Kentish Express Ashford & District
Are you sitting comfortably?
All the things you need to consider before buying garden furniture – if you want to get it right
As spring beckons, you may well want to invest in some new garden furniture. But there are so many considerations, from where you are going to place a new set of garden furniture, to functionality, comfort, style and storage requirements.
“Choosing outdoor furniture can surprisingly involve greater consideration than buying indoor furniture,” says Tim Pennell, head of sales at outdoor furniture specialist Bramblecrest.
“You need to look at your outdoor space and identify an area where you are most likely to want to spend time and ask yourself questions such as: How will the furniture be used? Does proximity to the house matter? Do you want full sun?”
MEASURE YOUR SPACE
Measure your available space and consider how much of it you want to furnish – you will need enough room for you and your guests to relax in comfort and allow an easy flow of people around the set.
“Be careful not to over or underwhelm a patio area,” says Tim.
“You may want to keep a clear area for other accessories such as planters and lanterns. Corner sofas make effective use of space and can be paired with versatile dual height tables or a firepit table which can be used as a dining table.
“If you want to find a ‘get away’ place in your garden where you can enjoy a few moments of peace, smaller items of furniture – a cocoon, bench or bistro set – are perfect for this.”
SMALL AREAS
“If you’re working with a small outdoor space, there is still plenty you can do to make the most of it. Some clever, compact furniture will help to maximise your garden’s full potential, creating your very own urban retreat,” says
Nadia McCowan Hill of home retailer Wayfair.
“For balconies, foldaway metal bistro sets offer flexibility – they can be easily stowed away and are a lightweight, contemporary choice. A bold, bright shade will instantly lift a dull space and inject some personality.”
Don’t be afraid to make large statements, Nadia continues.
“In a courtyard garden, rather than trying to fill the space with a few pieces of furniture, one larger statement piece that fills the area can actually make it appear bigger.
“A comfy, corner sofa will transform a narrow space into another room of your home for entertaining and relaxation. Choose a weatherproof frame with removable cushions that can be easily stored away inside if you don’t have the space to move furniture inside a garage or shed in colder months.
“A corner sofa is the ideal foundation to layer from to create a cosy oasis – adding solar lighting, cushions, throws and a chiminea to maximise time in the garden after the sun goes down.”
SUN OR SHADE?
Tim says: “Be aware of the outlook, and how the orientation of your furniture can maximise a lovely view or face away from an unsightly area.
“Consider the direction of the sun – allow space for a cantilever parasol if you need to add shade in a sunny spot. If you are proud of your lawn, you may prefer to place your furniture on a deck or patio area to avoid furniture legs piercing the grass.”
Take note of where the sun rises and sets. If you want sun in the morning and the evening, you may have to invest in a couple of sets or be prepared to move a bit of furniture around depending on the time of day.
Also consider planting up some evening-fragrant plants such as stocks and nicotiana in nearby pots to enjoy during the summer months, or grow roses and lavender around a garden bench in a hidden corner of your plot.
DINING OR LOUNGING?
Ask yourself if your garden is somewhere you want to sit to grab a quick coffee before work or a glass of wine at sundown, or are you planning on doing lots of entertaining? Do you just want a comfortable area to lounge in with the family or are you planning dinner parties, barbecues and more elaborate dining?
Outdoor furniture retailers can do both, but make sure you have a good idea of what you want before spending thousands on what you don’t.
Plus, make sure you have storage space to house your cushions, whether in a shed, garage or indoors.