The best outdoor furniture: Our editors’ picks of the most stylish lounge pieces and dining setups built for chic summer hosting
As we throw open the back doors and step into hosting season, we’ve rounded up the ultimate outdoor furniture picks to instantly transform your patio into a stunning entertainment hotspot for the warmer months
After months of chilly weather, the first peek of sunshine brings the excitement of long days spent outside. Whether you are planning al fresco dinner parties or quiet afternoons with a book, choosing the best outdoor furniture is essential for setting the scene.
From plush outdoor sofas to compact bistro sets, your choice should match how you love to spend your time. Materials matter too, as some designs can live outside year-round while others require winter covers or cushion storage.
Comfort and quality are just as important outside as they are indoors. To help you create your perfect retreat, we’ve selected our favourite stylish, durable pieces to elevate any size garden, patio, or balcony.
Best outdoor furniture sets
From fully coordinated dining arrangements to plush sofa and coffee table pairings, these beautifully curated sets make it easy to bring the living room outdoors. Designed to endure the seasons, they instantly transform your patio or terrace into a cohesive, stylish retreat.
Investing in a cohesive outdoor layout means looking for materials that handle the elements without losing their character. This four-piece garden lounge set relies on durable, warm-toned acacia wood to anchor the space, paired with season-resistant cushions that transition effortlessly from sharp spring mornings to long summer afternoons.
The most unique piece we have seen this year, this wooden corner lounge set completely redefines standard patio styling. Shifting away from predictable neutrals, it pairs a crisp wooden frame with an eye-catching orange and brown checkered pattern, making it a spectacular focal point for a design-forward patio.
This six-piece Riviera patio set has been doing the rounds on social media lately, and it’s easy to see why it caught everyone’s attention. Channelling a chic, high-end hotel vibe, it breaks away from standard, boring garden furniture by layering bold green and white stripes across the cushions and matching parasol, complete with elegant scalloped framing.
This five-seater wicker lounge set brings indoor living room comfort outside. Its wrap-around layout is tailor-made for evening hosting, featuring a perfectly positioned low table that keeps drinks and small bites within easy reach for your guests.
Ditching predictable grey and rattan is the quickest way to give a patio some real personality. This six-seater dining set by Made.com embraces a rich, warm terracotta hue, pairing a minimalist metal frame with sleek lines to bring an effortlessly contemporary, Mediterranean feel to your garden dinners.
For smaller terraces or quiet garden corners, a bulky furniture set can easily overwhelm the space. This OKA bistro set opts for a lighter footprint, utilising intricately twisted grey metal to offer a romantic, vine-like aesthetic that feels beautifully integrated with surrounding greenery.
An outdoor area shouldn’t force a choice between dining and lounging. This compact rattan mini corner sofa set solves the dilemma with a dual-height table, shifting seamlessly from a low coffee table to a comfortable dining height for six.
An easy way to instantly cheer up a compact balcony or a small patio corner is to skip predictable neutrals. Finished in a punchy, sunny yellow, this compact string lounge set injects a vibrant, carnival energy directly into your outdoor space.
Arriving in a single, convenient box, this four-piece lounge set matches a sleek steel frame with plush, cloud-like cushions. The standout feature is its unique brown and white striped colourway, offering a fresh, sophisticated spin on classic neutral styling.
Best outdoor seating
Whether you are looking for a standalone statement lounger for a cosy balcony or a pair of plush, inviting armchairs for the terrace, these outdoor seating options bring living room comfort into the open air with weather-resistant durability.
There is no quicker way to inject traditional, nostalgic holiday charm into your lawn or patio than with a timeless deck chair. This design features an adjustable acacia wood frame complete with armrests, pairing ultimate poolside comfort with a candy-red stripe that demands sunshine.
This Parisian-style bistro chair brings instant vintage charm to your patio. It pairs a hand-painted red frame resembling classic bentwood with a playful, red-striped synthetic seagrass, offering a durable design that handles the elements while looking effortlessly artisanal.
Part of Bramblecrest’s exclusive collection for Burford Garden Company, the Barley Double Hanging Cocoon is the ultimate restful retreat. It pairs a walnut rattan-effect weave with plump cushions, offering space for two to sway in complete comfort.
