With summer and heatwaves well underway, many of us are thinking about spending as much time in the garden as possible, which may mean that a little garden makeover is in order.
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.
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 for you.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about garden furniture, plus what to look for when choosing your new set.
Whatever your vibe – be it relaxed, rustic or modern, here are our recommendations.
Best garden furniture UK
Best garden furniture: seating options
1. EVRE Rattan Outdoor 4 Seater California Sofa Set with Coffee Table
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Lounge in style with this premium-look sofa set, designed for you to make the most out of the sunshine.
Material: Poly (synthetic) rattan, 100% polyester cushions, glass coffee table.
Review: "It looks fantastic. Easy enough to set up, but a little time-consuming. Everyone comments on how lovely it looks. Possibly because I keep sending pictures! Bought in the brown, the multi-tone shades look stunning. Really pleased with the purchase."
2. Outsunny 3-Seater Canopy Swing Chair
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Ideal for those lazy afternoons, add some fun and liven up your garden with this dreamy canopy swing.
Material: Steel, polyester.
Review: "Well built, strong and sturdy, easy to assemble. It's called a three-seater, but I think it would have to be three very thin people. It is made with good materials and is very comfortable. I would definitely recommend this product."
3. Argos Home Mini Corner Sofa Set with Storage
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Take full advantage of the sun when it comes out, with this gorgeous hand-woven rattan sofa set that will transform any outdoor space for luxury lounging.
Material: Rattan (synthetic), polyester cushions.
Review:"We'd tried to get one of these last lockdown, but they'd sold out. So, a purchase just after Christmas secured us one for lockdown 3.0. Really simple to assemble with everything you need meant no fuss. The sofa has coped well with snow on it since New Year. Comfy cushions and lots of space for our family."
4. Outsunny 6 PC Rattan Sofa & Coffee Table Set
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Bring some colour into your outdoor space with this gorgeous cream furniture set. Comfortable, durable and versatile - what more could you want?
Material: metal frame with durable, weather-resistant PE rattan wicker
Review: "Very nice and very easy to assemble. Took me and my daughter about 1.5 hours to build yesterday, and was very easy to figure out what goes where. Overall I'm super happy with this garden furniture - would definitely recommend it to a friend."
5. Yolanda 2 Seater Rattan Conversation Set
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Elevate your garden with this beautiful black and white rattan conversation set. A great value buy, it would be perfect for a large balcony or small garden!
Material: PE rattan, polyester cushions
Review: "Very happy with this set, great to enjoy your morning coffee and afternoon cocktails! Comfy and great quality would highly recommend."
6. Maevea Rattan Effect 4 Seater Coffee set
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This set's space-saving design makes it ideal for smaller outdoor areas. The armchairs store behind the sofa for easy storage, so you can keep them out of the way during the colder months.
Material: Aluminium frame, rattan (synthetic), polyester cushions, glass tabletop.
Review: "Bought this garden set three months ago and am really pleased with it, all my friends say how stylish it looks. Well worth the money, I'm even thinking of buying another one. Mine has been out in rain and no dye has come off them."
7. EVRE Bali Day Bed Outdoor Garden Furniture Set With Canopy
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For something a little different, a 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.
Material: PVC (synthetic) rattan, polyester cushions and canopy.
Review:"It can be built alone but easier with two. Very sturdy and comfortable. Only downside is the cushions tend to slide out of position every time you want to readjust your body but I solved that problem by sewing velcro strips onto the edges of them so now they stay in place when I move. All in all, it's a great buy."
8. Yaheetech Rattan Swing Egg Chair
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Hanging egg chairs are all the rage right now, providing the perfect place to put your feet up after a long day. This chair has a stylish and fashionable design, that perfectly decorates your garden and also adds a touch of elegant charm to your life.
Material: PE rattan and rust-resistant Iron material
Review: "Wow, I am loving this chair! Super easy to assemble, did it all by myself (just asked hubby to tighten the screws as I trust him better than myself) other than that, this is awesome, very comfy too! What more can I say? Arrived today, and using it already in the garden."
