Best garden furniture 2020: the best end of summer picks to buy now

The best garden furniture is an all year round buy, even as we near the end of summer. The great news is you can still find some gorgeous pieces that will see you through sunny autumn days and 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. 

Read on to see the top outdoor furniture for every budget, then check out our list of the best garden furniture covers to keep your new purchase in prime condition.

Looking for a dining set to give your garden a contemporary, boho feel? The Swara set from Made.com 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.  

Ideal for smaller gardens

If you don't have a ton of space in your garden, this would be a good option, as even though it still seats four, it's a really compact design. Plus it's not too boxy so won't make your garden feel smaller either. 

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 as well as on a 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 Palma 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 Palma 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 tough 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