Here at Pods & Pavilions, we know that once your shiny new garden pod has been installed, you want to feel nothing but joy at how much this incredible outdoor room will improve your life.
But we also know that when it comes to choosing an outdoor pod, the number of options on the market can feel overwhelming, and it can be hard to know in advance if you’re making the right choice.
That’s why we’re here to help you find the best garden pod for your needs. Read on for some of the most important factors to consider when selecting an Ornate Garden Pod.
1. Size
One of the most essential considerations is size. You’ll want an outdoor pod that will fit comfortably in your garden while giving you enough room to use the space as you intend.
Before choosing a pod, measure your garden to determine how big you can go. On each of our pods, we specify the total area required, as well as the size of the hardstanding base you will need to accommodate it. Keep in mind that you may want to leave space around it for easier access and décor.
If you have plenty of room, consider whether you’d prefer a smaller pod - perfect as a cosy reading nook or study space - or a larger structure with enough room for entertaining and multiple activities.
Our pods range in size from the smaller Rotating Seater Garden Pod, which can seat 7 people, to the Extra Large Oval House Garden Pod, which can seat up to 20. If you’re stuck between two sizes, we generally recommend choosing a larger pod, as it will give you more flexibility to change how you use it in the future.
2. Style
The style of your outdoor pod should complement your garden’s design and fit with the pod’s intended use.
Our Ornate Garden pods mix rustic timber arcs with industrial stainless steel and polycarbonate glass, making them a blend of modern and traditional design that looks fabulous in almost any garden (if we do say so ourselves!)
When it comes to the interior, you can customise your pod by choosing between several colour options for the seat covers - ranging from Cool Blue to Gingersnap - to suit your style. You can also upgrade the seats from PU Leather to Suedette for a more luxurious feel.
There are various internal layout options, which also depend on size. You might prefer one large centre table (perfect for hosting dinner parties!) or two smaller ones at each end - great if your pod will be multi-functional.
We also have additional day bed options and various electrical set-ups, including built-in lighting, heating, Bluetooth speakers and power points. Which features are priorities for you will depend on how you want to use your pod – more on this below.
3. Intended Use
Having a clear idea of how you want to use your garden pod will be helpful when making your selection. Here are some of the most popular functions of our outdoor pods and the features you might want to look for to suit each one:
Home Office
If you want to use your pod as a home office, you’ll probably need to prioritise electrical outlets for connecting your tech, as well as good lighting. A heater will also be a welcome addition if you intend to work in your pod during winter! Check out our garden office pods for more inspiration.
Entertaining
Will the primary purpose of your pod be entertaining? In that case, look for a spacious design with plenty of comfortable seating to accommodate everyone, such as one of our larger summerhouse pods. You might also like a built-in heater and a Bluetooth speaker to create the perfect ambience.
Guest Accommodation
Want to use your outdoor pod as a guest room? Heating will also be important, in this case, to keep your visitors comfortable. Many of our pods have the option to upgrade the seating to a half-bed mode, which makes an ideal occasional bed for a guest.
Relaxation
You might also want the half-bed upgrade if you intend to use your pod for well-deserved rest and relaxation. Nature can benefit your mental health, so one of our rotating pods that offers changeable 360-degree views of your garden will be perfect for reducing stress and improving your mood.
For more inspiration on potential uses for your garden pod, check out our article Creative Uses for Garden Pods.
4. Durability
To get the most out of your outdoor pod, you’ll need to ensure it’s made from durable materials that will stand the test of time (and any adverse weather conditions!) Look for pre-treated wood and durable metal that’s designed to last – which is exactly what you’ll find in an Ornate Garden Pod. We recommend treating the wood with oil twice a year (in spring and autumn) to ensure your pod stays in the best possible condition.
5. Accessibility
Consider any accessibility requirements you or your potential pod guests may have. Some of our smaller pods have a single up-and-over door at the entrance, while others, including many of our oval house pods, have wider double patio doors. If you need to accommodate a wheelchair, choose a pod with double doors and more space inside.
6. Budget
As much as we’d all love to ignore it, budget will always be one of the most important factors when choosing a garden pod. However, rather than simply selecting the priciest pod you can afford, we encourage you to ensure you’re getting the right balance between function and value.
At Pods & Pavilions, we have a wide selection of pods to suit many budgets. Here are some of our top picks:
Best Value Pod: Rotating Seater Garden Pod
Check out our Rotating Seater Garden Pod for a great value pod that can comfortably seat up to 7 guests and includes a rechargeable light as standard. Although it doesn’t have many technical features, this simpler pod is perfect for smaller gardens, taking up no more space than your standard patio set.
Best Mid-Range Pod: Medium Oval House Garden Pod
The Medium Oval House Garden Pod can fit up to 8 guests across two sofas. It has lockable French doors and an openable polycarbonate rear window for ventilation. Inside, you’ll find a heater with a cooling fan option, a power socket and a Bluetooth sound bar.
Best High-End Pod: The Grande Deluxe Chic Garden Pod
At the top end of the budget is our The Grande Deluxe Chic Garden Pod, which features LED lighting, a 2.4-kilowatt heater, a 24v Bluetooth sound bar, and a 13amp power point with a USB port. The luxurious Suedette interior is available in 17 colour options and offers extra legroom for up to 12 people.
Spotted the Pod for You?
Whatever your needs, we’re confident we can match you with your perfect Pods & Pavilion Pod. Contact us today or call us directly on 0794 0831707, and we’ll help you choose the best option.
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