The British weather may not be Mediterranean, however, that does not imply that your garden cannot be brilliant. The outdoor spaces can be made to be functional throughout the spring, all the way into autumn with the correct furniture, shelter and planning and even during winter provided you are bold enough.
You have a large garden, a small patio or a small courtyard, we have all you need to make it work harder. Our outdoor collection will help you spend more time outdoors with comfortable seating and dining pieces, glass rooms that add to your living space and awnings that shield you.
Garden Furniture
Excellent garden furniture will make your outside area a place you visit occasionally to a place you want to be. You need the right furniture to make the difference whether you are seeking a complete dining set to have your family meals outdoors or a comfortable corner to have your morning coffee.
Dining Sets
Dining out is amongst the simple joys of life. Our dining sets are available in small bistro-like tables with two seats to a full-size table with eight or more chairs. Weatherproofed rattan, durable aluminium and old fashioned hardwood are the materials, each having varying maintenance requirements and looks.
Find groups that have comfortable chairs that you will be willing to sit on longer than five minutes. Pillows are useful, but the shape of the chair is also important. The stackable chairs will conserve space during the winter.
Lounge & Sofa Sets
Lounge sets and garden sofas provide adequate outside living rooms. Modular designs allow you to design seating to fit your space – L-shapes where corners are needed, straight where patios, or full conversation where larger gardens.
Rattan-effect furniture is not a bad idea, and there is a reason why it appears to be a smart, reasonably weather-resistant and not prohibitively expensive product. Authentic rattan is more maintenance-demanding, but it also fades beautifully. The metal and wood alternatives appear different.
Benches & Seating
Garden benches offer adjustable seating without consuming as much space as complete dining sets. Put them in sunny areas, make shady reading areas or use them as informal dining chairs.
Wooden benches have beautiful weathered patina. Metal benches are low-maintenance. Bench storage boxes are also used as seats and a place to store cushions dry.
Sun Loungers & Day Beds
Sun loungers and day beds are incomparable to relaxation. Find adjustable backs, weatherproof fabrics and hopefully wheels to keep up with the sun all over the garden.
Loungers are made comfortable with cushions. Fabrics that dry fast are also worth paying a little more – no one would like to sit on wet cushions following rain.
Materials & Maintenance
Rattan/Wicker – Artificial ones are inexpensive and low-maintenance. Natural rattan must be kept out of the winter weather and yet it is beautiful.
Metal (Aluminium/Steel) – Hardy, easy to wash, usually light. Rust-resistant finishes used are powder-coated. Can get very hot in direct sun.
Wood (Teak/Eucalyptus/Acacia) – Beautiful, substantial, ages well. Oils once a year to keep colour or weathers to silver-grey.
Plastic/Resin – Cost-effective, truly weather-resistant, stackable. Not the most classy but useful to families.
Glass Garden Rooms
Glass garden rooms change the way you utilise your outdoor space. Modern garden rooms are well insulated and year-round unlike conservatories, which roast during the summer seasons and freeze during the winter seasons. They are additions that are more of an extension of the garden yet shielding you against the worst of the British weather.
What is the Reason to Select a Glass Garden Room?
Garden rooms will add to your living space without the cost and disturbance of conventional extensions. They fill interiors with natural light and still have a view of your garden. Garden rooms provide whether you require a home office, additional living space, garden gym or simply a place to escape.
Design Options
Modern garden rooms are usually made up of massive glass windows in aluminium or uPVC frames. Roofing can be made of glass (as much light as possible), polycarbonate (less expensive), or insulated panels (better thermal protection). Bi-fold or sliding doors are seamlessly interconnected both outside and inside.
The sizes are between small (8-10 square metres) and big (20+ square metre) which serve as actual rooms. Corner installations, lean-to designs, and fully detached structures all are working according to your space and requirements.
Uses for Garden Rooms
Home Office – Work without commuting. Spare bedroom offices are beaten by natural light and views of gardens.
Extra Living Space – Additional seating room, extension of a dining room or simply a place to unwind.
Garden Studio – Art studio, music room, craft space, or hobbies area with adequate light and space.
Home Gym – Work out area with a view, airflow and not connected to the main house noise.
Garden Bar/Entertainment – Social area to host that does not bring noise and mess to the main house.
Planning & Installation
Planning permission under permitted development rights is not required on most garden rooms less than 2.5m high and satisfying specific conditions. But watch local regulations of cheques – conservation areas and listed buildings are different.
Depending on size and complexity, professional installation usually requires 1-2 weeks. There is foundations, electrics and heating to consider. Numerous suppliers provide complete turnkey services up to the end.
