Garden furniture and accessories are important to making outside spaces look good and function better. Making the most of your garden means getting the balance right. No matter how much – or little – space you have, it’s important to put the right things in the right place, so your garden never looks either cluttered or unloved. With the choices available today, you can pick and choose just the right furniture to set off your garden to the best effect. Read on for 5 ideas to think about.
1. Barbecue
The first thing most people with a garden think about when the days are longer and the sun’s threatening to come out is – let’s have a barbecue! Unfortunately, it’s not only the weather (and/or the cooking!) that can turn out to be a bit of a let down when it comes to BBQs. A rusty old mobile griddle precariously balanced on an uneven lawn is not attractive or safe and because they are so flimsy they don’t make sense from a value for money perspective. A permanent barbecue area is a much better idea. This provides a clean stable base for a quality BBQ. Of course, space can be restricted, but if you pick the right spot, you should be able to fit a paved BBQ cooking, serving and mingling area in one corner of your garden. You can often use a neglected corner or area with poor soil that really isn’t any use for anything else making use of space that would otherwise be wasted. You can then invest a good quality BBQ or even build a permanent one from bricks and mortar. If you construct a fixed BBQ you have the option of building in space for cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils and maybe even a fridge or sink. With storage for chopped logs, and a stainless steel covering for when it’s not in use, a permanent barbecue can make a year round contribution to a great looking garden. While you are at it why not have a go at building your own pizza oven?
2. Hot Tub Gazebo
Fixed and inflatable hot tubs are becoming more popular in gardens of all sizes, as technology and price combine to produce some high value, great looking home spas. They are not bargain basement items though particularly when you factor in the cost of heating the water. So if you buy one it is important you use it regularly. There are plenty of little things that can greatly reduce the number of times you are tempted to pup into your tub. Position your tub close to the house and where there is some privacy from neighbours and where you can easily drain and replace the water. A hot tub gazebo is a great way to provide a privacy and weather screen which will add to the enjoyment, and make your garden look great. See this page if you want to explore which are the most popular in today’s market. A gazebo is basically an open-sided enclosure, which gives protection from the worst of the weather but lets you enjoy the fresh air and freedom to move around. Popular options are timber framed enclosures, (cedar is an excellent wood), which can be fitted with skylights to enjoy the stars at night. If you have the room, why not install a bar along one side of the enclosure?
3. Dining Set
Gardens are there to be enjoyed, and there are not many more enjoyable occasions than eating out with friends and family; especially when you can play host with your own al fresco dining room. If you have even a small patio near your house, you can convert this into just that; dining sets come in a huge variety of materials and can seat anything from 4 to 8 people. Some homeowners prefer a permanent arrangement, where metal or composite chairs and tables stay in position at all times; others store easy-to-erect timber furniture, ready for use on the right occasion. A permanent dining set is a talking point and focus to the garden, encouraging people to get out and enjoy it; if possible, a stylish awning attached to the side or rear of your house can really set the whole arrangement off and be ready to enjoy at any time.
4. Lounge Options
As well as space to eat and drink, somewhere to just sit and relax is something that gardens should offer. A lounge area set aside for peace and quiet can be an asset to any garden which has the room; especially one with a grass lawn. Depending on space and aspect, there is furniture available from benches to hanging chairs, in a choice of materials which won’t rot or lose their looks, provided they’re cared for. You can get some inspiration here. Rattan hanging chairs (with or without stands) are very popular and can be hung from branches or placed in a sunny spot. With a low table for drinks, books and nibbles, lounge furniture looks both tasteful and relaxing.
5. Stylish Storage
Clutter is something which blights many gardens, especially those on the smaller side. The fact is that people (adults as well as kids) tend to leave what they’ve been using, right where they’ve been using it; gardens are like that. While this can be cute if what’s been dropped is a plastic toy, it can be dangerous if the object is sharp, heavy or can’t be seen easily. For these reasons, it’s an excellent idea to think about storage in your garden. This doesn’t have to mean a garden shed or even a ‘man cave’ where nobody ever dares venture. Stylish storage options can make a positive contribution to the look and feel of your garden. Timber storage boxes are very popular and come in many designs and sizes. Whether it’s a knee level, open top box for the wellies, or a lockable, 2 metre high hut for the bikes, storage space can make for a good looking garden.
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