Find the best garden chairs for your space

Garden chairs are essential furniture that many homeowners like to add to their outdoor space. They provide seating space for your family and guests while enhancing the look of your garden. Whether you have a large outdoor space or a small garden, finding the right garden chair is crucial in creating a functional space where you can spend time alone or with guests.

Garden chairs come in a wide range of options, making it difficult to choose the perfect chair for space. If you love being around nature and would like to find a comfortable garden chair that matches your outdoor space theme, we're here to help you. This guide will walk you through the various stages of choosing the right garden furniture for your space.

What material should you choose for your garden chair?

Choosing the right material for your garden furniture can guarantee years of outdoor enjoyment. Garden furniture comes in different materials, each with its advantages and disadvantages. So, how do you select the right material for your garden chair? Below, we take a closer look at the different options to help you make an informed decision.

Wood

Sturdy and durable, wood is one of the most popular materials for making furniture. Time and again, wood has proven to be one of the best materials in the industry. Wooden garden furniture adds natural beauty to your space, which you need when setting up an outside sitting area. In addition, wooden garden chairs give off a relaxed vibe, which adds a refined appeal to your space.

There are a few types of wood you can choose. These include teak, oak, and acacia. Teak is the most popular wood for garden furniture as its high oil content makes it resistant to water and insects. It also ages gracefully without having to use cleaners and protectors.

Metal

More robust and durable, metal is one of the best materials for furniture. It can be shaped into more complex designs, giving you a range of style options to choose from. This material can be used with other materials that have their own benefits. When it comes to garden chairs, there are two types of metal you can choose. These include wrought iron, steel, and aluminium.

Wrought iron is solid, strong, and durable, making it an excellent choice for weight-bearing garden furniture. It’s also a good option for modern outdoor chairs. On the downside, steel is heavy and tends to rust. However, a coat of paint should keep rust and corrosion at bay. On the other hand, aluminium is lightweight and durable. It’s water-resistant on its own, but a coat of paint gives it better protection against the elements.

Rattan

Rattan garden furniture gives your outdoor space a classic country-style look. This natural material is lightweight and can create the perfect mood for your outdoor space. You can also find this material in its synthetic version (poly rattan), which is increasingly becoming a popular choice for outdoor furniture. One thing to remember is that natural rattan is not water-resistant. It is best for a covered balcony or patio. The good news is that the synthetic version can withstand harsh weather conditions, which makes it the best choice for garden furniture.

Fabric

Upholstered garden chairs are comfortable. They offer the best lounging experience and elevate the look of your outdoor space. These comfy garden chairs come with water-resistant fabrics like polyester, acrylic, and vinyl. These fabrics are also breathable and resistant to harsh weather conditions. It's, however, important to ensure your upholstered outdoor chair is covered during winter.

Plastic

The main advantage of plastic garden chairs is that they are completely waterproof - you don’t have to cover things. However, you can still use some cushions for extra comfort.

How to choose the right garden chair size for your outdoor space

When buying garden furniture, you want to ensure they fit perfectly in your space. Outdoor chairs are available in different shapes and sizes, which can be confusing for many buyers. You need to take into account garden chair dimensions when looking for the perfect piece for your outdoor space. Here are guidelines to help you.

• Depth and width

Outdoor chairs with deep and wide chairs are more comfortable. However, they take up more space when compared to pieces with smaller dimensions. Don't choose a chair that is too deep for you; otherwise, it will be uncomfortable. You can also go for garden chairs with arms.

• Height

The height of a garden chair is the distance from the seat to the ground. When choosing a height for your chair, take note of the garden table you'll be using alongside it. For example, select a height of about 46 cm if you use a dining table.

What garden chair style should you choose?

Another crucial point to consider when looking for a garden chair is style. The right look can make a big difference in your space, so you need to think about the overall look of your plot before making a decision. Let's look at some styles you can choose to suit your outdoor area.

Traditional

Rattan is one of the trendiest styles on the market. It's an excellent choice for creating a relaxed look in a traditional garden. They also work well for modern outdoor spaces when used with neutral cushions. Wood chairs are also a good option for traditional settings. A timeless classic, wood will add a beautiful, natural look to your space.

Modern

For a modern outside sitting area, choose plastic garden chairs. It might seem odd, but many fresh styles in bold colours and impressive shapes can make your outdoor area fun and exciting. In addition, most plastic chairs are eco-friendly as they are made from recycled materials. Metal also makes an excellent option for modern spaces. The sleek finish on stainless steel works well with any modern garden.

Retro

These stylish throwbacks date back to the 1950s. Whether you're looking for a striking addition to your space or you’re simply feeling nostalgic, retro is the best option. Colour choices for retro garden furniture are almost endless. Some of the standout colours are yellow, blue, and red. You can also choose earth tones like green and brown. These colours work well with a wide range of outdoor accessories. When selecting an outdoor material for your retro garden, go for fade- and water-resistant options.

Bohemian

If you have a bohemian-style garden, you cannot go wrong with natural materials like rattan and wood. Combining rattan garden chairs with low coffee tables will add a laid-back look to your space. You can also throw in some cushions and rugs with earthy patterns.

How to care for your garden furniture

Like all things in your home, garden and patio chairs need maintenance. Taking care of your outside furniture will ensure it remains in top condition for many years. Here are a few care tips to keep in mind.

Clean your outdoor furniture regularly

When dirt builds up on your outdoor furniture, it will start degrading slowly. For this reason, it’s important to clean your furniture regularly. Different materials may require different cleaning techniques. For example, rattan needs careful cleaning with a fine-bristle brush. Plastic can be wiped down and hosed off.

Dry your furniture after cleaning

Wiping down or washing alone isn’t enough. You need to dry your furniture after cleaning. Leaving it damp will encourage the growth of mould or mildew. If possible, clean your deck furniture during warmer weather and allow it to dry.  

Clean mildew as soon as you spot it

If you live in a humid area, you might notice mould forming on your garden furniture. When this happens, get rid of it immediately to prevent further damage. Use a brush and soapy water to clean the affected area and dry the furniture in natural light.

Avoid direct sunlight

Like humidity, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can damage your furniture. Extended sun exposure will break down your deck chair's natural fibres. You can prevent this by keeping your furniture in a protected area or shade.

Finish or oil your furniture

You also need to apply oil to natural materials like wood and rattan to keep them in top condition. Otherwise, they would become dry and start splitting or fading. Wipe your garden chair with oil a few times a year, especially if you live in a dry area.

Why you need an outdoor chair in your garden

For nature lovers, adding outdoor seating space to your garden, whether it's outdoor benches or chairs, is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and the sun's warmth. There are many advantages of investing in an outdoor chair. Let's take a closer look.

• You spend more time outside

One of the main reasons for getting outdoor garden chairs is to allow you to spend more time outdoors alone or with family and friends. Ultimately, this boosts your immune system, improves your emotional well-being, and reduces symptoms of depression. In addition, staying outdoors engages you in different activities like playing and exercising.

• Adds functionality to your space

No matter how nice your garden chair looks, it should meet your needs. How you want to use the chair is crucial in solving the functionality issue. If you want to create an outdoor space where you can host guests, choose enough chairs to accommodate them.

• Improves the appeal of your home

Investing in well-designed garden furniture is one of the best ways to improve the appeal of your outside area. You may have to include other aspects to create the perfect setup. Other pieces of furniture, such as an outdoor sofa and small tables, can be added to create an entertaining space.

Browse our range of garden furniture to find the best outdoor chair for your space.