Expert reveals the out of doors furnishings that makes your backyard look cheesy (plus the gadgets you SHOULD spend money on!)

As the UK prepares for summer and enjoys spring, many homeowners may be wondering whether it is time to give their garden a much needed revamp. 

However, outdoor furniture can either make your garden look chic and expensive or garish and tacky – depending on what you go for. 

Josh Novell, a garden furniture expert and director of Polhill Garden Centre, said that your green sanctuary should feel ‘calm and cohesive’. 

He insisted that creating a trendy garden should be treated with the same amount of effort a homeowner would put into the interior design of their home. 

Josh told FEMAIL: ‘A well-designed garden should feel calm and cohesive – an extension of your home, not a showroom of clashing styles. 

‘The things that tend to make outdoor spaces look tacky are usually the ones that are oversized for the space, overly themed, or made from low-quality materials that don’t age well.’

He also revealed the furnishings that are worth investing in, which will likely be timeless and stand the test of time. 

He said: ‘Stylish garden furniture doesn’t have to mean expensive. The market has shifted a lot in the last few years, and brands are getting smarter with design and materials, so there are some attractive options out there that look high-end without the luxury price tag.’

Tacky furniture you should avoid 

However, there are some pieces of furniture that can end up making your garden look cheap and tasteless. 

This includes bulky furniture, such as huge corner sofas or oversized firepits which do not flatter small gardens, making them feel ‘cramped and off-balance’.

Josh said: ‘A firepit can absolutely be a lovely focal point, but if it dominates the entire patio or feels out of scale, it risks becoming more of an eyesore than a feature.’

Cheap water features can also make your garden look tacky, especially if it is made from plastic or poor quality materials. 

‘They promise a calming effect, but sacrificing quality could mean it ends up sounding like a dripping tap or looking plasticky and out of place,’ Josh said.

‘The problem often arises when the materials or design don’t feel in tune with the rest of the garden. 

‘If you’re going to include one, look for something simple, well-proportioned, and made from materials that blend naturally with the surroundings.’

The avoid your garden looking cheap, homeowners should also not purchase too many novelty or themed items.

Josh believes that one or two playful pieces of furniture may be fine, but any more than that can feel ‘chaotic’. 

He added: ‘If you stick to natural tones, simple shapes, and furniture that’s the right scale for your space, you’re much more likely to end up with a garden that feels elegant rather than cluttered or gimmicky.’

Items that aren’t suitable or worth the hassle  

Josh said that the most common mistake people make when buying new items for their property is that they often choose impractical furniture that is not designed to withstand the temperamental British weather. 

He said: ‘You want to avoid anything made from untreated softwood because it may look charming on day one, but it won’t last. 

‘Within a season or two, it may start to rot or warp, especially if it’s not covered properly.’

Meanwhile, cheap rattan-effect sets, such as the PVC or PU versions may look similar to the high-end options but tend to crack or fade quickly, especially if they’re constantly in the sun.

Josh said: ‘You’ll also want to check the frames; some of the more affordable sets use thin steel tubing that will rust unless it’s been properly coated.  Aluminium is usually your best bet for longevity, even if it costs a little more upfront.’

Instead, garden lovers should invest in PE rattan, which Josh described as more durable and UV resistant. 

While glass furniture can look elegant in some settings, the gardening expert says it does not suit all lifestyles.

He said that because it can show up with fingerprint marks, dust marks and water rings and will need regular cleaning to keep it looking up to scratch. 

‘If you’ve got young kids or plan to move your furniture around a lot, a glass-top table might not be the most forgiving material,’ Josh added.

The gardening expert also said that you should be honest about how much time you will spend investing in your outdoor furniture.  

‘Timber sets can look beautiful, but they need regular oiling or sealing,’ he said. ‘If you know you’re not going to do that, go for something more low-maintenance as it’ll look better for longer and save you the hassle.’

On-trend garden furniture you SHOULD invest in

Josh said one of the most common misconceptions about having a contemporary garden is that you have to purchase expensive furniture. 

He said that the market has shifted and that brands are now getting smarter with design, meaning companies can now offer on-trend items to customers with a cheaper price tag. 

‘One thing I always recommend is looking for modular or compact sets that use space well,’ Josh said. 

‘You’ll find plenty of contemporary pieces with slimline metal frames and weatherproof cushions in natural, earthy tones like taupe, olive, or charcoal that instantly elevate a space. 

‘Rope-effect chairs and faux teak tables are particularly popular this season and strike a nice balance between minimal design and comfort.’ 

The garden expert said that homeowners keen to renovate their yard should often keep an eye out for multipurpose furniture, like coffee tables that double as storage, or benches with built-in planters. 

‘They add a practical dimension to your garden without cluttering the space, which is particularly important if you’re working with a smaller area,’ he said. 

Josh said that those with a keen eye for exterior design should not overlook a good accessory.   

‘An affordable bistro set with the right cushions and a stylish outdoor rug can look just as polished as something five times the price,’ he said.

Those wanting to get into garden design should invest in solar lanterns, layered textures, and a few real plants in ceramic pots, as Josh believes it can completely transform the look and feel of an otherwise dull patio.

‘Ultimately, it’s less about how much you spend and more about choosing pieces that work with your space and don’t try too hard,’ he said.