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What are the Different Types of Garden Furniture?

Sarah E. White
Sarah E. White

There are many different types of garden furniture available from useful types to ornamental types, to types that serve both purposes. Selecting the appropriate furniture for your garden or backyard landscape is best done after considering how time will be spent in your garden.

Gardens that will be used for lots of entertaining may include garden furniture, such as a table and chairs, which will allow many people to sit in your garden. Particularly sunny spots may include an umbrella that will protect guests.

A hammock is one type of garden furniture.
A hammock is one type of garden furniture.

Picnic tables with benches are another alternative that may be a good match for lively get-to-gethers. For more intimate uses, garden furniture might include a lovely wooden or cast concrete bench. The bench can be placed under a tree for shade or near a particularly lovely flower bed to get the most enjoyment possible.

Other types of garden furniture to consider include hammocks, lounge chairs and deck chairs. Any of these could be wonderful additions to a backyard garden if there is sufficient space.

Structures such as gazebos, arbors, bridges, arches, and even greenhouses can be added to compliment your garden furniture. Gardens with an Asian flare may include a bridge or archway covered with vines.

Fabric cushions and pillows can be used to make a backyard look like an outdoor living room.
Fabric cushions and pillows can be used to make a backyard look like an outdoor living room.

All-weather garden furniture is yet another type of backyard furniture. Plastic or metal tables, chairs and umbrella stands are often good materials for withstanding the elements. But if you have space to store your garden furniture indoors during the harsher winter months, then wooden furniture is an option. While concrete is difficult to move, it must be protected from moisture in the winter months to avoid cracking.

Nearly all types of garden furniture can be adapted to your personal style. Fabric cushions and pillows can be used to bring interior designs outside, or to make your backyard look like an outdoor living room.

Discussion Comments

LisaLou

We spend a lot of time outside on our deck in the summertime. Between the grill and the comfortable garden patio furniture, it is our favorite place to hang out.

We have a round table and chair set with an umbrella and eat many of our evening meals out there. I also love to eat my breakfast out there when the mornings are cool, quiet and sunny.

When you have comfortable furniture, it really helps make it an inviting place to relax and visit or read a book.

andee

While I love being outside, the bugs always find me, so I find that I spend more time in my sun room than anywhere. I have some wicker garden furniture in there and with windows on all sides, you feel like you are sitting outside, but don't have to worry about the bugs.

I like wicker furniture because it is casual and appealing. There are so many colors and kinds of cushions you can choose from to fit any theme or decor. I enjoy sitting in this room and listening to the birds and enjoying the flowers I have in containers on the deck.

golf07

One of my favorite pieces of outdoor garden furniture is a wooden swing. This is a perfect place to relax after a long day.

I have this next to some butterfly bushes, and in the summer they are covered with butterflies. I love to sit in this swing and look at the flowers and take in the sights and sounds of summer.

I watch the birds coming to the feeders and the hummingbirds looking for nectar. Once in awhile I even see some squirrels playing while I am sitting in my swing.

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    • A hammock is one type of garden furniture.
      By: anyaberkut
      A hammock is one type of garden furniture.
    • Fabric cushions and pillows can be used to make a backyard look like an outdoor living room.
      By: rodho
      Fabric cushions and pillows can be used to make a backyard look like an outdoor living room.
    • All-weather garden furniture includes picnic tables.
      By: Monkey Business
      All-weather garden furniture includes picnic tables.
    • Throw pillows might be used as an outdoor cushion.
      By: noomhh
      Throw pillows might be used as an outdoor cushion.