Enhance your garden with stylish garden chairs

Garden chairs add comfort to your outdoor area, making it a haven for relaxation and social gatherings. Whether you're enjoying a slow Sunday with a good book or hosting a vibrant family gathering, the right garden chairs can enhance the experience. With a wide range of stylish and modern options available, you can find chairs that suit your personal taste and make your garden a lived-in, welcoming space. From affordable options to trendy designs, there's a garden chair for every setting, ensuring you create an inviting outdoor retreat.

What material should you choose for your garden chairs?

Choosing the right material for your garden furniture is the key to ensuring years of outdoor enjoyment. Garden furniture comes in various materials, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. So, how do you select the right material for your garden chair? Below, we take a closer look at different options to help you make an informed decision.

Wood

Wood is one of the most popular materials for making furniture, known for its good quality and tasteful appeal. Wooden garden furniture adds natural beauty to your space, enhancing your outdoor sitting area with a relaxed vibe. It brings a refined and welcoming feel to your garden.

There are a few types of wood you can choose. These include teak, oak, and acacia. Teak is the most popular wood for garden furniture due to its high oil content, which makes it resistant to water and insects. It also ages gracefully without the need for cleaners and protectors.

Metal

Metal is a robust and versatile material for garden furniture. It can be shaped into intricate designs, giving you a range of style options. When it comes to garden chairs, there are three types of metal you can choose: wrought iron, steel, and aluminium.

Wrought iron is solid and strong, making it an excellent choice for weight-bearing garden furniture. It’s also a good option for modern outdoor chairs. However, steel is heavy and tends to rust. A coat of paint can help keep rust and corrosion at bay. Aluminium is lightweight and water-resistant on its own, but a coat of paint offers better protection against the elements.

Rattan

Rattan garden furniture gives your outdoor space a classic, country-style look. This natural material is lightweight and creates a relaxed mood for your garden. You can also find this material in its synthetic version (poly rattan), which is becoming a popular choice for outdoor furniture. Natural rattan is not water-resistant, making it best suited for covered areas like balconies or patios. The synthetic version can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for garden furniture.

Fabric

Upholstered garden chairs are comfortable and elevate the look of your outdoor space. These garden chairs come with water-resistant fabrics like polyester, acrylic, and vinyl, which are also breathable and resistant to harsh weather conditions. It's important to cover your upholstered outdoor chair during winter to protect it from moisture damage.

Plastic

The main advantage of plastic garden chairs is that they are completely waterproof, eliminating the need for covers. However, adding cushions can enhance comfort. Plastic chairs are also an affordable and practical option for your garden.

What garden style should you choose?

Another important point to consider when looking for a garden chair is style. The right look can make a big difference in your space, so you need to think about the overall aesthetic of your garden before making a decision. Let's explore some styles you can choose to suit your outdoor area.

Traditional

Traditional garden chair styles often emphasise natural materials and classic designs. Rattan is one of the trendiest choices in this category. It’s perfect for creating a relaxed look in a traditional garden. Rattan chairs also work well in modern outdoor spaces when paired with neutral cushions, providing a versatile option that bridges different design eras. 

Wooden chairs are another excellent option for traditional settings. A timeless classic, wood adds a beautiful, natural look to your space. Whether you opt for teak, oak, or acacia, wooden garden chairs provide a refined and tasteful aesthetic that complements lush, green surroundings.

Modern

For a contemporary outdoor sitting area, consider plastic garden chairs. While it might seem unconventional, many modern styles feature bold colours and impressive shapes that make your outdoor area vibrant and exciting. Plus, many plastic chairs are eco-friendly and made from recycled materials, adding a sustainable edge to your garden.

Metal is another great option for modern spaces. The sleek finish of stainless steel or aluminium works well with any modern garden design, offering a stylish and sophisticated look. These materials are not only trendy but also practical, providing longevity and ease of maintenance.

Retro

If you’re looking to add a touch of nostalgia to your garden, retro styles are a perfect choice. These stylish throwbacks date back to the 1950s and can bring a unique charm to your outdoor space. Retro garden furniture comes in a variety of vibrant colours, such as yellow, blue, and red, as well as earthy tones like green and brown. These colours pair well with a wide range of outdoor accessories, making it easy to create a cohesive look.

When selecting materials for a retro garden, look for fade- and water-resistant options to ensure your furniture maintains its vibrant appeal over time. Retro styles often feature distinctive shapes and playful designs, adding a fun and dynamic element to your garden.

Bohemian

A bohemian-style garden emphasises comfort, creativity, and a mix of natural elements. For this look, natural materials like rattan and wood are ideal. Combining rattan garden chairs with low coffee tables can create a laid-back, inviting atmosphere. 

To enhance the bohemian vibe, incorporate cushions and rugs with earthy patterns and rich textures. This not only adds comfort but also brings a personalised, lived-in feel to your outdoor space. The key to a bohemian garden is mixing and matching different elements to create a unique and eclectic look that reflects your personality.

How to care for your garden chairs

Garden chairs can transform your outdoor space into a comfortable and stylish retreat. To keep them looking their best and ensure they last for years, it’s important to care for them properly. Here are some essential tips to help you maintain your garden chairs.

• Regular cleaning: Clean your garden chairs regularly to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Use a mild soap solution and a soft brush for wooden and plastic chairs. For metal chairs, use a damp cloth to wipe them down, and make sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent rust.

• Protect from the elements: Exposure to sun, rain, and wind can damage garden chairs over time. Use protective covers when your chairs are not in use to shield them from the elements. This is especially important for wooden and metal chairs, which can deteriorate quickly if left exposed.

• Treat wood annually: Wooden garden chairs benefit from annual treatments with a suitable wood preservative or oil. This helps to protect the wood from moisture and UV damage, keeping it in good condition. Teak chairs, in particular, should be oiled regularly to maintain their natural oils and prevent cracking.

• Check for rust and corrosion: For metal garden chairs, regularly check for signs of rust or corrosion. If you notice any, sand the affected area lightly and apply a rust-resistant primer followed by a touch-up paint. This will help extend the life of your metal chairs and keep them looking stylish.

• Store during harsh weather: During winter or periods of heavy rain, consider storing your garden chairs indoors or in a shed. This is especially important for materials like rattan and fabric, which can suffer damage from prolonged exposure to moisture and cold temperatures.

• Refresh fabric cushions: If your garden chairs have fabric cushions, clean them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Many outdoor fabrics are removable and can be washed. For fixed cushions, use a fabric cleaner and a brush to remove stains and dirt. Allow the cushions to dry completely before putting them back on the chairs to prevent mould and mildew growth.

By following these simple care tips, you can ensure that your garden chairs remain in great condition, providing comfort and style to your outdoor space for many seasons to come.

Looking for other products? Check out the categories below:

Material: Plastic garden chairs

Colour: Grey garden chairs - Black garden chairs 

Type: Garden armchairs