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 dining set
The classic al fresco dining furniture - an outdoor table at the perfect height for eating, with matching padded, formal back chairs
Garden sofa set
Usually features a sofa, matching chairs, and a low table for drinks or snacks
Garden sofa dining set
Often including a corner sofa, or a combination of sofa, chairs and stools, and a rising table with two height options - both practical and extra comfy
Bistro set
The classic small table with two chairs - ideal for a meal for two, or enjoying the sun with your morning coffee
Garden corner sofa
Fixed or modular, these specially designed outdoor corner sofas are ideal for gathering families or friends together
Balcony garden
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.
Small garden
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!
Medium sized garden
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!
Large garden
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 seater dining set, you have almost limitless options when it comes to garden furniture. And since you have the space - why not invest in a luxury pergola? With adjustable louvres in the roof, and the option of blinds and side walls with louvres, you can strike the perfect balance of airflow, sunshine and privacy, no matter the weather.
The best furniture for different garden problems
My garden is too shaded
Shady or nort h-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.
Top tip: Even shady gardens tend to have one spot that catches a bit of sun throughout the day. Pay attention to how the light moves around your outdoor space on a sunny day, then decide where is best to situate your garden furniture so you can enjoy it.
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.
Top tip: It’s lovely to make the most of the sun, but creating areas of shade are important on the hottest days, especially for children and pets. Pergolas, parasols, gazebos and trees are all great shade-providing options.
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 olution - a comfortable place to relax, with an adjustable level of privacy.
Top tip: Other ways to create a more private-feeling garden are to invest in gazebos and parasols - or install trellis, which can add height to both walls and fences.
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 designed to be left out year-round, 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.
Top tip: Looking for a way to keep your outdoor cushions and blankets clean during the winter months? Our outdoor storage boxes and storage bags are the ideal home for them - and equally as stylish as it is functional.
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.
