Garden furniture is an essential element in creating an inviting and functional outdoor living space. It not only provides comfort and seating, but also contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of your garden or patio area. When it comes to garden furniture, two distinct styles emerge: traditional and contemporary.
But what is the difference between these two styles, what’s classed as traditional or modern garden furniture, how can you combine the two styles, and how do you know which is right for your garden?
What is traditional garden furniture?
Traditional garden furniture is known for its timeless appeal, often drawing inspiration from historical designs and blending seamlessly with outdoor settings.
Tough materials like wrought iron, wood (such as cedar, teak or oak), and rattan make up this type of furniture. It can handle unpredictable outdoor conditions, providing comfort and style. This brings a timeless feel and charm to outdoor areas. You'll often see things like:
- Stone benches
- Dining sets with complex patterns and details
- Wooden pergolas
- Wicker arm chairs
- Brass or copper lanterns
What is modern garden furniture?
Contemporary garden furniture embraces sleek, minimalist designs that use clean lines, geometric shapes, and innovative materials.
Garden furniture designers like us will use weather-resistant materials to reinforce natural ones (for example, our PE rattan), but you can also find modern-looking outdoor furniture sets made of stainless steel and aluminium. Not only are they durable, but they also contribute to an overall contemporary look, if that’s what you’re trying to achieve!
In terms of design, modern garden and patio furniture often features straight lines, angular shapes, and minimalistic silhouettes, such as:
- Modular seating: Versatile and customisable, modular seating options allow you to create unique layouts tailored to your outdoor space.
- Dining sets: Contemporary outdoor dining sets feature a harmonious blend of functionality and style. From glass-topped tables with metal frames to sleek chairs with innovative designs, these sets create an inviting and modern ambiance for alfresco dining experiences.
- Fire pits and other kinds of outdoor heating: Extending the usability of your outdoor space, contemporary fire pits and outdoor heating solutions seamlessly integrate with the overall design aesthetic. These elements often feature geometric shapes, clean lines, and modern materials like stainless steel or concrete.
What type of garden furniture should I choose?
When choosing between traditional and modern garden furniture, there are several things to consider:
1. The size of your garden
One important aspect is the size of your outdoor space. Traditional furniture pieces tend to be larger and more substantial, making them better suited for spacious gardens or patios. Modern garden furniture designs, on the other hand, are a common way to maximise your garden space as they often feature sleeker and more compact silhouettes, which can be great for smaller outdoor areas.
2. Your existing decor
Do you want to complement your indoor decor, or make a totally new space outdoors? The layout and existing architecture or decor should also influence your choice. Traditional garden furniture can complement homes with classic or historic architectural styles, while contemporary pieces may better align with modern or minimalist designs. Considering the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve can help you determine the most appropriate furniture style. You may even wish to have a mix of the two!
3. Your personal style
Personal preferences play a significant role in what style of garden furniture to display. Traditional garden furniture often exudes a warm, inviting ambiance with its rich textures and timeless charm. Contemporary designs, conversely, offer a more streamlined and modern appeal, which is attractive to those with a penchant for clean lines and innovative forms.
4. Upkeep
Simply restoring wooden furniture can completely transform the look and feel of your garden!
Traditional materials like iron or untreated wicker may require more maintenance in certain environments, whilst contemporary materials such as aluminium or resin may be more resistant to harsh weather and easier to care for. You can, however, invest in winter covers to protect your garden furniture (modern or traditional!) in order to protect it from the elements.
When to choose traditional garden furniture
If you live in an older house, a classic-style home, or have a formal garden design, choosing traditional outdoor furniture can fit right in with the look you already have.
This is because traditional garden furniture often has detailed patterns, fancy carvings, and curved shapes that give off a classy and refined appearance. And if you cherish heritage and tradition, you might find traditional garden furniture a lovely way to incorporate your love for classic styles. You’ll want to look for items that are derived from periods of time such as Victorian, Edwardian, or even Renaissance periods.
Plus, traditional garden furniture can be an excellent choice if you have a large, grand outdoor space. The scale and proportions of these pieces are often designed to complement spacious settings, ensuring they don't appear out of place or overwhelmed by their surroundings.
When to choose modern garden furniture
Modern garden furniture is a great pick for people who want a sleek, up-to-date look that goes well with their outdoor areas. If you've got a house with clean lines and a simple architectural style, then modern furniture can blend in with the overall design.
For homeowners who like a simple lifestyle or those who value the straightforward and practical nature of design, then modern garden furniture can be a perfect match. Plus, modern furniture also works well in city settings or compact outdoor spaces, where space-saving designs can make the most of the available space without feeling cramped. The use of light materials, like aluminium or rattan, adds to the practical and easy-to-maintain nature - making them a good fit for urban living or low-upkeep outdoor spaces.
How to mix traditional and modern garden furniture
Mixing old and new garden furniture styles can result in a one-of-a-kind and eye-catching outdoor area. This diverse method lets you combine parts from both styles, leading to a transitional or balanced design that shows your own style.
One way to do this is to match a rattan seating group with furniture accessories like smooth metal or glass side tables. You could even pair a current outdoor couch or lounge set with classic accent pieces such as a rustic coffee table or vintage-inspired planters.
When you mix styles, you need to find a common thread to tie the elements together. This might be a colour palette that stays the same, a material, or a design motif. For example, you could pick furniture pieces that share a similar neutral tone or use natural materials like rattan, teak, or stone in both traditional and modern pieces.
Zoning
Another way to do this is to make separate zones in your outdoor living area. You can set aside one area for a more traditional style and another for a modern look. You can achieve this by placing furniture, landscaping, or using outdoor rugs or pergolas to mark out the spaces.
When you mix styles, you need to find a balance and stay away from a messy or disjointed look. Keep a consistent colour palette, and don't use too many clashing patterns or textures to keep things harmonious.
Ready to plan your garden? Take a look at our huge range of garden furniture including sun loungers and sunbrella fabric pieces that are treated and perfect for any garden.
