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 included durable rust and weather-resistant aluminium and hardwood furniture that's worth investing a little more cash into for its low-maintenance longevity – you can often leave this garden furniture outside all year round which makes it particularly hassle-free – and more affordable powder-coated steel options that deliver good looks on a lower budget – this will just need to be stored under cover over winter to prolong its lifespan. Keep browsing to find the best choice for you.
The best garden furniture of 2023
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Best garden table and chairs
Investing in one of the best garden table and chair sets will mean you can 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 on the market to your outdoor set-up!
If you have a small garden or balcony where space is at a premium then a foldable bistro set is an excellent option that will allow you to maximise outdoor space when it's not in use. If you have more space to play with then a timeless rattan dining table and chairs or classic wooden dining set are both options that will weather the trends.
Seats: 4 Table dimensions: H71 x Dia.90cm Materials: powder-coated steel Assembly: fully assembled
If outdoor dining space is at a premium then this space-saving bistro set offers a stylish solution. Available in three colour options the 4-seater table and chair set folds so it can be stored away easily when it's not in use allowing you to enjoy weekend brunch alfresco no matter the size of your patio, courtyard, or balcony.
Seats: 4 Table dimensions: H74 x W150 x D90cm Materials: powder-coated steel & PE-rattan Assembly: self-assembly
Whilst the powder-coated steel frame means that this dining set needs to be covered or stored inside during winter months to prolong its lifespan, it does make it an affordable buy. The chairs are stackable to save on storage space, and the 'see-through' bamboo-effect chairs are perfect for a smaller patio as they don't block the view.
Seats: 4 Table dimensions: H75 x Dia.95cm Materials: powder-coated steel & PE-rattan Assembly: partial assembly
Available in teal or grey/natural, this contemporary dining set is great for a modern outdoor space. The powder-coated steel frame makes the 4-seater set relatively affordable, and there are plenty of matching lines in the wider Lois garden furniture collection (opens in new tab) to create a coordinated look.
Seats: 4 Table dimensions: H72.5 x Dia.100.5cm Materials: powder-coated steel & PE-rattan Assembly: self-assembly
Another savvy solution for smaller outdoor spaces, this oak-effect outdoor dining table allows the curved dining chairs to slide underneath when not in use for a compact footprint. The grey seat and back cushions are included, you'll just need somewhere to store them in bad weather. Handily, the cushion covers are also removable for easy cleaning. The powder-coated steel construction just means the set will need covering or storing inside over winter.
Seats: 6 Table dimensions: H75 x Dia.140cm Materials: PE-rattan and aluminium Assembly: self-assembly
Opt for the 4 or 6-seater version of this aluminium-framed PE-rattan dining set and you'll get a hardwearing, durable, and timeless design that will suit a wide range of garden and patio styles. Low-maintenance and easy to care for, the rust-resistant aluminium frame means the set can be left outside all year round making for hassle-free alfresco dining. It's more of an investment as a result, but we think worth it for the longevity it offers.
Seats: 6 Table dimensions: H76 x W195 x D95cm Materials: Teak wood, PE-rattan, and aluminium Assembly: self-assembly
This statement outdoor dining set is an investment, but it's both stylish and built to last, with the sturdy and durable teak wood table complemented by 6 lightweight and rust-resistant PE-rattan and aluminium-framed chairs. Both the table (that comes in a 195cm or 240cm width) and chairs are also available to purchase separately if you prefer to mix and match your look.
Best outdoor corner sofas
An outdoor corner sofa is the epitome of laidback outdoor living, offering a place to get relax, get comfortable, and socialise whilst you fire up one of this year's best BBQs or best pizza ovens. Depending on your patio size you can opt for an L-shaped sofa configuration, or, if space is at a premium then a compact chaise option is a great buy.
If possible, it's also worth opting for cushion covers that are removable so they can easily be spot cleaned or machine-washed, and remember that although most cushions are shower-proof you will need somewhere to store them during prolonged inclement weather to keep them at their best.
Seats: 3-4 Overall dimensions: H62 x W210 x D140cm Materials: PE-rattan with steel frame Assembly: self-assembly
Available in two colour options – natural and grey – this affordable L-shaped corner sofa offers compact seating for three (four at a push) with cushions and a glass-topped coffee table included. Its affordability is down to the powder-coated steel frame which likely won't offer as much long-term durability as an aluminium-framed option, but, the price point is certainly tempting, and storing it in the garage over winter or adding an outdoor furniture cover should protect it from the worst of the elements.
Seats: 3-4 Overall dimensions: H62.5 x W193 x D140cm Materials: PE-rattan with steel frame Assembly: self-assembly
Another affordable rattan-effect chaise garden sofa, this Habitat option is also available in two colour choices – this time dark brown and grey. It comes in ever-so-slightly smaller in width than Homebase's similarly priced Alexandria sofa, and this option offers a cushion-topped footstool (opposed to Homebase's glass-topped table) that doubles as hidden storage. The lower price point again means a powder-coated steel frame, so it's recommended to cover or store the set inside during the winter months to prolong its lifespan.
