I’d start with furniture that feels like part of the planting rather than an obstacle around it. Integrated planter benches are brilliant in small plazas: a timber or concrete bench with a built-in trough for grasses, ferns, or low shrubs gives people a place to sit while softening hard paving. Modular benches are another safe bet because you can arrange them around existing trees, planters, and raised beds without blocking maintenance access. Choose modules with slatted tops so rain drains quickly and leaves don’t collect.
For café-style social spots, small bistro tables and lightweight chairs work well beside planter boxes. They keep sightlines open, so greenery stays visible, and they can be moved when planters need watering or seasonal replanting. If the area is busier, picnic tables and long communal benches pair nicely with large planters at each end; the planters act as soft barriers and make the seating feel more enclosed.
Lounge seating with low planted borders is also a good fit. Timber benches, concrete blocks, and powder-coated steel frames all look good with greenery, but weather-resistant furniture needs good drainage and finishes that can handle rain, sun, and leaf litter. Avoid heavy pieces that trap moisture against planters or make it hard to clean. Movable stools and small side tables are useful because they let people adjust the setting without fighting the planting.
Material-wise, I’d mix warm wood with stone, concrete, or corten steel, and repeat some of the planter materials in the furniture so the scheme feels intentional. Keep scale in mind: low benches and planters preserve views, while taller screens or pergolas can define a greener edge. Finally, leave gaps for rainwater, roots, and maintenance access—good urban outdoor furniture should support the greenery, not compete with it.