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20 May 2022

How to Pick the Best Summer Garden Furniture For You

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Dave Hut - Content Editor

At furniture.co.uk, we know how important it is to choose the right furniture to suit your home décor, tastes and lifestyle. And your outdoor space is no exception.

With the long days of summer swiftly approaching, now is the time to invest in a stunning and practical set of summer garden furniture that will help you make the most of the warm weather.

After all, nothing beats being able to kick back in a comfy chair in the sunshine. You may also want to invite your friends over for al fresco drinks. Or perhaps some nibbles on the patio as you all relax in comfort and style.

But just how do you know which summer garden furniture set to go for? There are so many different styles and combinations, making shopping for the perfect set a little overwhelming.  

With that in mind, we’re here to offer some expert tips and advice to help you choose the best garden furniture for you! Read on to learn more.

First things first: write a list of necessities

The first thing to do before you even start browsing through summer garden furniture sets online or in-store is to sit down and make a list. Write down all of the things you’re looking for from your outdoor furnishings. This will make it much easier to find the perfect set to fit your unique requirements. Ask yourself a few crucial questions:

  • What is the minimum number of seats that I need?
  • Do I want more than one seating area in my garden?
  • Is there a particular colour scheme I love?
  • Do I need a set that includes a matching parasol?
  • Do I want a lounge set, bistro set or a dining set?
  • What kind of material do I prefer?

When it comes to the final question, weatherproof garden furniture sets can be made out of several different materials, ranging from aluminium to poly rattan.

At furniture.co.uk, we’ve combined the two to ensure they look just as stylish as rattan but are more robust and longer-lasting. This makes them an ideal option for UK patios and gardens.

Prep your outdoor space

Before you start hunting for the best garden furniture for your needs, measure the space where the set will go. You should also prepare the area such as by mowing the grass if you’re placing your furniture directly on the lawn.

After all, you want to be sure that the furniture set you fall in love with will fit nicely into the available space. You also need to check that the type of garden furniture you choose will suit the area where you want to position it. For instance, rattan garden furniture is generally quite lightweight. With this in mind, it’s best to place it in an area of your garden that’s less exposed to high winds.

What about garden furniture accessories?

Another thing to factor in is whether or not you want your outdoor furniture set to come with accessories. Parasols are a good idea if your summer garden furniture will be placed in an area which gets a lot of direct sunlight. As long as you install them correctly, they shouldn’t cause any problems. Although if you are expecting very strong winds, you can always stow them away in your garden shed.

Furniture covers may be a good idea to protect your furnishings from the worst of the weather. However, if you have invested in poly rattan garden furniture, you won’t have to worry too much about weather damage. Synthetic rattan can withstand high levels of UV, as well as heavy rain and even frost.

It’s time to start shopping!

Once you’ve answered all of the questions on your outdoor furniture wish list, you should have a clear idea of the best garden furniture for you. Now all you need to do is find the perfect set. Again – that’s where we can step in to help!

Summer garden furniture for casual relaxation

If you have a hectic lifestyle, juggling work, kids and social commitments, then you probably long to unwind during your precious free time. If that’s the case, then choosing a casually stylish and practical set of outdoor garden furniture is your best bet.

A combination such as the Rockingham high back lounge set is an ideal choice. Comprising two comfy high back chairs, a side table and two ottoman footstools, this ensemble is the perfect blend of comfort and durability. These furnishings are made out of all-weather poly rattan with plump showerproof cushions on both the chairs and ottomans.

As for the table, its frame is crafted out of powdered aluminium and the top is made from tempered glass, offering guaranteed strength as well as style. A lounge set such as this is ideal for laidback relaxation in the garden after a hard week at work. Kick back with your partner or friends and share a bottle of wine. Or enjoy a soothing pot of tea and let all your worries melt away as you step into the weekend.

Outdoor furnishings for those who love to entertain!

Do you love hosting dinner parties or inviting your friends round for a bottle of Prosecco on a summer’s evening? If you do, then you’re likely in the market for outdoor furniture that exudes effortless sophistication. Not to mention durability and comfort of course!

This gorgeous Rutland 6 seater dining set is a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys entertaining their nearest and dearest al fresco. Featuring a chic round dining table and six comfortable dining chairs, this set will grace any garden with style.

