The best garden furniture is an all-year round buy, so even though the summer is well and truly over, you can still find some gorgeous pieces that will see you through sunny wintery days and well into 2021.
So which are the top buys right now? Our picks include small garden-friendly sets, stylish outdoor dining tables and chairs, garden sofas, super chic bars and pretty garden swings. We have chosen pieces in all materials – hardwearing wood, stylish metal and weatherproof rattan – so there are a range of price points to choose from too.
Keep reading to see the top outdoor furniture for every budget, or if you already know you're after wooden designs instead then make sure you check out our guide to the best wooden garden furniture to find your favourite pick.
The best garden furniture 2021
Looking for a dining set to give your garden a contemporary for relaxed feel? This sofa set from Argos would be perfect.
Rattan effect
If you love real rattan furniture but it's not a practical choice for your garden, this set is made from Polyrattan so you still get that lovely, textured effect but this is much more hardwearing and can withstand the odd shower. Just make sure you do bring it in or cover if the rain is really torrential.
Plenty of seating
Outdoor sofas always provide way more seating despite not taking up loads of room, and with this set you get a sofa and two chairs, plus a coffee table for perching your tipple on. They are super comfy thanks for all the cushions that come with it and you can always adding your own plus a few throws to make it the perfect winter alfresco set up for clear crisp days.
If you’re looking to seat six round your table with ease, but don’t want a dining set that requires loads of space, the large Camley Table Set could be the one for your outdoor space.
Smaller footprint
This set teams a table with stools rather than chairs. Result? When they’re not in use the seats sit neatly under the table so they won’t take up more than their fair share of a small outdoor space.
Great design
We like the slatted teak of the table and chairs, which would complement a modern garden design beautifully. There is a two-seater version perfect for balconies and small courtyard gardens, too.
Rather than the conventional table and chairs bistro set, how about this marble-effect garden bar table and two stools, which will make space for mixing and sipping cocktails in the sunshine.
Cocktail maker
This garden bar has a lower shelf, cutting board for preparing fruit and three metal storage drawers for ice and bar tools, so you’ll be all set.
Smart stools
The stools that come as part of this set have footrests and backs so you can sit out in comfort and style as the sun goes down.
Never mind if the flowers aren’t blooming: you can add a burst of summer colour to your garden with the Ipanema Rattan Effect Sofa Set.
Two tables
There’s room for everyone to set their drinks down with this set’s two tables, making for long relaxed gatherings in the sun.
Balcony friendly
Try this set if your outdoor space is a balcony or a small terrace terrace as it’s made for both situations.
Made for dining but great as seating on a balcony or patio, the Bosco Garden Dining Bench will fit two or three.
Subtle seating
In garden friendly green and taupe, this woven design will complement your garden’s palette and the long low shape won’t overtake even a small space.
Matching chairs
You can team this design with a dining table, matching chairs, or even use inside and out if you don’t want to accumulate too much furniture to move home with.
Need a garden dining set for the whole family? The beautiful LaMode set is up to the task.
Sturdy and weatherproof
The hand-woven wicker is tough and weather resistant, making this set suitable for leaving outdoors all year round.
Wood-effect tabletop
The wood-effect tabletop is sturdy and durable and creates a slightly rustic look that will look great in most gardens. What's more you can combine this set with any other pieces from the La Mode range.
Mix of sofa and seats
The mix of seating means this set is great for lounging in the garden, you could even use the sofa separately, but can also quickly become a place for alfresco dinners.
This Arianna swing seat with stand would be a lovely addition to more traditional garden, and the price is great too.
Durable hardwood
In solid wood rather than weatherproof fabric, this wooden swinging bench benefits from a timeless design, and that’s good news, because the materials ensure it’ll last through whatever garden trends might come our way. Reviewers loved the neat design and the cheap prices.
Easy to assemble
You do have to put this swing together yourself but it's a really simple job that any DIY novice could do. You might want to give it an extra coat of yacht varnish too just to see it through the winter.
This bistro set from Robert Dyas is worth the investment for its serious commitment to sustainable design – oh and it doesn't sacrifice on style for it either.
Eco credentials
The DuraOcean chair is made with recycled plastic waste from the ocean – think fishing nets, ropes and debris – which not only takes rubbish out of the sea, but also makes for a super-durable design. The wood used for the chair legs and the table is FSC-approved Eucalyptus wood, which means it’s also been sustainably sourced. And when the set comes to the end of its life, it can be fully recycled at your local recycling centre.
Compact style
While this isn't your usual foldable bistro set, it is still very unobtrusive with a slim table and elegant, tapered legs. Tucking it away at the end of the day is no problem.
How to choose the best garden furniture
Materials and maintenance
Generally it’s wood, rattan, and metal furniture on offer, although some designs mix these materials.
Wood will fit in with most plots, and you’ll find it used to make more contemporary designs as well as the more classic pieces you’d imagine. Tropical hardwoods like eucalyptus are naturally oily and stand up to the weather. Other woods may need treatment periodically. Wood also has the advantage of staying cool when temperatures rise.
Metal furniture can look classic or contemporary in appearance. It’s finished to give it protection in the outdoors. It’s easy to keep clean – just wash with soapy water. Cushions will be a welcome extra, and be aware that metal furniture can get hot, too.
Woven furniture is often made from synthetic materials these days to give it weather resistance, and make it easy to look after. Save real rattan for a seat or table you just take out to a paved area on sunny days and then use indoors the rest of the time as you shouldn’t get it wet, nor leave it out overnight.
Storage and moving
If furniture needs to be put away when it’s not in use for a long time, or in the winter, make sure it’s light enough to move without a struggle. You’ll also want to factor this in if you’re a frequent home-mover. If you don’t have enough space to store, look for pieces that can stay out year round, or designs that can be protected with a weatherproof cover.
Cushions
While many seats are comfortable, if you want to turn the garden into a living room in the summer, or sit for happy hours round the dining table, furniture with cushions will be a boon. Look at the care instructions to ensure you get designs suited to your lifestyle.
More top outdoor living buys:
- Chill on the best outdoor bean bags
- Style your space with the best outdoor rugs
- Add seating to a small space with the best bistro sets