Glass Verandas
Glass verandahs provide outdoor areas which are covered and work despite the weather. They are not as closed as garden rooms – consider refined protection and not entirely enclosed addition. You have the benefit of sheltering against rain and yet still have the open air experience and closeness to your garden.
The difference between Verandas and Garden Rooms.
Verandas usually strip onto your house and enclose patio or decking. They are roofed but are open-sided or slightly screened on sides. This is why they would be superb in covering outdoor dining areas, creating sheltered seating, or covering doorways without making them look like indoor spaces.
Veranda Benefits
Weather Protection – Do not go outside when it is raining. Furniture remains dry between applications. Grows outdoor season quite a long time.
Sun Control – Glass roofs may also have tinting or built-in blinds to control heat and glare on sunny days.
Visual Appeal – Verandas bring architectural interest to the exteriors of houses, as well as forming a clear outdoor rooms.
Value of the Property – Well-planned verandas increase the kerb appeal and the amount of usable outdoor space.
Design Considerations
The depth of the veranda is important – too shallow and you do not get any meaningful protection, too deep and spaces become dark. 2.5-3.5 metres is a good depth to work with. Height should be planned in such a way that it does not obstruct windows or make the interiors dark.
Pitch of the roof influences the look and drainage of water. Steeper pits are efficient in shedding water but appear more conspicuous. Shallow pitches are less noticeable but require great drainage design. Glass specification is important in terms of safety (toughened glass is needed) and performance (solar control finishes aid in heat management).
Materials & Finishes
Aluminium frames are the choice – they are durable, slim, maintenance free and come in a variety of colours including wood-effect finishes. Powder coating is weatherproof. Quality is important here – cheaper verandas may leak or fall to pieces.
Glazing can be clear glass to allow the maximum light in, tinted glass to control the sun, or self-cleaning glass (really useful with roofs that you can never reach to clean).
Adding Heating & Lighting
Veranda use is prolonged into cooler months with electric heaters, gas patio heaters, or infrared heaters. Ambiance is provided by integrated LED lighting or festoon lights that can be used at night. Ceiling fans are incorporated in some of the verandas to circulate air in case of hot weather.
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Awnings & Canopies
Awnings offer temporary shade and cover without permanent constructions. The retractable awnings are larger when you want the protection and smaller when you do not need it, and they keep the facades clean and allow as much light into your house as possible. They are geniuses to sunny patios, decking areas or any other place where you need occasional shelter.
Types of Awnings
Retractable Patio Awnings
Awnings are mounted on walls and cover patios and terraces. Manual versions are powered by hand cranks (cheap but labour-intensive). Electric models are switch or remote operated (more costly, but far easier). Smart awnings have wind and sun sensors, and they automatically open or close depending on the conditions.
Freestanding Awnings
These do not need to be mounted on a wall – handy when you rent or are unable to punch holes in the walls of your house. They make shaded spaces anywhere within gardens. Weaker in wind than wall-mounted types but very flexible.
Pergola Awnings
Pergola covers that are fitted over the canvas. There are versions that are fixed, and those that retract. They have combined the beauty of pergola and awning functionality to produce appealing overhead cover.
Vertical Awnings
Drop-down screens that offer side protection against low sun, wind or privacy. Especially handy in patios with a west orientation where evening sun rays enter at awkward angles.
Awning Fabrics
Acrylic fabrics are conventional, colourfast and breathable. Polyester choices are cheaper yet can be washed away easily. Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics are fading resistant and available in wide colour selections.
UV ratings are important – seek out fabrics that block 95 percent+ UV rays. Waterproof finishes can resist a light rain but awnings are not made to withstand harsh weather. Pull them in when there is a storm to prevent damages.
Sizing & Projection
The width of the awning must be equal to the width of your patio or a little more to cover it. The length of projection (length of awnings in front of walls) can vary between 2m and 4m. Greater projections offer a greater shade but generate greater wind load.
Take into account sun angles when selecting projection depth. Noon sun requires less projection compared to the morning/evening sun that arrives lower. The orientation of your latitude and outdoor space influences the best.
Installation & Maintenance
Professional installation guarantees good mounting and operation. Wall fixings should be firm – awnings impose heavy loads when in use, particularly during wind. Concrete or brick walls are best. Cheque stability of render.
Care includes cleaning of fabrics (brush off rubbish, wash every now and then with light soap) and checking of mechanism functioning and retracting in high winds. Professional annual servicing contributes to a longer life of mechanisms.
Alternatives to Consider
Parasols provide cheap portable shade. They are okay as a means of use but not as a permanent solution. Shade sails produce modern appearance and cover extensive spaces. Climbing plants pergolas offer natural shade which is enhanced as time goes by.
