The Best Garden Furniture for an Al Fresco Set Up in 2023

By Lucy Smith

The best garden furniture will transform your outdoor space into a stylish and Instagram-ready haven for spring and summer 2023 – very necessary given the promise of ‘the warmest year on record’.

While we're not entirely comfortable with this temperature rise from an environmental POV, the reality for us in the UK will be a summer spent outdoors, so we may as well be prepared. Cue a June and July filled with all things reusable wine tumblers, eco-friendly pasta straws and, of course, some stunning new garden purchases that are made to last (bye bye, fast consumerism).

From sun loungers to hanging egg chairs and outdoor rugs, we've rounded up rattan garden furniture, wooden garden furniture and all the decor and accessories for your balcony/courtyard/patio/lawn. Whatever outside space you have at your disposal, we've hunted down the best bits for a springtime spruce up, and we've been inspired by the awe-worthy decor from the likes of The White Lotus, And Just Like That and every single AD Open Door video (ahem, Emma Chamberlain).

Our top pick? You might be surprised to find out it's actually this Otta dining set from Dunelm. Made from durable aluminium with a glass, wipe-clean top, the Otta set is oh-so reasonably priced at £399, not to mention the PE rattan will be weather resistant. If you ask us, this piece is reminiscent of the sort of mid-century pieces you'd find at West Elm - run don't walk.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need a huge outside space (or great weather) to reap the benefits of the great outdoors. Seating is a necessity: a simple garden bench or a couple of stylish garden chairs will provide you with somewhere comfy to enjoy a cup of tea in the morning. Or, if you love spending those spring and summer evenings barbecuing, choose from a small bistro set or garden table and chairs that can seat ten to create the perfect hosting space for you. If you're living in a rented property and don't have much freedom when it comes to mixing up your interiors, transforming your outdoor area is a great compromise.

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If we're talking about quality of garden furniture, there are a few garden furniture stores we'd recommend you make a beeline for. Garden Trading is great for stylish and small garden furniture pieces that'll last for years. John Lewis, too, has an extensive offering - particularly when it comes to larger garden table sets and corner sofas, while Nkuku is an absolute treasure trove for garden accessories, think photogenic AF picnic blankets, outdoor cushions and hammocks.

Outdoor furniture can be expensive, so for more purse-friendly options look to sites like Wayfair and Aldi. Their offering might be small, but it's super affordable and delivery is great. Keep an eye on their garden furniture section for plenty of outdoor steals, including the aforementioned, currently selling out rocking chair. Race ya to the check out!

This totally depends on what you're after. The best garden furniture for you will depend on how big your space is, what you want to use it for and how many people you might be entertaining. If you've got an empty corner and lots more space, you might consider a corner sofa like this lounge unit from Habitat. We've also found tonnes of stylish sun loungers, deck chairs and inflatable pools to bring poolside chic to your back yard, plus garden parasols to protect you from the blazing sun. If you've just got a balcony to play with and you're after the best garden furniture for small spaces, a set of two outdoor dining chairs might be enough.

Wrought iron garden furniture is generally considered to be the most durable kind of garden furniture, and luckily it's readily available. That said, all of the garden furniture in this edit has been built to last, as long as you look after it properly. This M&S Porto dining set, for example, includes a 10-year guarantee, has been coated with a protective finish and can arrive in as little as one week. To that point we might add that aluminium frame furniture (like that of this Kettler dining set) is another one to look out as it's naturally highly resistant to weathering. Fun fact, eh?

When it comes to deciding between the likes of acacia, eucalyptus, redwood and the likes, the interior design specialist, owner and director of CGC Interiors, Rob Chadwick, had all the answers. His suggestion? "Teak is a great choice of wood for outdoor furniture, due to its natural weatherproofing capabilities," commented Rob.

He continued, "The material is naturally resistant to water and rot, is low maintenance and is sure to last you long periods of time. Teak may be one of the more expensive wood options on the market today, however the numerous benefits it brings make it well worth it."

Such benefits include…

Our GLAMOUR teak picks:

Breaking down the different types Dobbies Garden Centre's Lynsey Abbott explains which garden furniture makeups will stand the test of time:

She begins, "if you’re looking for garden furniture that's durable, steel is a great choice as it can withstand the elements well."

For a more natural look, Lynsey goes on, "wooden garden furniture is great for bringing timeless warmth to your outdoor space, and it will last for years if cared for properly."

