Furniture for Your Pergola or Gazebo: How to Choose

In short: Choose furniture for your pergola or gazebo based on material and type. The most popular materials are wood, aluminium, rattan and plastic, each with its own pros and cons. Depending on how you’ll use the space, pick between complete sets, individual armchairs and sofas, sun loungers, rocking chairs or parasols.

A perfect garden gazebo or a new pergola certainly deserves the right garden furniture. Unsure how to choose it? We’ll run through the options available and the pros and cons of each type of garden furniture.

When choosing furniture for your gazebo or pergola, there are several factors to weigh up. Beyond the look, you need to consider the material — it should withstand the weather and meet your needs for comfort and upkeep. If it’s more the number of seats and the seating layout you’re working out, see our separate guide to choosing garden seating.

Before you choose garden furniture

First, you need to be clear about what you expect from the furniture. Is it purely about function? Or more about design? Are you after the cheapest garden furniture, which you’ll have to replace before long? Or are you choosing furniture for your gazebo or pergola to last for years?

Garden furniture for pergolas

An aluminium pergola calls for furniture made from durable materials that can cope with outdoor conditions. We cover the specific materials and their benefits below — the key point here is that the furniture should withstand rain, sun and wind.

When choosing furniture for your pergola or gazebo, you also need to consider its practical qualities, such as its dimensions and how well it fits the space. For example, tables and seating sets should be large and comfortable enough for you to spend time outdoors with family and friends.

Types of garden furniture

Garden sets

• Garden tables and chairs in various sizes and materials
• Seating sets for comfortable lounging outdoors
• Complete sets comprising a table and seating

Garden seating

• Sun loungers
• Armchairs and sofas for comfortable seating on the terrace or in the garden
• Rocking chairs and benches for a romantic atmosphere

Parasols

• Classic parasols on a stand, or tilting parasols, for protection from the sun
• Hanging parasols for a distinctive look and effective protection
• Parasols with LED lighting for evening barbecues and end-of-season evenings

Metal garden furniture

• Metal tables and chairs for durable, quality garden furnishings
• Metal seating sets with a bold design for a modern look
• Metal accessories such as candle holders and planters to complement the garden perfectly

It’s also important to decide whether you’ll pack the furniture away for the winter and in bad weather, or leave it in place. Once you’ve answered these questions, choosing garden furniture becomes much easier. So what are the options?

Which materials should you choose for garden furniture?

When choosing furniture for your gazebo or pergola, there are several criteria to bear in mind that will help you create a pleasant, comfortable and functional outdoor space. First and foremost, it’s important to choose the right material — one that withstands the weather and also sits well aesthetically with its surroundings. You then need to consider the size and layout of the furniture so you make the most of the available space.

The materials for gazebo or pergola furniture vary according to your preferences and requirements. Among the most popular are wood, aluminium, rattan and plastic. Wood is the classic choice, giving an outdoor space a warm, natural look — if you go for it, favour hardwoods such as teak, eucalyptus or acacia, which are more resistant to moisture and pests. Under the EN 350 standard, teak, for example, falls into the most durable class 1. Aluminium furniture is light, strong and rust-free — thanks to anodising of the surface it stands up well to corrosion — which makes it ideal for outdoor use. Metal furniture looks modern and attractive, and is usually made from tubes and sheet metal coated with a protective, weather-resistant finish.

Rattan furniture, especially synthetic rattan, is also very popular thanks to its strength, light weight and versatility of shape. Plastic furniture is affordable and easy to maintain, but it can be less resistant to the weather.

When choosing furniture for your gazebo or pergola, don’t forget to consider comfort and function too. Armchairs, chairs and sofas should have suitable upholstery or cushions that are water-resistant and easy to clean.

At the same time, think about how to arrange the furniture so you create cosy conversation zones with plenty of room to move around. Practical accessories such as side tables, parasols or built-in storage will help you create the perfect outdoor space where you can enjoy relaxing moments.

Frequently asked questions

What are the advantages of synthetic rattan as a material for garden furniture?

Synthetic rattan is very resistant to the weather and easy to look after. Its attractive appearance and comfortable feel make synthetic rattan an ideal material for garden furniture.

What’s the difference between metal and aluminium garden furniture?

Metal garden furniture is made from metal tubes and sheet metal, usually coated to make it weather-resistant. Aluminium garden furniture is made from aluminium tubes and sheet metal, which are light and weather-resistant.

How much does garden furniture cost?

The price of garden furniture depends on several factors, such as material, size, design and quality. You can usually buy cheaper versions of garden furniture, but they won’t last as long as furniture made from a higher-quality material, which costs more. That’s why, when choosing, you should also factor in the cost of maintaining and replacing the furniture in future.