Fancy a bit of relaxation and a change of scenery? Are you looking for some garden furniture to make the most of those sunny summer days? Would you like to add a new decorative touch to your garden, but don’t know where to start?
You’ve come to the right place – here, we’ll tell you all about the materials used in garden furniture, what they’re used for, and how many people they can accommodate! Choosing outdoor furniture isn’t always easy, given the huge range of options available.
Fancy relaxing and enjoying some quality time in your garden? Garden furniture is the perfect companion for all your sunny days. Whether you’re having drinks with friends or relaxing with the family, you’ll soon find it hard to do without!
As well as being practical, it enhances your outdoor design. Placed on a patio, in a garden or even on a balcony, it creates a real outdoor living space. How do you choose garden furniture? Which material should you go for? What pieces do you need?
Find out everything you need to know before choosing your new garden furniture here.
What material should you choose for garden sofa?
The right material will be the one that best suits your needs. Among the materials available for your garden furniture, you’ll find resin, metal and wood: each material has its own advantages in terms of durability, maintenance and style.
Resin garden sofa
Resin is very lightweight and is an entry-level material, which means it remains affordable. Tables in this category of outdoor furniture feature a tinted or clear glass top. Resin has many advantages: it is durable and easy to maintain.
It is also a popular choice for patios or balconies, as it is easy to move and store as needed.
Woven resin garden sofa
Woven resin is the top-of-the-range option. This manufacturing process results in a superior finish, which is why it can be quite expensive. A woven resin garden set is resistant to temperature fluctuations and bad weather, and cleaning it is always very simple: all you need is a sponge and non-abrasive cleaning products. Its woven appearance also resembles natural rattan and adds an elegant and warm touch to your outdoor space.
Injected resin (or plastic) garden sofa
Injected resin is a type of plastic that is very affordable. Being lightweight, plastic garden sofa is easy to handle, whether you’re putting it away to protect it from the winter weather or moving it to a different spot! It’s a practical solution if you’re looking for simple, functional furniture that’s easy to set up in your garden.
Textilene garden sofa
Made from synthetic material, textilene is weather-resistant, making it a sturdy choice for garden furniture! Comfortable, lightweight and stylish, textilene garden furniture has something to suit every taste. It is often used for seating, as its flexible material moulds to the shape of the body and provides a high level of comfort.
Metal garden sofa
Metal is very sturdy and, depending on how it’s made, can be more or less heavy. It may show signs of wear over time, but don’t worry – you can easily repaint it! Contemporary and stylish, metal garden furniture suits all tastes. It blends in particularly well with modern or urban outdoor spaces.
Aluminium garden sofa
Lightweight and practical, aluminium garden sofa is ideal for those who don’t want to spend too much time on maintenance. It’s often the material used for two-seater garden tables on small apartment balconies, for example. Quite simply, because it withstands rain, sunlight, cold and wind very well and requires no protection. It is therefore perfect for everyday use.
Epoxy-coated steel garden furniture
This material is cheaper than wrought iron and aluminium. It is somewhat fragile and can be easily damaged; for example, scratches may appear, and epoxy-coated steel furniture is prone to rusting. Its design is modern and on-trend, making it a popular choice for contemporary gardens.
Galvanised steel garden furniture
Galvanised steel has a modern look; with its shiny finish, it looks as good as new even after several years. It is sturdy and suitable for all types of outdoor spaces, thanks to the wide range of colours available and the number of parking spaces it offers. It provides a good balance between durability and aesthetics.
Wrought-iron garden furniture
Wrought iron is heavy and durable. Paired with small cushions, it looks very stylish and evokes the aesthetic of the English Romantic era! It is easy to clean and highly weather-resistant, particularly in winter. However, garden furniture made from this material can be quite expensive.
Wooden garden furniture
A wooden garden set evokes a tropical, welcoming atmosphere, which goes very well with a brick house, for example. It is also quite heavy furniture, and it can be refurbished if it starts to show signs of wear. Furniture made from this material comes in different types of wood and is graded on a scale of 1 to 5, depending on its resistance to moisture, heat, bad weather and insects. Wood can be divided into different categories:
Teak garden furniture
Rated 4 out of 5, teak is resistant to a number of pests, including termites and fungi. It is an exotic wood that always has a yellow-brown colour. Furthermore, it does not rot and is long-lasting (provided it is regularly treated with oil). It is one of the most popular woods for outdoor furniture.
Acacia garden furniture
It, too, is rated 4 out of 5. Its colour is very similar to teak! Acacia is resistant to insects, fungi and moisture, and is rot-proof. It is often chosen for its good value for money.
Robinia garden furniture
Rated 4 out of 5, it resembles teak thanks to its advantages, which is why it is a popular alternative, particularly in terms of cost, as it is more affordable; it can also be mistaken for acacia. Robinia does not require any treatment, making it a durable and sturdy material.
Pine garden furniture
Rated 4 out of 5, pine is treated with a high-quality protective finish and is also cost-effective. It is the most common type of wood, so it is widely available. It allows you to enjoy a wooden garden set at a more affordable price.
