The garden seat retreat

Lounging around

Traditional rattan suits a garden setting perfectly, plus it's lightweight enough to move around to either follow the sun in cooler climes or seek out shade in summer. Ensure you pick a chair that's for outdoor use – the indoor variety isn't hardy enough for exposure to the elements – and store undercover to extend its life. Add a well-padded seat cushion for extra comfort. 

Chris Warnes

Hang it alll

A hanging chair is a great choice for a seat retreat in small gardens as it takes up very little room. Byron Bay Hanging Chairs have a wide selection in different styles. Make sure the supports are fixed securely to a substantial beam, or pick one that comes with a freestanding frame; the Globo wood spheric, available through Temple & Webster, is a seriously funky hanging chair with a difference.

Chris Warnes

On the bench

Made to be a more or less permanent fixture, a sturdy bench – this one in pillarbox red powdercoated steel is a commission piece from Heidi Garden Art in the NSW Southern Highlands – is a set-and-forget piece for a quiet corner.

Sue Stubbs

Light effect

A pretty bistro-style seat adds a little Gallic flair, while its lightweight, barely there appearance makes it a better choice for small gardens than a heavyweight wood or steel version. Not fab on the comfort factor if you're planning an extended stay, so invest in an outdoor-quality seat cushion with plenty of padding.

Jody D’Arcy

Under cover

Positioning a seat on the verandah gives you more than just a resting spot for your own weary bones; it helps make the front of your home look warm and inviting. A spot that's protected from the elements also gives you more scope in your choice of furnishings, although it makes sense to opt for outdoor-ready pieces for those odd days when the rain blows sideways. 

Cath Muscat

Small sensation

An easy way to devise a special spot from a nothing space: invest in a few oversized pots loaded up with big, leafy plants such as palms, add a bistro chair and hey presto – a tropical corner. For a similar chair, try Milan Direct.

And finally...

...if all else fails, plump for a couple of luscious outdoor cushions, kick back and relax!

Love outdoors? We have a whole host of ideas for inviting dining, cosy decorating and beautiful looks for spring.