Summer is finally here, which means it’s time to enjoy the sunshine.
Things might be a little bit different this year, with travel restrictions still in place, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a wonderful time in the comfort of your own home.
Your garden is the perfect place to get some much-needed sunshine and enjoy the company of family and friends. In today’s post, we’ll reveal our picks of the best garden furniture to buy.
Ready? Let’s go.
Dining Tables & Chairs
Nothing beats enjoying a delicious dinner outside, and when you live in the UK, it’s a luxury. When the sun comes out, most of us head to the supermarket to pick up BBQ items, so why not make sure you can enjoy your dinner with the right kind of tables?
The days of plastic garden furniture are long gone, and there are plenty of versions to choose between. Let’s take a look at some of the best garden tables to buy in 2021.
Concrete Bench Table
Concrete is a highly durable material, but it’s often overlooked because it doesn’t necessarily represent what most would consider an aesthetic appeal. But the industrial look is in, and the right concrete table can create a chic look.
There are so many to choose from, including painted white tables and high-end options. You can also find cheaper options through Wayfair and even Homebase, so there’s something to suit every budget.
The best thing about concrete is that it brings people together because most tables and chairs come in bench form. It’s a great option if you don’t want to manage a large set of chairs, and it takes al fresco dining to a whole new level.
Rattan
Rattan is the George Clooney of garden furniture; it never goes out of style. With so many options available, it’s easy to see why rattan is so popular. You can go for premium models or choose budget furniture, and it will still look fantastic.
If you’re a fan of contemporary design, there are some stunning cube sets available that have the quality of rattan but give it a modern makeover. The cube chairs are excellent options if you want to relax, and they’re ideal for garden parties.
Classical tables are more traditional, and they’re still incredibly popular. We prefer the cube designs because the chairs are more comfortable, but you can quickly resolve the issue by getting some cushions.
Metal Dining Set
There’s no other way of saying it; metal dining sets embody cool. They look so relaxed, yet at the same time, manage to give off a high-end appeal, which is perfect if you can’t spend a lot of money but want to create a style statement with your garden furniture.
Better still, there are so many colours to choose from, so you can go for a simple silver look or opt for red if you want to stand out.
Loungers
There’s nothing like relaxing in the sunshine, is there? With the pandemic putting a halt to many people’s travel plans, the best way to enjoy the summer is in the comfort of your home.
Sun loungers are comfortable chairs that let people lie back in the sunshine. There are three types to choose from, and each has its advantages.
In terms of materials, we’d say that metal, rattan and wood are best. Some people go for the cheaper PVC forms but find that they retain too much heat.
You can also choose mesh seats, which are comfortable to relax on or go for the more traditional cushions.
Fully Flat Sunbeds
If you spend a lot of time in the sun and like to read while you get a tan, flat sunbeds are ideal. You can place a book on the ground and lie on your stomach to read it. A flatbed is also the best choice if you’re more interested in using your garden for relaxation rather than socialising.
Folding Deck Chairs
Although deck chairs technically aren’t loungers, we couldn’t leave them off our list because they offer so much convenience. If you’re short on space, folding deck chairs are easy to store, and you can unfold them when you want to use them.
Multi-Position Recliners
The most flexible member of the sun lounger family, multi-position recliners offer people the opportunity to relax, enjoy the sunshine and socialise. You can use them as chairs, flat sunbeds and anything in-between.
Most models also have armrests to make them more comfortable, and they’re the most popular form of sun lounger due to their versatility.
Garden Swings
You probably remember the 90s garden swing, which often consisted of a tacky looking frame with bright floral cushions. Luckily, garden swings have gone through a major style overhaul to bring them into the 21st Century.
Today, you can get a range of stylish swing sets, including wooden benches and mesh designs. One of our favourite pieces of garden furniture for this summer is the swinging garden pod.
It gives the traditional swing a more futuristic look and adds style to every garden. There are some great pods to choose between, including mesh and canvas materials. You can also find pods with a hardcover to protect them from rain.
If you want to mix relaxation with modern design, the hammock is another incredible (and often more cost-effective) option.
Things to Consider
Before you head to your local garden centre, you should think about a few factors that might influence your decision. The most important is budget. How much can you afford to spend? Are you looking for a long-term investment, or is it likely you’ll want to buy new furniture the next year?
You should also think about the current state of your garden and if you need to make any changes. For example, you might have an overgrown garden which gives you nowhere to have a BBQ and dining area.
A specialist landscape design company can help you to plan the perfect backyard layout for your needs. Whether it’s installing a decking area or patio or sourcing the right plants to make your garden shine, our team of specialists can help you.
Contact us today, and we’ll make your dream of an enjoyable summer come true.
