Start with how you actually use the space

Before you measure anything, walk through your usual outdoor day. Is the garden for a glass of wine on summer evenings, weekend dinners with the family, or both? The answer shapes whether you're shopping for a lounge set, a dining set, or a modular corner that quietly does both.

Measure the plot, then subtract

Take a tape measure to the widest and longest sides of the area you can use. Then subtract at least 60 cm from every edge that someone needs to walk past. You'd be surprised how often a set looks right on paper and feels cramped in real life.

Match the format to the people

As a rule of thumb: balcony for two, a four-person lounge for relaxed evenings, a corner set for hosting six or more without it feeling formal, a dining set when food is the centre of the gathering. Use our plot calculator below to sanity-check the format.

Plan for British weather

Technorattan and powder-coated metal sit outside through showers and frost without flinching. Soft cushions are best treated as removable — most of our cushion covers are machine washable, and a small storage box near the back door keeps the daily routine simple.

Layer the finishing touches

A set on its own is fine. A set with a lantern, a planted pot and a soft outdoor rug feels like a room. We always recommend a small budget for the layered objects — it costs little and changes the whole picture.

Order at the right time

British garden furniture sells fastest from mid-April through July. If you're planning a major refurb, ordering in February or March means you get the choice and avoid the summer rush.