To think painted woodwork in the garden looks nicer?

[Drizzlehair]

I've got a wooden seat in the garden, it goes in a corner and has a trellis up it's back. It's a bit old but sound according to my gardener.

He advised I give it a clean and then coat it in something to protect it.

Would it be horrific to paint it? If not, what colour? Is bright red the worst idea ever?

I'm also planning to put a small wooden bridge in the garden for kids to run over. The same question occurs to me... Paint or leave natural?

Thoughts very much appreciated

That sounds lovely Francis. I don't suppose you'd share or pm me a pic? No worries if not

Seat is this sort of thing

I like painted things too, but you do have to be prepared to redo them more often, and with a bit more effort.

Bridge like this maybe. Look how good red is! But my garden is a bit more of a mess

Our shed is painted with Windows, roofline and door frame accented and it looks much nicer than just wood. But it needs redoing every 2-3 years or looks faded and dirty, unlike fence life which can last 5-6 years

That looks really cheerful and bright, even better than I thought it would. Thanks!

Every garden needs a bridge... Amazed DH didn't veto this so I want to buy it ASAP before he changes his mind

I think the red bridge gives it a very Japanese sort of look, is that what you are after?

I think its totally a case of personal taste. We've got a bright pink bench, and lime green and pink kids play house, along with a turquoise kids bench. We love them. I'm sure some people would think they're an eyesore. I think if you like it, do it.

Otherwise I think pale greens and creams like Francis has are gorgeous. I have a sort of willow shade on my bench, it looks good, but you have to redo it regularly.

All our fences and decking are that orange/brown woodstain colour. Was like that when we moved in. I hate it.
Seen some lovely lilac or pale aqua that would look fabulous.

Do what makes you happy op. Red bridge would be amazing.

My landlord put a new cheapest possible looking, hideous fence in my front garden but I painted it a very similar green to the one Francis used and it's lovely now!

It made a massive difference and Iv had compliments on it so I think it works but as others have said it's really up to personal taste what you do.

If you like it then go for it!

Have a look at Cuprinol shades. I’ve got some lovely benches in my garden now that look fab.

I don't always trust my personal taste, so really good to hear that painted outdoor stuff works and won't look bonkers.

I do think the red bridge looks very Japanese and that won't be at all in keeping, but I also think it's so pillar box it could look a bit retro London pillar box too, which might fit. Otherwise the paler softer shades might go nicely with other bits I'm planning.

Excited now! Just got to wait for warmer weather and longer evenings to get the painting done...

I think go for it, you can always re paint if you aren’t keen down the line

I'm trying to go for a magical fairy hidden corners type garden, what colours would suit that? Farrow and ball muted shades feel right to me, maybe a soft green? Or cream?

I think wood looks much nicer, but it's your garden OP- do what you like!

I love painted wood in the garden. I have 2 planters that I've painted and my patio furniture I painted, all in different colours. It really brightens up our unpainted deck.
I used culprinol... Give it a proper good stir before you use it though!

I paint all my wood in gardens black.

I'm slowly painting my garden woodwork black (raised beds, gate, shed) - it's a good background for greenery - it looks lovely and is surprisingly subtle.
But can see the attraction of brighter colours - loads out there
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Ours are all painted in soft greens and creams. It’s particularly good on gloomy days when looking out into the garden, before that our fences were untreated and made everything look so dark when wet