• Monday 25 April 2022
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As the spring blossoms start to mature and the brighter evenings beckon, no doubt some of us will yearn for time in our outdoor living space and better garden furniture.

Some of you may be building a transitory pergola space, covered verandah or conservatory space to bask in the new seasonal sunshine.

Ultimately better looking or updated garden furniture will be a worthwhile investment as we look fondly outdoors and start planning our new sunlit living spaces.

Here’s a quick look on how to audit the garden furniture you already have, how to look after your garden furniture and some garden furniture designs to consider.

 

Do An Audit of Your Garden Furniture

If you are thinking of investing in new garden furniture or looking to expand your transitional indoor-outdoor space in the back of your home, best to do an audit of what you have got first.

This may reveal more cost-effective tactics you can take to upgrade the look of your outdoor living area and makeover what you have already got.

It makes for a more coordinated living space.

• Do you have existing furniture that can be updated with a new coat of weather resistant paint or wood stain and polish?
• Does your garden furniture set need new upholstery or new/extra seat cushions to give it an updated brighter look.
• Is there a simple fix you can make to restore broken or older fixtures, for example:
  • new casters
  • new legs
  • reinforcing slats or panels with new ones

When buying new pieces it also makes sense to make sure what you procure matches with the well-loved pieces you already have or matches the existing materials and colour scheme.

 

Protecting And Restoring Your Garden Furniture

If there’s one thing an Irish Garden will guarantee, it’s an abundant supply of rain, hail and sleet. And that’s just in the summertime! What’s more there are birds and pests that may also be attacking your furniture in the cooler months or when you are away.

Suffice it to say - if you are investing in your garden furniture this year, garden furniture covers should be your next port of call.

Use Garden Furniture Covers

There are basic garden furniture covers on the market.

Look for a durable weather resistant material like heavy duty polyethylene. This ensures the cover is UV resistant & waterproof. It should provide year round protection for your furniture set.

See in store for a range of garden furniture covers to suit your furniture.

Alternatively you can learn how to sew your own version like in this excellent guide on How to Make Patio Furniture Covers by Sailrite.com

Restoring Wooden Garden Furniture

Here at Bandon Co-op Homevalue there are quite a few easy cleaning and restoration products that will come in handy

Wooden Garden Furniture can be restored with the reintroduction of natural oils lost through weathering. This protects wood from greying. Use existing oil products to provide long-lasting nourishing protection to garden furniture.

Some products also add a natural hint colour or deeper wood stain a rich colour to highlight the beauty of the wood whilst also providing all-weather protection from the sun and rain. You can get the wood stains in specific finishes to mici various types of wood and also opt for a matt finish.

See here for a full range of options

For some lovely colourful options, check out this range of garden paint which includes some really handy spray paints

 

Garden Furniture Options

Furniture for Small and Incidental Spaces

If you have a simple urban backyard or a corner of a larger garden that needs to exploit a sun trap, or a vista, consider investing in weatherproof metal bench with a back for resting against.

Go for a simple wrought iron finish in black that seats 2 is all you need. There are ornate or contemporary minimalist styles. Click here to see one of our best sellers.

Alternatively purchase some great value chairs that are light and easy to move around the garden as you follow the sunshine. Available in a range of colours to suit your surroundings.

 

2 Seater Chair and Table Sets

If you have a tiny patio or balcony and want to do just more than just enjoy the vista - perhaps have a spot of tea for 2 or breakfast? Then invest in a 2 seat chair and table set.

Perfect for urban yards, a sunlit paved corner of a larger garden, pergola-covered space or under a gazebo, these could also come in handy if you have a small front verandah.

Look for styles that are easy to store or stack with a finish on the table that does not attract moss and is easy to wipe down.

For example our  traditional looking yet very hardy Victorian Style Bistro Set that is easy to wipe down.

If you need extra chairs or have just enough room for one or 2 in a very tight space or balcony then consider using foldable chairs such as the Bordeaux Mosaic 2 Seater Set. The ideal set comes of foldable table and chairs for easy storage.

 

4 and 6 Seater Chair and Table Dining Sets

There are lots of great options in this category to suit all price ranges:

• KING 4 SEATER SET at €129.95
• 4 SEATER STRIPE SET at €299.95
• FREYA 6 PCE TABLE & CHAIR SET at €499.95
• RELAXER 4 SEATER DINING SET at €299.95
• RIO 6 SEATER DINING SET at €899.95
• ATHENS SOFA SET at €1119.95

Should you have a larger verandah, patio or wide decking area go for a 4 seater lounger set that will give you 2 separate single chairs and a double seater ‘loveseat’ like our Stockholm Lounger Set in brown rattan.

This gives your space a proper outdoor living room feel. A perfect starter set for families who regularly entertain in outdoor barbecues looking for more comfortable and substantial furniture. It will even work in a larger conservatory space indoors. Check out our Corner Lounge Set, perfect for coffee and would look great indoors or outdoors.

Look for styles with seat cushions or if these don’t come with your set you can supplement them with water resistant seat cushions to make it a more comfortable set. 

Also consider adding some interest and colour with a Waterproof Outdoor Rug

 

Incidental Garden Furniture & Entertaining Accessories

For extra comfort outdoors, this Outdoor pouf adds some lovely colour and can be deflated for easy Winter storage

Don't forget about some mini furniture for the kids. Lots of very cute and colourful options here

 

Need to Source Some Garden Furniture & Accessories?

Stop by our Garden Furniture Section for inspiration - there is something for gardens of all shapes and sizes