The Hiray three-seater outdoor sofa relies on an airy, minimalist frame made from slender welded steel wires. Its standout feature is the unique dark red finish, which anchors the terrace with a sophisticated pop of colour beneath the plush cushions.
We love the contrast of solid teak against the tactile woven resin, while the subtle dashes of colour in the weave keep the look fresh. Unlike delicate garden seating that requires constant shelter, the robust timber frame beautifully handles changing weather.
Aside from its light, summery presence, this handcrafted rattan sofa has been made using traditional steam-bending techniques and reinforced with rawhide joints for lasting strength, making it ideal for a garden room or conservatory.
This honey-toned lounger works beautifully as a poolside retreat or a standalone statement piece on the terrace, and is made of lightweight aluminum and an open-lattice all-weather wicker for supreme durability.
Made.com’s outdoor lounge chair looks every bit as plush and inviting as its indoor styles, bringing the living room outdoors for a cosy feel. The Samaya chair can be customised in three statement colourways, including this cool green stripe.
The Cotswold Company’s Daylesford set looks every bit as handsome and inviting as its indoor country styles. Crafted from exceptionally durable acacia wood, the eye-catching lounge chair features a clever, pull-out footstool that easily tucks away when not in use.
Best outdoor tables
From striking pedestal designs built for hosting al fresco dinners to compact, railing-friendly folding frames made for apartment balconies, these outdoor tables anchor your setup with reliable durability. They are the perfect functional foundation for any terrace or garden layout.
This side table is a truly unique piece that functions as a functional sculpture, defined by its bold, minimalist column base. Crafted from weather-proof powder-coated metal, it makes a statement on its own or paired with matching metal lounge furniture for a contemporary terrace arrangement.
Aside from its beautifully simple silhouette, this four-seater dining table is a good solid piece made of ethically sourced, high-quality teak designed to withstand the elements year-round. Why not pair it with mismatched chairs for a relaxed, collected look?
This folding table is cleverly designed to maximise even the tightest outdoor footprints without losing an ounce of style. Perfect for flats, apartments, or houses blessed with a cosy balcony, the compact frame hooks right onto a railing to completely optimise your outdoor square footage.
A true statement design and a future heirloom, the Artichaut table features a sculptural, artichoke-inspired pedestal base crafted from substantial reconstituted stone. It can be paired with coordinating grey seats or contrasting navy linen chairs for a layered, interior-designer look.
Pair this clever grey nest of coffee tables with sleek metal or woven wicker chairs for a curated patio look. Perfect for compact terraces, the space-saving circular frames neatly slot together to completely optimise your outdoor square footage.
Pair this peppy concrete side table with a sleek sun lounger or hanging chair for a curated patio look. Perfect for injecting a beautiful zesty green into your setup, the glossy, enamel-like surface is resilient enough to handle outdoor elements year-round.
How to choose the best garden furniture
When you are selecting outdoor furniture, consider how it will be used and where each piece will live. There should be a balance between practicality and style, especially if you are investing in statement pieces or sets with a view to them lasting for years.
While timeless shapes and designs suit most gardens, it is important to note current trends for design-led outdoor areas. ‘Neutral tones and tactile textures are trending right now,’ reveals Lou Graham, co-founder of homeware brand Graham and Green. ‘These bring a soft, relaxed aesthetic that works beautifully with greenery.’
That said, most experts agree that buying a style to suit your taste is the smartest option. ‘While rope and woven furniture is becoming increasingly sought after, and neutral colourways continue to be popular, your outdoor space should be an expression of your personality,’ advises James Bentley, director at garden furniture brand Charles Bentley. ‘Quality furniture is built to outlive any trend.’
‘Pick for place, people and purpose,’ says Katie McKendrick, brand stylist at luxury outdoor furniture brand Bramblecrest. ‘The right set should feel seamless in your setting: think about the surroundings, are they more classic or contemporary? Consider the foliage, backdrop and flooring or if there is an overall colour scheme.’