Lastly, she explains, "rattan sets are wonderful for people seeking a long-lasting investment for their outdoor area.

"Waterproof and UV resistant, this material works well in most climates and is great for those with kids as can easily be wiped clean of any spillages."

Our GLAMOUR picks:

Ah, this question always comes up. We've narrowed it down to two favourites. The Colwell Sofa is ideal for small-medium spaces and will fit two guests (three at a push) comfortably. If you're doing up a balcony, this Cabera Sun Lounger comes in at a close second. It's durable and hardwearing but also fits into that trending rattan theme.

We also love Nkuku for natural materials and rattan-style garden furniture. Their Nesari Coffee Table is chefs kiss while their rustic Bistro Chairs are to die for. Imagine the warmth it'd bring to your garden?! They've also released a marble table to match - which costs £495 and will last a lifetime. You know what to do.

Advising on whether we even need to cover our garden furniture, Argos' Rachael Fell tells GLAMOUR, "most garden furniture these days is durable, but if you don't look after it, it won't last forever."

She says, "Your best bet for keeping garden pieces looking new for years to come is opting for a cover made from solid polyester, finished with a PVC lining that is easy to clean and ensures your furniture stays fresh and damage-free.

"You don't need to splash out on these items, and there are loads which do the job at an affordable price; the most important thing is that you're consistent with it."

See, for example, this low-cost pick from the brand themselves:

The best way to maintain and look after your wooden garden furniture sets? Black + Decker's Tim Winstanley explains, "wooden garden furniture is usually durable and can withstand the elements, but I would recommend checking and replacing any rusty bolts with new ones to re-secure any loose or wobbly table legs to increase the furniture's stability and longevity."

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Next, he adds, "For any wood that has lifted or chipped, smooth over with an orbital finishing sander and treat the wood with a sealant to prevent further damage before painting.

"To give wooden furniture a good clean before painting I would recommend cleaning it all over with a wood cleaner, giving it a light sand and then apply a saturating wood oil."

"This will prevent your garden furniture from becoming discoloured in the future," Tim suggests.

Want more outdoor content? Head this way for the best BBQs, over here for the best pizza ovens for al-fresco dining and in this direction for picnic blankets that you can use in your garden/in the park/on the beach. We've also got picnic sets to go with them (think hampers, picnic wine glasses and bamboo plates), fire pits and inflatable hot tubs for a Love Island garden upgrade, plus the best patio heaters to keep you toasty as the sun goes down.

For more from our Commerce Writer Lucy Smith, follow her on Instagram @luceeeeesmith.

Wayfair is probably one of the retailers with the vastest selection of garden furniture and, what's more, they have a selection that's quite diverse on the price front, too. Want a sun lounger at a lower price point? They've got that. Want a luxury outdoor corner sofa set? They'll have that, too. Wayfair is also a great choice if you're looking to get something into your garden fast, with many of their items offering free one day delivery.

One of Wayfair's bestsellers on site right now is this set of two reclining sun loungers, which are stylish, comfortable and durable with thanks to their sturdy powder-coated steel frames. Up next is a hanging egg chair which would look sleek and stylish in any garden or on your patio or balcony. And, if you want your garden to look like a White Lotus resort then the pergola below needs to go on your wishlist for summer. Plus, it's relatively inexpensive for the quality. Lastly, if you don't like the appearance of a parasol, this gazebo might be a welcome alternative. And, with two handy shelves, you'll have room for your vino, coffee and more.

Save money on high-quality garden furniture sets for your outdoor living space, including pergolas, dining sets and more, with these Wayfair discounts.

Aldi's middle isle sends shoppers wild every time they release a new ‘must-have’ item and, whether it's 2021's hanging egg chair or the Kamado barbecue to rival even The Big Green Egg, their outdoor releases are, to quote Lady Whistledown, the diamonds of the season. In 2023, Aldi are bringing buyers a whole range of garden furniture, with gazebos and lounge sets galore. The best news? The hanging egg chair is back for 2023! The rope effect modernises the traditional design to create a stunning piece of furniture and the perfect addition to any outdoor space at a great price. The ultimate relaxation accessory.