All of the furnishings in this set are constructed out of hand-woven poly rattan. This means they are incredibly durable and weatherproof, as well as attractive. The chairs come with plush showerproof cushions in soft grey, while the table includes a helpful shelf and parasol hole. As a result, you can easily introduce some shade if it gets too hot.

If you would like a larger set to accommodate more guests, never fear, this stunning collection also includes an 8-seater version. Alternatively, if you’re short on space, opt for a smaller bistro set for 2 people in the same style.

The best garden furniture for sophisticated lounging

If you pride yourself on the sleek interiors of your home, then you’d probably like a summer garden furniture set that reflects your style. How about an elegant lounge ensemble like this charcoal-grey 4 seater furniture set from our Arden collection? The chic design will make a great addition to your patio or garden, blending perfectly with your household décor.

Featuring a comfortable two-seater sofa, two armchairs and a coffee table, this set of furniture is skilfully constructed out of sturdy powder-coated aluminium. You’ll also find teak armrests on the chairs for an added touch of flair. Each chair comes equipped with sumptuous, weather-resistant cushions. These are available in a choice of charcoal or orange, depending on your preference for subtle or bold hues.

Garden furniture to take you from family meals to cocktail hour

If you have children, then you’ll need a summer garden set that is practical and versatile. It should be capable of coping with sticky fingers and mealtime mayhem – but still sophisticated enough for grown-ups.

Ideally, your garden furnishings will provide a relaxed setting for family meals and snacks al fresco. However, they should also double as a chic setting for evening drinks with your partner or friends.

A stunning 5-seater dining set like this Wentwood model offers the perfect balance of refinement and practicality. This ensemble consists of an ultra-comfortable 3-seater sofa and two armchairs. This is also complemented by a convenient riser table that can be adapted for different scenarios.

All of the pieces in this set are expertly crafted from all-season poly rattan in a mixed half round/full round pattern, which creates an air of timeless sophistication. Poly rattan furniture is just as attractive as natural rattan, with the added benefit of increased longevity and weather resistance. It is even resistant to moss growth and to abrasive agents such as salt and chlorine. Because of this, you can place this dining set beside your outdoor pool without having to worry about potential damage.

The riser table is the most innovative element of this 5-seater poly rattan furniture set. Made from sturdy aluminium and featuring a robust tempered glass top, this stylish table can be raised up for dining. It can also be lowered for use as a coffee table as required. This versatility makes it the perfect option for family mealtimes, but also for entertaining friends with cocktails in the evening.

Summer garden ideas for special family occasions

Do you have a spacious patio where you would love to get your nearest and dearest together for special occasions? If the answer is yes, you should consider investing in a set of garden furniture that can accommodate multiple people. Better still, choose one that can also be adjusted for smaller groups when it’s just you and the kids dining outdoors.

Adaptive sets such as this space-saving 8 seater cube dining set from our Bedgebury range, are a convenient and charming option. This particular ensemble consists of a spacious dining table, four dining chairs and four stools. Each piece features woven poly rattan and the seats are equipped with ultra-comfortable showerproof cushions in grey to complement the rattan.

The chic but solid dining table features a powdered aluminium frame and a tempered glass top for guaranteed strength. As a handy feature, all of the chair backs can be folded down and stowed under the table when not in use. The stools are also low enough to be pushed under the table for easy storage when they are not needed.

Sets such as these are the perfect blend of aesthetics and convenience, as you can adjust the number of chairs according to how many diners you will be having at each meal or occasion. 

Find a stunning summer garden furniture set today

As you can see, there is an impressive variety of summer garden ideas for you to choose from when it comes to outdoor furniture. Whether you want a dainty 2 seater patio set, a 4 seater lounge set or a more substantial dining set for 5-10 people, there are so many options to suit your unique tastes and requirements.

Here at furniture.co.uk, we now stock a diverse range of weatherproof garden furniture and space-saving sets for small gardens. Each collection offers a delightful blend of practicality, durability and simple elegance. The outdoor furnishings in these ranges are made from a variety of materials, including powdered aluminium and poly rattan. Both of these are known for their strength and low-maintenance style. Plus, they come in different colour schemes to ensure you find the best garden furniture set for your unique space.  

If you have any questions about ordering one of our stunning garden furniture sets, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can speak to a member of our friendly and efficient sales team by calling 01989 763343. Or you can email us at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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Dave Hut
Content Editor

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