Seats: 5 Overall dimensions: H64 x W240 x D240cm Materials: aluminium and FSC teak wood Assembly: partial self-assembly
Made from rust-resistant aluminium and hardwearing FSC certified teak wood, the materials of this contemporary outdoor sofa are as outdoor-resilient as you can get, which makes it a great investment. Unlike a steel-framed option, it can be left outside all year round, meaning it's both low maintenance and stress-free in terms of storage. The corner sofa comes with the wooden-topped coffee table and padded cushions included, and we're big fans of those handy built-in side shelves which are ideal for resting a drink or two.
Seats: 4 Overall dimensions: H66.5 x W202 x D202cm Materials: PE-rattan with aluminium frame Assembly: partial self-assembly
A rattan garden corner sofa offers a timeless look that blends with most garden styles. This classic design from John Lewis & Partners is made from a high-quality, rust and weather-resistant aluminium frame with a low-maintenance PE-rattan upper. There's also a good selection of matching outdoor furniture in John Lewis' Alora garden furniture collection (opens in new tab), including a set of 2 stylish garden dining chairs, and both a bistro and 4-seater garden dining table to complete your outdoor living space.
Seats: 7 Table dimensions: H67 x W150 x D80cm Materials: PE-rattan and aluminium Assembly: self-assembly
This verstaile rattan corner sofa dining set is a great investment. The weather-resistant PE-rattan upper with rust-resistant aluminium frame means it can be left outside all year round (minus the cushions), so no worrying about the over-winter storage that a steel-framed set would require. You also get a lot of furniture for your money, with the 5-seater corner sofa and good-sized outdoor dining table accompanied by 2 padded footstools that can be used to turn the sofa into a chaise for some laidback R&R, or used as extra seating around the table.
Seats: 5+ Overall dimensions: H67 x W239 x D164cm Materials: Acacia wood Assembly: fully assembled
Delivered fully assembled (apart from the armchair which requires assembly), this acacia wood outdoor sofa offers generous seating and swoon-worthy good looks that are perfect for a contemporary courtyard or classic patio space. As well as the two and three-seater sofa, plus a generous armchair, the set also includes a spacious coffee table. There's also a great range of coordinating furniture, although you will need to factor in somewhere to store it over winter, or an outdoor furniture cover to protect it from the worst of the elements.
Best garden lounge sets
A garden lounge set is a great way to add a dedicated relaxation or entertaining zone your outside space. Add an outdoor rug and group your furniture around it – as you would in an indoor living space – 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.
Seats: 4 Sofa dimensions: H79 x W125.5 x D68cm Materials: PE-rattan and steel Assembly: minimal assembly
This stylish grey Acapulco-style outdoor lounge set is a great option for a modern outside space. Just throw some cushions into the cocoon seats or loveseat and you have the perfect spot to while away a sunny afternoon. Made from PE-rattan and powder-coated steel, this four-seater set will be best stored under cover during the worst of the British weather to prolong its lifespan, but opting for steel rather than aluminium-framed outdoor furniture does make for a significant upfront saving.
Seats: 5 Sofa dimensions: H82 x W173 x D72.5cm Materials: Powder-coated aluminium Assembly: self-assembly
Made from powder-coated aluminium, this contemporary outdoor lounge set is lightweight, low-maintenance, and rust-resistant. The 5-seater set includes a 3-seater sofa, 2 armchairs, and a rectangular coffee table, but if space is tight then there's also the more compact Moorea 4-Seater Coffee Set (opens in new tab) to consider. The collection also includes the matching Moorea Dining Set (opens in new tab) and a coordinating sun lounger.
Seats: 4 Sofa dimensions: H81 x W120 x D66cm Materials: PE-rattan and steel Assembly: self-assembly
If you want to transform your outside space into an oasis of calm then this bamboo-effect outdoor lounge set from Habitat will help you to create the tropical vibes that set the tone for relaxation. There's a good range of coordinating garden furniture, including a bamboo-effect outdoor bar set (opens in new tab) and stylish bistro set (opens in new tab), although the PE-rattan and steel construction will need protection from the worst of the elements.
Seats: 4 Sofa dimensions: H70 x W155 x D79.5cm Materials: PE-rattan and aluminium Assembly: fully assembled
This compact modular outdoor lounge set has a lot going for it. Including a two-seater sofa, two armchairs, and a glass-topped coffee table, the set can easily be repositioned to create one L-shaped sofa, two separate two-seater sofas, and even a comfortable day bed for two to relax on. Its ingenious design also means the armchairs can slide under the back of the sofa when they're not in use for space-saving storage – a feat made easier thanks to the lightweight yet durable aluminium frames.
