How to Choose Garden Furniture and Seating

In short: When choosing garden seating, start from how many seats you need and how you will use the space. Choose between individual armchairs, sofas and complete garden sets with sofas, tables and chairs. Arrange the seating into cosy conversation zones with enough room to move around, and pick the level of comfort to match the number of people.

Garden seating

Finding the ideal garden seating can be a demanding process. There are plenty of options to suit different needs and tastes. In this article we introduce the basic types of garden seating, focus on the number of seats, comfort and layout, and answer the most common questions. If you are mainly interested in materials and furniture types, we cover them in detail in the article on which furniture to choose for your pergola and gazebo.

When choosing seating for your garden, we should consider not only how it looks but also the practical side of things. In the lines below we introduce a few options and the benefits they offer.

Besides garden sets, there are also individual armchairs and sofas that can be placed in different parts of the garden or terrace. They are usually made from the same materials as garden sets. Garden seating can also be very comfortable and add to your relaxation in the fresh air.

1. Wooden seating – Wood is a natural material that fits a garden perfectly. Wooden benches and tables look very elegant and create a pleasant atmosphere. When buying wooden seating, though, pay attention to the quality of the wood and its protection against the weather — the natural resistance of timber to rot is graded by the EN 350 standard on a scale from 1 (most resistant, such as teak) to 5.
2. Metal seating – Metal benches and tables are very durable and look modern. Metal seating suits modern gardens especially well. With metal seating it is important to keep on top of maintenance so it does not start to corrode quickly.
3. Rattan seating – Rattan is a natural material that looks very natural and is also very durable. Rattan seating looks very elegant and suits various types of garden. When buying rattan seating, it is a good idea to check that it is made from quality material and is sufficiently weather-resistant.
4. Plastic seating – Plastic benches and tables are the cheapest garden seating option. They are very durable and easy to maintain. However, they are not especially attractive and are better suited to occasional use.

Are you choosing a shelter, or rather seating for your garden? You have several options to hand.

Garden sets

Garden sets are ideal for families or groups of friends who like to spend time outdoors and want to relax in the garden or on the terrace. They usually consist of sofas, tables and armchairs placed on a terrace, balcony or in the garden. Sets are made from various materials, including metals, wood, rattan or plastic.

When choosing a garden set, it is important to pay attention to the construction, the quality of the materials and the price. Rattan sets are popular for their sturdiness, durability and pleasant appearance. Metal garden sets are light and easy to maintain, but can be less comfortable to sit on compared with other materials.

There are also garden sets made of wood, which are durable and have a pleasant look. Plastic sets, on the other hand, are more affordable, light and easy to maintain, but can wear out more quickly.

When choosing a garden set, think about how much seating you need and where you will put it. Another important factor is a matching table and chairs that go well with the set.

How many seats do you need

Before you settle on specific seating, get clear on how many people it is for and how you will most often use it. You will choose different seating for romantic summer evenings for two than for big family barbecues and celebrations with friends.

For a smaller space and occasional sitting, two comfortable armchairs with a side table will do. If you plan to host more people regularly, go for a larger seating suite or a combination of a sofa, armchairs and a dining table with enough chairs. Always allow a few spare seats for visitors, too.

How to arrange the seating

The layout of the seating decides how comfortable and cosy the space feels. Arrange the seating into conversation zones where everyone sitting can comfortably see and hear each other. Leave enough room between the individual pieces to move around comfortably, so you can walk freely around the table and armchairs.

With dining seating, make sure everyone has enough room at the table. For a relaxation zone with a sofa and armchairs, a lower coffee table within easy reach works well. Accessories such as a parasol, cushions or a small side table round off the comfort and help create a pleasant atmosphere.

Comfort and seating materials

The comfort of seating comes above all from quality upholstery and cushions, which should be water-resistant and easy to clean. The specific materials of the individual pieces of furniture — wood, metal, rattan or plastic — and their pros and cons are covered in detail in a separate article on choosing furniture for your pergola and gazebo.

So when choosing seating for your garden, you need to be clear about what you expect from it. Do you need it for larger celebrations and family barbecues, or rather for romantic summer evenings with your partner?

Another factor is price — and it is worth remembering that a higher price usually also means higher quality and more durable seating. Choosing the right garden seating can be a demanding task, but if you weigh up all the factors you are sure to pick the most suitable pergola for your garden.

If you want your new seating to really stand out, place it under a suitable shelter. We will advise you on choosing furniture by material and type in our article on furniture for your pergola and gazebo, which is the ideal companion to this seating guide.

We hope our advice has helped, and that you will choose a shelter that fulfils all your dreams for your garden!

Choosing the ideal garden seating can be a demanding process, but also a lot of fun. What matters is paying attention to the quality of the materials, the construction and the price. With the right choice, you can get maximum comfort and relaxation in the pleasant surroundings of your garden or terrace.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find garden sets and garden furniture?

You will find garden sets and garden furniture in garden-furniture shops or specialist stores. You can also browse online shops, which offer a wide range of garden furniture.

How much does a garden set cost?

Prices of garden sets vary depending on the material they are made from and their size. Rattan sets can be more expensive, while plastic sets are more affordable. Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros.

What are the benefits of rattan garden seating?

Rattan garden furniture is known for its beauty and natural appearance. On top of that, it is also very sturdy, durable and weather-resistant. Rattan seating is also comfortable and can add a pleasant atmosphere to your terrace or garden.

What are the drawbacks of metal garden furniture?

Metal garden furniture can be less comfortable to sit on compared with other materials, such as rattan or wood. It can also be heavy to move around and require more maintenance than other materials.