With summer and heatwaves potentially on the horizon, many of us are thinking about spending as much time as possible in the garden, which might mean that a little garden makeover is in order with some new garden furniture.
Once you've tackled the plants, repainted your fences and pressure-washed your patio, you'll no doubt be looking for something to relax, entertain or dine on, which is where our pick of the best garden furniture comes in.
Best garden furniture at a glance:
•Best for rattan garden furniture: EVRE Rattan Outdoor 4 Seater California Sofa Set with Coffee Table - buy now on Amazon
•Best small garden furniture: Dunelm Rattan Bistro Chair - view offer on Dunelm
•Best luxury garden furniture: Argos Habitat 4 Seater Rattan Effect Garden Sofa Set - view offer on Argos
•Best 6-seater garden furniture: Hectare 6 Seater Garden Furniture Set - view offer on Amazon
Featuring tables for families and couples, plus sofas and swings for cosy evenings, it's time to get inspired and splash out on the perfect garden furniture sets and pieces for you. Keep reading for everything you need to know about garden furniture, plus what to look for when choosing your new set and how it can fit into your BBQ area.
Whatever your vibe – be it relaxed, rustic or modern, here are our recommendations!
Best garden furniture UK
Garden seating options:
Best for rattan garden furniture
AmazonLounge in style with this premium-look EVRE Rattan California sofa set, designed for you to make the most out of the sunshine. It's available in a range of different colours and it includes one long sofa and two corner seats, as well as the accompanying cushions!
Users like the overall look of the design, with many saying that it's very comfortable to sit on and that they get lots of compliments for it. Some prefer to use it indoors and have set it up in their conservatory.
Pros
- All of the cushions are included
- Glass is tempered for safety and to enhance its durability
Cons
- Can be time-consuming to put together
| Material: | Poly (synthetic) rattan, 100% polyester cushions, glass coffee table |
| Size: | 150 x 217 x 64 cm |
TESTED
Best small garden furniture
Stephanie Spencer, Hub Editor at Yours.co.ukwww.dunelm.com
I bought a set of these chairs last year and I'm on the lookout for more as they've been perfect for my garden. I had a table that was still useable so didn't want the cost of buying a whole new set. I thought for the price these looked good quality, and I liked the range of colours.
Having had them for a while now I can safely say they're definitely worth the price, the colour is still vibrant, there are no tears or stretching, which can sometimes happen with rattan furniture, and they remain strong and sturdy.
The rattan gives a little when you sit in them so even without a cushion they're perfectly comfortable, and the armrests are at a good height for getting cosy and reading a book. They're versatile as they're stackable, they work around my existing outdoor dining table, as well as standalone bistro chairs or on the lawn, though they do sink a little in grass if it's been wet.
Pros
- Perfect height for dining tables, or with a small bistro table, plus they're stackable for easy storage
- Available in three different colours and hold their colour well - mine stayed out most of the winter and haven't faded much at all
Cons
- They do sink in grass, but are ideal for patio or decking areas
Best for a garden swing
AmazonIdeal for those lazy afternoons, add some fun and liven up your garden with this dreamy canopy swing. There's space for up to three people, or one person to lounge on and read a book!
The material is weatherproof and the canopy will provide some shelter from the sun. Customers have put extra cushions on it for style purposes. Many users have said it's great value for money, comfortable and easy to put together.
Pros
- Angled back and armrests for added comfort
- Cushion is removable
Cons
- Some users have said that the colour may look "washed out"
| Material: | Steel, polyester |
| Size: | 110D x 172W x 153H cm |
Best luxury garden furniture
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
Take full advantage of the sun when it comes out, with this gorgeous hand-woven rattan sofa set that will transform any outside space for luxury lounging. Hidden inside the footstool is extra storage space, perfect for cosy blankets, cushions or any other things you like to use in the garden.
Users have complimented its durability, with one saying, "The sofa has coped well with snow on it since New Year. Comfy cushions and lots of space for our family".
Pros
- Legs are removable to make it more compact for storage
- Table doubles as a footrest (with the help of a cushion)
Cons
- Recommended to store inside in harsher months
| Material: | Rattan (synthetic), polyester cushions |
| Size: | H39 x W45 x L45cm |
Best garden furniture and table
AmazonBring some colour into your outdoor space with this gorgeous cream Outsunny furniture set. Comfortable, durable and versatile - what more could you want? It comes with both a table and a footstall.
The rattan is made from wicker and it's UV resistant, plus the table has a glass top which is tempered to maximise durability.
