A beautiful garden is the perfect place to spend summer afternoons and evenings and perhaps even sunny winter days. Good furniture can create an outdoor space that is a real extension of the living room, but it is important to harmonize the elements with each other and choose garden furniture that suits the style of the house and your personal needs.
What furniture to choose?
Depending on your intentions, you can buy different furniture:
- if you want to organize lunches and dinners outdoors, you will need a set consisting of a table and chairs;
- If you prefer to entertain your friends and family over a drink or an aperitif, you can opt for a garden furniture set consisting of a sofa, armchairs, benches and a few chairs, all accompanied by a coffee table;
- to create a relaxing space for reading or sunbathing, you may need lounge chairs and tables, or a swing in the shade of a porch;
- If you have children, create a playground with swings, slides, playhouses and outdoor toys. Most children love wading pools.
If your garden and budget are particularly tight, consider installing an outdoor hot tub or swimming pool surrounded by loungers and deck chairs.
If you don’t have covered spaces to shelter from the summer heat, you can buy umbrellas or a gazebo, under which you can set up your dining table or a seating area.
What materials should you choose?
Unlike indoor furniture, outdoor furniture is exposed to the scorching sun, cold, rain and wind. It is therefore important to choose durable products that can withstand the elements without breaking or deteriorating, while blending in perfectly with the plants already present.
Lovers of natural and sustainable materials may prefer wooden furniture, which is generally robust, resistant to sun and water, but which tends to change color over time. Regular maintenance is therefore necessary to keep them looking their best.
If you’re a DIYer, consider building custom furniture, using industrial pallets that you can shape and paint to match the style of your home. Often, homemade furniture pairs perfectly with industrial style, creating continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Those who prefer synthetic (but non-toxic) materials can opt for synthetic resin or rattan, which is very similar to the natural version made from palm wood and just as durable.
Iron is also a good alternative, especially if your home has a rather elegant style. However, iron (like steel, aluminum and all other metals used in the manufacture of garden furniture) tends to heat up a lot. In addition, iron and steel can suffer from oxidation if not properly protected. Aluminum, on the other hand, is more resistant and is therefore also suitable for gardens close to the sea or exposed to rain.
Finally, when garden furniture is not in use, it is best to cover it with thick, waterproof tarpaulins or special covers that also protect the upholstery and the covers.
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