Garden furniture sales rise dramatically as we bring the great outdoors to our homes
Is garden furniture the cure to our January blues? Studies suggest so, as searches for furniture jump by 308% this month


By Megan Slack
The last year has changed many things in our lives, and according to Homebase, our garden furniture habits is one of them.
The home improvement retailer revealed the sharp demand for garden furniture peaked between 11-18 January 2021, just five days after the third national lockdown in the UK legally came into force. After being ordered to stay at home, gardeners flocked to find an inventive alternative form of escapism, all without leaving their property.
When compared to the same time frame last year, the figures show that searches for garden furniture are up 222%. Meanwhile, requests for garden tables are up 126%, and garden chairs rose by 153%.
Shopping for the best garden furniture may not typically be at the top of your new year priority list. However, with medics reinforcing the health benefits a garden brings during the lockdown, it is unsurprising that sales are at a high.
Stephen Pitcherat, Trading Director for Garden at Homebase, further emphasised the positive effects of spending time in your garden.
‘Spending just a few minutes outside each day is proven to improve mental health, so we’re encouraging all our customers to carry on enjoying their gardens throughout the year – whatever the weather,' he explains.
‘Customers are also looking for advice on how to improve and maintain their gardens during the winter months, with the Homebase.co.uk website receiving more than 26,000 views on its outdoor advice pages, with popular topics including: shed buying guides, how to put up a fence and how to make furniture out of wooden pallets.’
The data also showed searches for fire pits and patio heaters have risen by 410% and 255%, respectively, as homeowners look for ways to spend more time outdoors without bracing the freezing temperatures or breaking the law.
Looking ahead to the radiant spring and summer days, searches for BBQs have grown by 30% year on year, which gives us all a slight glimmer of optimism that we will all enjoy garden parties in the months to come.
Want to get ahead of the game and get your alfresco cooking space sorted for spring? Head over to our best BBQ guide to find our top rated products and buying advice.
-
-
Should you help a struggling bee in your garden? A wildlife expert advises
Gardens If you've found a bee that looks tired, what should you do? The answer might surprise you
By Anna Cottrell •
-
Joe Wicks shares his stunning garden transformation on Instagram
Outdoor Living He may be famous for his inspiring workout routines, but it turns out that Joe Wicks knows a thing or two about contemporary garden design, too
By Anna Cottrell •
-
Here's why you need a rain garden this winter
Gardens Rain gardens look great and are exactly what you need this wet winter. Here's why...
By Anna Cottrell •
-
How to make a garden feel modern: 11 on-trend tips to refresh your plot's planting, layout and style
How To If you're wondering how to make a garden feel modern, we've got all the tips you need to know – from outdoor fireplaces and minimalistic features to creative canopies
By Holly Crossley •
-
These are the biggest pruning mistakes you're making, according to a gardening expert
How To Are you pruning your plants correctly? Improve your technique by avoiding these errors, says a gardening expert
By Anna Cottrell •
-
How much does decking cost? What to budget for when elevating your seating area
Landscaping How much does decking cost? If you're ready to take your garden up a notch, you'll definitely want to know. Read on to find out
By Holly Crossley •
-
The most poisonous plants for dogs: the flowers and shrubs to watch out for in your garden
Plants Are you wondering what the most poisonous plants for dogs are? We've got the info you need to help keep your four-legged friend safe
By Holly Crossley •
-
5 stunning plants for spring scent: add them to your planting list
Plants Treat your garden (and yourself) to some heavenly scented blooms this spring. Here are our top picks
By Sophie Warren-Smith •
-
5 easy jobs to do in your greenhouse this month
Garden Buildings Although this is a quieter time of year in the garden, there’s still some prep work that can be done to get you ready for spring
By Sophie Warren-Smith •
-
How to design a child friendly garden: make your plot a safe space ready for action-packed fun
Kids Are you wondering how to design a child friendly garden? Look no further! From planting advice to what materials to use, we've got all the expert tips you'll need
By Holly Crossley •