, or create the perfect spot for your morning cuppa with a classic bistro set. Rattan outdoor furniture also seamlessly fits with the vibe of a cottage garden, so a rattan outdoor dining set would be a great option here.
Mediterranean garden
Inspired by the hot, dry climates of southern France, Italy and Spain, a Mediterranean garden has been adapted to be enjoyed the world over. After all your hard work laying gravel, planting shrubs and maintaining your borders, choose furniture that will let you enjoy it for longer, like an outdoor dining set with a fire pit, which will keep the party going even as the evenings start to get chilly. And if you want to really feel like you’re on the Mediterranean coast, you can’t go wrong with a pair of sun loungers.
Keeler sunlounger
Torun sunlounger
Murcia dining set with firepit
Contemporary garden
An unfussy, clean and contemporary garden is the perfect antidote to a hectic lifestyle, and it’s no wonder this style is so popular. We recommend a modern corner outdoor dining set and a smart pergola, which will mirror the clean lines of your contemporary garden - or alternatively, a pair of modern sun loungers. Choosing a sleek neutral colour, like black or grey garden furniture, will ensure it matches your contemporary aesthetic and doesn’t overpower your thoughtful, minimalist garden design.
Formal garden
Symmetrical, balanced and with a clearly defined layout, often drawing the eye to a central focal point, a formal garden style works well for gardens of any size. Our top pick here is a large outdoor dining set, which could even work as your garden’s main focal point. A good rule of thumb is to look for garden furniture with balance or symmetry - a pair of sun loungers, an outdoor day bed, or a round sofa dining set would also be great options.
Gavi daybed
Jemima oval dining set
Paso dining table and 6 chairs
Find your perfect garden furniture
Is it time to give your garden the makeover you deserve? Explore our range of modern, stylish and high quality garden furniture to help you enjoy your outdoor space this summer.
