The best garden furniture brands to shop this year

When it’s time to buy a new set for the outdoors, knowing the best garden furniture brands to shop for is always helpful. After all, there’s never been a better time to invest in a new design for that unique outdoor experience, whether dining al fresco or winding down at the bottom of the garden. We’ve hand-picked a variety of garden furniture for you to choose from, as well as details about the brand. Hopefully, Modern Gardens Magazine will perk up your patio – ready for the summer months.

Thankfully, there are a lot of places where you can hunt for your ideal garden furniture, from online sites to department stores. Make sure to bookmark our suggestions and visit them over the course of the year if you want to refresh your outdoor space – whether you want to deck your patio out with a dining set or add a comfy place to sit in a shady spot – like a hanging egg chair. Keep on top of prices, but we’d recommend getting in quickly. Things will sell out.

Best garden furniture brands at a glance:

• Stylish, premium garden furniture: Maze Living
• Best garden furniture brand: John Lewis
• Upgrade with their stylish offerings: Habitat
• Mid-range garden furniture: Dunelm

Each year brings the promise of exciting new garden trends that'll modernise your outdoor space and big predictions for how we're going to style, design, and use our gardens for the rest of the year. Indoor-worthy patioware is all the rage, according to Jules Barton-Breck. Here, you will lounge in luxury with weather-friendly outdoor living furniture indistinguishable from their indoor counterparts. Or, consider wicker garden furniture for a natural look.

When choosing the best garden furniture brands, it is important to take into consideration the following pain points: high cost, maintenance requirements, weather vulnerability, weight and portability, style, assembly and more. With that, Modern Gardens Magazine has hand-picked the best garden furniture brands that deserve your attention this year.

Best garden furniture brands UK

Maze Living

Stylish, premium garden furniture - 5/5

This British outdoor furniture brand has many products, including outdoor sofa sets and kitchens. You name it, they have it. Everything you need to create the perfect space. We love that their furniture is smart, stylish and made to last, with lengthy guarantees.

Suitable for year-round use, their fabrics are UV, rain, frost, and mould resistant. Plus, Maze products are designed with the environment in mind. The brand is committed to making the right choices for the planet and aims to become one of the UK's most eco-friendly garden furniture suppliers.

John Lewis

Best garden furniture brand - 5/5

John Lewis is a reliable, trusted brand. Known for its high-end homeware, you’re in safe hands when looking for high-quality, long-lasting outdoor furniture. Relax and dine alfresco with their impressive range – stocking everything from garden benches to bistro sets for the patio.

Why else do we love John Lewis? They have a great number of furniture ranges and sets, with individual matching pieces available at different price points and to one’s liking. If you like the style of a particular dining set, chances are there will be a matching sun lounger for a cohesive look.

Wayfair

Widest range of garden furniture - 4/5

Wayfair is another good option for kitting out your home with furniture, décor and soft furnishings. Need some outdoor cushions for your rattan rocking chair? Wayfair seems to be inundated with as many outdoor accessories as they do stylish seating. Their range is vast and immensely impressive.

Since 2002, this shopping destination has showcased various brands, from budget buys to high-end premium pieces. It’s perfect for those of us seeking a specific look for our outdoor space. You’re bound to find what you’re dreaming of… We guarantee it.

Habitat

Upgrade with their stylish offerings - 4.5/5

Owned by Sainsbury’s, Habitat is a trusted homeware brand here in the UK. It’s pretty mid-range and you can find some stylish, expensive-looking pieces for a bargain. This summer, they have a fabulous range of recliner garden chairs. Not to mention, their patio sets are to die for.

Why else do we love Habitat? They’re perfect for us Brits, who jump at the chance for al fresco dining. Most of Habitat's offerings are created internally, yet there’s something worldly about their range. Want to upgrade your dreary-looking rattan garden furniture? Habitat is the place.

Dunelm

Mid-range garden furniture - 4.5/5

With Dunelm, you can save big on sun-dappled breakfasts and long, loungey weekends in the garden. If you’re a fan of curling up with a good book, you can find a great piece, happily on your lonesome. Or, if you like to entertain guests, we favour their tropical corner and curved sofa sets.

No matter the season, weather or occasion, Dunelm’s quality is fantastic. Bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor living spaces, Dunelm is letting us lounge in outdoor garden furniture that is indistinguishable from their indoor counterparts, which is a hot garden trend this year.

B&Q

Perfect for all gardens - 4/5

B&Q has a stunning range, perfect for decking out your patio – no matter the shape or size. It has innovative storage-smart and space-saving pieces – to keep your outdoor space neat, tidy and looking beautiful. With a range suiting all styles and preferences, you’re bound to find a gem.

What else do we love about B&Q? Their wide range incorporates high-quality products suitable for all budgets. If you’ve got the cash to splash out on a sofa dining set to dine in style, by all means. However, if you’re looking for a bargain bistro set, B&Q will perfectly set you up for the summer.

