Best garden furniture – stylish and practical outdoor furniture

Our edit of the best garden furniture. Discover our top outdoor furniture recommendations for a stylish patio, including classic wooden garden tables and chairs and timeless rattan patio furniture from John Lewis, Habitat, and more

The best garden furniture - a modern outdoor sofa set with grey seat cushions
(Image credit: Future)

Finding the best garden furniture for your outside space will instantly transform your outdoor living area, providing you with somewhere to relax, entertain and dine alfresco, and enabling you to extend your living space out onto the patio or decking during the warmer months of the year.

There's a whole host of outdoor furniture styles to choose from, whether you're looking for a garden dining table and chairs, a relaxed outdoor corner sofa, or a sociable lounge set to arrange around one of this year's best BBQs in your outdoor kitchen.

In this edit, we've rounded up all of the Ideal Home team's top garden furniture buys, taking into consideration style, practicality – such as low maintenance upkeep and space-saving storage – durability, and, of course, budget.

We've also curated the best places to shop garden furniture, including the best outdoor furniture from John Lewis, Garden Trading and M&S, as well as the best patio furniture from Argos and Amazon for a more affordable update.

The best garden furniture of 2024

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Best garden tables and chairs

A black bistro set in a leafy courtyard

(Image credit: Garden Trading)

Take advantage of alfresco dining whenever the weather is warm enough – or even when it's not if you add one of the best patio heaters – by investing in a quality table and chairs. If you have a small garden or balcony, a foldable bistro set is an excellent option that will allow you to maximise space when it's not in use. Or for larger areas, a timeless rattan dining table and chairs, or a classic wooden dining set are both options that will weather the trends.

Where to shop for garden tables and chairs:

Best outdoor sofas

A contemporary garden corner sofa with wood frame with grey cushions

(Image credit: Homebase)

An outdoor corner sofa is the epitome of laidback summer living, offering a place to relax, get comfy, and socialise whilst you fire up one of this year's best pizza ovens. Choose an L-shape for big spaces, but a chaise is a compact alternative. Look for removable – preferably shower-proof – cushion covers for easy cleaning. Don't forget you will need somewhere to store them in prolonged inclement weather, too.

Where to shop for outdoor sofas:

Best garden lounge sets

A grey outdoor sofa set

(Image credit: Habitat)

A garden lounge set is a great way to add a dedicated relaxation or entertaining zone to your space. Add an outdoor rug and group your furniture around it – as you would in a living room – to create a sociable area where you can lounge with family or enjoy coffee with friends. Or, arrange around one of the best fire pits for a night-time focal point.

Where to shop for garden lounge sets:

Where to shop for garden furniture in the UK

Amazon
As well as modern picks from lesser-known Amazon brands, you can shop Outsunny, Keter, Christow and Kingfisher for a diverse choice of garden furniture. And, there is the benefit of Amazon's speedy delivery.
Shop the options at Amazon

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As well as modern picks from lesser-known Amazon brands, you can shop Outsunny, Keter, Christow and Kingfisher for a diverse choice of garden furniture. And, there is the benefit of Amazon's speedy delivery.
<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107653&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2Fb%3Fnode%3D27928012031%26tag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shop the options at Amazon

ArgosShop the options at Argos

<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100624752-15618761?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.argos.co.uk/browse/garden-and-diy/garden-furniture/c:29353/" data-link-merchant="argos.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Argos
Argos is the home of the iconic British brand, Habitat. This makes it a great place to start for stylish, yet affordable, garden furniture. They also stock Keter, Greenhurst, and their own budget-friendly Argos products.
<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100624752-15618761?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.argos.co.uk/browse/garden-and-diy/garden-furniture/c:29353/" data-link-merchant="argos.co.uk"" data-link-merchant="argos.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shop the options at Argos

Barker And StonehouseShop the options at Barker And Stonehouse

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If you have a bigger budget, you need to check out Barker And Stonehouse for high-quality patio furniture. Their products are timeless and made from durable wood, aluminium, and rattan.
<a href="https://barkerandstonehouse.sjv.io/c/221109/1016293/13315?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk%2Fgarden-furniture" data-link-merchant="barkerandstonehouse.co.uk"" data-link-merchant="barkerandstonehouse.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shop the options at Barker And Stonehouse

