How to choose the right garden furniture sets

Finding the right garden furniture sets will help you enjoy the outdoors during warmer months and create a cohesive outdoor space. Taking time to think about how you want your garden to feel and how you intend to use it can go a long way in helping you find the right garden furniture sets.

One of the main advantages of choosing furniture sets is that it relieves you of the task of ensuring the colours and designs match. The garden furniture sets have been designed by professionals, meaning a lot of thought has been put into them to ensure they look good together. However, the biggest challenge is finding the perfect set for your outdoor space.

Garden furniture sets are available in different materials, sizes, and styles. This makes it difficult for buyers to choose the right set for their space. Luckily, we’ve created this easy guide to help you bring out your personality and style in your garden.

Discover the different types of garden furniture sets

Your search for the right garden furniture sets starts by understanding the various types available on the market. Choosing the right set will help you meet your style and functional needs. Here are the main types of outdoor furniture sets.

Garden dining sets

Ideal for moving family dinners outside or hosting friends for lunch, a garden dining set includes a high table and chairs. The chairs often have luxurious thick cushions that allow you to sit back and relax comfortably after a meal. Garden dining sets come in different materials, shapes, and styles. Large dining sets are ideal for hosting guests or when you have a large family, while small sets are best for compact spaces like a patio or balcony.

Lounge sets

If you’re looking to extend the comfort and aesthetics of your living room furniture to the outdoors, lounge sets are the best. These furniture sets usually come with a lower table, making the set-up look more casual than a dining set. However, they are not too low to restrict your family and friends from gathering and enjoying a meal together. Lounge sets create a living room-inspired environment in your outdoor space.

Bistro sets

A bistro set is a great choice for small outdoor spaces like balconies. You can also place it in a secluded place or a larger outdoor space. Bistro sets are best for creating an intimate atmosphere for your alfresco dining. Whether it’s a solo breakfast or dinner for two, these amazing sets are the best.

Table and bench sets

You can also enjoy the outdoors with standalone pieces like benches. The most notable advantage of bench seating is more seating space for guests. A bench that seats three can accommodate two more people. In addition, bench seating around a table reduces the number of individual seats, giving your outdoor space a cleaner look.  

What material should you choose for your garden furniture sets?

One of the biggest challenges you’ll encounter when shopping for garden furniture sets is knowing which material to choose. Remember, your choice of material will influence the look and durability of your furniture. Below, we look at the different materials you can choose for your garden furniture set.

Wood

A classic choice, wood is the most popular material for outdoor furniture sets. There's no better way to inject timeless and effortless aesthetics into your outdoor living area than with wooden garden furniture sets. Wood has a natural beauty, it’s easy to work with, and provides a strong framework for outdoor furniture sets. However, not all woods are the same. Most softwoods cannot withstand harsh weather conditions and must be constantly protected when not in use. On the other hand, hardwoods are durable and more resistant to the elements if well-maintained.

Teak

Teak is the most popular type of wood for outdoor furniture. The high demand and limited availability of this fine-grained hardwood has pushed its prices up. The main characteristic of teak that makes it the preferred choice for outdoor furniture is its high oil content which makes it impervious to water and moisture. The oil content also makes it resistant to rot and termite attacks. The ability to withstand the elements enables teak to last up to 50 years. In addition, wood is incredibly strong and doesn’t crack or warp like most types of wood.

Metal

The strongest and most durable of all materials, metal is one of the most reliable materials for outdoor furniture. In most cases, it is combined with other materials with their own aesthetic and functional benefits. Using various methods and technology, some manufacturers can build metal tables and chairs that don't use bolts, screws or fasteners. The only downside of metal is that it heats up in the sun, which could make it uncomfortable to touch. In addition, metal is prone to rust and corrosion. However, a coat of paint or power-coating should keep your metal garden furniture sets rust-free.

Stainless steel

Strong and durable, stainless steel is the perfect material for weight-bearing garden furniture sets. It also has a high density that prevents dents and damage from regular use. Although stainless steel heats up during summer months, it ensures high temperatures better than other metals. In addition, the composition of this material makes it resistant to rust and corrosion. However, if you live in a coastal area, choose powder-coated stainless steel furniture sets for added resistance.

What garden furniture set is best for your outdoor space?

It’s crucial to choose a garden furniture set that suits your outdoor space. Here, we take a closer look at what to take into account when selecting a furniture set depending on your type of outdoor space and the number of users.

Furniture sets for small gardens

Buying furniture sets that fit your space is important in ensuring the space looks neat and neat. If you have a small garden, go for larger corner sets instead of smaller pieces. You can also connect with your interior by incorporating indoor pieces like mirrors into your outdoor space to make it look more open. Planters can be used as privacy screens for patios.

Furniture sets for grass

While it's not recommended to put your outdoor furniture directly onto grass, if you don't have a paved surface, you can find a nice spot that is level and dry where you can place your furniture set. However, you'll be faced with the challenge of rot and rust because both grass and soil retain water. Fortunately, this challenge can be overcome by choosing garden furniture sets made from aluminium or stainless steel. Still, remember to take your garden furniture off the grass when the sun sets.

Furniture sets for balconies

Balconies have limited spaces, meaning you have to choose smaller pieces of furniture. A bistro set for soaking in the sun and enjoying an intimate evening dinner is a great choice for a balcony. Foldaway sets can help you create a versatile balcony as they can be packed away neatly.

Furniture sets for larger families or gatherings

If you have a large family or regularly host large gatherings, you can keep them comfortable and feel more social with corner lounge sets. An accompanying table will provide the perfect point around which people can congregate and enjoy a meal.

Taking care of your garden furniture sets

Garden furniture has to combat the elements all year round, so you have to take care of it. The care needed for your garden furniture set depends on the material used to construct it. Different materials require different care. Here are a few care tips to keep in mind.

• Regular cleaning

The most basic care advice for outdoor furniture is cleaning with a light detergent and water on a regular basis. This will not only help to get rid of stains and dirt but also mould that may damage the furniture.

• Apply paste wax to metal furniture

If you have garden furniture sets made from metal, applying a paste of wax to it will add a layer of protection against harsh weather conditions. In the same way you use sunscreen to protect your skin against the sun, metal furniture could benefit from getting wax applied to it. If you see signs of corrosion or rust on your metal furniture, remove the rust, and apply a primer first and then a coat of paint.

• Keep your furniture in a shade

Your garden furniture set will benefit from sun protection. So, think about putting it under a patio umbrella or a permanent shade structure. Doing so will extend the life of your furniture by reducing the risk of sun, rain, or wind damage.

• Use covers

Covers protect your garden furniture sets from harsh weather conditions like UV, rain, sun, wind, and others. When choosing covers for your furniture, ensure it fits comfortably over each piece. Ensure you take the measurements so that the cover isn’t too loose or tight.

Shop garden furniture sets at vidaXL

Here at vidaXL, we have a huge range of superior quality garden furniture sets in different materials, shapes, styles, and sizes. Whether choosing a lounge set, bistro set or table and bench set in wood, metal, or even teak, you're sure to find it here. Our range includes furniture sets from leading brands in the industry, all crafted to the highest standards using high-quality materials. Browse our collection to find the perfect garden furniture sets for your outdoor space.