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The best garden furniture stores for outdoor tables, chairs, sofa sets and more

We're opening our sourcebook to all the best garden furniture stores
The best garden furniture stores for outdoor tables chairs sofa sets and more
Christopher Horwood
Featured in this article

Emerson Garden Sofa, fine red awning stripeRead more

Sacha Outdoor Side TableRead more

Flower Coffee Table by VitraRead more

3 / 3

What to buy: Beyond the traditional garden furniture sets, Cox & Cox have a brilliant selection of fire bowls and chimineas: the two main types of fire pit. Both were as rare as gems last summer - and with good reason. They can extend your evenings outside by hours as they keep you warm long into the night. Chiminea fire pits are best for entertaining as the chimney funnels smoke upwards and away from your guests. Bowls are the more versatile option with plenty of cooking accessories that can be bought with them.

Marlow Bistro Set
Acacia Coffee Table

Why we love it: Marks and Spencer sell almost every type of garden furniture you can imagine, from acacia wood side tables to high quality garden parasols and powder coated bistro sets. The latter are traditionally smaller and more lightweight than their garden table and chair counterparts and are at their best in compact spaces, such as balconies or patios.

What to buy: We think Marks and Spencer's bistro set offering is particularly impressive.

Porto 4 Seater Round Garden Table & Chairs, olive
Napoli 2 Seater Garden Bench

What materials make the best garden furniture?

From wood to metal and everything in between, as can be seen from the selection above, garden furniture comes in all sorts of materials and finishes. The key things to consider when looking for durable garden furniture that will stand the test of time, are how weatherproof and UV-proof are the materials used.

Wood

Wood is one of the most popular garden furniture materials for a reason - it is hardwearing, heavy-duty (the last thing you want is your new garden chair blowing away in the wind), and the natural grain and brown tones will bring a sense of warmth to a garden. Teak is a brilliant option, as the natural oils of the wood make it especially resistant to weather, and the appearance of the wood will age well over time. However, there are severe ethical and environmental concerns about teak sourced in Myanmar, where a huge amount of this wood has historically come from.

Aluminium

Aluminium is very resilient and naturally rust-resistant, unlike some metals, so it is another solid choice for your garden furniture. It's more lightweight than wood, but still sturdy. Opt for powder-coated aluminium, which has more resistance to the elements. It is also a more sustainable choice, as aluminium can be recycled at the end of the furniture's life. Some of the potential downsides include the risk of the furniture blowing over if it is too lightweight, and getting very hot to the touch from the sun on the most sweltering days.

Resin wicker

Resin wicker garden furniture is also a hardwearing, waterproof option: it is a man-made alternative to natural wicker, and won't fade or twist over time outside. It's a great way to achieve the quaint, retro wicker look with more durability. Resin wicker is plastic-like, and often is woven around a metal base, further enhancing it's strength.

Wrought iron

Wrought iron garden furniture is a classic for a reason, and an ideal choice for those wanting traditional style garden furniture. It's incredibly weighty, so will stay put on blustery days - although this could make it a challenge to move larger pieces. If left out over a long time, rust will set in, so it is important to take proper care of the furniture. Wrought iron also tends to be more expensive than something like aluminium.


More garden furniture stores to browse:

Why we love it: As their name would suggest, Garden Trading have a whole range of garden furniture and accessories on offer. We'd head here for slightly more specialist products, like potting tables or wildlife friendly products. However, they also do a fine range of traditional garden furniture, fire pits and storage: including storage boxes, bin stores and garden sheds to keep your garden clutter-free.

Aldsworth Eight Drawer Unit
Aldsworth Boot Room Unit

Why we love it: Next may be best known as a fashion brand, but it transpires that they offer a whole host more than just clothes. Next garden furniture is defined by a signature neutral colour palette and fresh sets of garden tables and chairs. If you're looking to fully furnish your patio or outdoor spaces, this is a great place to shop. Next's rattan furniture is some of the best we've seen and is fully weatherproof for your peace of mind throughout the colder months.