‘Then consider whether you spend more time dining, lounging or a mix of both. For example, a multifunctional sofa set could be a great choice if you like to relax in the sun, but if you want to focus on hosting, choose a more formal dining set. Finally, consider numbers. Too little seating for regular guests will see you adding mismatched chairs, while too much seating can feel cumbersome.’
Selecting furniture made from materials that are durable, weather-resistant and low maintenance while remaining comfortable is key. There is a wide variety on offer, which includes:
Wood: Timber used for outdoor furniture, which includes acacia, teak and oak, is rich in natural oils and hard-wearing, giving it excellent weather resistance. However, the elements will take their toll over time: some woods will crack if not protected, while you will need to sand and oil others, such as teak, to maintain colour and reduce silvering.
Metal: Strong and generally low maintenance, metal is a common choice for outdoor furniture. One of the most popular is aluminium, but you will also find the weightier option of steel or iron. “Powder-coated aluminium is lightweight, rust-resistant, and modern,” explains Bentley. ‘Whereas others need more care: for example, wrought iron is heavier and more traditional but needs rust protection.’ Look for metals that have some kind of rust resistance to keep furniture looking good, such as galvanising or power-coating.
Rattan: A natural and renewable vine-like fibrous palm, rattan is a classic outdoor furniture material. Pieces tend to be lightweight and, as they are woven from a natural material, well-ventilated and breathable: perfect for humid days. However, natural rattan has poor weather resistance if untreated, becoming faded by UV over time. Untreated rattan also needs to be stored under cover to prevent it from becoming wet, too, as this can lead to rot.
An alternative is synthetic rattan: made from resin or synthetic polymers, it is low maintenance, and usually UV-resistant and weatherproof. You may see both types referred to as ‘wicker’: this is the weaving technique used to make the furniture, not a different material.
Plastic: Long-lasting and weather-resistant with minimal upkeep, plastic can include many different materials. The most common material for garden furniture is UV-resistant PE (polyethene). ‘Plastic is often affordable but be mindful of quality to avoid fading and brittleness,’ suggests Graham.
How to protect your garden furniture from the weather
While some materials are naturally more resilient than others, how many years your outdoor furniture stays looking good will depend as much on how you care for it. This is why it is essential to choose furniture with UV-resistant coatings or materials, rust-proof frames and quick-drying, easy-to-clean fabrics. For example, some timbers may feature sealants or topcoats to give them extra resistance against weathering, while powder-coating metal helps stop rust from setting in.
‘Quick-drying cushions with covers you can spot clean are essential for a long summer of use, particularly when any afternoon can be punctuated by showers,’ advises Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography and film at luxury homeware brand Cox & Cox. ‘Wherever possible, overwinter garden furniture under cover, either in a shed or garage and bring cushions indoors. At the very least, use a breathable outdoor furniture cover to keep the frames protected.’
Cover with a waterproof material
Ali Wooldridge, co-founder of garden furniture company Gardenesque, advises homeowners on the best protection and treatment tips for garden furniture to uphold its quality and appearance:
If you’re short on storage space, Wooldridge suggests safeguarding all varieties of garden furniture by using a high-quality, waterproof, and airtight cover to preserve its durability over time.
‘Ensure that you regularly lift and waft your covering to allow airflow and prevent condensation, as this can lead to mildew, and in worst-case scenarios, mould or rust,’ warns Wooldridge.
Apply relevant treatments
Applying the appropriate treatment will provide optimal protection and ensure a pristine appearance for your garden furniture.
Wooldridge recommends using teak oil or varnish on hardwood furniture like eucalyptus or oakwood to prevent moisture from penetrating the wood or any natural crevices and fissures, ‘apply varnish or teak oil that is specifically for hardwood at least twice a year to keep it in optimum condition and protect the wood from moisture and rain.’
When it comes to metal furniture, Wooldridge adds, ‘most people think that metal is weatherproof, and whilst it is more durable than other materials, many metals will need a regular polish or wax to protect from moisture and rust through colder and wetter weather.
‘However, powder-coated aluminium, which we favour in our products, can withstand many weather states and is very durable, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice. There’s only a need to treat if the powder coating is damaged’, states Wooldridge.