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Outdoor Decor
Furniture and shelter will get you started, but outdoor decor will make gardens look complete and personal. These final touches make work areas into areas you will be glad to be in – somewhere that is a reflection of your style and comfortable.
Planters & Containers
Planters introduce greenery where you desire it – framing doorways, softening paving, forming focal points, or hiding unattractive places. There are lightweight resin (portable, weatherproof), ceramic (attractive and heavy, frost-sensitive), and metal (contemporary, durable) materials.
Self watering planters save on maintenance. Big containers are more noticeable and do not require as frequent watering as small ones do. Pairs of items are cohesive; blended styles are appropriate in informal cottage gardens.
Outdoor Lighting
Lighting prolongs the use of the garden into evenings and provides ambiance. Solar lights are easy (no wiring) and not very bright. Mains lighting is stronger and more dependable and requires professional installation.
Festoon lighting and string lights produce instant atmosphere. Path lights enhance safety and route marking. Spotlights are used to emphasise plants or architecture. Table lamps and lanterns give you the freedom to light where you want.
Ornaments and Sculptures of gardens.
Ornaments in the garden bring in character and beauty. Modern sculptures to classical statues, wildlife to abstract art – do what appeals to you instead of what is in fashion.
Scale matters. Little decorations are lost in big gardens. Large-sized works overpower small courtyards. Take perspectives – what does it look good at various angles and distances?
Water Features
Gardens have water features which bring movement and sound to the gardens. Fountains mounted on walls operate in limited areas. Freestanding features are appropriate on lawns or paving. Solar powered options do not require wiring hassles.
The flowing water is soothing in nature. It also attracts wildlife. Maintenance includes frequent cleaning or winterizing (draining or frostproofing, depending on type).
Outdoor Rugs
Seating areas on decking or paving are characterised by outdoor rugs. They are constructed of polypropylene or other weather-resistant materials, which means they are better at managing dampness than indoor rugs and still appear good.
Select patterns and colours that are compatible with furniture. Hard surfaces are made more comfortable and cosy with the help of rugs. They can be hosed down and are also cheap to replace once worn.
Cushions & Soft Furnishings
Outdoor cushions provide comfort and colour. Quick-drying fillings and water-resistant fabrics are necessary. Easy to wash removable covers are easier to maintain.
When not using store cushions on a daily basis, store cushions should be put away to prolong their life. They are stored in weatherproof storage boxes to ensure that they are dry and can be accessed. Few cushions which you keep clean are better than lots of cushions which get mouldy.
Garden Screens & Privacy
Screens ensure privacy, separation, or concealment of untidy spaces such as bins. There are trellis (conventional, accommodates climbers), contemporary panels (metal or composite), bamboo screens (natural, affordable), and living walls (greenery-covered).
Heating & Fire Features
Outdoor season is expanded into cooler months with patio heaters, fire pits and chimeneas. Gas heaters offer immediate controllable heat. Fire pits are a source of focus and ambience but require upkeep. Provide sufficient safety clearance about any heating.
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Designing Outside Spaces to Use.
Purchasing garden furniture is not a challenge. It takes more consideration to create an outdoor space that you really want to utilise. Here’s how to make it happen:
Consider Your Climate Reality.
Tell the truth about British weather. Furniture must be able to withstand rain. Pillows should be stored or covered. Spaces are made usable by shelter against wind. Summer is blazing in the south – it is worth shading. Areas that face to the north remain chilly – heating assists.
Think About Actual Use
Would you like outdoor eating area? Somewhere to read? Gathering social spaces? Morning-coffee spots? Plan spaces around the way you will use them in real life instead of what Instagram wants. And that huge dining table is useless when you do not eat out.
Start with Essentials
Get furniture right first. Easy chairs win over ornamental items. The basics first, then lighting, then decor, then additional features. The gradual construction process allows you to understand what your space requires.
Storage Solutions
Where shall cushions be when it rains? Furniture in winter? Storage boxes, sheds, or inside space all have to be considered. Stacking furniture or folding furniture is easier to store. Outdoor-proofed furniture minimises storage requirements.
Maintenance Reality
Furniture that is more elaborate needs more maintenance. Wood needs oiling. Metal must be checked against rust. Fabrics need cleaning. Select materials that suit your maintenance level. It is no disgrace to resort to easy-care.
Budget Wisely
Good furniture is long-lasting. Furniture that is cheap is seasonable. In some cases, it is more cost-effective to spend more in the short run. However, in some cases, the budget alternatives can be used occasionally. Allocate capital to its degree of utilisation.