A household name, especially in Britain, M&S' garden furniture is time-earned and, whether you're worried about warranties or durability, Marks and Sparks have got you covered. For 2023, their outdoor collection is looking bright and Mediterranean inspired: just what we need here in these testing weather conditions… With outdoor dining sets, side tables and two, three and four-seater outdoor sofas to get browsing, something's bound to make it into your basket.

Save money on garden dining sets with these M&S discounts.

Anthropologie, our one stop shop for last-minute gifts, chic tableware and, now, garden décor. Where you're after a hanging egg chair with Middle-Eastern influence, or perhaps a statement piece to liven up a neutral exteriors scheme, Anthropologie have both stripped-back and punchy designs. Take this side table below, for instance. It's one of the chicest ways we've ever seen lime green styled, is handmade using water-resistant material and is the best companion for evening cocktails in the garden. See for yourself…

Save money on the best garden furniture with these Anthropologie discount codes.

Much like Graham and Green, Barker and Stonehouse prides itself on offering buyers furniture that will stand the test of time. Its designs have been well thought out (you won't find a wayward ‘live, laugh, love’ motif on anything here…) and will leave your outdoor space looking like a suave five-star resort from the Dalmation coast. What could be better? Our pick? Delicately crafted from woven willow, add a tealight or small pillar candle to create a bohemian ambiance with this grey lantern featuring a coastal rope handle.

Perhaps one you're not as familiar with, Graham & Green is the brand your outdoor space needs if you're on the hunt for airy furniture that will inject a bit of foreign heat into these cloudy British parts. From bamboo beach chairs to parasols adorned with palm trees, G&G is just what your sun-starved garden needs.

Save money on your order with these Graham & Green discount codes.

Unless you've lived under a rock, Selfridges won't be a name that's new to you. There's a TV show about the brand, aptly titled Mr. Selfridge, and the Oxford Street store is busy as ever Monday through Sunday with shoppers visiting the iconic building from across the globe. Their garden furniture offerings, however, might not be what you associate with the brand. Yep, Selfridges have an excellent selection of garden furniture with everything from hot tubs to coffee table sets, as well as the most coastal grandmother aesthetic of brands - Business & Pleasure Co. - and all that they have to offer.

We also have Selfridges discount codes so you can save that all-important £££.

La Redoute is the brand we always head to when others fail to stock items with that extra ounce of pizzazz. If you're looking for a garden chair, for example, La Redoute will bring you the most beautiful of creations, with their Amezza striped deck chair bringing the beach to your garden as you sit back and relax. Elsewhere, La Redoute have got luxury teak coffee tables and hidden storage boxes, the latter saving you the time it takes to move all your outdoor cushions indoors. Specifically, we're eyeing up the 3-seater bench below - an ample home for all your outdoor soft furnishings. What's more, it's made from acacia which is pretty hardy and weatherproof, being resistant to rot, nibbly insects and water. Perhaps you want to upgrade your umbrella with the acacia alternative beneath, too? Because water-filled parasol bases are just a bit cheugy, aren't they?

Save money on garden storage boxes, benches and more with these La Redoute discounts.

Dunelm, previously Dunelm Mill, has come a long way in the past few years and, now, if you're looking for long-lasting furniture at an accessible price, it's certainly worth checking out their collections. Their FatBoy-esque sun lounger is one of our all-time favourite summer buys at just £79 and, if you're in the market for an outdoor dining set the below Otta table and chairs are contemporary, in trending colours and, if you ask us, would look just as chic indoors as out. Elsewhere, if you've a big family, or rather you're a hosting pro, the six-seater Cresent dining set will make for the most aesthetic BBQ spreads you friends and family have ever laid their eyes upon.

Save money on furniture for laidback al fresco dining this summer with these Dunelm discounts.

A bit of a new kid on the block, Homary popped onto our radars in the last couple months and we haven't been able to stop browsing their aesthetically pleasing products since. From small desks to multi-functional coffee tables, Homary's offerings are innovative, often with 2-in-1 capabilities (with storage, for instance) and sleek, clean designs. In the world of garden furniture, we're eyeing up this garden coffee set and Insta-worthy sofa. A stunning reading nook, if you ask me.

If you're not familiar with Aosom, think of it as a big warehouse of household-name brands, a little bit like Costco but more home focused. With brands like Outsunny, Homcom and Durhand, too, you'll be able to trust in the quality of the items you're checking out. What's more, the site has a high 4.4/5 Trustpilot rating, plus customer reviews of every product in plain sight.

