As we head into the warmer months, the idea of spending time outdoors feels increasingly attractive. Cue our collection of patio furniture ideas to get your garden summer ready!
Whatever the size of your garden or backyard we have gorgeous options to make the most of it. Blessed with a tiny courtyard? A little bistro set for two is a sweet spot for morning coffee and pastries.
Medium-sized gardens will benefit from a larger set up – perhaps a sofa-style bench and chairs around a dining table. While a much larger garden will be able to accommodate several zoned areas of seating and lounging.
18 patio furniture ideas
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Small patio furniture ideas
Medium patio furniture ideas
Large patio furniture ideas
Pull up a chair or get snuggly on the sofa and take a look at some of the fabulous outdoor furniture available right now…
Small patio furniture ideas for bijou backyards
Need inspiration to furnish a small balcony or tiny courtyard? Pretty it up to perfection with these savvy space-savers.
1. Add a pop of neon brights
String furniture is still in for 2024 and this cute set will give your outdoor space an instant boost. Perfect for morning coffee and croissants, or a post-work glass of wine, this table and two chairs combo is also weather-resistant so you can leave it outside all year round.
2. Rock your way to relaxation
Only have room for one seat? Make it a rocker like this one from Ikea. Sporting a pleasing striped livery in contemporary shades, this chair will quickly prove to be a favourite spot for reading or simply watching the world go by.
This rocking chair would easily look the part indoors too, so it’s a great choice if you don’t have space for permanent pieces outside.
Buy now from Ikea
3. Stock up on outdoor floor cushions
Large floor cushions are the small garden owner’s friends. They’re portable, often feature gorgeous patterns, and are comfy for short bursts of time when you need extra seating in a hurry. They also make good beds for pets too!
Buy now from Weaver Green
4. Put your plants on show
Small gardens often don’t have room for flowerbeds, but you can create a beautiful space with potted plants. This ingenious ‘theatre’ helps you put your flowers centre stage with three graduated tiers for displaying a host of blooms.
Buy now from Sarah Raven
Looking for more garden inspiration?
You'll be wanting our garden decor ideas then! In this comprehensive round-up, you'll find everything from making a tranquil rock garden to laying a garden path, via updating a folding chair with macrame and crocheting a tasselled picnic blanket.
5. Invest in a growhouse
A conservatory or greenhouse is probably out of the question, but you might be able to consider a growhouse instead. Attractive to look at and easy to assemble, you’ll be able to nurture vegetables, fruit and other plants that need a little extra protection from the elements and wildlife.
6. Make way for foldable furniture
Choosing a bistro set that folds away neatly when you don’t need it is going to really help you make your small garden as versatile as possible. Pick one with Parisian cafe vibes to transport you to a boulevard in Saint-Germain as you sip your cafe au lait.
Mix and match with these medium-sized patio furniture ideas
If you’re lucky enough to have more outdoor space to play with, check out these must-have garden beauties…
7. Put up a parasol
When the sun’s at its strongest, make sure you can still enjoy a breath of fresh air with a parasol. Choose one with tassels for a romantic boho feel.
The cleverest patio parasols have a tilt hinge so you can angle them as the sun moves around.
8. Dine al fresco in style
One of the pleasures of the warmer months is being able to enjoy leisurely meals outside. Make sure you have a decent-sized table and plenty of chairs and bench seating.
Then lay the table with a linen tablecloth and napkins to elevate a simple salad lunch into something more sophisticated.
Buy now from Garden Trading
9. Set up a seasonal sofa
Keep the conversation flowing all afternoon with a contemporary corner sofa. This shape works so well for larger groups and, happily, everyone can reach their drinks from the neatly positioned coffee table.
The rattan effect is very on-trend and helps the sofa blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings. Pile up with cushions and throws for ultimate comfort and warmth as day turns to dusk.
Buy now from Marks & Spencer
10. Make room for outdoor rugs
Add some rugs to get the indoor-outdoor aesthetic just right. Choose examples that are specifically suitable for your garden so they can withstand the elements.
