11 of the best garden furniture choices you can make in 2024

The right outdoor furniture choices can transform a garden into a serene retreat or lively gathering spot adding value in a multitude of ways. Not only can these pieces and comfort and style but they can improve the functionality of a space and adapt to different situations and needs. Our selection of the best garden furniture picks for 2024 do all these things and more making them well worth consideration for any home in New Zealand.

The Cabriolet Armchair epitomises the essence of French garden charm, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to infuse a sense of tradition and elegance into their outdoor spaces. Expertly hand-forged by Fermob's skilled craftsmen, this armchair showcases intricate iron scrolls and rings alongside gentle curves, complemented by a deep, outdoor cushion, ensuring both unparalleled style and comfort. Its versatility is unmatched, designed to enhance not only gardens but also indoor spaces, balconies, and porches should the situation require it. The addition of the matching side table completes the scene, offering a cohesive and inviting setting that captures the ultimate in French garden styling.

The Circ M2 Concrete Coffee Table by Blinde Design showcases a striking round design with curved sides, crafted from Fluid™ concrete for incredible smoothness, durability, and strength. This outdoor table not only promises enduring quality but also champions eco-friendliness. This is because it's made from green cement and 95% recycled materials that are both CO2-absorbent during construction and fully recyclable, with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Its robust construction ensures resistance to water, stains, UV rays, fire, insects, mould, mildew, and extreme temperatures, making it a remarkably hardy and convenient choice for any setting. Available in three chic shades — Graphite, Natural, and Bone — the table also features hidden levelling feet, creating an illusion of hovering while enhancing air circulation beneath, further elevating its design and utility as an exceptional piece of outdoor furniture.

The Hutt Outdoor Lounge Armchair stands out as an exceptional outdoor seating choice, seamlessly blending the timeless appeal of a classic modern sofa with the natural elegance of its surroundings. Its sturdy teak frame and distinctive thick open rope weave embody a grounded design, while the luxurious outdoor cushions offer supreme comfort. Designed to withstand all weather conditions, the Hutt Outdoor Lounge Armchair not only elevates the aesthetic of your outdoor entertaining area but also promises durability and comfort. It's everything you could want and need in an outdoor armchair with complementary furnishings in the range also available.

The Fatboy Buggle-up Outdoor Beanbag is a fun, innovative and versatile addition to any garden and outdoor living space. Totally unique in design, it effortlessly transitions from a comfortable two-person relaxer to a laid-back seating option with just a simple adjustment of its straps. This allows you to enjoy it sitting up or lounging back. Crafted from the exceptional Sunbrella fabric, it boasts UV protection, colour-fastness, and resistance to water and dirt — perfect for outdoor settings in New Zealand. A fantastic outdoor bean bag to incorporate into your space.

The Crinoline Outdoor Armchair, designed by the renowned Patricia Urquiola and manufactured by B&B Italia, is a masterpiece of garden furniture, thanks to its innovative exploration of 3D textures and design. Its unique dual-coloured polyethylene weave, available in striking black-white and black-bronze combinations, perfectly complements either natural fibre or bronze string, embodying a perfectly balanced blend of form and function. It's impressively adorned with a magenta natural fibre poncho, adding a touch of elegance and vibrancy. This meticulous attention to texture, colour, and design makes it an exceptional choice for anyone looking to add a sophisticated and comfortable piece of furniture to their garden space.

The Moke Dining Table, inspired by the serene Moke Lake in Queenstown, represents a contemporary showpiece in alfresco dining thanks to its cool modern aesthetics and superb functionality. Crafted in New Zealand, this outdoor dining table is distinguished by its angular, structural base and a robust glass reinforced concrete finish, designed not only to capture the essence of our country's breathtaking beauty but also to withstand the rigours of the elements. Its sturdy construction and elegant design makes it a piece that will deliver on many levels, now and for years to come.

The Copenhague Adirondack Outdoor Chair by Les Jardins is the personification of elegance and quality, perfect for enhancing any garden space. Featuring a distinctive, bold design, its seat and backrest, made from high-pressure laminate (HPL) material, offer not only robustness but also exceptional comfort and weather resistance. Its heavyweight nature makes it especially suited for areas prone to high winds. The frame, constructed from premium teak and finished with an innovative low-maintenance Duratek treatment, ensures enduring quality. The chair's comfort is further amplified by a headrest and seat cushion, making it a sanctuary of relaxation. With a higher back design for additional support and its classic French aesthetic, this chair is not just furniture but a statement piece that will draw the eye.

The Palissade Barstool, designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for HAY, is an exceptional furnishing, carefully crafted to integrate into diverse settings, from cafés and restaurants to private gardens and balconies. It is celebrated for its graphical aesthetic and shared qualities that strike a perfect balance between strength and sophistication. Designed to be robust without appearing cumbersome, and stylish without sacrificing durability, it makes a great outdoor bar stool for any space. It is also part of a wider collection allowing you to curate a cohesive selection of outdoor furniture pieces.

Related article: The Bar Stool Guide — heights, types, styles and more

The Outdoor Ottoman by Noé Duchafour-Lawrance was inspired by a hotel design concept in Marrakech and is a fantastic achievement in modern design and craftsmanship. It demonstrates Duchafour-Lawrance's masterful use of stitching and colour, bringing a unique ingenuity and contemporary flair to each piece. The Outdoor Ottoman is defined by its tub-shaped, enveloping seats and backs, upholstered in Swiss-made Stamskin synthetic hide — a material renowned for its ability to endure the rigours of commercial and marine environments. Additionally, the inclusion of an internal drainage channel and a waterproof cloth inner liner ensures each piece remains watertight, further enhancing its durability.

Related article: How to use an ottoman — 10 great ways to elevate your space

The Folly Bench by Magis is a work of art as far as outdoor furniture goes with a design that is worthy of a national gallery. Inspired by the natural world, its dynamic, flowing form captivates the eye, making it a standout piece for any outdoor space. Crafted from rotational-moulded polyethylene in a brown hue that evokes the patina of weathering steel, the bench pays homage to contemporary sculpture and architecture. Its design is not only visually exciting but also engineered to withstand all physical and environmental challenges, ensuring durability across every season. The Folly Bench's cosy shape and aesthetic appeal make it an ideal choice for enhancing the garden of a private home, as well as public spaces like parks and squares.

The Swingrest by Daniel Pouzet is a one-of-a-kind outdoor swing chair with a hanging lounger design that distinctively sets itself apart. Pouzet ingeniously uses a basket-like base presenting an innovative design that accommodates several people while maintaining a sleek, space-efficient profile. Ideal for adorning terraces, verandas, or even interior spaces, the Swingrest's design ethos revolves around the elegance of simplicity and meticulous attention to detail. This is evident in its refined features, such as the graceful suspension system, a 180° rotating tabletop, and a unique cord-wrapping technique. It's an exemplary piece of garden furniture, offering unparalleled comfort and style.

Whether you're after an outdoor table, some outdoor chairs or a playful but stylish bean bag, you'll see there are some exquisite options out there to choose from. By starting with the very best outdoor furniture items on the market, you'll know what benchmark to set allowing you to make your choices confidently so you can enjoy an improved outdoor space sooner rather than later.