Here at Lazy Susan, we think every family home needs some garden furniture. It significantly enhances the quality of life and your enjoyment of your outside space.
Outdoor furniture creates a comfortable and inviting space for you and your family to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and natural surroundings of your garden.
It provides a gathering place for family and friends, whether for barbecues, parties, or simply relaxing together on a sunny day.
A comfortable outdoor seating area can also be a peaceful retreat in your home for reading, meditating, or simply unwinding from the stress of everyday life.
Research tells us that spending time outdoors has a positive impact on both our mental and physical health. A study by the University of Exeter and the RHS found that:
“People who spend time in the garden are significantly more likely to report general good health, higher psychological well-being and greater physical activity levels than those who do not spend time in the garden.”
Plus, a well-maintained garden with stylish garden furniture on the patio will always add value to your home - making it more appealing to potential buyers - if you’re looking to downsize or move into a larger family home.
What types of furniture are best for a family home?
When selecting garden furniture for a family, we think that the key considerations are comfort, durability, functionality, and safety.
Here are the 7 pieces or sets that we think are the best types of garden furniture that cater to a family’s needs:
1. Garden Dining Sets
A sturdy outdoor dining table with ample seating is perfect for family catch-ups. It will give you a comfortable and inviting space for meals, gatherings, and relaxation.
Look for sets like our Catherine (pictured above) with cushioned chairs for comfort and a large, easy-to-clean table.
Consider pairing our garden tables with our parasols for shade during sunny days and protection from any passing summer rain showers.
Just make sure to choose a set that is appropriate for your patio's size and style, and that is made from durable materials like our cast aluminium that can withstand the elements.
2. Modular Sectional Patio Sofas
We don’t sell outdoor sofa sets but the modular ones allow you to customise the layout, making it versatile for different family sizes and gatherings.
The different sections allow you to configure the seating arrangement to best fit your patio space and needs, whether you're hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet evening with the family.
Not so easy to eat a meal but as with a garden table set, make sure all the sections of the sofa will fit comfortably in your patio space without it feeling cramped.
Choose a material that is durable, easy to clean, and suits your style, ideally with removable, washable cushion covers. And, if you need to store your outdoor sofa sets during the off-season, consider a modular design that can be easily disassembled and stored.
3. Sun Loungers or Daybeds
Loungers or daybeds might not be an obvious choice for our outdoor spaces but they are a great option for families who enjoy lounging in the sun or reading outside.
They provide a comfortable spot to relax and soak up the sun, and there are many different styles and materials available, so you can find a set that complements your patio's decor.
Use them as a stand-alone piece or, as many of our customers do, pair them with our coordinating dining table sets.
Our loungers such as the Stella (pictured above) feature armrests, adjustable backrests and wheels for easy movement around the garden. You can also pair them with our lounger cushion for extra comfort
Made from the same weather-resistant cast aluminium as our garden tables, they are built to withstand the elements, and they are low to the ground so safe for families with young children.
4. Garden Bench
As with a lounger or daybed, our garden benches work as a standalone piece or with one of our patio table sets.
You can pair them with one of our side tables as the customer has done above with our Jasmine with Claire Side Table or position them in a quiet spot and pull them up to your garden table if you need to squeeze a few extra family members in at your next BBQ.
They provide a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy the outdoors, and they make the perfect place for family and friends to gather and chat.
You can create a cosy spot for reading or enjoying a cup of tea, or simply use a well-chosen bench to add a touch of style, focus and charm to your outdoor area.
When choosing a new family garden bench, ensure the bench has comfortable seating and back support. Opt for weather-resistant materials that can withstand the elements such as our cast aluminium and make sure it fits in the space you want to put it.
5. Hammock or Swing Chair
Again, they are not something we sell. However, they’re a great additional piece to pair with a sofa or dining set if you want something fun, relaxing, and ideal for both kids and adults.
They add a playful element to your garden for children but functionally they also provide a comfortable and inviting place for you to relax and unwind.
There are many different styles and materials available, so you can find one that complements your existing garden furniture or decor.
Make sure you have enough space in your garden to hang and use the hammock or swing chair safely, and if you have young children, focus on safety features such as sturdy frames and secure hanging points if needed.
6. Fire Pit Patio Table
A fire pit table requires supervision if you have young children but they’re a great way to provide warmth during the evening when the sun sets and temperature dips.
They’re great for family gatherings, roasting marshmallows, or enjoying the outdoors longer into the night. Regardless of age, we would still recommend that you look for models with a safety screen and easy-to-use gas ignition for added convenience.
While they’re currently not available in our collection, we still think they can be a fantastic addition to an outdoor family space. They offer a unique combination of functionality and ambience, making it a great choice for both entertaining and relaxing.
When considering a fire pit patio table, ensure the table is the right size for your patio and accommodates your family's needs, and make sure you follow all safety guidelines when using it, especially around children and pets.
7. Children’s Outdoor Furniture
If you do have young children or grandchildren, then you could consider adding child-sized outdoor tables and chairs to make the garden more welcoming and functional for them.
These are usually made from durable, colourful, lightweight, plastics that are easy to clean. Many even come with built-in toy storage or convertible features.
They’re a fantastic way to encourage outdoor play and exploration and to provide a safe and fun space for young kids to enjoy the fresh air and nature. You could even create a designated area for your kids to eat and play outside that’s away from any potential hazards such as a BBQ or fire pit.
When choosing children's garden furniture, you want to make sure the furniture is suitable for the ages and abilities of your children and that they are made from durable, non-toxic materials with no rough or sharp edges.
Also, look for furniture that is the right size for your children to use comfortably but that still complements your garden's overall style.
Our final thoughts for your outdoor space…
If you’re shopping for new garden furniture for a family, then comfort, durability, function, and safety are paramount.
You want to ensure that the furniture has no sharp edges and is stable to prevent tipping, especially if smaller children will use it.
Choose low-maintenance materials such as our signature cast aluminium that can withstand the unpredictable UK climate.
It also has the advantage of being sturdy but lightweight, allowing you to easily pick it up and move it.
Plus, our range is fully complementary, so you can easily add additional chairs or accessories if you want to adapt your patio setup as your needs change or your family grows.
The Lazy Susan garden furniture range offers the perfect blend of comfort, practicality, and style, making it well-suited for family use.
If you have our garden furniture in your family garden, then we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.