In summer, the garden becomes an extension of our living space, where we love to spend every spare minute, put our feet up and relax. To make your patio just as inviting and comfortable as your living room, a well-planned, comfortable seating area is a must.
In our guide, we'll show you how to create the ideal garden seating area.
How to create a garden seating area – what to consider:
- Plan your seating area
- Choose the right furniture
- Shade, wind protection and privacy
- Ideas for different seating areas
1. Plan your seating area
Planning a garden seating area takes careful thought if you want to create a harmonious, practical space. Start by choosing the ideal spot.
Make sure the seating area is easy to reach and in a place that offers both sun and shade. Take into account which way your garden faces and how the natural light changes throughout the day.
The size of the seating area depends on the space available in your garden. However, it should be large enough for comfortable furniture and enough room to move around. Remember that the seating area shouldn't dominate, but should blend harmoniously into its surroundings.
Only have a small garden?
No problem! Space-saving garden furniture lets you create a small seating area even in a compact outdoor space. Choose slim, folding furniture and avoid large tables and fixed armrests.
Modular lounge furniture is a good choice. It's highly flexible and leaves plenty of room for creative layouts that are easy to adapt.
For the base, a level surface is best – paving, concrete or wooden decking all work well. When creating your garden seating area, also make sure the surface is stable and allows water to drain away, so water doesn't collect.
2. Choose the right furniture
The furniture you choose for your garden seating area is key to comfort, looks and practicality. Choose garden furniture made from weather-resistant materials such as teak, aluminium, powder-coated steel or polyrattan, which can withstand changing weather conditions.
Lounge furniture such as sofas, armchairs and tables creates a cosy atmosphere and invites you to relax. Choose weather-resistant, UV-resistant materials that are easy to clean, so your garden furniture lasts for a long time.
As well as the materials, pay particular attention to the size of each piece, and measure the space you have available.
In a large garden, generous lounge furniture or corner benches work well. For a small seating area, choose slimmer two-seater sofas, adjustable sun loungers or even folding chairs to create a comfortable spot even in a small space.
Think in advance about what you'll mainly use your garden seating area for.
Should it be a place to relax?
Then lounge furniture is your best choice, as it's comfortable for long periods and flexible to use. Add a small outdoor side table for extra surface space.
Want to lie back and relax outdoors?
A garden lounger, deckchair or even a hammock is the best solution. Depending on how much space you have, folding garden loungers are also available, which can be stored compactly when not in use. With the right cushions and pads, you can unwind for hours.
Whichever option you choose, remember practical and attractive details such as seat pads and cushions for extra comfort. At Connox, alongside a wide range of garden furniture, you'll also find outdoor textiles that are weather-resistant and decorative. As well as comfortable seat cushions, rugs, tablecloths and wool blankets add to the inviting feel and help create a true outdoor living room.
3. Shade, wind protection and privacy
To enjoy your garden seating area at any time of day, suitable shade, wind protection and privacy screening are essential. Parasols, shade sails or awnings provide shade on hot days, while also protecting you from harmful UV rays. Windbreaks or hedges can shelter you from unpleasant gusts and add privacy.
Make sure the shade and wind protection you choose is both practical and attractive, and fits in with the design of your garden seating area.
4. Garden seating ideas for stylish comfort
Depending on your personal taste and preferred style, there are many ways to design a garden seating area – from modern to Mediterranean.
A modern garden seating area
Clean lines, minimalist furniture and neutral colours give your garden seating area a modern look.
A Scandinavian-style garden seating area
Garden furniture in natural wood and light colours gives your seating area a Scandinavian look. For a particularly hygge feel, combine Scandinavian garden furniture with different outdoor textiles in subtle natural tones.
Mediterranean flair for your garden
Prefer a warm Mediterranean atmosphere? Choose warm, deep colours, Mediterranean plants in generous terracotta pots, and rustic furniture in darker wood or ornate steel bistro furniture to create a Mediterranean-style seating area.
Alternatively, create several smaller seating areas around the garden, each for different activities, to bring your outdoor space even more to life.
The right outdoor lighting adds the finishing touch.
With fairy lights, lanterns and other small outdoor lights, you can enjoy your garden seating area long after sunset and create glowing accents. You'll find more helpful outdoor lighting tips in our guide to garden lighting.
Decorative touches such as outdoor rugs, cushions, blankets and plants create a welcoming atmosphere. They turn your garden seating area into a cosy retreat for your loved ones, where you can eat, play and relax together all summer long.
With these tips and ideas, you can design your own garden seating area and create a relaxed, inviting space to make the most of every warm day of the year.
