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The Ultimate Guide To Alfresco Life
The Ultimate Guide To Alfresco Life

Your garden is an extension of your home, whether that be hosting garden barbecues or simply lounging in the sun and enjoying your outdoor space. With so many styles, finishes and sizes available, finding the perfect garden furniture for your space can feel overwhelming.

Whether you have a large county lawn, cosy patio space or an urban balcony, this guide will walk you through exactly how to choose the right furniture set so you can enjoy alfresco life too.

Your Available Space

Before buying any garden furniture, you should first take time to consider the size and layout of your outdoor space. While a large garden lounge set looks stunning paired with a sizable patio, this will quickly overwhelm a small decking area more suited to a compact garden dining set.

Measure your area – Use a tape measure and note how much usable space you have available.

Consider the 75cm rule – The 75cm rule is the standard measurement for comfortable seating. If you are looking to purchase a garden dining set, you should allow 75cm around the table so people can pull their chairs out comfortably.

Close Up of The Adjustable Table From The Vieste Rattan Garden Corner Dining Set Digital Illustration

Define The Purpose

Alfresco Dining – If you love hosting garden parties and having family BBQs, one of our garden dining sets is your best option.

Lounging outdoors – Just looking to enjoy your outdoor space in peace or enjoy sunbathing, you should prioritise comfort with a garden lounge set

Casual Hosting – If you want to have the best of both worlds, consider one of our casual dining sets. These sets feature a table with adjustable heights, perfect for both lounging in the sun with a coffee and alfresco dining with family and friends.

Space Saving – If you are short on space or don't want your garden furniture to take over your outdoor area, consider something smaller, like one of our garden benches, which are perfect for lounging outdoors where space is limited. Another great option to look out for would be a garden bistro set or some individual garden accessories such as a sunlounger or comfortable seating.

Choosing The Right Material

Choosing the right material is a crucial part of picking your garden furniture set. Your choice of material will not only define how the set looks but also how much maintenance it will require.

From lightweight yet versatile cast aluminium to durable concrete, our products are available in a range of materials and finishes. We have created a detailed materials and care guide to help you choose the most durable option for your lifestyle.

Finishing Touches 

Your garden furniture set is just the start, make your outdoor space feel like a true alfresco home with some garden accessories.

Shade - Don’t forget to add some shade to protect your dining area from the midday sun. From garden parasols to a pergola, there are many options when it comes to adding some shade to your outdoor space.

Textiles - Outdoor rugs and weather-resistant cushions are a great way to make your outdoor living area feel cosy. You can even opt to add a splash of colour this way and tie your aesthetic together.

Heating & Lighting - A fire pit, patio heater and outdoor lighting will extend the use of your garden furniture long into the evening and even into the cooler autumn months.

StorageCorrectly storing your garden furniture is crucial to ensure it stays in top condition. This can be done using a breathable weather-proof cover tailored to your garden furniture set and a stylish yet practical watertight storage box for your textiles.

Choosing the right garden furniture becomes simple when you focus on how to use your space, what materials suit your lifestyle and what you want to get out of your garden furniture. Whether you have decided on a garden lounge set perfect for soaking up the sun or a dining set for hosting family meals, the right garden furniture set will bring your outdoor space to life. Start your alfresco life today and view our collections of stylish garden furniture guaranteed to bring quality to the table.