Top Tips on Getting Your Garden Furniture Ready for Spring

It’s time to get into the mood for spring. And, if you love fresh air as much as we do, then investing in the right type of outdoor furniture is key - especially if you plan to spend the warmer season hosting regular garden parties. Because, while pink gin, great music and an elegant spread certainly seal the deal, creating a welcoming atmosphere is all about your décor.

Join us as we take a look at how to jazz up your backyard, ensuring that it impresses your guests and looks like an extension of your home.

Determining the purpose of your patio

Deciding what to do with your patio space can be a little daunting, so think about your lifestyle and what you're most likely to use it for. Generally, this covers three main categories:

Entertaining:

If you love hosting great parties then you're going to need plenty of seating and may even decide to divide your terrace into separate zones. These could include:

An outdoor bar
A relaxed conversation area
A cooking station
A place to eat

Dining

For those invested in alfresco feasts, outdoor dining can be facilitated in different ways depending on your space restrictions:

Bistro-style: Great for balcony living, a small table and chairs will enable you to enjoy relaxed brunches or an intimate dinner for two.
High-top tables: Let your guests perch on a comfortable stool in convivial groups while enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in a relaxed setting.
Formal eating: Food fanatics will appreciate sitting down to a slap-up meal under the stars, which is why traditional outdoor dining tables are a popular choice.

Lounging

Whether your garden vista includes a swimming pool, beach front or just some lovely lawn, there are several ways you can turn it into a haven of relaxation:

Getting benched: A strategically placed bench provides a quiet spot from which to bird-watch as well as extra seating for those unexpected guests.
Bedding down: Balmy afternoon naps couldn't get any better if you invest in a generously proportioned daybed. Find one with a canopy to protect you from the elements.
Lazing in the sun: Poolside living should never be without a couple of comfortable loungers, allowing you to bask in the sunshine with a good book.

Essential outdoor furniture considerations

To enable any of the above, you're going to have to get garden-ready by investing in some key furniture elements. These include:

Sofas: From generous modulars to cosy two-seaters, outdoor sofas come in a multitude of beautiful designs. Pick something that stands out like the Kobo collection by Manutti.
Coffee tables: Ensuring that there's ample space for snacks, drinks and boardgames, these will complete your seating area. We love the simplicity of Skyline Design's Noa edition.
End tables: Positioned next to a deck chair or outdoor couch, these house all of your bric-a-brac. Ethimo's Smart version is small and light, giving you optimal versatility.
Dining tables: Outdoor dining tables often take preference over their indoor counterparts as you head to your gardens for most of your meals. Get something expansive for lots of guests.
Armchairs: From hanging seats (check out the Ludo by Atmosphera) that act as comfy cocoons to stylish accompaniments to your dining space, armchairs are the ultimate in comfort.
Daybeds: Usually designed to accommodate more than one, these are an opulent addition to your poolside ensemble. Some models, like the Bivouac by Varaschin, even come with curtains.
Loungers: Let your guests stretch out and sunbathe on an elegant sun lounger. The Zenith by Gloster is crafted from sustainable teak, making it durable and stylish.

What to look out for when choosing outdoor furniture?

All design should encapsulate a balance between form and functionality, so finding the perfect furniture for your outdoor space is an important endeavour. These are the things that matter:

Size: Whatever you choose should be perfectly scaled to fit your designated area, leaving plenty of room for foot traffic and other furniture elements.
Durability: Alfresco living brings a whole new set of challenges and withstanding the elements is one of them. Find something made from hard-wearing, weatherproof materials.
Comfort: From great ergonomics to plush cushioning, comfort should be high on your priority list, ensuring that every element encourages you to stretch out and relax.
Style: Curating your décor involves choosing items that suit your personal taste, reflecting your environment and sense of cohesivity throughout your home.
Craftsmanship: Having durable materials is no good without a design that incorporates fine workmanship. Make sure that whatever you invest in is beautifully made.
Care: Don't buy something that has to be endlessly sanded down and revarnished. Instead, look for labels that guide you through a simple maintenance programme.

Outdoor accessories that will enhance your aesthetics

Going the extra mile to achieve a cohesive space is the mark of a good design plan and, when it comes to stylish accessories, there are plenty of options to choose from. These are the things we highly recommend:

Rugs: With outdoor versions aplenty, a lovely rug will help you tie your ensemble together, add pops of colour and provide extra warmth on chillier evenings.
Footstools: Providing extra seating, a surface for snacks or just a place for weary feet, you'll always find use for an ottoman. We suggest you take a look at the versatile Cay range by Villevenete.
Lighting: Great illumination sets the mood, highlights focal points and enhances your vision as the evenings draw in. And with FCI's outdoor lighting selection, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Planters: Adorn your space with a variety of garden pots and fill them with shrubs, edible flowers or whatever makes you happy. You'll feel even more connected to nature.

In conclusion

Getting your patio space looking gorgeous is a rewarding way to enhance your home and, with an extensive range of outdoor furniture and accessories on our books, we have everything you need to create a masterpiece.

Schedule a one-on-one showroom appointment with our expert design team today and we'll help you with your floor plans over a glass of bubbly.