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Finding the best garden furniture for your outside space will instantly transform your outdoor living area, providing you with somewhere to relax, entertain and dine alfresco, and enabling you to extend your living space out onto the patio or decking during the warmer months of the year.
There's a whole host of outdoor furniture styles to choose from, whether you're looking for a garden dining table and chairs, a relaxed outdoor corner sofa, or a sociable lounge set to arrange around one of this year's best BBQs in your outdoor kitchen.
In this edit, we've rounded up all of the Ideal Home team's top garden furniture buys, taking into consideration style, practicality – such as low maintenance upkeep and space-saving storage – durability, and, of course, budget.
Garden furniture sales
Looking for a bargain? We have you covered with this quick list of the best garden furniture sales happening right now. Plus, for more ways to save, make sure to take advantage of these exclusive Ideal Home garden discount codes.
Marks & Spencer: up to 25% off garden furniture
John Lewis: up to 30% off garden furniture & BBQs
Homebase: up to 50% off bestselling garden furniture
B&Q: up to 40% off garden furniture
Garden Trading: up to 60% off great quality garden furniture
Barker and Stonehouse: up to 20% off garden furniture
The best garden furniture of 2024
Why you can trust Ideal Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best garden table and chairs
Take advantage of alfresco dining whenever the weather is warm enough – or even when it's not if you add one of the best patio heaters – by investing in a quality table and chairs. If you have a small garden or balcony, a foldable bistro set is an excellent option that will allow you to maximise space when it's not in use. Or for larger areas, a timeless rattan dining table and chairs, or classic wooden dining set are both options that will weather the trends.
Seats: 2 Table dimensions: H71 x Dia.60cm Materials: powder-coated steel Assembly: fully assembled
This space-saving bistro set offers a stylish solution for small outdoor dining areas. Available in four colours, the table and two-chair set fold so it can be stored away easily when it's not in use allowing you to enjoy weekend brunch alfresco no matter the size of your patio, courtyard, or balcony.
View more like this at Amazon
Seats: 4 Table dimensions: H74 x W150 x D90cm Materials: powder-coated steel & PE-rattan Assembly: self-assembly
Whilst the powder-coated steel frame means that this dining set needs to be covered or stored inside during winter months to prolong its lifespan, it does make it an affordable buy. The chairs are stackable to save on storage space, and the 'see-through' bamboo-effect chairs are perfect for a smaller patio as they don't block the view.
View more like this at Habitat
Seats: 4 Table dimensions: H75 x W127 x D80cm Materials: powder-coated steel & PE rattan Assembly: partial assembly
This compact dining set with bench seating is a great option for a modern outdoor space. The bench seats slide neatly under the table to save on space, or if you want more room not less, then there are plenty of matching lines in the wider Lois garden furniture collection to create a coordinated look.
View more like this at M&S
Seats: 4 Table dimensions: H72.5 x Dia.100.5cm Materials: powder-coated steel & PE-rattan Assembly: self-assembly
Another savvy solution for smaller spaces, this oak-effect outdoor dining table allows the curved chairs to slide underneath when not in use for a compact footprint. The grey seat and back cushions are included, you'll just need somewhere to store them in bad weather. Handily, the cushion covers are also removable for easy cleaning. The powder-coated steel construction set will need covering or storing inside over winter.
View more like this at Habitat
Seats: 6 Table dimensions: H75 x Dia.140cm Materials: PE-rattan and aluminium Assembly: self-assembly
Opt for the four or six-seat version of this aluminium-framed PE-rattan dining set and you'll get a hardwearing, durable, and timeless design that will suit a wide range of garden and patio styles. Low-maintenance and easy to care for, the rust-resistant frame means the set can be left outside all year round making for hassle-free alfresco dining. It's more of an investment as a result, but we think worth it for the longevity it offers.
View more like this at Homebase
Seats: 6 Table dimensions: H76 x W195 x D95cm Materials: Teak wood, PE-rattan, and aluminium Assembly: self-assembly
This statement outdoor dining set is an investment, but it's both stylish and built to last. The sturdy and durable teak table is complemented by six lightweight and rust-resistant PE-rattan and aluminium-framed chairs. Both the table (that comes in a 195cm or 240cm width) and chairs are available to purchase separately if you prefer to mix and match your look.
