5 things to consider when buying garden furniture

With spring almost here, many of you will be starting to think about how you can spruce up your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking to create a sociable area for entertaining and alfresco dining, or a peaceful oasis to relax and unwind in the sun, comfortable and functional garden furniture is a must.
To help you make the most of your garden, here are five important considerations when shopping for outdoor furniture:
 

1) How much space you have


Gardens come in all shapes and sizes, and one of the first things you’ll need to think about is how much space you’ve got available. At Aldiss, we stock a wide range of garden furniture with seating for two to six-plus people, so you shouldn’t struggle to find a set to meet your needs.


If you’re lucky enough to have a sprawling lawn or spacious patio area, the Aruba six-seater dining set or Aruba casual corner dining bench set are ideal for creating a stylish outdoor living space for entertaining and dining. 


For smaller gardens or balconies, a compact bistro set or pair of comfortable armchairs can work well. Multi-purpose garden furniture, such as ottomans, or foldable tables and chairs, can also help you to make the most of your space.
 

2) Type of furniture


The most popular types of garden furniture are made from wood, metal and plastic, which come in a range of styles. The material you choose will largely depend on personal preference and budget, but make sure you look for pieces that are durable, sturdy and weather-resistant. 


If you like the woven or wicker look, synthetic rattan made from high-quality resin is the best option as it’s weatherproof and low maintenance. 


Aldiss also stock a range of sustainable garden furniture manufactured from 100 per cent recyclable materials if you’re looking for something eco-friendly.
 

3) Maintenance


Ideally, you’ll want to be able to leave your garden furniture outside year-round so that there’s little maintenance involved. The majority of well-designed and high-quality hardwood and metal furniture can withstand most weather conditions, and with regular cleaning, can look good for years to come.  


It’s also worth investing in a cover to throw over your furniture during the winter for added protection (make sure you measure your pieces carefully to ensure you get the right size cover).
 

4) How you use your garden 

You’ll also need to pick pieces that reflect how you use your outdoor space – for example, do you use it for entertaining guests or relaxing? If you want to regularly host friends and family outdoors, the Ciara corner dining furniture is ideal as it comes with the choice of a fire pit or adjustable height table. The fire pit will allow you to remain outdoors, late into the evening while the adjustable table means you can easily switch from dining to informal lounging. 


If you don’t host regularly or eat outdoors, you can transform your garden into a relaxing retreat with the Skylar lounge set or reclining sun loungers and a side table – the perfect spot to catch up on some reading or top up your tan. 
 

5) Garden accessories 


No garden seating area is complete without some cosy cushions and throws – not only do they provide much-needed comfort, but they can also add a pop of colour and make the space feel more welcoming. However, bear in mind that outdoor cushions are durable, but they won’t necessarily be weatherproof – invest in a garden storage box for when it’s raining or they’re not in use.
You can also enhance your patio or decking area with a sun-sheltering parasol and if your budget allows, a garden heater to keep you warm after the sun goes down. 


Browse our collection of garden furniture online or visit our stores in Norwich and Fakenham. 
 

Posted by Alex Dagg 19th April 2022

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