Sorrento Garden Bistro Set
Avarna Garden 3 Seater Sofa

Why we love it: Famed furniture destination, The Conran Shop, focuses on design-led pieces that are just as iconic as they are timeless. With designers like Daniel Schofield and Adico on their roster, you're sure to find something you love. We recommend The Conran Shop for most bigger purchases, like reclining chairs and corner sofa sets but they do smaller bits like deckchairs and outdoor lighting well too.

Mag Rectangular Coffee Table
Fold Outdoor Three Seater Sofa

Why we love it: A good option for slightly less expensive furniture, Habitat offer a great range of affordable outdoor seating. We particularly like their sweet little hanging chairs and smart bistro sets for smaller spaces like balconies or patios.

Eve 2 Seater Folding Metal Garden Bistro Set
Koral 5 Seater Wooden Garden Sofa Set

Why we love it: Award winning designer Jennifer Newman sells a range of quite iconic garden furnishings. Jennifer's style is really distinctive. It's stylish without taking itself too seriously. Her A Frame garden bench is an elevated take on the traditional picnic bench, whilst her pots and planters have the power to liven up spots that get little sun.

Linear Set
Jennifer Newman
Box Planter
Jennifer Newman

Why we love it: Over the 20 or so years they've been making garden furniture, Bramblecrest have built up a reputation for making high-quality, stylish furniture. Their price point is on the more luxury end of the scale, so these are pieces to invest in and cherish of the years. One of the best features of their website is that you can filter their products by material, so if you simply want to see what rattan sofas or aluminium frame armchairs they have, you can!

Bordeaux Teak 2 Seater Sofa with Rectangle Coffee Table & 2 Armchairs
Milan Black Cast Aluminium 2 Seat Compact Bistro Set

Why we love it: Raj Tent Club is a brilliant destination for really special pieces. They sell the most beautiful pieces of garden furniture, from parasols to tents and the most fabulous wrought iron day beds that are a lovely alternative to sun loungers. Whilst they are on the more expensive side, these furnishings are built to last, so you likely won't be replacing them in your lifetime. To elevate a space, simply add one of their benches or their Palm Springs Gunmetal Chair and you're away.

Palm Springs Gold Daybed
Palm Springs Day Bed, gunmetal

Why we love it: For all the garden accessories and lovely extras you might need, Trouva is an excellent choice. On their website you can shop from their selection of gardening tools (we think that a good set of gardening tools can be the difference between enjoying your time working in the garden and hating it), plant pots and outdoor lighting.

Blue Mira Retro Stripe Parasol
Yellow Troll Outdoor Battery LED Table Lamp

Why we love it: Swedish flat pack retailer IKEA sell an enormous selection of lovely furniture for your garden. They have some really excellent 2-in-1 options, like garden benches with hidden storage or shelving units that double as potting benches, so don't overlook their outside offering!

NÄMMARÖ, Four Seat Conversation Set
NÄMMARÖ Lounge Chair

Why we love it: For stylish investment pieces and the very best of UK craftsmanship, look no further than Gaze Burvill. The Hampshire based garden furniture shop produce made to order pieces as well as beautiful ‘off the rack’ sets, so you'll undoubtedly find the right furnishing for you.

Acorn Wolf
Broadwalk Tree Spiral Bench

Why we love it: RH have long produced stylish and attractive garden furniture - something that's more difficult to find than you might imagine. The Malta is our pick of the bunch. Don’t worry too much about making sure everything coordinates, there’s something really charming and welcoming about mismatched garden furniture.

Sedona Teak Sofa
Sedona Teak Swivel Lounge Chair

Why we love it: The high street stalwart is your best bet for bigger furnishings, so we recommend purchasing either a garden sofa or set of garden chairs, as well as home tech equipment such as pizza ovens and barbecues.

What to buy: An outdoor sofa is a great, hardworking piece of furniture that can be used to spend languorous afternoons reading but also as a back up bit of extra seating around the garden table. They come in a wealth of sizes, from love seats to two seater sofas to corner sofas. John Lewis' range are really comfortable, hard wearing and affordable. Alternatively, opt for something from their even more affordable range, Anyday, which offers John Lewis's famed quality for more affordable prices.