9. Innovators Folding Double Cocoon Egg Chair
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Kick back, relax and unwind with this double cocoon egg chair from Innovators. Constructed with high-grade aluminium and steel with faux rattan ropework, it features plush, removable deep-filled cushions and an elegant design for two people to sit side by side - this is the perfect place to enjoy sunny days this season.
Material: Durable steel and PVC rattan
Review: "Really pleased with this chair. Looks stylish and is really comfy. Instructions say 15 mins to assemble with two people. Didn't have anyone on hand so did it myself (60+female). Did take me about one and a half hours but I did it slowly. Very pleased with this product."
10. Barkhamsted Reclining Sun Lounger Set
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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.
Material: PE rattan and steel
Review: "The sunloungers were just what we were looking for and are so comfortable. Quite a bit of assembly to do but the instructions were clear and easy to follow."
Best garden furniture: dining sets
1. HECTARE Hadleigh Outdoor Dining Furniture Set
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Be prepared for any outdoor dining experience with this stylish and comfortable 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.
Material: powder-coated steel furniture, tempered glass tabletop and polyester-covered cushions.
Review:"This has to be the comfiest patio set we have ever owned. One review stated that the screws were very hard to line up, as an engineer you only tighten things up when all the screws are in place, I had no problem at all assembling the chairs, but one slight problem that the wind broke the hinge on the parasol but that's UK weather for you. Also, the cushions are made very well indeed, when the whole thing is together it looks a great addition in the garden."
2. Wooden Garden Furniture Patio Set 2 Chairs and 3-Foot Square Table
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Dine al fresco in style, with this beautifully crafted round table and chairs set. Handmade using Scandinavian redwood, this set will last you for many years to come.
Material: Scandinavian Redwood FSC certified
Review:"What a great service and the furniture looks lovely and good quality! The chairs are nice and comfy and the table has a big enough hole for my parasol. The delivery driver was really friendly, he fitted everything in 5 minutes. No hassle and very happy with everything!"
3. Victoria Compact Wooden Picnic Table and Benches Set
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Bring the pub garden dining experience into your own home with this quality table and benches set, ideal for picnics, and barbecues.
Material: Heavy-duty pressure-treated timber.
Review:"Love this set. Sustainably delivered with minimal packaging, very good quality thick wood, easy to install and when we found one bolt missing, I rang the company, the gentleman apologised, and it arrived the next day. Cannot fault any part of this purchase, it just ticks all the boxes."
4. Argos Home Rope Cube 8 Seater Patio Set
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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.
Material: Metal (unspecified) frame, chair seat and back made from rattan, glass tabletop.
Review:"Since this has been in my garden, I've had nothing but compliments and people asking where this is from. Little bit fiddly to put together, but we did it! Looks stunning in my garden. Super pleased."
5. Sofren 2 Seater Bistro Set
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Ideal for smaller spaces, this two-seater dining set looks gorgeous with its string woven back and sleek glass tabletop, perfect for a morning coffee in your garden or balcony.
Material: artificial rattan and glass
Review:" This bistro set looks stunning on my patio. Very quick and easy to put together. Love it ... just needs some colourful cushions now - great value for money too, its a lot cheaper than in other stores."
6. KidKraft Outdoor Table and Bench Set with Cushions and Umbrella
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Make the little ones feel special with 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.
Material: Weather-resistant wood and fabric
Review:"This set is perfect for my three-year-old and her friends. It is extremely sturdy and does not wobble while they are sitting even when placed in the grass. To say I am happy with my purchase is an understatement. I highly recommend! Assembly time was less than one hour by myself."
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 off, 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 2022?
There are plenty of fun and stylish garden furniture trends for 2022, but here are a few of our favourites.
• Hanging egg chairs – these are big for 2022, and are versatile as they can be hung outdoors or indoors.
• Solutions for small spaces – many people are looking for 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
Related: Garden ideas on a budget UK
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 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.