With summer on the horizon, we’re sure many of you are thinking of ways to create a modern garden. Whilst landscaping and plants will surely be a top priority, don’t neglect your furniture choices. Make sure to factor in lighting, textiles, furniture and your comfort when redesigning your garden.
To set you on the right path, we’ve compiled some of our most inspiring modern garden furniture ideas. If something catches your fancy, click on the image to find it at Heal’s.
Balcony overhaul
Even the most compact balcony needn’t be without its own modern garden furniture. Fresh colours like white will brighten the space and bring more light to overshadowed balconies or gardens. If you’re particularly short on space, opt for collapsible or armless chairs that slot easily under the table.
Case’s white Eos square outdoor dining table and chairs offer the perfect balance between space-saving design and a modern aesthetic.
Modern Materials
Creating the ultimate modern garden shouldn’t be completely driven by aesthetic. With new technologies emerging every day, this is a great opportunity for you to future-proof your garden. Opt for materials that resist UV rays to hold their colour, or fabrics that can withstand poor weather.
We love Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel’s Ocean Collection from Mater. The iconic outdoor dining set has been reimagined and is crafted using ocean plastic waste and recycled plastic. The collection is a great way to clean up the oceans whilst redesigning your modern garden.
Lounging outside
If your space allows, a modern garden sofa is an essential addition to your home. It provides a comfortable place to relax without compromising on cosiness or style. There are many designs out there, so decide what your priorities are before choosing one. For example, your space may be more suited to a corner outdoor sofa.
We love Vincent Sheppard’s Kodo Sofa because of its acrylic rope body. This rope is specially designed to withstand all weather so the sofa can stay outside all year long.
Plastic, fantastic
If you’re looking for something different for your modern garden, look no further than the Bubble Club collection from Kartell. This collection features plastic armchairs and sofas with shapes that look like they belong inside. Taking inspiration from traditional sofas, these voluptuous designs will add a touch of intrigue and modernity to your space.
Plus, if you’re living somewhere with a variable climate, consider integrating a pergola or shade into your modern garden design. This will keep you sheltered from the sun as well as rainy spells.
Go for bold
Colourful furniture is a really simple way to uplift a lacklustre space and transform it into a modern garden. Case’s terracotta-hued Eos collection will do just that with its modern silhouette and versatile pieces. Complete the colourful look with tableware, vases and planters in vibrant hues.
Don’t want to take the leap with colourful furniture? Then consider painting an exterior wall in a vibrant hue for a statement flourish. This way it can be painted over as quickly as it arrived if you change your mind by next summer. If wall painting is still too large a leap, try adding some colourful pots and plants to your garden.
Modern Garden Rug
The addition of a rug to your garden will bring comfort underfoot and offer you more space to relax. Paired with luxuriously plump cushions and a delicious spread of food, you’ll never want to leave your garden. Alternatively, position it under an outdoor dining area for a more sumptuous feel.
Most outdoor rugs are made using synthetic fibres that make them suitable for keeping outside. However, to preserve their colour and finish, we recommend keeping them inside during rainier months.
Contemporary cool
An outdoor armchair is perfect if you want somewhere to relax but lack space for a sofa. To keep it looking contemporary, opt for streamlined silhouettes and pared-back designs. For example, modern painted rattan and wood lend up-to-date sophistication to a garden.
Vincent Sheppard’s Rocco Lazy Chair provides the perfect spot to sip your morning coffee from. It’s also the perfect size to create comfortable seating on a balcony or terrace.
Reading spot
Transform a corner of your garden into a relaxing haven and the perfect place to lose yourself in a good book. A comfortable lounge chair is a great choice, but don’t forget a side table to rest your book and cuppa on.
Modern wooden garden furniture
Wooden garden furniture is no longer synonymous with park benches and clunky fold-down chairs. Brands like Case, Skagerak and Carl Hansen have revolutionised wood seating to suit modern gardens. Think crisp, clean lines, elegant woods like teak and Scandinavian-inspired silhouettes.
In this picture we love the juxtaposition between the concrete background and Case’s Tanso furniture.
Dining outdoors
We’ve saved the best till last. A modern dining table with space to seat the whole family or friendship group is a must. As long as space allows, a large table is ideal for al fresco eating, barbecues and leisurely afternoons spent in the sun. Pair it with comfortable chairs and you’re guaranteed a set-up that no one will want to leave.
We’re big fans of the crisp silhouette and earthy tones of this Vincent Sheppard Kodo Dining Table. It’s sure to bring a contemporary flourish to modern garden spaces.