Tips & tricks
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How to create different seating sreas in a large garden
A large garden is wonderful. There’s plenty of space to relax, unwind and enjoy time together. But all that space can also be a challenge. How do you make sure your garden doesn’t feel like one big, empty expanse?
The answer: create different seating areas. By dividing your garden into several inviting spaces, you can create a garden that works for different moments throughout the day. From a sunny spot for your first cup of coffee to a cosy dining area for long summer evenings.
1. Think in terms of different uses
Don’t start by asking yourself, “Where should I put my garden set?” Instead, think about how you want to use your garden.
A large garden is perfect for creating different areas, such as:
- a space for long, relaxed meals;
- a comfortable lounge area;
- a sunny spot for your morning coffee or a good book;
- an outdoor kitchen or barbecue area;
- a cosy spot for drinks around a fire pit;
- a play area for the kids.
Giving each area its own purpose naturally creates more structure in your garden. And you don’t have to use the same furniture in every seating area. Mixing different shapes, colours and materials is a great way to give your garden its own character.
2. Don’t turn your patio into one giant furniture set
With a large garden, it can be tempting to create one huge patio with a large dining table, chairs and perhaps a lounge set too. Practical, yes, but it can quickly start to feel a little overwhelming.
Instead, spread your outdoor space across several different areas.
For example, place a large dining table closer to the house, making it easy to carry food and drinks back and forth. Set up a lounge area further into the garden, perhaps under a pergola or beside a beautiful tree. A smaller bistro set can then make the most of a sunny corner.
This creates a natural layout without the need to divide your garden with fences or walls.
3. Use colour to create a cohesive look
Each seating area can have its own atmosphere and style. Still, it’s nice to have a visual connection between the different areas.
Colour is a great way to bring everything together.
For example, choose one or two colours that appear throughout the garden. Think colourful garden chairs around the dining table, a matching table in another corner and a few accessories in the same shades.
There’s no need to make everything match perfectly. In fact, mixing different colours and styles can make a large garden feel more playful and personal.
4. Play with height and greenery
A large garden can sometimes feel a little flat and open. Plants and greenery are a great way to divide the garden into different zones.
Think tall ornamental grasses, trees, flower beds, planters or a green hedge. These elements can give each seating area a sense of its own space, almost like an outdoor room.
For example, a lounge area surrounded by greenery feels much cosier than the same lounge set placed in the middle of a large lawn.
A pergola can also be a great addition. Let climbing plants grow over it or add some atmospheric lighting underneath. It creates a sheltered spot where you can sit back and relax.
5. Make the most of the sun
One of the great advantages of having a large garden? You can follow the sun throughout the day.
Make the most of it!
A seating area facing east is perfect for your morning coffee. A sunny spot facing south is ideal for relaxing during the day. And for long summer evenings, a west-facing spot is fantastic, as you can often enjoy the evening sun well into the evening.
By creating several seating areas in different parts of your garden, you’ll always have a sunny spot or a shady retreat to enjoy.
6. Don’t forget the small seating areas
Not every seating area needs to be large. In fact, a small corner can be a surprisingly lovely addition to your garden.
For example, place two colourful chairs under a tree with a small table between them. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet moment with a cup of coffee or a good book.
Or create a cosy little corner at the far end of the garden. This way, you can make the most of every part of your outdoor space.
A large garden isn’t about filling it with as much furniture as possible, but about creating places where you genuinely want to spend time.
7. Create atmosphere with ligh
During the day, the sun creates a warm atmosphere, but once evening sets in, outdoor lighting takes over.
Use a mix of outdoor lights to give each seating area its own feel. Hang string lights above the dining table, add wall lights around the patio or use subtle ground lights to highlight flower beds and borders.
Lanterns and candles can add an extra touch of warmth too. By varying the brightness throughout the garden, you can create cosy little pockets of light.
And that’s exactly what makes a garden with multiple seating areas feel so inviting in the evening.
8. Don’t be afraid to mix and match
A large garden doesn’t have to look like a showroom where everything matches perfectly.
Feel free to mix and match different types of furniture. A long dining table with colourful chairs, a wooden bench under a tree and a compact metal bistro set can work beautifully side by side.
In fact, mixing different styles is what gives your garden a more personal feel.
Choose furniture that suits how you want to use each area. A sturdy table and comfortable chairs for long meals, a relaxing chair for a quiet corner and a spacious lounge set for cosy evenings with friends.
Turn your large garden into an outdoor living space
Think of your large garden as a collection of different outdoor rooms. Each space can have its own purpose, atmosphere and time of day when it’s at its best.
A spot for sharing meals together. A cosy corner for lounging. A quiet place to enjoy some time alone. And maybe a relaxed spot where you can sit down with friends for a spontaneous drink.
By combining different seating areas, colours, greenery, lighting and furniture styles, you can turn a large garden into a welcoming outdoor space with something to enjoy in every corner.
And the best part? You don’t have to choose between socialising and having some peace and quiet. With several seating areas, you can enjoy both.