Pros
- Tempered glass and UV resistant wicker - maintains firmness
- Cushion covers are removable, making them easy to clean
Cons
- One user said that the rattan feels "plasticky"
| Material: | metal frame with durable, weather-resistant PE rattan wicker |
| Size: | 75 x 75 x 64 cm |
Best stylish garden furniture
Wayfairwww.wayfair.co.uk
If you're after a simple outdoor furniture set to elevate your garden, the Wayfair Waldorf Garden Lounge Set is brilliant! It's shaped just-so to provide ample back support and three cushions are included.
Customers liked that it's easy to build and is both sturdy and stylish. It seats four but it isn't too large, meaning it'll likely fit a small garden with ease.
Pros
- Legs are made from sturdy metal
- Wicker is evenly spaced which provides airflow and makes it more "see-through"
Cons
- May need to add a few extra cushions
| Material: | Wicker, metal |
| Size: | Sofa= 79cm H X 123cm W X 75cm, Table= 44cm H X 100cm L X 54cm, Chairs= 84cm H X 67cm W X 77.5cm |
Best for relaxation
AmazonFor something a little different, the EVRE day bed offers the perfect place to read a book, have a snooze or catch up with a friend. The canopy also ensures you can be shaded from the sun, if necessary.
Customers approve of the colour and style of the bed and said that it's nice and cosy. However, it may be wise to add some of your own cushions or blankets as some people have mentioned that the cushions may slip around.
Pros
- Only three pieces, so simple to put together
- Waterproof cushions prevent a moisture build-up
Cons
- Cushions may not stay in place
| Material: | PVC (synthetic) rattan, polyester cushions and canopy |
| Size: | 180 x 175 x 146 cm |
Best compact garden furniture
AmazonHanging egg chairs are all the rage right now, providing the perfect place to put your feet up after a long day. This Yaheetech chair has a stylish and fashionable design, that perfectly decorates your garden and also adds a touch of elegant charm to your life.
It has a 4 and a half star rating on Amazon, with users raving about its overall appearance, size and ease of assembly.
Pros
- Non-static rattan, so you shouldn't get an annoying shock
- Iron holds the egg in place and allows movement too
Cons
- Some say it damages easily
| Material: | PE rattan, rust-resistant Iron material |
| Size: | 95x95x198.5 cm |
Best for reclining garden furniture
Wayfairwww.wayfair.co.uk
Nothing quite says lounging than a set of comfy and gorgeous sun loungers. The Berkhamsted Reclining Sun Lounger Set with Cushions and Table comes complete with 2 loungers, 1 side table, and cushions. The seat has 5 adjustable positions to give maximum relaxation and comfort.
There is a bit of assembly to do, but users weren't put off as "the instructions were clear and easy to follow". Many loved how comfortable the loungers are and that it reminds them of being on holiday, which is just want you want on a summer staycation!
Pros
- Loungers are adjustable and can be laid fully flat
- All-weather resistant steel frame and wicker
Cons
- Backrest is not able to be folded forward
| Material: | PE rattan and steel |
| Size: | Lounger: 200L x 73W x 103H cm, Side Table: 40W x 40D x 40H cm |
Garden dining furniture sets:
Best 6-seater garden furniture
AmazonBe prepared for any outdoor dining experience with this stylish and comfortable Hectare garden dining set. With a sunshade parasol, this furniture is perfect for keeping you protected and cool on those sunny days, so you can relax with no stress.
Pros
- Reversible patterned cushions are stylish
- Parasol has a crank for easy usage
Cons
- Hole for parasol may be slightly off
| Material: | Powder-coated steel furniture, tempered glass tabletop and polyester-covered cushions |
Best for fully-assembled garden furniture
AmazonDine al fresco in style, with this beautifully crafted table, benches and chairs set from Staffordshire Garden Furniture Handmade. Using Scandinavian redwood, this set will last you for many years to come.
We love that the set arrives fully assembled, as it means you don't have to be DIY savvy and can place the furniture directly into your garden (which is what reviewers liked, as well as the fact it's not too heavy). Thanks to the addition of the benches, you can easily fit about 6 people round the table, which is perfect for picnics or BBQs in the garden.
Pros
- No assembly required as it's delivered fully assembled
- Table has rounded edges which help to prevent accidental imagery
Cons
- Will need to add cushions if required
| Material: | Scandinavian Redwood FSC certified |
| Table: 710 x 820 x 1350mm, Bench: 945 x 1220 x 660mm |
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Best 2-seater garden furniture
AmazonBring the pub garden dining experience into your own home with this quality table and benches set, ideal for picnics, and barbecues.
It's available in a range of different sizes to cater to a range of gardens. Users say that they "love this set" as "it's sustainably delivered with minimal packaging, very good quality thick wood and easy to install".
