Make your outdoor space work for you by choosing garden furniture that fits perfectly. If you’ve got a sunny or shady spot outside calling out to be used, then it’s time to think about suitable garden furniture. Whether you want to lounge alone or entertain in style with loved ones, the choice is yours.
But where do you start? To help you choose the right sized patio furniture for your garden, we’ve compiled a quick guide to help you get started. If you follow these simple steps, you’ll pick the perfect patio set to enjoy every season.
Measure your outdoor space
When it comes to choosing the right sized furniture for your outdoor space, measurements are key to understanding what will fit and what won’t fit in your garden. Whatever, your outdoor space, from patios to balconies, we suggest using a measuring tape to discover the length and width of the area you would like to furnish (and remember to measure height when applicable, unless it is a completely open space).
The length and width of your outdoor space will give you a better idea of the area. Allow approximately 100cm from a table for you to be able to access seating comfortably and don’t forget to check for any height limitations. For example, tree branches may prevent a large parasol canopy from tilting or fully opening. Precise measurements will help you to define exactly how much space is available and to decide what will or won’t be suitable.
Match garden furniture to fit your outdoor space
Once you know the dimensions of your outdoor space, you can begin to think about what type of garden furniture you would like and what you need to be comfortable outside. Garden furniture options vary in size, materials, price and seating arrangements. From formal dining sets and casual lounge sets to garden seats and loungers, there are so many different types of garden furniture to choose from.
Small outdoor spaces are better suited to compact garden sets like bistro sets, benches, companion sets, garden chairs, single or double cocoons and loungers. These provide couples with somewhere to relax and unwind. Whilst medium to large patios allow more room to entertain family and friends. These spaces are well suited to modular sofa sets, dining sets, daybeds, swing seats and triple cocoons.
Available outdoor space not only determines how many people you will be able to seat, but also provides an insight to the style and shape of patio furniture required. For example, a circular patio might be best paired with a round, elliptical or oval shaped dining set. Whereas a long patio can be matched with a rectangular shaped dining set like the Bramblecrest rattan garden set shown.
Down to dimensions
Once you’ve found ‘the one’ or narrowed it down to your favourite garden furniture picks, it’s time to check dimensional details.
First take a look at product dimensions. You can usually find all furniture dimensions online. Measurements are typically listed for each individual component, and these are useful to note and are sometimes depicted on images like the one shown. If you want to be sure the dimensions provided are correct, you can always check directly on the manufacturer website.
Find a footprint
Next, we recommend checking a product footprint. This is extremely helpful as this shows the outline shape of garden furniture alongside the length and width of space required to fit furniture. A footprint is always drawn from an overhead aerial view perspective. This detail is extremely useful, particularly if you are worried about furniture fitting in your outdoor space. The footprint shown demonstrates the minimum floorspace required for the set is 285cm x 360cm.
TIP – Although not essential, marking out where garden furniture will be situated on your patio before you buy it can be helpful. Use chalk or masking tape to mark out where furniture will go using information from a footprint and product measurements. This exercise can be a reassuring to check furniture fits perfectly.
The perfect pick
Understanding the space you have is key to success and picking the right sized furniture for your garden. Without checking measurements, you can end up investing in pieces of outdoor furniture that just don’t look right or won’t fit in your outdoor space. For example, oversized patio sets in a small space will make the area feel crowded and unwelcoming, whilst a small garden set could look lost in a large open garden.
We are confident that if you carry out these steps of measuring up outdoor space and then checking product measurements and footprints, you will be able to select the right sized garden furniture for your patio.
If you are still not sure, ask an expert. Most reputable retailers will have garden furniture specialists on hand to provide advice. If you need help with understanding more about garden furniture at Gates, please contact our Outdoor Living team at Gates by calling 01664 454309 or visit us in-store. You can browse all garden furniture at Gates online today.
