How to Select the Right Outdoor Furniture Based on Garden Size

6th Mar 2025

Posted by Alice Ewens on 6th Mar 2025

If you’re having trouble figuring out how to select the perfect garden furniture to suit your needs, I’ve got the perfect blog for you!

I’m breaking down all the things to consider when selecting your outdoor furniture, from what you want to use it for to how much space you’ve got to work with. Because, whatever space you’re working with, you deserve to have a peaceful spot to relax outdoors.

This blog is a part of our ‘Get Ahead With Your Garden’ series as we lean big-time into the garden overhaul season here at Furniturebox HQ. Check out the accompanying blogs on styling your garden by size and by trend at the end.

Things To Consider When Choosing Outdoor Furniture

What do you want to use your outdoor space for? Do you have a family with young kids? Then consider a robust modular garden sofa set that can withstand kids clambering all over it, and that you can rearrange to suit. Do you want to use your garden for al fresco dining? Then an outdoor dining set of matching table and chairs is probably the right choice for you, allowing for plenty of space for food and drinks, and room for everyone. If you want to create a calming escape to enjoy the outdoors, then a more relaxed outdoor sofa or an outdoor chair to curl up in with a good book might be a good choice for you.

Image credit: Canva Pro

Measure Up, Buttercup! How To Make Sure Your Outdoor Furniture Will Fit

Measure your space! You don’t want to select any furniture that simply won’t fit where you want it to go. You can mark out footprint sizes with masking tape to make sure you’re happy and that whatever you’ve got in mind won’t overwhelm a space. Also, measure all the doorways your new garden furniture will need to pass through! Don’t be like me, trying to wiggle an outdoor sofa through my back door and almost getting it stuck.

Another tip – don’t attach any legs or other bits until your outdoor sets are in their end spots. This will keep your pieces narrower (better for doorway wrangling!) and you’re less likely to catch an outdoor table or sofa leg and trip, or potentially break it by dragging it.

Image credit: Canva Pro

Garden Furniture For A Small Garden or Balcony

When your space is limited, space-saving garden furniture is where it’s at. Look for foldable or stackable furniture to save space. Outdoor 2 seat bistro sets are perfect for small areas.

Colours: Bright and light colours like pastels, pale wood, light rattan and glass work well in small spaces.

Design Tips: Use vertical space with hanging planters or wall-mounted shelves for plants, and choose compact plants like herbs, grasses or succulents that thrive in small pots.

Furniturebox pick: Our Lox 2 seat and half round solid wood folding outdoor table is so perfect for smaller spaces. Enjoy brunch on a balcony without feeling cramped.

Inspiration image: Canva Pro

Outdoor Furniture for A Medium to Large Gardens with Deck or Patio and Lawn

Houses with slightly bigger gardens that include a lawn and maybe a paved or decked area offer a blank canvas for you to work with. Having that extra space really allows you to extend your living space outdoors, but it can be a bit daunting! Consider a mix of seating options, such as an outdoor dining set for meals and lounge chairs for relaxation. A hammock or swinging egg chair can add a fun touch.

Colours: Neutral tones like grey, beige, and white provide a sophisticated backdrop that allows the greenery and flowers to stand out while working well with wooden fences or trellis. You can add pops of colour with cushions and accessories in shades like navy blue, forest green, or terracotta to create a harmonious and balanced look.

Design tips: You can create ‘zones’ with planting and different furniture to break up an open space. An outdoor dining set on a patio area, then an outdoor chair in a ‘nook’ created with taller planting (potted bamboo, grasses or a climbing rose around some trellis, perhaps). Incorporate a variety of plants, including shrubs, flowers, and ornamental grasses, to add texture and colour.

Furniturebox pick: Our Orlando Grey Rattan 6 Seat Modular Outdoor Sofa is always a popular and fast-selling choice as it’s a versatile option for larger spaces. Add our grey hanging egg chair that matches the Orlando really nicely for a secluded little corner just for you

Inspiration image: Customer image from Gemma M

Selecting The Right Outdoor Furniture For Narrow and/or Shaded Gardens

A lot of inner-city townhouses and apartments have awkward courtyard style gardens that can be narrow, shaded and sometimes entirely paved. Choose slimline outdoor furniture that doesn't overwhelm the space or foldable garden chairs and tables that can be stored discreetly when not in use.

Colours: Light and cool colours like soft greens, blues, and whites can make a narrow space feel more open and airy. These colours reflect light and help brighten up shaded areas. Adding a few darker accents can create depth and interest.

Design Tips: Use mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. String lights or lanterns can add a cosy feel. Select shade-loving plants like ferns, hostas, and ivy. Vertical planting can maximise space and add greenery without taking up too much room.

Furniturebox pick: Our Maldives green & rattan sofa set is a slimline design with open-weave rattan that stops it looking too bulky in a narrow space, but the colours help it stand out in shady spots.

Inspiration image: Pinterest

Perfect Outdoor Furniture for Sun Rooms & Conservatories

If you’re lucky enough to have a conservatory, you get to really maximise the whole ‘blending indoor and outdoor’ trend for this year. Choose comfortable and stylish indoor-outdoor furniture that can withstand temperature changes.

Colours: Soft, natural colours like beige, cream, and light grey work well in sunroom, given all that natural light flooding in. These colours create a calming and relaxing environment. You can add pops of colour with accessories in shades like teal, coral, or mustard to brighten up the space. But, as this really is an extension to your indoor space, you can match your conservatory colour schemes to whatever you’ve got going on through the rest of the house for a cohesive look.

Design Tips: Incorporate plenty of cushions and throws to create a cosy atmosphere. Use indoor plants to bring a touch of nature inside. Plants that thrive in warm but indirect light, such as peace lilies, spider plants, and philodendrons, thrive in conservatories.

Furniturebox pick: Our Iko wood and cream relaxed chairs and side table set can be used both indoor and outdoor, making it perfect for a sunroom

Inspiration image: Pinterest

About the author

My Account