Get The Mediterranean Look For Your Garden

The Mediterranean - just the word conjures evocative images in your head. Sun-soaked terraces, the scene of olive trees in the air, the gentle hum of conversation over a leisurely lunch. It’s the region where Southern Europe meets the tip of Africa, stretching across almost the entire length of Europe, from the dusty hills of Spain to the artistically-minded South of France, from Italy through the Balkans and all the way over to Greece. It’s a warm and wet part of the world that makes suntraps out of homes - where else can you find dry hills and plains connecting to pine forests and olive trees?

Connection is at the heart of the Mediterranean way of life. Its mountainous landscapes crossed with bright blue sea have informed its culture, and that goes for its lifestyle, breeding an outdoor-focused lifestyle characterised by airy furniture with flaired, floral patterns and able to accommodate massive family feasts and tiny bistro areas alike. In sunny climates, life simply happens outdoors - “alfresco”, the picturesque practice of eating outdoors, is an Italian term, after all

Now, with the UK enjoying record-breaking hot summers, we welcome a Mediterranean summer often enough to rival our Southern Europe friends. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why many wish to emulate the look of the Mediterranean-inspired garden in their homes, and because of their traditional way of life, it’s easy to do so. In this blog, we’ll give you all the tips you need to transform your patio into a veritable terrazza, from choosing Mediterranean garden furniture to the perfect colour palette to evoke the Southern Europe coast.

Start With a Round Dining Table

 

There’s a reason why the Mediterranean dining table is always the focal point of a Mediterranean-inspired garden. Food is family, and meals are an opportunity to come together and connect, laugh and share stories. There’s no better way to encourage togetherness than with a round table. As we detailed in our blog on the best dining table shapes, they naturally encourage that same communal feel, making everyone feel included and putting attention towards each other.

For a true Mediterranean look, opt for something tactile and durable. Our Cora Round Dining Table is a standout piece, with its textured wooden finish evoking the chic terrazzo floors of Italy. Prefer something café-inspired? The Round Mesh Table is pure bistro magic - lightweight, easy to clean and perfect for casual coffees or evening wine. For something with a bit of luxury, the Charlbury Round Dining Table combines beautifully woven textures with a smooth glass tabletop.

For the final touch, add a tablecloth on top, and don’t be afraid to mix in patterned napkins or bold serving platters.

Add a Splash of Colour

Mediterranean garden ideas often revolve around bold colours inspired by the surrounding landscape. Think of the bleached walls of Greek villages offset by cobalt blue doors, or the terracotta roofs dotting the Tuscan hillsides. Bring that same energy to your patio with bright accent colours and vibrant textures. Terracotta pots, sun-faded orange cushions, ochre throws, patterned ceramics - these will instantly lift your space.

Pick a strong accent colour - white, yellow, terracotta pink and orange all work excellently -  and apply it throughout the garden, from the decorations you spread around the patio to the cloth setting the table.

Opt for Ornate Seating

In Mediterranean-style garden furniture, and indeed any garden design, texture is just as important as colour. Med residents apply this heavily through seating, going for the romantic curves of wrought iron benches and the frilly rococo swirls of baroque-style chairs. The region is rich with artisan detail.

On a practical level, chairs with slatted or mesh designs in natural materials encourage air flow and look for rounded backs that offer good support. Our Savita Iron Armchair brings as much airflow as traditional Mediterranean garden furniture but with a swooping ergonomic design that lets you lean back and rest your bones, especially with our ultra-soft cushions.

Another trait of this lifestyle is surprise guest appearances that turn into long conversations deep into the evening - sometimes the most memorable nights of all. As such, breakout seating is a huge must to achieve the Mediterranean aesthetic, particularly benches such as our iron mesh Caredo bench, which pairs nicely with the Savita chairs.

Generously scatter cushions to also help to raise the comfort factor. Again, keep it relaxed, mixing and matching in summery shades of ochre, sky blue and weathered terracotta pink.

Frame Your Patio with a Pergola

A pergola is a classic feature in Mediterranean gardens, offering shade from the intense sun while still allowing air to flow. Our Pergolas are just the idyllic spectacle you need to bring your Mediterranean patio area together under one roof. Made from hard-wearing aluminium, they offer the feel of being surrounded by a luxurious yet airy canopy, while being more resilient to tough weather conditions than your average wooden pergola. Plus, the space they cover is large enough to accommodate a dining set, corner sofa or another large seating arrangement all under one roof, and our Signature Pergola gives you the five-star experience with adjustable roof panels and solar-powered LED belt lights.

Drape your pergola in climbing plants like wisteria, vine leaves or grapevines, and it only adds to the feel of a cool, dappled retreat - perfect for relaxing or dining outdoors during warm afternoons.

Centre-Table Statement Pieces

Between rustic bowls, large terracotta vases or intricate ceramic platters, every Mediterranean dinner scene features a beautiful, natural centrepiece sitting squarely in the middle of the table. Like all great centrepieces, they show off the unique beauty that defines their region, be it their abundance of fresh produce or the local craftsmanship they have on their doorstep.

For a British twist on this, why not pop a fresh pot of rosemary or lavender in the middle of the table? Or, for social occasions, a jug pitcher filled with lemon water or gin & tonic? This will be sure to have guests reaching towards the centre.

Light Up Night-time with Lanterns

Mediterranean evenings are all about soft lighting, balmy air and conversations that stretch long after the sun’s gone down. Lanterns are key to recreating this warm, relaxed atmosphere. Place a few on the table, hang them from tree branches, or put them strategically around your patio to create a gentle, golden glow. Our outdoor heating range even offers stylish lantern-style heaters, combining warmth and ambience in one simple, elegant solution.

Create a Mediterranean-Inspired Garden With Kettler

For over 60 years, Kettler has been helping people create the garden of their dreams – stylish, functional and always ready for unforgettable moments with friends and family. If you’re ready to transform your garden into a Mediterranean escape, we’re here to help. Whether you’re after the perfect dining table, a weather-resistant pergola or simply some inspiration, you’ll find it all in our latest collections. Contact us today, and let us help you find your dream outdoor space.