View more like this at Barker And Stonehouse
Best places to shop for garden tables and chairs:
- Wayfair: huge selection of outdoor dining sets
- Argos & Habitat: on-trend and affordable options
- John Lewis: stylish and durable outdoor furniture
- Homebase: affordable and good quality
- Barker and Stonehouse: luxury garden sets that are worth the spend
Best outdoor corner sofas
An outdoor corner sofa is the epitome of laidback summer living, offering a place to relax, get comfy, and socialise whilst you fire up one of this year's best pizza ovens. Choose an L-shape for big spaces, but a chaise is a compact alternative. Look for removable – preferably shower-proof – cushion covers for easy cleaning. Don't forget you will need somewhere to store them in prolonged inclement weather, too.
Seats: 3-4 Overall dimensions: H62 x W210 x D140cm Materials: PE-rattan with steel frame Assembly: self-assembly
Available in two colour options – natural and grey – this affordable L-shaped corner sofa offers compact seating for three (four at a push) with cushions and a glass-topped coffee table included. Its affordability is down to the powder-coated steel frame which likely won't offer as much long-term durability as an aluminium-framed option, but, the price point is certainly tempting, and storing it in the garage over winter or adding an outdoor furniture cover should protect it from the worst of the elements.
View more like this at Homebase
Seats: 3-4 Overall dimensions: H62.5 x W193 x D140cm Materials: PE-rattan with steel frame Assembly: self-assembly
Another affordable rattan-effect chaise garden sofa, this Habitat option is also available in two colour choices – this time dark brown and grey. It comes in ever-so-slightly smaller in width than Homebase's similarly priced Alexandria sofa, and this option offers a cushion-topped footstool (opposed to Homebase's glass-topped table) that doubles as hidden storage. The lower price point again means a powder-coated steel frame, so it's recommended to cover or store the set inside during the winter months to prolong its lifespan.
View more like this at Habitat
Seats: 5 Overall dimensions: H64 x W240 x D240cm Materials: aluminium and FSC teak wood Assembly: partial self-assembly
Made from rust-resistant aluminium and hardwearing FSC certified teak wood, the materials of this contemporary outdoor sofa are as outdoor-resilient as you can get. Unlike a steel-framed option, it can be left outside all year round, meaning it's both low maintenance and stress-free in terms of storage. The corner sofa comes with a wooden-topped coffee table and padded cushions included. We're big fans of those handy built-in side shelves which are ideal for resting a drink or two.
View more like this at Homebase
Seats: 4 Overall dimensions: H66.5 x W202 x D202cm Materials: PE-rattan with aluminium frame Assembly: partial self-assembly
A rattan garden corner sofa offers a timeless look that blends with most garden styles. This classic design from John Lewis & Partners is made from a high-quality, rust and weather-resistant aluminium frame with a low-maintenance PE-rattan upper. There's also a good selection of matching outdoor furniture in John Lewis' Alora garden furniture collection, including a set of two stylish garden dining chairs, and both a bistro and four-seater garden dining table to complete your outdoor living space and increase room for guests.
View more like this at John Lewis
Seats: 7 Table dimensions: H67 x W150 x D80cm Materials: PE-rattan and aluminium Assembly: self-assembly
This versatile rattan corner sofa dining set is a great investment. The weather-resistant PE-rattan upper with rust-resistant aluminium frame means it can be left outside all year round (minus the cushions), so no worrying about over-winter storage. You also get a lot of furniture for your money, with the five-seater corner sofa and ample dining table accompanied by two padded footstools that can be used to turn the sofa into a chaise for some laidback R&R, or used as extra seating around the table.
