When browsing for garden furniture, it’s so easy to get carried away with all the different shapes, sizes and styling possibilities. But have no fear, we are here to help. Stay away from these 7 Outdoor Furniture Buying Mistakes and you’ll have created your dream garden setting in no time!

Mistake 1: Not Thinking About Your Outdoor Space

The outdoor dining set in that glossy magazine may look like a dream, styled alongside acres of grass and a 30ft pool. But unfortunately, we don’t all have the same luxurious space to fill! Before you start your search, consider your own garden area and what furniture you think will work (and fit) in the setting. Have you got a little alcove that’s ideal for a 4 seater garden table and chairs?

How about a square decked area that would suit a modular garden sofa set?
If you shop for the space you have, you can either maximise it with space-saving features or decide what portion of your garden you want to utilise with furniture. If you have a large, decked space, you don’t have to completely fill it with furniture. You could choose a dining set that will fill only part of the space to section off a dining area and leave the rest open, ideal if you’d like to have a clear view out of your patios doors.

It’s also a good idea to think about usage. Do you entertain regularly? Make sure you have enough seats for friends and family. Are you looking to create an alfresco dining spot or more of a lounge area with a small garden coffee table? You’ll need to think about what you want to use the space for so you can choose the furniture to match.

Mistake 2: Not Measuring Before You Buy

We talk about this a lot in each of our buying guides, but we can’t stress enough how important it is to measure before you buy. Measure the space, mark it out using a cardboard cut-out or bedsheet before you buy so you know the furniture will fit. In a garden space, you are a little less restricted than you are indoors, but it’s always best practice to check first.

Mistake 3: Not Researching The Materials Or Quality

Some materials would look stunning in a garden space, but they may not be fit for purpose. Others will stand the test of time, but then have the bulky and boring look of traditional garden furniture. Thankfully, there are materials that are as practical as they are good looking! If you’re opting for fabric outdoor furniture, two key features to look for are Shower Proofing and UV protection.

Showerproof fabrics are okay to be left out during those light summer showers (though it’s best to store them inside when heavier rain starts to fall). Fabrics with a UV protection are far less likely to be subject to fading as the coating is designed to prevent this.

An aluminium frame is also something to keep on your radar. The great thing about aluminium is that it’s anti-rust and can, therefore, withstand the rain. It’s also lightweight so you can easily move, reposition and manoeuvre your garden furniture. Our range of aluminium garden furniture has a sleek powder coat so you have the option of a dark or lighter finish to style in your space.

Mistake 4: Forgetting About Function And Relying On Aesthetics

It’s easy to get drawn in by trendy colours and finishes. But if you don’t also consider the quality and function of the furniture alongside its looks, then it’s very unlikely to be fit for use or stand the test of time. This is why you need to consider both function and form.

Our frosted glass table tops, for example, not only look effortlessly sleek, but they are also functional too. The glass is easy to wipe clean and weather resistant, while the frosted top stops you getting a glaring reflection in the sun – ideal qualities for an outdoor table and dining chairs.

Our range of outdoor and patio sofa sets has also been designed with style and practicality in mind. The bench cushions are showerproof and can be removed for cleaning making them perfect for garden seating. However, they also have the comfort, look and style of indoor seating, ticking all the right boxes!

Mistake 5: Forgetting About The Finer Details

Not essential but they can make all the difference. Those finer details and finishing touches can be what really makes your garden area stand out from the rest! Adjustable floor guides, for example, may seem like a small feature. However, when you consider how annoying a wobbly garden table or chair can be on an uneven floor, the floor guides soon become a great addition.

Having chairs that are stackable are also ideal as they not only save space, but it also means you can have a couple of extra seats and pull them out when needed. This will make your garden space even more versatile. We’ve mentioned how useful it is to have removable cushions for cleaning and storage. But how about having the space double up as an extra side table? This considered feature is part of our Palermo corner bench range, where the end cushions can be removed to reveal a sleek little table, perfect for your drinks and snacks when not being used as a seat.

Mistake 6: Not Considering Storage

So you’ve got your dining bench and table all set up and it looks great sitting there in the sunshine. But what about when the warmer weather starts to fade? Although designed for outdoor use, you’ll want to protect your furniture in the winter months to keep it looking its best for longer.

Consider whether you have room to store your garden furniture indoors, such as in a garage or garden shed. If you don’t have space to store the furniture indoors, invest in a garden cover to give the pieces an added layer of protection. It’s also a good idea to remove any fabrics and to stack you dining chairs for added stability when the wind picks up!

Mistake 7: Ignoring Existing Colours And Finishes

This one’s more a styling preference but it’s one to consider if you’re keen on creating a considered and coordinated look. Unlike indoors, you’re not matching your furniture with a sofa colour or feature wall. Instead, you’ve got your green lawn, flower beds and patio to contend with.

With such an earthy palette to work with, try to choose furniture that can be tied in with the rest of the space. Matcha green and light greys are perfect for creating an earthy outdoor look. This look also works really well in a smaller garden as the green will blend rather than overwhelm. That’s not to say you can’t go bold though. Our Alma or Skye chairs work a treat in a garden area as the bright colours just radiate the look and feel of summer sunshine.

So there you have it, the 7 Outdoor Furniture Buying Mistakes You’ll Want To Avoid.

Just to recap, here’s what we’ve covered:

1. Don’t forget to think about your garden space

2. Always measure before you buy

3. Research the materials or the quality of the furniture

4. Don’t forget about function – don’t just rely only on aesthetics

5. Consider the finer details

6. Think about storage

7. Don’t ignore existing colours and finishes