Weaver Green has a fantastic range made from recycled plastic bottles – the rugs feel and look like real wool and are incredibly tough! Available in different sizes, try overlapping a few to exude a relaxed boho mood.
Buy now from Weaver Green
11. Earn your stripes
For a playful atmosphere in your garden, you can’t go wrong with a deckchair in raspberry ripple shades. Just look at those cute pom poms too!
This one even has a canopy and footstool so you can properly sunbathe in style. Ice creams are optional, but highly recommended…
Buy now from The Stripes Company
12. Get in the swing
If you have a mature tree in your garden with decent-sized branches that can take the weight of a hanging chair then this one is most definitely for you! But you could also attach it to a sturdy frame if you don’t have a strong enough branch.
With its soft, padded cushions in smart nautical stripes, you’ll be able to while away many a sunny afternoon in this breathable cotton seat. As you swing gently to and fro, you’re sure to feel any stresses drift away on the breeze…
Dial up the drama! Luxe patio furniture ideas for large landscapes
Create a cohesive outdoor scheme that’s classy with elegant offerings to cleverly zone your space.
13. Pick out a patio table and chairs for outdoor entertaining
It can be surprisingly tricky choosing a table and chairs set that caters for large numbers of people. So many can look clunky and unappealing.
But we’ve struck gold with this good looker that seats eight and includes supportive armchairs – infinitely more comfortable for lounging and lunching than seats without arms.
Having a table with toughened glass is also a must for outdoors and means it’s easy to clean and care for too.
14. Practise your poolside lounging
Make like you’re in the Med with loungers that scream understated sophistication.
Pick generously sized versions that are adjustable so you can switch up your sunbathing for cocktails and a sizzling summer read at your leisure.
The sumptuous cushions on this example from Garden Trading are weatherproof – good news for splashy, sorry, enthusiastic swimmers…
Buy now from Garden Trading
15. Follow the curve
Having a large amount of outdoor space to enjoy means you can dream up interesting ways to elevate each part of your garden. Having plenty of seating is vital to properly making the most of your green lung.
Consider attractive ways to blend form with function such as a bench that wraps around a tree trunk. This provides a welcome spot for quiet contemplation beneath the tree’s canopy while leaving the rest of the area undisturbed.
16. Harness the power of three
Larger gardens allow for hanging seats on a tremendous scale and this one will fit not two but three of you comfortably and in serious style.
Stretch out and enjoy the gently swaying motion of this sumptuous swing seat.
Buy now from Cox & Cox
17. Live life in the slow lane
A large corner sofa with deep cushions is a must in any generously proportioned garden. This one seats six and perfectly blurs the lines between indoors and out.
Add extra throw pillows for additional comfort and style, dress the table with a vase of flowers and some candles and you’re all set.
Buy now from Neptune
18. Take cover with a pergola
For days when you’re aching to be outside but the weather has other ideas, a pergola will come to the rescue! Primp it up with a sofa, pictures, plants and soft furnishings and you’ll be able to enjoy those indoor/outdoor vibes, come what may.
Choose a design that fits your aesthetic – this one has a pleasing Hamptons quality. The louvres can also be opened to let the sun flood in on cloudless summer days.
Buy now from Whitestores
Clever patio furniture ideas will make the most of your outdoor space
However much outdoor space you have you can always maximise its potential with the right furniture and accessories.
You don’t have to own huge grounds to be able to enjoy a blue sky and fresh air. For small balconies and patios think about plants in pots, a comfy seat, cushions and throws.
With medium-sized spaces, splash out on eating and relaxing areas.
While large gardens can be zoned with various areas dedicated to different activities – poolside lounging, dining and serious outdoor living.
Choose outdoor lighting to help your garden glow
Once you’ve got your garden dressed to perfection, it’s time to think about how you’re going to enjoy it late into the evening.
We’ve rounded up some gorgeous options for all spaces with outdoor lighting ideas to make your garden glow! You’ll be amazed how magical any garden can look with strings of fairy lights, flickering candles and portable lanterns.
And just think how pretty it will look from inside too as you gaze out on your little paradise.