B&amp;QShop the options at B&amp;Q

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With everything from wooden picnic tables, to luxe rattan lounge sets, B&Q offers plenty of choice. They stock low-maintenance Keter products, and their GoodHome range is great for contemporary garden furniture on a budget.
<a href="https://diy.pxf.io/c/221109/1632830/18948?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.diy.com%2Fdepartments%2Foutdoor-garden%2Fgarden-furniture%2FDIY581058.cat" data-link-merchant="diy.com"" data-link-merchant="diy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shop the options at B&Q

Garden TradingShop the options at Garden Trading

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As the name suggests, Garden Trading is a reliable place to find sofas, bistro sets, loungers and much more. Their range is best described as modern country, featuring wood and rattan, with edgier coated-metal elements.
<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=3926&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gardentrading.co.uk%2Fgarden%2Fgarden-furniture%2F%3FproductListFilters%3D" data-link-merchant="gardentrading.co.uk"" data-link-merchant="gardentrading.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shop the options at Garden Trading

HomebaseShop the options at Homebase

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Homebase has choices for all sizes and budgets, but caters particularly well for small spaces, with stackable seating and compact bistro sets. Whether you're looking for modern or classic styles, there is plenty to suit.
<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=22367&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.homebase.co.uk%2Fgarden-outdoor%2Fgarden-furniture.list" data-link-merchant="homebase.co.uk"" data-link-merchant="homebase.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shop the options at Homebase

John LewisShop the options at John Lewis

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A trusted brand for quality and design, you are sure to find garden furniture you love at John Lewis. Browse modern classics from Swoon, traditional Kettler options, and vibrant pieces from their own ANYDAY range.
<a href="https://john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io/c/221109/871855/12148?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnlewis.com%2Fbrowse%2Ffurniture-lights%2Fgarden%2Fgarden-furniture-ranges%2F_%2FN-5uoz%3Fchunk%3D2" data-link-merchant="johnlewis.com"" data-link-merchant="johnlewis.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shop the options at John Lewis

La Redoute
La Redoute is something of an insider's secret when it comes to stylish yet affordable furniture for both indoors and out. The French retailer also regularly runs discounts, meaning you can snap up its outdoor collections for a great price.
Shop the options at La Redoute

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La Redoute is something of an insider's secret when it comes to stylish yet affordable furniture for both indoors and out. The French retailer also regularly runs discounts, meaning you can snap up its outdoor collections for a great price.
<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=1496&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.laredoute.co.uk%2Fpplp%2F100%2F75363%2F75067%2Fcat-75108.aspx#shoppingtool=treestructureguidednavigation" data-link-merchant="laredoute.co.uk"" data-link-merchant="laredoute.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shop the options at La Redoute

M&amp;SShop the options at M&amp;S

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M&S is a reliable place to shop for more than just food and fashion. Their garden furniture range caters to every taste at pleasing price points. This year's range features lots of rattan and minimalist woven designs.
<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=1402&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marksandspencer.com%2Fl%2Ffurniture%2Fgarden" data-link-merchant="marksandspencer.com"" data-link-merchant="marksandspencer.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shop the options at M&S

The RangeShop the options at The Range

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If practical items at affordable prices are what you need, look to The Range. They have a whole section of stylish furniture for small spaces as well as large sofa sets and dining tables to seat the whole family.
<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=5238&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.therange.co.uk%2Fgarden%2Fgarden-furniture%2F#in_stock_f=true&sort=relevance&page=1&lpp=24" data-link-merchant="therange.co.uk"" data-link-merchant="therange.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shop the options at The Range

Robert DyasShop the options at Robert Dyas

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While well known for their DIY and garden tool offerings, it may surprise some that Robert Dyas has over 3,800 garden furniture options on their site, too. They stock popular British brands such as Zest, Maze Rattan and Outsunny and we find them particularly good for affordable wooden garden furniture.
<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=1528&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.robertdyas.co.uk%2Foutdoor-living%2Fgarden-furniture" data-link-merchant="robertdyas.co.uk"" data-link-merchant="robertdyas.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shop the options at Robert Dyas

WayfairShop the options at Wayfair

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Wayfair arguably has the biggest range of garden furniture of our featured retailers, so they stock something for every style, size, and price point. Choose from small metal bistro sets to 10-person dining tables.
<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100624752-14009594?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.wayfair.co.uk/garden/cat/outdoor-garden-furniture-c477027.html" data-link-merchant="wayfair.co.uk"" data-link-merchant="wayfair.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shop the options at Wayfair

How to choose the best garden furniture for your outdoor space

To find the best garden furniture for your outside space you'll first want to think about how you intend to use your outdoor area; do you want to entertain large numbers of guests, create a family-friendly garden, or create a space to relax and unwind amongst nature in relative solitude?