View more like this at Homebase
Seats: 5+ Overall dimensions: H67 x W239 x D164cm Materials: Acacia wood Assembly: fully assembled
Delivered fully assembled (apart from the armchair), this acacia wood sofa offers generous seating and swoon-worthy good looks that are perfect for a contemporary courtyard or classic patio space. As well as the two and three-seater sofa, plus a generous armchair, the set also includes a spacious coffee table. There's also a great range of coordinating furniture, although you will need to factor in somewhere to store it over winter, or an outdoor furniture cover to protect it from the worst of the elements.
View more like this at Garden Trading
Best places to shop for outdoor corner sofas:
- Argos & Habitat: affordable outdoor sofa sets
- Barker and Stonehouse: large range of stylish options
- Homebase: durable outdoor furniture at reasonable prices
- Garden Trading: timeless sofa sets that will weather the trends
- Maze Living: luxury weather-resistant investment pieces
Best garden lounge sets
A garden lounge set is a great way to add a dedicated relaxation or entertaining zone your space. Add an outdoor rug and group your furniture around it – as you would in a living room – to create a sociable area where you can lounge with family or enjoy coffee with friends. Or, arrange around one of the best fire pits for a night-time focal point.
Seats: 4 Sofa dimensions: H79 x W125.5 x D68cm Materials: PE-rattan and steel Assembly: minimal assembly
This stylish grey Acapulco-style outdoor lounge set is a great option for a modern space. Just throw some cushions into the cocoon seats or loveseat and you have the perfect spot to while away a sunny afternoon. Made from PE-rattan and powder-coated steel, this four-seater set will be best stored under cover during the worst of the British weather, but opting for steel rather than aluminium-framed outdoor furniture does make for a significant upfront saving. The chairs are stackable too if you need to put them in a shed or garage.
View more like this at Habitat
Seats: 5 Sofa dimensions: H82 x W173 x D72.5cm Materials: Powder-coated aluminium Assembly: self-assembly
Made from powder-coated aluminium, this contemporary lounge set is lightweight, low-maintenance, and rust-resistant. The set includes a three-seater sofa, two armchairs, and a rectangular coffee table, but if space is tight then there's also the more compact Moorea four-Seater Coffee Set to consider. The collection also includes the matching Moorea Dining Set and a coordinating sun lounger.
View more like this at B&Q
Seats: 4 Sofa dimensions: H81 x W120 x D66cm Materials: PE-rattan and steel Assembly: self-assembly
If you want to transform your outside space into an oasis of calm then this bamboo-effect outdoor lounge set from Habitat will help you to create the holiday vibes that set the tone for relaxation. There's a good range of coordinating garden furniture, including a bamboo-look outdoor bar set and stylish bistro set, although the PE-rattan and steel construction will need protection from the worst of the elements. Cushions are included, and they have stain-resistant, removable covers.
View more like this at Habitat
Seats: 4 Sofa dimensions: H70 x W155 x D79.5cm Materials: PE-rattan and aluminium Assembly: fully assembled
This compact modular lounge set has a lot going for it. Including a two-seater sofa, two armchairs, and a glass-topped coffee table, the set can easily be repositioned to create one L-shaped sofa, two separate two-seater sofas, and even a comfortable day bed for two. Its ingenious design means the armchairs can slide under the back of the sofa for storage – a feat made easier thanks to the lightweight yet durable aluminium frames.
View more like this at B&Q
Seats: 4 Sofa dimensions: H83 x W132 x D80cm Materials: PE-rattan and aluminium Assembly: self-assembly
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, the timeless Florence lounge set features a rust-resistant aluminium frame and UV-resistant resin weave which means it can be left outside all year round (excluding the seat and back cushions). The chairs don't require assembly so there's just the table with its easy-to-clean protective glass top to put together. It also comes with a good range of matching furniture in the Florence outdoor collection.
View more like this at Homebase
Seats: 4 Sofa dimensions: H75 x W151 x D82cm Materials: Acacia wood Assembly: Self assembly
Contemporary, stylish, and practical, Barker and Stonehouse's Pasco Garden Lounge Set features two armchairs, a two-seater sofa bench seat, and an oval coffee table. Crafted from acacia wood, it likely won't be quite as durable as teak wood so will benefit from being kept under cover over winter, but it is considerably cheaper and looks just as good.
