How To Select & Style Garden Furniture by Aesthetic Trend

6th Mar 2025

Posted by Alice Ewens on 6th Mar 2025

I’m breaking down some key garden and outdoor style trends with inspiration and styling tips so you can nail that dream garden look with the perfect outdoor furniture, whatever your taste!

Whether you're dreaming of an urban industrial oasis, a tropical villa retreat, or a charming cottagecore haven, we've got you covered. In this blog, we'll explore the latest outdoor style trends and offer tips on how to choose the perfect pieces to transform your garden into a stylish sanctuary.

This blog is a part of our ‘Get Ahead With Your Garden’ series as we lean big-time into the garden overhaul season here at Furniturebox HQ. Check out the accompanying blogs on styling your garden by size and how to clean your garden furniture at the end.

Get The Urban Industrial Garden Look

Monochromatic schemes with shades of grey, dark brown, black, and white work well in urban settings, creating a modern and sleek look. Bold colours like red or cobalt blue, used sparingly, can create striking focal points. Go for sleek, modern outdoor furniture that complements the urban vibe. Embrace your brick walls if you have them, but plaster, concrete or any wall surface you already have can inform your colour palette and become a feature. Black and dark wood garden furniture will always be a winner here for me. Add cushions and throws in bold or boho-neutral colours to soften the look. Use large metal planters in copper, black or steel tones to introduce structural interest and fill with hardy plants that can withstand the urban environment. Architectural planting (spikey, structural plants) like boxwood, ornamental grasses and yucca will look fab. Finish off with some string lights with low wattage bulbs to give that effect of Eddison bulbs.

Inspiration image credit: Pinterest. Featuring: Furniturebox Brisa Wood & Black 5/6 Seat Sofa Set and Malva Wood Extending Garden Table & Chairs

How To Create A Cottagecore Garden Aesthetic

Cottagecore gardens embrace that whimsical, English cottage garden look with a focus on the rustic. Soft pastels like blush pink, lavender, and sage green work beautifully in a Cottagecore garden. These colours evoke a sense of nostalgia and romance. Complement them with natural wood tones and white accents to create a serene and inviting space. The floral planting is a big part of a cottagecore garden so go for a mix of wildflowers, climbing roses, and cottage garden favourites like lavender, foxgloves, and hollyhocks. Let plants grow freely to achieve a natural, unstructured look. Embrace vintage and rustic furniture pieces – solid wood garden furniture and wicker garden sets are a great choice here. Add whimsical elements like birdhouses, lanterns, and fairy lights to create a magical atmosphere.

Inspiration image credit: Pinterest Featuring: Furniturebox Light Brown Rattan Double Egg Chair, Lox 2 Seat Wood Garden Bench with Table and Tari Hamburg 4 Seat Round Wood Dining Set

Tropical Garden Styling Ideas

I know most British gardens are a far cry from the tropics, but the tropical garden trend is fun and bold and there’s no reason you can’t embrace the look and keep your fingers crossed for a heatwave! Bright, bold colours like deep greens, vibrant reds, and sunny yellows work well in a tropical garden. These colours mimic the natural hues found in tropical environments and create a lively, energetic atmosphere. Choose furniture that complements the lush, vibrant look of a tropical garden. Rattan and natural accents, especially with outdoor bar tables, will create more of a beach hut sort of vibe. Simple straight lines in lighter colours for garden sofa sets and sun loungers with bright pink and yellow beanbags or cushions will create more of a Love Island villa look. Incorporate bamboo screens, tiki torches, and lots of outdoor cushions. Add a water feature (or an inflatable paddling pool – I won’t judge!) to enhance the tropical feel. Use plants with large, bold leaves and vibrant flowers. Palms, ferns, and exotic flowers like hibiscus and bird of paradise are perfect for creating a tropical vibe.

Inspiration image credit: Pinterest [1] and [2] Featuring: Furniturebox Belize Rattan Black Bar Table Set, Dubai White & Wood 8 Seat Dining Set , Corsica Cream Sun Lounger

Maximalist Eclectic Garden Inspiration

Bold mix and match maximalism is in and this can absolutely extend to the garden. Embrace a riot of colours by mixing bright hues like magenta, turquoise, and lime green with softer pastels and earthy tones. The key is to create a joyful and visually stimulating space that reflects your personality. Similarly, mix and match different garden furniture styles – more rustic wooden garden dining chairs alongside colourful metal outdoor chairs around a relaxed round outdoor table will create a unique and eclectic look. Layer different textures and patterns with cushions, rugs, and throws. Add quirky and colourful accessories like garden gnomes, lanterns, and sculptures to create visual interest. Use a diverse range of plants, including bold and unusual varieties. Combine different shapes, sizes, and colours to create a lush and vibrant garden.

Inspiration image credit: Pinterest [1] & [2]. Featuring: Furniturebox Cabo Yellow Metal 2 Seat Bistro Set , Corsica 2 x Pink Deck Chairs , and Hydra Black & Green Outdoor Rocking Chair

Create A Boho Hippie Garden Festival Look

Create your very own laid back boho hippy outdoor space perfect for firepits and stargazing. Use earthy tones like terracotta, ochre, and olive green combined with pops of bright colours like turquoise, magenta, and mustard create a warm and inviting boho look. These colours create a sense of wanderlust and creativity. Choose relaxed and comfortable outdoor furniture with an artsy, boho vibe – natural materials like wood, rattan, wicker and linen, laid back and intimate seating and rounded shapes. Use plenty of cushions, throws, and vibrant patterned rugs. Add hammocks, macramé hangings, and lanterns to create a laid-back, eclectic look. A firepit or chimenea can create a chilled-out focal point. Incorporate a mix of lush greenery, grasses and colourful flowers like jasmine and bougainvillea with statement terracotta urns to tap into a beachy, Mediterranean vibe. Use hanging plants, potted succulents, and trailing vines to add layers and depth.

Inspiration image credit: Pinterest. Featuring Crete Brown Rattan Table & 2 Chairs Set, Seychelles Beige 9 Seat Outdoor Dining Sofa Set and Nata Wood Rattan Garden Sun Lounger

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