Buying Guides
Outdoor Furniture Buying Guide
We can help you create a complete contemporary outdoor living space to make the most of the warmer months and extend your interior style outdoors. Explore our selection of handpicked products and ranges designed with functionality, comfort, and personality.
Our collection features a range of top-quality brands, including HAY, Vitra, B&B Italia, Carl Hansen and Skagerak by Fritz Hansen. In this guide, we’ll explore everything from sleek, minimalist seating to smart, multifunctional pieces that maximise comfort and space. We have a range of sun loungers, garden benches, outdoor sofa’s, lounge chairs, even outdoor kitchens, everything you need to create the perfect outdoor oasis for you.
Whether you have a small terrace or balcony, a large patio for entertaining or want to create a cozy corner for quiet mornings, find inspiration to create an elegant outdoor space and discover trends, materials, and a range of accessories to to help transform your outdoors.
Creating a stylish sanctuary starts with selecting the right garden furniture. Every piece we offer has been designed to either withstand the elements or age beautifully with time.
Social Spaces for Entertaining
In an outdoor space that will be used by people, it’s always important to put their needs and movements first. Plan the layout of your patio to maximise space and create an intuitive flow. Determine seating places, dining areas, or any other features you want to include. Make sure there is enough space to move around comfortably.
When choosing outdoor furniture, style is not the only factor. Select outdoor furniture that is comfortable, long-lasting, and weather-resistant. Think about the typical number of users and how the space will be used. Lounge chairs, sofas, and dining sets can be versatile and chic. For an additional injection of style and comfort, add decorations such as outdoor rugs, side tables, pillows, and lights.
Outdoor Dining Experience
The key to creating the perfect outdoor dining set-up for long and leisurely meals is to make the area as comfortable as possible. Allow plenty of room to seat everyone and for guests to move around freely as well as table space to accommodate extra dishes. Benches are a good option when needing to seat extra people and seat cushions will add extra comfort. Side tables are a practical option for the handy reach of drinks and condiments. Don’t forget lighting which will add atmosphere and allow you to enjoy your outdoor dining area after the sun goes down. Try to incorporate multiple light sources, such as string lights, rechargeable table lamps and candles.
The Palissade Collection is one of HAY's most recognisable outdoor furniture series, known for its clean lines and durable steel construction that seamlessly integrates into any setting. Building on this signature design, Palissade Cord introduces handwoven recycled polyester cord, adding a softer, more relaxed feel while preserving its elegant silhouette and timeless appeal.
Outdoor Kitchen
For a really sleek and contemporary outdoor cooking experience Fantin Frame Kitchens can be fitted with features like built-in grills, Barazza steel counters and sinks . The electrophoretic painting process prevents rust from forming and offers outstanding protection from the elements. But if you cannot accommodate a whole outdoor kitchen, you could create a grilling area with a Weltevree Outdooroven or BBQ and an outdoor storage bench. The Skagerak Pantry Module is a versatile work station. String also have a wide range of outdoor shelving units that can be used to create storage space for kitchen utensils, pots pans and dishes.
Sustainability has become an important part of our everyday living when it comes to garden style, with people turning to eco-friendly and natural materials to improve their outside spaces. The use of natural and long-lasting materials such as FSC certified teak is an ideal choice for conscious individuals who are seeking investment pieces that have longevity. Carl Hansen and Skagerak pieces are made of untreated FSC teak a hardy type of wood which patinas over time acquiring an elegant silver-grey hue.
Small Garden or Balcony Living
Creating a comfortable, stylish outdoor space on a balcony or small garden requires a thoughtful and space-efficient approach to make the most of the available area. The function of the area is key to deciding the type of furniture. Is your priority a bistro set for intimate dining or a 2-seater outdoor sofa for relaxing? One of the best ways of saving space without sacrificing functionality is by choosing small scale pieces or sets that be easily folded or stacked when not in use to maximise the available area without overwhelming the space.
Corner sofas are a popular space-saving choice for smaller gardens because they offer ample room to seat multiple people and take up less space than two separate garden sofas with a similar overall seating capacity.
Consider versatile Indoor/Outdoor pieces. Numerous items of Vitra furniture are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Carefully designed for a universal purpose, and not just as 'garden furniture'.
Quiet Corner
An interesting focal point in a garden could be a peaceful nook for reading or a sunny spot to enjoy your morning coffee. Consider adding fire features for warmth and cosiness and to extend the usability of your outdoor space during cooler seasons. Bistro sets, benches and loungers carefully positioned are ideal for creating inviting spaces for a quiet moment and relaxation.
