How to Furnish a Garden Dome

Work with the round shape

A dome isn't a box, so don't furnish it like one:

• Curve the seating to the perimeter. Arrange sofas, chairs or benches around the edge, following the shape, to keep the middle clear and the space feeling open and sociable.
• Round or flexible pieces. Circular rugs, curved sofas, round tables and modular seating echo the geometry beautifully. Modular pieces also let you reconfigure for different occasions.
• Keep the centre breathable. Resist filling the middle. An open centre, or a single low coffee table as the focal point, preserves the airy, panoramic feel that makes a dome special.

Make the most of the light and view

The dome's glory is that it puts you in the garden, so frame the furnishings around that:

• Face the seating outward towards the best view, so everyone shares the panorama and the sense of being outdoors.
• Go easy on tall, blocky furniture that fights the openness, and keep sightlines to the panels clear.
• Let plants in. Greenery loves the light and reinforces the indoor-garden feel, and a few well-placed plants tie the space to its setting.

Layer for comfort and warmth

Soft, tactile layers do double duty: they make the dome cosy and help it feel warm.

• Rugs define the floor, add warmth underfoot and soften the acoustics.
• Throws, cushions and soft seating invite you to linger and take the edge off cooler evenings.
• Curtains or blinds add softness, control light and privacy, and reduce heat loss at night (our guide to privacy, shading and blackout options goes further).
• Texture over clutter. A few generous, comfortable pieces beat a crowd of small ones in keeping the space serene.

Furnish for the purpose

Let the use lead the specifics, and size the furniture to your dome's floor space:

• Lounge or snug: somewhere to sink in, with a curved sofa, soft lighting, a rug and throws.
• Dining: a round or oval table sized to the dome and your guest list, comfortable chairs, and the free LED kit for a soft glow in the evenings.
• Office: a desk angled to the view, a good chair, and storage that stays low to keep sightlines open.
• Wellness or yoga: keep it minimal and uncluttered, with open floor, a few calming touches and plants.

If you're still choosing between the three, our garden dome sizes guide shows which size suits which use.

Lighting sets the mood

Every dome comes with a free Ambient LED lighting kit, which is your starting point: use it to wash the space with soft light after dark, when a lit dome becomes a glowing garden centrepiece. Layer in lamps, festoon lights or candles for atmosphere (LED candles are the safer choice around throws and curtains). Our guide to garden dome lighting ideas goes further.

Frequently asked questions