Garden care and outdoor design this year are clearly moving towards a fusion of aesthetics, sustainability, and smart solutions. According to Mare Niilisk, product manager for home and garden goods at Bauhof, people are increasingly opting for products that are not only beautiful but also practical, durable, and eco-friendly: “Today’s garden products must be both functional and long-lasting – that is a clear expectation from customers.”
Niilisk says the garden product assortment has expanded significantly both in stores and online. “As people look forward to warmer weather, they’re turning their attention more to their yards, so it’s likely that with the arrival of spring, interest in garden design and related products will rise,” she added.
Inbank statistics also confirm that spring sees a sharp increase in the purchase of garden goods. “For example, last month the use of 'buy now, pay later' solutions for acquiring garden and home products nearly doubled. Interest in refreshing home environments is likely to keep growing in the coming months as people actively tidy up their gardens, terraces, and outdoor spaces,” explained Andrus Salusoo, Head of Inbank’s Estonian Business Unit.
Garden products made from ocean plastic and coffee grounds
According to Niilisk, functionality is just as important as price – durable solutions are preferred. “For instance, classic flower boxes now come with wheels to protect terrace surfaces from water damage. Hanging flower pots now include saucers to keep balconies and garden furniture dry. The selection of balcony boxes now features double-sided options and versions with built-in brackets,” she said. The garden products expert highlighted that sustainability is not just about durability, but also about how items are made. “More and more, recycled plastic combined with wood fibers is used in production, enhancing durability while maintaining recyclability and eco-friendliness. Manufacturers have become remarkably innovative – they’re using materials like ocean plastic, coffee grounds, and by-products from wine production. Plastic pots no longer imply cheap or low quality – most are smartly designed with features like removable inner pots and adjustable drainage holes, making plant care and moving them incredibly easy,” she emphasized.
According to Niilisk, this year’s trend leans strongly toward natural materials and colors. “Wood and bamboo are especially popular, but we’re also seeing more imitations of natural textures – rattan furniture, wood and concrete patterns, terracotta tones. Design trends are heading toward a natural look and soft hues,” said Bauhof’s product manager.
Instead of traditional garden furniture, people now prefer more durable and distinctive options
In the garden furniture category, Niilisk has noticed a clear shift toward comfort with a touch of individuality. “While 2–4 seat sets used to be the most popular in past years, people are now looking for larger setups – opting for 6- or 8-seat dining table sets where they can comfortably enjoy meals or cozy summer evenings with friends or family. Customers are no longer satisfied with knee-high coffee tables – they want full-sized dining furniture,” she noted.
Plastic garden furniture is also trending this season. “Its key advantage remains ease of cleaning. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is quick and accessible to everyone. And for deeper cleaning, a pressure washer works perfectly – the furniture holds up well to it,” the garden expert explained.
Garden furniture prices can reach several thousand euros
According to Niilisk, garden furniture prices range from a few hundred to several thousand euros. “You can get a three-piece set for a few hundred euros. Depending on the materials and design, larger and higher-quality sets can cost into the four-figure range,” she noted.
Andrus Salusoo, head of Inbank’s Estonian business unit, says that in challenging economic times, Estonians increasingly prefer to spread out their expenses. “Purchases worth thousands of euros – which can be difficult to pay in one go – are increasingly being divided over several months. For example, if you’re buying garden furniture for €1200, you can split the cost into three interest-free monthly payments of €400. This lets people choose a more durable and appealing option without putting too much strain on the family budget at the start of summer,” the Inbank expert explained, while emphasizing that even budget-friendly purchases should still be carefully considered.
Add character with unique touches and cozy lighting
Beyond furniture, lighting plays a key role in creating a cozy terrace atmosphere. “Last year, Bauhof sold over 39,000 garden lights, and the trend is clearly continuing,” said Niilisk. Demand is especially high for solar-powered lights, which run on solar panels and don’t require electricity. The range includes everything from classic pathway lights to stylish chain designs.
Also drawing attention this season are ceramic plant pots that withstand temperatures down to –25°C, available in natural, glazed, and textured finishes.
Decorative elements can bring individuality to any garden, from solar-lit statues to designer rain barrels. “Today’s gardens are much more than just planting spaces – they’re an extension of the home and should offer both beauty and function,” Niilisk concluded.