If you're blessed with a large patio then zoning the garden into outdoor 'rooms' can be a great use of space, adding a garden table and chairs that are spacious enough to host friends and family around a barbecue area in the 'outdoor dining' zone, and creating a more informal seating area with a corner sofa or lounge set to relax and socialise on in 'outdoor living room' area.

If space is more limited, then you may need to combine these areas, in which case a garden sofa set that features an extendable height riser table can be a worthy investment, allowing you to easily transform your seating from a daytime coffee spot into an alfresco dining zone in the evening. Alternatively, a chaise sofa, or an option that comes with padded footstools, will transform seating into a sun lounging space when the weather allows.

And, if space is at a premium then options that fold away can help you to maximise your square footage, with collapsible bistro sets offering a smart and versatile solution. Or you might just want to add a stylish egg chair, a couple of statement garden chairs, or one of this year's best garden benches to your outdoor set-up. Our small garden ideas page has plenty of small space inspiration.

A bamboo-effect outdoor lounge set

(Image credit: Habitat)

Once you've decided on the type of garden furniture layout that will work best for your lifestyle, it's time to consider the materials that outdoor furniture is made from to ensure a durable investment.

If your budget allows, then we always recommend looking for garden furniture constructed from lightweight and rust-resistant aluminium or weather-resistant hardwoods like teak, acacia, or eucalyptus. These materials are more of an investment initially, but will weather the elements for years to come so are good value over the long term. 

If affordability is your key criterion right now then garden furniture made from powder-coated steel or soft woods will offer a budget solution. However, these materials are less weather-resistant, so you'll need to factor in somewhere to store the furniture over winter or opt for an outdoor furniture cover to prolong your furniture's lifespan. You can also paint, stain or treat wooden garden furniture to protect it or add some colour to your scheme.

A rattan corner sofa set with an aluminium frame in a garden with an outdoor umbrella

(Image credit: Homebase)

FAQs

What is the lowest maintenance outdoor furniture material?

PE-rattan or polyrattan garden furniture is generally considered to be the lowest maintenance garden furniture. This is because the upper is made from a polyurethane plastic that has the benefit of being lightweight, waterproof, weather-resistant, and requires no regular upkeep other than a brush down to remove winter debris.

Look for PE-rattan garden furniture with an aluminium frame, as unlike a powder-coated steel frame, aluminium is rust-resistant so can be left outside all year round without any upkeep or storage needs.

What garden furniture does not rust?

Unlike powder-coated steel, which is prone to rusting at joints and anywhere where the coating has become chipped, aluminium-framed garden furniture is naturally rust-resistant. 

For this reason aluminium garden furniture can be left outside all year round making it a super low maintenance option (although some manufacturers will still recommend sheltering it from the worst of the elements to prolong its lifespan even further). 

However, this does mean aluminium-based outdoor furniture tends to be more expensive than a powder-coated steel alternative. The added durability can make it the better value investment long term though.

How do you clean garden furniture?

As well as utilising one of the best patio cleaners alongside one of the best pressure washers to rid your outside space of any winter grime and algae, giving your outdoor furniture a quick clean will instantly transform your patio ready for spring. Our guide to how to clean garden furniture has all the top tips you'll need.

An aluminium garden lounge set

(Image credit: B&Q)

How we selected the best garden furniture

You can click here to find out more about how we test products at Ideal Home. To find the best garden furniture for this round-up we visited the most popular outdoor stores, dived into the specifications to sort the wheat from the chaff, grilled the Ideal Home team for their expert knowledge, and asked friends and family for their top-rated products. We also took into account third-party opinions via online reviews.

Amy Lockwood
Ecommerce Editor

After studying Print Design at Winchester School of Art, Amy spent multiple years working in the interior industry, including styling and visual merchandising for many well-known brands. She’s now Ecommerce Editor at Ideal Home, offering expert advice on the best products for decorating your home and ensuring it functions smoothly. That includes sourcing stylish yet affordable furniture – from the best sofa beds for combining style, comfort, and function, to the best artificial Christmas trees for a stress-free festive season – helping our readers to find the best mattress for their sleep style, and testing top-rated dehumidifiers and air purifiers to narrow down the best-in-class.