View more like this at Barker And Stonehouse
Best places to shop for garden lounge sets:
- Wayfair: huge selection of garden lounge sets
- Homebase: durable materials that are reasonably priced
- John Lewis: stylish and durable outdoor lounge sets
- B&Q: affordable outdoor seating sets
- The Range: good range of outdoor living options for less
Where to shop for garden furniture in the UK
How to choose the best garden furniture for your space
To find the best garden furniture for your outside space you'll first want to think about how you intend to use your outdoor area; do you want to entertain large numbers of guests, create a family-friendly garden, or create a space to relax and unwind amongst nature in relative solitude?
If you're blessed with a large patio then zoning the garden into outdoor 'rooms' can be a great use of space, adding a garden table and chairs that are spacious enough to host friends and family around a barbecue area in the 'outdoor dining' zone, and creating a more informal seating area with a corner sofa or lounge set to relax and socialise on in 'outdoor living room' area.
If space is more limited, then you may need to combine these areas, in which case a garden sofa set that features an extendable height riser table can be a worthy investment, allowing you to easily transform your seating from a daytime coffee spot into an alfresco dining zone in the evening. Alternatively, a chaise sofa, or option that comes with padded footstools, will transform seating into a sun lounging space when the weather allows.
And, if space is at a premium then options that fold away can help you to maximise your square footage, with collapsible bistro sets offering a smart and versatile solution. Or you might just want to add a stylish egg chair, a couple of statement garden chairs, or one of this year's best garden benches to your outdoor set-up. Our small garden ideas page has plenty of small space inspiration.
What outdoor furniture materials should you opt for?
Once you've decided on the type of garden furniture layout that will work best for your lifestyle, it's time to consider the materials that outdoor furniture is made from to ensure a durable investment.
If your budget allows, then we always recommend looking for garden furniture constructed from lightweight and rust-resistant aluminum or weather-resistant hardwoods like teak, acacia, or eucalyptus. These materials are more of an investment intially, but will weather the elements for years to come so are good value over the longterm.
If affordability is your key criteria right now then garden furniture made from powder-coated steel or soft woods will offer a budget solution. However, these materials are less weather-resistant, so you'll need to factor in somewhere to store the furniture over winter, or opt for an outdoor furniture cover in order to prolong your furniture's lifespan. You can also paint, stain or treat wooden garden furniture to protect it or add some colour to your scheme.
What garden furniture does not rust?
Unlike powder-coated steel, which is prone to rusting at joints and anywhere where the coating has become chipped, aluminium-framed garden furniture is naturally rust-resistant.
For this reason aluminium garden furniture can be left outside all year round making it a super low maintenance option (although some manufacturers will still recommend sheltering it from the worst of the elements to prolong its lifespan even further).
However, this does mean aluminium-based outdoor furniture tends to be more expensive than a powder-coated steel alternative. The added durability can make it the better value investment long term though.
What is the lowest maintenance outdoor furniture material?
PE-rattan or polyrattan garden furniture is generally considered to make the lowest maintenance garden furniture. This is because the upper is made from a polyurethane plastic that has the benefit of being lightweight, waterproof, weather-resistant, and requires no regular upkeep other than a brush down to remove winter debris.
Look for PE-rattan garden furniture with an aluminium-frame, as unlike a powder-coated steel frame, aluminium is rust-resistant so can be left outside all year round without any upkeep or storage needs.
How do you clean garden furniture?
As well as utilising one of the best patio cleaners alongside one of the best pressure washers to rid your outside space of any winter grime and algae, giving your outdoor furniture a quick clean will instantly transform your patio ready for spring. Our guide to how to clean garden furniture has all the top tips you'll need.
How we selected the best garden furniture
You can click here to find out more about how we test products at Ideal Home. To find the best garden furniture for this round-up we visited the most popular outdoor stores, dived into the specifications to sort the wheat from the chaff, grilled the Ideal Home team for their expert knowledge, and asked friends and family for their top-rated products. We also took into account third-party opinions via online reviews.
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