Cox + Cox

Best for timeless, luxury outdoor living - 4.5/5

For a timeless look in your home - or in your outdoor space - consider Cox & Cox. Based in From, Somerset, the business has been around for 20 years, from made-to-order pieces to their chic garden range, which encapsulates snug egg chairs, smart outdoor coffee tables - and more.

They believe that the homes and gardens of every interior enthusiast can be timeless, and harmonious, yet tailored to their individual style. With many styles on offer, you're bound to find something unique.

Homary

Unique range of furniture - 4/5

We're taking it international with Homary's worldwide home improvement and decor online shop, showcasing top manufacturers, a diverse range and satisfactory pricing. They aim to be a trusted destination for gardens and homes - all in one place, helping to create your own space.

We think garden furniture from Homary is very unusual, stylish and perfect for modern gardens...

OKA

Best for Mediterranean glamour - 4.5/5

OKA is, simply put, a "love affair with living well", says the brand. They're on a mission to make your home memorable, enjoyable and beautiful. Starting small, this female-founded business is inspired by the rich textures and patterns of the Far East, horticulture and global treasures, that feel innately, timelessly British.

From homeware to garden furniture, they have a wide array of premium elegant and easy-going pieces to add to your space. Find some inspiration from our favourite picks below. As they say: "A blend of cultures and aesthetics working in perfect harmony, which is at the heart of everything we do."

VERDICT: Who makes the best garden furniture?

Modern Gardens Magazine recommends all of the above for your garden furniture needs. But, overall, our top pick is John Lewis. Garden furniture is an investment and though John Lewis isn’t a budget brand, there are many products at different price points. Overall, their stock is good quality.

How we chose the best garden furniture brands

All of these garden furniture brands have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered quality, style and value in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching garden furniture brands to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And, with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.

FAQs

What type of garden furniture is best?

As you may have gathered, there are many different types of garden furniture out there to choose from – all made from different materials. Often manufactured to withstand the unpredictability of weather here in the UK, the garden furniture will last you a while. So, it’s important to be clued up on the material types – not only for style purposes but for longevity, also.

With the help of Dunelm, we’ve got some tips on how to pick this long-term investment. And – helping you consider your lifestyle, outdoor space and preferences before you take the plunge.

What is the best quality garden furniture?

PE rattan – is used to look like the real thing. But it’s made from a textured polyethene – so, it’s “more durable and weather resistant than natural rattan,” says Dunelm. It can be used indoors, outdoors and in conservatories. It’s comfy, weatherproof and easy to maintain. Though it can be left outside, storing it inside or with a cover will help it last longer. Overall, it’s a long-lasting choice.

Wood – is a strong, durable pick “with a natural look” and often comes with an “anti-corrosive coating” says Dunelm. We’d recommend storing it away or covering it during the harsher months. With good care, wood can be a great choice and last a long time. Not only does it provide an antiquated look for your outdoors, but it is easy to clean. Remember: treat the wood annually.

Metal – comes with a higher price and is heavier to carry. However, it is a more durable option. Though aluminium and steel are rust-resistant, “other metals may need an anti-corrosive coating,” says Dunelm. Further, aluminium furniture is typically lower-priced, lightweight and easy to move, but “requires greater care.” Most metals need cleaning with soap and water – and covering, too.

Plastic/Resin – is another affordable pick, says Dunelm. Garden furniture of this type is lightweight, weather-resistant and kid-friendly. Plus, it comes with minimal assembly required. Luckily, plastic or resin furniture can cater to most of us, as it can take many styles or forms. Often, it comes stackable and is easy to clean. However, Dunelm suggests storing “through winter to maximise the lifespan”.

When is the best time to buy garden furniture in the UK?

Now - grab a garden furniture deal before everything sells out.

Can garden furniture be left outside?

Yes – but, we have a few tips before you fork out, thanks to Modern Gardens Magazine contributor, Jill Morgan. She says: “The best way to make your furniture set last is to observe the changing weather and seasons carefully.” Not all furniture will be 100 per cent weatherproof.

How do I look after my furniture?

So, for safety and longevity, an outdoor furniture cover should be on your list. After all, garden furniture sets will benefit from “being covered up overnight in winter and even spring and summer when humidity is high and rain is common in the UK,” says Jill. Make sure you have the dimensions correct before you buy, though. Often, you can buy directly from the brand for the perfect fit.

When it comes to cleaning, Jill says to keep things simple: “If you have wooden or plastic furniture, the easiest, most effective, and cheapest way to clean your furniture is by using soapy water using a mild detergent or washing up liquid, and then using a brush or sponge to scrub it down. Simply rinse with a garden hose if you have one and leave it to dry in direct sunlight.”

What to read next:

The best rustic garden décor inspiration

Best hairpin style furniture for a stylish patio set

Sail shades to extend your outdoor living space

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Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Modern Gardens Magazine, an all-rounder. When she’s not writing about houseplants, she’s tending to her own growing collection…