Sun’s Out, Seats Out: 6 Garden Seating Ideas

Sun’s out, seats out. 

The UK’s climate is changeable at best. So on those rare occasions that the sun does come out, we Brits want to make the most of it – we have no idea how long it will be there for, or when it’ll come back again!

That’s why, in this post, we’re tackling the topic of outdoor seating areas. 

Obviously, your choice of garden seating will in some way depend on your needs, garden size and budget, but aesthetics also have an important part to play. 

So, here are some gorgeous garden seating area ideas to get you inspired.

1. Beautify with bistro sets

If you’re on the hunt for outdoor seating ideas for small spaces like balconies or cosy patios, a stylish bistro set could be the perfect seating solution. They can also be an affordable option for garden seating if you’re on a tight budget.

Ideal for intimate soirees with a few friends or an alfresco dinner for two, bistro sets are cute and compact, giving you that essential seating without dominating the floor space. 

From vintage wrought iron to soft wood and rattan, there are so many different bistro sets to choose from nowadays, not to mention colour options. This will give you carte blanche to choose a design that matches your style, space and budget.

2. Get into the swing of things

Create a sensory treat in your garden with a suspended swing seat that all the family can enjoy. With the sensation of floating only heightened by the sights and sounds of nature, this type of seating adds a relaxing, boho feel. 

With no chunky legs taking up valuable floor space, hanging swing seats work brilliantly as a small garden seating idea. 

That’s not to say they can’t have their place in large gardens, too. They can be the perfect partner to more structured seating on patios, adding character and visual impact. 

Alternatively, position them tucked out the way for a cosy, calming nook for reading and relaxation. 

3. Champion a laid back vibe

Leave formal dining spaces behind and embrace a more casual approach to eating outdoors with comfortable seating you can really sink into. 

Swapping hard wooden garden chairs for soft, sumptuous rattan sofas and lounge chairs will instantly give your outdoor dining area a laid back vibe. 

Evoking that holiday feeling, comfy cushion-clad chairs make for a far more relaxed dining experience. Plus, this added sense of comfort means you can spend longer outdoors on those balmy summer evenings. 

4. Opt for impromptu benches

Not every outdoor space needs to be about dining or socialising. There are some areas that simply require you to be in the moment, immersed in your surroundings.

And what better way to do this than to sit on a bench? We sit on park benches and watch the world go by, so there’s no reason this same approach can’t be achieved in your own garden. 

The key here is to get the positioning right, as well as the mode of seating – after all, you don’t want to be sat on an uncomfortable bench looking at nothing. 

Choose a good viewpoint or create your own areas of interest that deserve to be observed at leisure. Test out your bench before you buy, making sure it’s practical enough to withstand the elements but also a pleasure to sit on. 

5. Save with DIY benches

Getting outdoor seating areas kitted out can be expensive when you buy new, but making your own is a great garden seating idea if you’re on a budget.

Yes, it will require some DIY skills, some elbow grease and perseverance. But the rewards will be worth it when you’re kicking back and relaxing on seats you made with your own fair hands. 

DIY isn’t just about saving money. It also provides the perfect opportunity to customise your garden design and make the best use of the space. For instance, creating your own built-in brick bench in a disused corner of your patio leaves more floor space up for grabs. 

Equally, DIY outdoor seating projects can be a good way to repurpose and upcycle old indoor furniture or leftover materials from other projects. 

This could be recreating a pallet bench and table from a YouTube video, reupholstering old chairs with waterproof fabric for that outdoor living room look or just giving old garden furniture a lick of paint.

6. Make good with multifunctional pieces

It’s rare that you’ll use your garden for one sole purpose, so it can be a good idea to have garden seating that’s multifunctional. 

For instance, during the day you may love to stretch out and bask in the sun, but when the sun goes down you want a space that’s primed for entertaining friends. 

To cater for all your functional needs, invest in furniture pieces that are adaptable.

Think pouffes and floor cushions that can be additional seating when needed or a comfy foot prop for sunbathing. Or, why not go for long benches with cushions over individual sun loungers?

Having an eclectic mix of seating can also be a great way to put your own style stamp on outdoor areas, bringing added character and charm.

Outdoor seating is an essential part of modern garden design, so it pays to take the time to get it just right. 

Whether you’re looking for multifunctional outdoor seatings for a tiled patio or a secluded reading nook out of the way, these garden seating ideas should give inspiration galore. 

To make sure your seating is set on solid terra firma, check out our diverse collection of durable outdoor tiles. With real and stone-look designs available in a variety of colours, you can give your seating area a sleek and stylish foundation to build on.