Eucalyptus garden furniture
Rated 2 out of 5, eucalyptus is not the most durable, which is why it is economical and affordable. If left untreated, it can be susceptible to fungal and insect damage. It has an exotic look that will suit a bohemian or industrial-style terrace very well.
Rattan garden furniture
Lightweight yet sturdy, it is highly resistant to the elements. Rattan is actually a member of the palm family, which means it is rot-proof. Just like garden furniture made from teak or eucalyptus, a rattan garden set adds a touch of exotic charm to your outdoor space.
Composite garden furniture
Composite materials have become increasingly popular in recent years; they combine plastic and wood. They require no maintenance, just a quick wipe with water! This material combines the natural look of wood with the low-maintenance qualities of synthetic materials.
What is the best material for garden furniture?
The best material will be the one that best suits your needs and tastes. It will also depend on whether you want to choose coloured garden furniture or not. Whatever you choose, it is important to look after, clean, maintain and treat your furniture as required. If you want sturdy, durable furniture, we recommend opting for galvanised steel, for example. For a touch of exoticism, choose wood, selecting the type of timber to suit your needs.
Choosing garden furniture based on how you intend to use it
Bistro atmosphere
For a bistro-style atmosphere, our stackable and/or foldable tables are the perfect choice. Whether you prefer aluminium or wood, round or rectangular, bold colours or softer shades, there’s a bistro table to suit your taste! You can also mix and match materials and colours, for example by combining bright colours with more subtle shades. This makes it easy to personalise your outdoor space and give it some character.
Modular: extendable, foldable
Perfect for those who like to rearrange their furniture depending on the space available or the number of guests, for example! Extendable tables are very handy if guests turn up unexpectedly. Our foldable models are very handy if you’re short on space and want to free up room on your patio when you’re not using your garden furniture. This type of furniture is also easy to store away during the winter. Modular garden furniture is therefore an ideal solution for adapting to any situation, whether it’s for a small gathering or a large dinner party.
High table
The high table complements the bistro-style atmosphere. Often made of steel and seating 2 to 4 people, it’s perfect for impromptu get-togethers with friends; perched on your bar stools, you’ll feel as though you’re spending the evening in a local bar! It’s also a practical solution for small spaces, as it takes up less room than a standard table.
Small spaces
Even small outdoor spaces can be furnished! Small patio? Balcony? You could opt for a small two-seater garden set, either round or square. Compact and practical, this type of furniture allows you to enjoy an outdoor relaxation area even when space is limited. It is particularly well-suited to flats with balconies.
Choosing garden furniture based on the number of people
Depending on the number of people in your household, the space you have available, and whether or not you invite guests into your home, these types of outdoor furniture should be carefully chosen based on their dimensions. That is why we are outlining the different types of outdoor furniture available according to the number of people, to help guide you in your choice:
2-seater garden furniture set
For small spaces, such as balconies, a two-seater garden set is ideal. If you live alone or as a couple and enjoy having light meals outdoors, especially in fine weather, this set is perfect for you. Compact and practical, it allows you to create a cosy little spot to relax without taking up too much space.
4-seater garden set
A four-seater garden set is ideal for small families who don’t have guests, or for couples who host occasional gatherings. It’s best to choose round, foldable sets to make them easier to store and move around if necessary.
5-seater garden set
The 5-seater garden set is perfect for receiving guests, whether you’re a couple or a small family. It adds an extra seat to the 4-seater garden set, making it easier to seat guests.
6-seater garden set
The 6-person garden set can be purchased with an extension piece to accommodate 6 people instead of 4. It’s very handy if you’re having guests over, for example, or if you’re a small family.
Garden furniture set for 8 to 12 people
They often come with an extension and are modular, allowing you to adapt the chairs and armchairs to suit your needs. Spacious and practical for entertaining guests, a 10-seater garden lounge set is usually rectangular in shape, as is a 12-seater set. It’s the ideal solution for large families or for hosting summer meals with friends.
Garden furniture: how to find the best deal?
If you’re on a tight budget, it’s a good idea to opt for materials that are cheaper than others, such as poly rattan, woven resin or galvanised steel; they’re easy to clean and will last a long time if protected during the winter. Ideally, choose a 2- or 4-seater set. Why not wait for the summer sales to find good garden furniture at the best price? Every little helps, after all! You could also look for second-hand garden furniture; outdoor furniture is often sold on in good condition, so why not give it a go? You can easily find a sofa and table set at a lower cost and of good quality.
Feel free to check out price comparison websites to find THE best deal – and, above all, the best price!
Trend: choosing designer garden sofa
Stylish garden furniture is synonymous with a contemporary, on-trend look. So, it’s best to opt for pieces that are currently in vogue or that are timeless – such as aluminium, for example, which has been a staple in gardens for several years now!
Designer-style garden furniture stands out for its mix of materials, such as resin and steel or wood and aluminium! Functional, durable and on-trend, rattan and woven resin are perfectly in keeping with this style.
What’s more, it stands out thanks to the cushion fabrics, for example. Furniture with a black frame or in other more understated colours pairs beautifully with beige, white or taupe fabrics, which perfectly complement this style! Wooden furniture, such as a table, for example, goes very well with black cushions, which add a more understated and elegant touch, whilst remaining true to the design style that favours simple, harmonious lines.
