What Outdoor Furniture For A Terrace? The Complete Guide To Choosing Well.

The terrace has become a true living space, just like the living room or kitchen. In recent years, the French have been investing more and more in this outdoor area for entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the sun... According to some studies, nearly 8 out of 10 French people have access to an outdoor space, whether it's a garden, a terrace, or a balcony, and for many, it's a full-fledged living area. It goes without saying that choosing the right terrace furniture is no longer a trivial matter. Garden tables, chairs, patio sets, sun loungers, materials, dimensions... There are numerous options and it can be easy to get lost. Therefore, this guide aims to help you create an outdoor space that is both beautiful, practical, and durable.

Define your project well before buying patio furniture.

Before falling for a comfortable garden lounge set or a beautiful outdoor table, it's useful to take a few minutes to think about your project. This step, often overlooked, makes all the difference between a harmonious terrace and a cluttered space with poor circulation.

1 - Measure the available surface and consider circulation

Start by precisely measuring the surface of your terrace, noting any possible constraints: French windows, stairs, railings, posts, roller shutter boxes... The idea is to know how many square meters you actually have available for furniture.

A good reflex is to mark out on the ground, with a tape measure or adhesive tape, the location of the future garden table and chairs, or even a low lounge area. It quickly becomes clear that some furniture looks perfect in photos but takes up too much space in reality. Always leave a comfortable circulation space around the table and between the different elements so that everyone can sit down without hindering others.

2 - Terrace for dining, relaxation, or a mix of both?

Next, ask yourself a simple question: what will your terrace be used for primarily?
- Terrace dedicated to family meals or dining with friends
- Relaxation corner for reading, sunbathing, napping
- A mix of both, with a dining area and a true lounge corner

If you love entertaining, the garden table becomes the central element. If you mostly use this space for relaxation, it's better to invest in an outdoor low lounge set, comfortable armchairs, a daybed, or a well-positioned sun lounger. In many cases, one seeks a compromise... but it's better to think about it from the start, rather than accumulating furniture without a logical overall arrangement.

Macabane Furniture, an example of sustainable and authentic outdoor furnishings.

To illustrate this guide, let's take the example of Meubles Macabane, a family business based in Normandy, specializing for over 20 years in indoor and outdoor furniture. The brand offers solid wood, metal, teak, acacia furniture, as well as pieces made from recycled materials, with a style that is both warm and contemporary.

If you're looking for an ideal garden table for a terrace, you'll find, for example, rectangular or round models, in teak or recycled wood, designed to withstand the weather while adding character to your outdoor space. The brand also offers complete garden lounges, with corner sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables, to set up a real open-air living room area.

The benefit of this type of store is to offer durable furniture, capable of enduring several seasons, where some entry-level products degrade very quickly. This is a point to keep in mind if you want to invest in beautiful outdoor furniture without having to replace it every two years.

The main types of furniture for a patio

1 - The Garden Table, the Centerpiece of the Patio

The garden table is often the starting point for setting up an outdoor space. It's around this table that summer meals, extended aperitifs, or family board games are shared. The choice of shape and size depends on both the available space and the number of people you usually entertain.

Some useful guidelines for a comfortable rectangular table:
- For 4 people: about 120 cm in length
- For 6 people: between 150 and 180 cm in length
- For 8 people: between 200 and 240 cm in length

For a round table, it's considered that a diameter of 100 to 120 cm is suitable for 4 people, and 120 cm to 130 cm for 6 guests, while maintaining good ease of movement.

If you often have many guests, also consider extendable tables, which are very practical for switching from a small dinner gathering to a large group setting.

2 - Chairs, Armchairs, and Benches for True Comfort

Seating is sometimes overlooked... until one spends two hours at the table. Ergonomic garden chairs with a well-angled backrest and, if possible, armrests really change the experience. You can also mix chairs and benches, especially against a wall or railing, to optimize space and create a more convivial corner.

For a more relaxed use, opt for enveloping garden armchairs, Acapulco chairs, outdoor poufs, or even daybeds, which transform the patio into an open-air living room.

3 - Low Garden Lounge and Sunbeds

If you have a comfortable area, a low garden lounge is ideal for creating a lounge corner. Corner sofas, armchairs, and a coffee table... This type of set allows you to settle in to read, chat, or have a drink at the end of the day.