Seats: 4 Sofa dimensions: H83 x W132 x D80cm Materials: PE-rattan and aluminium Assembly: self-assembly
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, the timeless Florence lounge set features a rust-resistant aluminium frame and UV-resistant resin weave which means it can be left outside all year round (excluding the seat and back cushions). The chairs don't require assembly so there's just the table with its easy-to-clean protective glass top to put together. It also comes with a good range of matching furniture in the Homebase Florence outdoor collection (opens in new tab).
Seats: 4 Sofa dimensions: H89 x W155 x D80cm Materials: Aluminium, polystring and acacia wood Assembly: fully assembled
Contemporary, stylish and practical, Barker and Stonehouse's Antigua Aluminium Garden Lounge Set features two stackable armchairs and a sofa made from lightweight and rust-resistant aluminium frames with dark grey twisted polystring backs. The table is also crafted with a durable aluminium frame and a weather-resistant acacia wood top. The set also comes fully assembled, so you'll be ready to sit back and relax as soon as it arrives.
How to choose the best garden furniture for your outside 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 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.
What materials make the most durable outdoor furniture?
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.
Metal
The most affordable garden furniture tends to be made of powder-coated steel. Steel is highly corrosive when it comes into contact with water, so it's protected from the outdoor elements by way of powder-coating the surface with a protective paint barrier. This works, but means steel-based outdoor furniture is likely to have weak points at joints and fixings where moisture can penetrate and gradually form rust, and any chips in the paint surface will need repairing promptly to maintain durability. For this reason, it's generally recommended that steel-based rattan furniture is stored under cover during inclement weather, which isn't always easy if you're short on space, plus, steel furniture can be very heavy to move.
Aluminium-framed garden furniture is by far the more durable option, as the metal itself forms a barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the surface. It may still be powder-coated, but this is purely for aesthetic reasons rather than protection. For this reason aluminium garden furniture can be left outside all year round making it a super low maintenance option (although most 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 by far the more expensive option. The added durability can make it the most cost-effective and better value investment long term though. Keep an eye on our garden furniture deals page to look out for any aluminium-framed bargains.
Rattan
One of the most popular garden furniture styles, the best rattan garden furniture offers a timeless look that blends with most garden styles. However, most modern 'rattan' garden furniture is actually made of PE-rattan or polyrattan, a polyurethane plastic that offers the benefits of being lightweight, waterproof, weather-resistant, and low maintenance.
The key consideration in shopping for the best rattan garden furniture your budget allows is the construction of the metal base frame that gives rattan furniture its support. As explained above, a powder-coated steel frame is likely to weather much faster than aluminium-framed rattan garden furniture, and steel-based rattan furniture is likely to need storing under shelter in inclement weather. However, aluminium-based rattan furniture will prove more of an initial investment.
Wood
You'll find wooden garden furniture made from many types of timber, but when shopping for the most durable wooden outdoor furniture, it's hardwoods that you'll want to look out for.
Teak is the hardwood most prized for its strength and durability outdoors. As well as offering an extremely dense grain that prevents moisture from penetrating, teak retains high levels of natural oils in its timber once cut, which further helps to prevent the wood from weathering. You can top up the wood with teak oil to offer even more weather resistance, although many allow the timber to weather over time to its signature soft silvery patina.
However, this dense grain is down to teak's extremely slow-growing habit, and that slow growth, plus the difficulty of working with such a tough timber makes it one of the most expensive wooden options.
Like many woods, teak is also in danger of being harvested unsustainably. Reclaimed teak wood can be a more eco-friendly solution, or, as when buying any wood product, make sure to look for FSC-certification which should ensure the tree has been felled within a managed forest rather than contributing to damaging deforestation.
Cheaper and faster-growing alternatives that are now becoming very popular outdoor furniture choices are the hardwoods acacia and eucalyptus. These woods may be slightly less dense than teak but they are far-quicker growing, allowing them to be grown and managed to yield greater quantities of wood more sustainably – although again, it's important to look for FSC accreditation. A little low-maintenance upkeep with a coat of wood preservative each year should ensure these hardwoods retain plenty of weather resistance.
If you're looking for durability, then try to avoid garden furniture that is simply listed as a 'wood' or timber' build, as it's more likely these options are crafted from less weather-resistant softwoods.
What is the most durable garden furniture?
Garden furniture constructed from rust-resistant aluminium, or hardwearing woods like teak, acacia, or eucalyptus will be the most durable. These materials are more of an investment, but will weather the elements for years to come so are good value over the long term.
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.
What is the lowest maintenance outdoor furniture material?
PE-rattan or polyrattan garden furniture is generally considered to make 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.
How do you clean garden furniture?
As well as utilising one of the best patio cleaners 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.
How we selected the best garden furniture
To find the best garden furniture for this list we visited some of 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, asked friends and family for their top-rated products, and took into account third party opinions via online reviews. Click here to find out more about how we review products on Ideal Home.
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