Platform Modular 4-Seater Garden Lounging Set
Anyday Camden 2-Seater Garden Bistro Table & Chairs Set, burnt orange

Frequently asked questions

What is the best garden furniture to buy?

The best garden furniture for you will be largely dependent on the amount of space you have. If you have a small garden, or even just a tiny rooftop or balcony garden, the most versatile thing to buy is a smart little bistro set in rattan or metal. A larger garden would benefit from a set with sofa, chairs and coffee table, or a garden dining table and chairs, to create a sitting or dining room outdoors in warmer weather. These larger sets are especially suited to bigger families or people who like to host garden gatherings with groups of friends in spring and summer. Consider the style of the inside of your house and its furniture when choosing garden furniture - we love the idea of the garden being an extension of the house, and the right style of outdoor furniture has a big part to play in that.

Rattan is particularly on trend at the moment and has a pleasing vintage look, especially the French café-style sets that we're seeing all over the high street at the moment. Rattan effect, or faux-rattan, is a practical choice too as it is more weather resistant and can be cleaned with soapy water. Teak and acacia wood furniture is designed to be left out all year around. Metal garden furniture tends to be cheaper and we love the classic options made by Garden Trading.

How to use garden furniture to zone an outside space

Should you be lucky enough to have a bit more space to play with, like a generous patio, creating different zones can help you make the most it. Of course, there are one million different variations to choose from but, ultimately, having an area to relax in and an area for alfresco dining will suit most needs.

In the former, using a sofa set, or lounge set, creates a more laidback atmosphere, designating an area for putting your feet up, sipping on an aperol spritz and reading a book on a warm afternoon. Grounding the pieces with a coffee table, or an outdoor rug, will create a very pleasant outdoor living room of sorts. If you are working with a smaller space, a corner sofa centred around a fire pit can result in a lovely entertaining area.

And why not set up a proper outdoor dining room? This will provide a delightful place to host lunches and dinners, and it's sheer heaven to eat breakfast outside on the first warm spring morning day. Opt for an outdoor dining set which boasts a dining table and armchairs for a smart, cohesive look. Alternatively, a table set with foldable seats will also make a nice choice and can be put away should you need the floor space.

How do I decorate my garden with furniture?

Once you've got the basics of your garden table and chairs in place, you can think about the optional extras that make a seating area prettier and more practical. Don't forget to decorate your outdoor space just as you would a room indoors. Placing some smart, weatherproof seat cushions on cheaper garden chairs can quickly revive them, so do think about how to upcycle what you have before buying new. Pick up some cheerful plant pots and create a little container garden, buy some festoon lights to hang from the trees (this will also make the garden look pretty as you look out at it from indoors), and find some cushions in bright fabrics to add comfort and texture. For outdoor dining, we like to use more colourful, rustic picnicware to create an informal feel.

Given the vagaries of British weather, you may want some sort of shelter or parasol in place. For warmth and for outdoor cooking, you might consider getting a fire pit or a more advanced piece of gear for cooking outdoors.

For more on plants and seeds, head to our guide on the best garden centres in the UK.

Can garden furniture be left outdoors all year round?

While some garden furniture can maintain its condition if left out year-round (teak furniture is desirable partly because of this), others will corrode, rust or wear if exposed to rain and the harsher winter weather. Generally, powder-coated aluminium and synthetic rattan are hardy enough to be left out all year. Wrought iron is prone to rusting if kept out. Certain types of wood are more susceptible to rotting in persistent damp conditions, and natural wicker looks wonderful, but will not cope well in wet weather. Some garden furniture can withstand staying out as long as you cover it in the off season, although this might not be the prettiest solution. Any upholstered cushions or seat pads should be washed and stored inside during the colder and wetter months. To give your garden furniture as long a life as possible, we would recommend storing it away when not in use, in a garage or similar, if you have the storage space and the furniture can be manoeuvred fairly easily.