Possibly complete the setup with one or two sun loungers or chaise longues, oriented towards the sun, for relaxation. Some models are equipped with adjustable backrests, wheels, small built-in tables... Everything you need to make the most of every ray of sunshine without sacrificing comfort.

What materials should you choose for patio furniture?

The choice of materials is crucial for both style and the lifespan of furniture. On the terrace, weather conditions, UV rays, temperature fluctuations, and sometimes the seaside environment pose a significant challenge to materials.

1 - Wood, Warm and Timeless

Teak, acacia, eucalyptus, treated pine... Wood remains a solid choice for outdoor furniture. Dense species like teak or acacia are naturally resistant and cope well with moisture and heat. An increasing number of brands offer wood from sustainably managed forests or recycled wood, adding an eco-friendly dimension to your purchase.

However, wood requires minimal maintenance, with oil or a saturator applied once or twice a year to maintain its original color and prevent cracking.

2 - Metal, for a Contemporary Terrace Style

Treated steel and aluminum are very common in modern garden furniture collections. Metal allows for slim structures, graphic lines, and sometimes colorful designs that go well with contemporary architecture. Aluminum, in particular, does not rust and remains relatively lightweight to move.

From an environmental standpoint, certain certifications such as NF Environment for metal and wood furniture ensure criteria for durability, recyclability, and responsible resource management.

3 - Composite and Recycled Materials

Woven resin, composite wood, concrete tops, or recycled materials... These options are highly durable, offer a wide variety of finishes, and require little maintenance. Some brands, like Meubles Macabane, are increasingly incorporating recycled or upcycled materials into their collections, meeting the expectations of consumers concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases.

Design Your Terrace According to Your Lifestyle

1 - Family Terrace: Durability and Safety First

If you have children, opt for stable furniture with rounded corners whenever possible. Benches, sturdy tables, and stackable chairs are often more suitable than a very stylish but fragile lounge set. Also consider storage chests for toys, cushions, and accessories to keep the terrace pleasant on a daily basis.

2 - Urban Terrace or Small Space

In the city, one often has a small terrace or a wide balcony rather than a large garden. In this case, every inch counts. Folding tables, stackable chairs, wall-backed benches, balcony consoles, or trolleys on wheels are your best allies. You can combine a small bistro table for everyday use with an extra folding table when you have guests.

3 - Large, Welcoming Terrace

If you're lucky enough to have a large terrace, don't hesitate to structure it into different areas: a dining area around a large table, a lounge area with a low sofa set, perhaps a quieter corner with a sun lounger or swing. This organization by "ambiances" allows you to take advantage of the entire surface without creating a large, unwelcoming void.

Maintain outdoor furniture to make it last

Good patio furniture represents an investment. It's worth making it last as long as possible. Again, a few simple steps are usually enough.
- Clean surfaces regularly with water and mild soap
- Protect wood with a suitable oil or saturator
- Avoid overly aggressive products that damage finishes
- Use protective covers in winter or during long-term storage
- If possible, store cushions and textiles away from moisture

Organizations like ADEME regularly remind us that regular maintenance significantly extends the life of objects, which is both economical and eco-friendly.

In summary: Mistakes to avoid on a patio

To conclude, here are some classic pitfalls to avoid when choosing your outdoor furniture:
- Choosing a table that is too large for the available space
- Cluttering with too many pieces of furniture without leaving room for movement
- Not considering the orientation of the patio and where the shade falls
- Opting for materials that require maintenance you won't have time to keep up with
- Forgetting the small additions that make all the difference: side tables, cushions, lighting, outdoor rugs

By taking the time to define your project, choose suitable materials, and invest in durable furniture, you will turn your terrace into a true living space, enjoyable on a daily basis and ready to welcome family and friends at the first signs of nice weather.

Note Well: labels, dimensions, and useful links

To delve deeper, you can look into environmental labels such as FSC, PEFC, or NF Environment, which certify a reduced environmental impact of furniture, as well as sizing advice for garden tables offered by specialized stores.

On Gralon, you can also find additional ideas for your terrace, for example in the article "Terrace: 5 ideas to enhance your outdoor decor," which will give you decorating tips to complement your choice of furniture.

And for more technical or environmental information, an institutional site like ADEME offers dedicated content on eco-responsible furniture and the sustainable maintenance of home and garden.