Remember to store away your outdoor furniture
Many believe that rainfall is the primary cause of wooden deterioration, but Wooldridge says, ‘it’s the combination of rain and cold temperatures that cause the most damage for the likes of timber and eucalyptus wood. When the temperature drops below zero, any water and moisture within the wood will freeze and then thaw once temperatures rise, causing the wood to swell.’
To prevent interior damage to your wooden outdoor furniture, it’s crucial to store it in a dry, covered location like a shed or garage, especially for softer woods, since they are porous.
Apply UV protection to rattan and hardwood outdoor furniture
To keep rattan and hardwood garden furniture looking fresh and new, a UV protective treatment can be applied.
‘Some rattan furniture, such as our rattan collection, is made from plastic, and so tends to be more durable against UV rays. However, you might want to consider UV protection treatments in either spray or wax form to ensure they don’t fade when exposed to continuous UV rays over a prolonged time,’ claims Wooldridge.
Alternatively, she suggests shielding the furniture with a parasol or placing it in a shaded area to block UV rays.
Fasten down furniture during high winds
Although hardwood garden furniture can withstand the typical UK wind speeds, during stormy weather, Wooldridge recommends securing your furniture if storage space is unavailable. This applies to wood, rattan, or metal furniture, ensuring it remains grounded and doesn’t get blown away.
Regularly clean your outdoor furniture
Wooldridge recommends routinely removing any debris, particularly from rattan or woven furniture, where dirt, twigs, and leaves may become lodged in the crevices.
‘Furniture covers will also protect from leaves, dirt and garden debris that may be blown onto the furniture’, she concludes.
Space-saving considerations for garden furniture
If space is at a premium, opt for space-saving flexible furniture. ‘Choose stackable chairs, bar stools and even loungers that can be stacked on top of each other and stored away when not in use,’ suggests Alex Bridgman, CEO of luxury outdoor furniture brand Bridgman. ‘Pair with a foldable table and it is a set that you can effortlessly move to one side whenever you choose.’
Folding bistro sets are a classic choice for small gardens or limited outdoor spaces, or you can opt for ‘double-duty’ furniture. ‘A storage chest can serve as both an outdoor toy box and a coffee table – it is a great multi-use piece,’ says Le Vaillant. Alternatively, use the chest for additional outdoor cushions or throws. Many sofa sets have storage within them too.
If space is less of an issue but you are keen to include some garden storage ideas to prevent a cluttered feel, multifunctional pieces can deliver. ‘Look for adjustable sets,’ says McKendrick. ‘For example, those that allow you to lower the table for cocktails and coffee, and raise the table for more formal meals, meaning you do not have to choose between a dining and lounging set. Modular sofas are also good for space saving as they tuck neatly into corners.’
Garden furniture sustainability and longevity
Sustainability means choosing responsibly sourced or repurposed materials as well as pieces built to last. ‘Eco-conscious materials are growing in popularity: reclaimed teak, recycled aluminium and responsibly sourced rattan are great options,’ says Graham. ‘Plus, choosing timeless, well-made furniture is, in itself, a more sustainable approach.’
Look for furniture made from FSC-certified wood to ensure responsible forestry practices, recycled plastics, antique galvanised metal and aluminium (as it is easily recycled). Alternatively, fast-growing natural materials, such as rattan and bamboo, are regarded as good eco options.
Some brands have a firm focus on sustainability. Oxenwood, for example, only uses oak that is European-certified under FSC and/or PEFC forest management systems, and reclaimed teak, while Charles Bentley uses FSC-certified wood. Brigdman uses recyclable synthetic HDPE rattan, FSC-certified wood and wood-based elements, and will repair damaged furniture for free to prolong its lifespan.
With your new setup ready, you are all set for everything from quiet afternoon reading sessions beneath a parasol to hosting the ultimate summer garden party.
As stated by the experts above, protecting your investment is the final step, so be sure to shield your pieces from the unpredictable British weather using something like this durable outdoor furniture cover from Amazon. Taking this simple step ensures your stylish retreat stays fresh, clean, and ready for the sunshine year after year.
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