Pros
- Flat-packed and semi-assembled
- Corrosion resistant fixtures to maintain durability
Cons
- No back rests, which may be uncomfortable for some
| Material: | Heavy-duty pressure-treated timber |
| Size: | Table: 730 x 700mm, 900 x 2400mm, Bench: 460 x 265mm |
Best for easy storage
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
De-clutter your outdoor space, with this dining set that tucks in under the table for optimum room. With four chairs and four stools, this product is ideal for family get-togethers and hosting barbecues in the summer.
Some users found the construction tricky, but said that it looks great once it's all built. They're happy that it doesn't take up too much space.
Pros
- Seats a total of 8 people
- Chairs can be tucked in for convenient storage
Cons
- A few users said construction wasn't straightforward
| Size: | Table: H75xW110xL110cm, Chair: H75xW53xD53cm |
| Material: | Metal (unspecified) frame, chair seat and back made from rattan, glass tabletop |
Best kids' garden furniture
AmazonIf you've got young kids or have grandkids that are coming to visit, why not treat them to this adorable table and bench set, ideal for enjoying picnics, playing games, or lounging on a warm day. Built to last, with weather-resistant wood and a beautiful stained finish, bring playtime outside and relax in style.
Users have praised its simple assembly instructions and overall cuteness of the product, but a couple of them have mentioned that the table can get a bit wobbly over time and may need tightening every now and again.
Pros
- Comes with matching striped cushions and parasol
- Long work benches and table make it great for all kinds of projects (e.g.: crafts, outdoor play, eating)
Cons
- May have to retighten with an Allen key
| Material: | Weather-resistant wood and fabric |
FAQs
How do I choose garden furniture?
There are a few things you should bear in mind before falling in love with a garden furniture set.
• First of all, think about the space you have to play with. You don't want a huge rattan sofa set that will take up your entire patio space if you also plan to have a BBQ, potted plants or dining table in the same area.
• Consider what you spend most of your time doing outdoors. Do you usually dine al fresco? Have friends round for a cuppa? It's wise to prioritise what you spend your money on based on what you'll get the most use out of.
• If you live in a part of the UK where it rains a lot, it's worth investing in all-weather furniture that doesn't need to be stored away during the wetter months of the year. Similarly, if you don't have much storage space in your shed or garage, the all-weather garden furniture will be more suitable.
• Finally, set yourself a budget. Some garden furniture sets are very affordable, but they might not last as long as some of the more expensive options. However, if a cheaper set works for your budget, you can take good care of it to help it last.
What garden furniture is trending in 2024?
There are plenty of fun and stylish garden furniture trends for 2024, but here are a few of our favourites.
•Hanging egg chairs – these are big for 2024, and are versatile as they can be hung outdoors or indoors.
•Solutions for small spaces – many people are looking for small garden ideas and options that will suit whatever outdoor space they have at hand, including balconies and small patios.
•That holiday feeling – people are looking to create an oasis in their gardens, think hammocks, bright colours, hot tubs and daybeds.
•Eco-friendly – our impact on the environment has only become more apparent in recent years, which means shoppers are looking for sustainable options, like timber, bamboo and recycled materials.
What type of garden furniture is most durable?
How durable a garden furniture set is will depend on the material it's made of. Here are some of the most durable furniture options:
• Synthetic rattan
• Steel
• Wood
• Cast aluminium
• Cast iron
Rattan vs wicker garden furniture
What's the difference between wicker garden furniture and rattan garden furniture? While often used interchangeably, there is a difference.
Rattan is a material, whereas wicker is a style of weave. You might have come across a piece of furniture that features wicker rattan weave, which means that the material is rattan, but the style is woven.
Rattan is a strong fibrous plant, similar to bamboo, which reveals a versatile but hardy material that can be woven into a large variety of shapes. While it looks great and is sustainable, it can be damaged by sun and rain, so synthetic options are available to combat this.
You'll more than likely be familiar with wicker, as it's been used for thousands of years in making all sorts of furniture, such as chairs, boxes, picnic baskets and more.
Can you leave rattan furniture outside?
Synthetic rattan furniture (made from moulded resin) is fine to be kept outdoors all year round, but we'd recommend covering it with a PVC garden furniture cover or keeping it stored in your shed to protect it from the elements and make sure it lasts for years to come.
Natural rattan is strong and durable, but like wooden furniture sets, is susceptible to damage from the elements, so should be stored away during the wetter months or expertly covered to preserve its natural charm.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV and film. She enjoys cooking, theatre trips and spending time with her many pets.