My pick of the bunch? This set of two sun loungers are on sale at AOSOM right now (the most popular retailer for sun loungers among GLAMOUR readers in summer 2022). They have deep, comfy seats with Rattan-inspired bases. Or, if you don't quite fancy sun loungers but you need a set of garden chairs to kick back and relax, look to Outsunny's Rattan-inspired garden chairs - they're available at Aosom and are the perfect alternative.

An aspirational brand, Oka is the child of an entrepreneur, an interior decorator and a horticulturalist: Lady Annabel Astor, Sue Jones and Lucinda Waterhouse. The brand doesn't try to ‘fit in’ with fleeting trends, instead taking inspiration from across the globe to create timeless and special pieces. Oka furniture doesn't come cheap, but it's built to last (with the above sunbed featuring a weather-resistant aluminium frame, rattan weave, tapered metal legs and plush foam and fibre filled cushions.). Oka stocks everything from garden tables to showerproof cushions, so you can rest easy knowing they'll have just the ticket to upgrade your exterior for summer.

Save money on weather resistant outdoor furniture with these Oka discounts.

Very's garden furniture offerings come in a myriad of colours and styles and there really is something for every interior design preference. Fancy your patio the next Love Island fire pit? The bistro set below will be sure to brighten up your exterior. It's like something straight outta' the Mallorcan ITV villa and is something we certainly need here in sun-starved Blighty. If your home is more laid back and minimalist, with a design that'll rival the likes of La Redoute and, formerly, Made.com, the Novogratz loveseat below looks as though it's been taken straight from the Soho House White City rooftop (and will cost £££ less than a membership…).

Save money on 4 seater garden sofa sets with these Very discounts.

Habitat has been through quite a few different life cycles and, while it used to be a part of Homebase, the brand now fulfils orders through Argos as well as selling products in Sainsbury's. One our favourite retailers for affordable homeware with a luxe feel, Habitat's outdoor selection features all sorts of garden must haves, including bistro sets, gorgeous garden chairs and, one of our top picks, a hanging egg seat. With a little bit of added storage in the coffee table, we're also eyeing up this this Habitat rattan furniture set; it seats up to six people (seven at a squeeze) and will be perfect for all your spring and summer soirees. Lastly, this solid wood day bed gets a thumbs up from us - a chunky cushion and a luxurious 85+cm garden seat? We're sold.

Save money on furniture for your living room, garden and more with these Habitat discounts.

You might think of Argos as a go-to for electricals, kids toys and the like but the brand's garden furniture offering is not one to overlook, either. From BBQs to outdoor seating areas, you'll find stylish pieces at accessible price points with quick delivery to take your garden space from dull to dazzling. For instance, oftentimes garden swing seats can look a tad dated, so it wasn't easy to find one that wouldn't disrupt your modern garden aesthetic. …That is, until the Argos piece underneath popped up in my Google search results. Have we convinced you that Argos should be your next garden shop stop? Don't forget to grab a cover, too. If you're spending a pretty penny on the best garden furniture sets then you're going to want to look after them. The below cover from Argos is a best-seller - grab it before its gone.

Save money on furniture covers with these Argos discounts.

A staple British retailer, John Lewis' homeware is time-earned, usually comes with a guarantee for ease of mind and sits at a relatively mid-range price point. In terms of outdoor living furniture, John Lewis are stocking all sorts of trending items for 2022, with al fresco dining tables and dining chairs to mention a few. Take the garden beanbag below. It's available in three colours, and filled with polystyrene beads that are designed to move and mould around you to give comfortable support. Elsewhere, the Burford ladder shelf is something you might not see everyday in the wooden outdoor furniture sphere and it'll make a sweet home for all your outdoor planters and climbing greenery.

Other options? Garden sheds really can be an eye sore, so when I saw the below duck egg number from Crane Garden Buildings, I jumped at the chance to show you. With space for firestarters, logs, wood chippings et. al, this storage shed is free from cheap-looking plastic and, instead, features high-quality Scandinavian Redwood. As for low maintenance garden furniture, available in three colours the ANYDAY garden rug is made from a cleverly chosen blend of materials for durability. It can be used on grass, on decking or inside a conservatory or lounging space, even. Lastly, these LED garden lights are a must-have if you're planning on doing lots of outdoor socialising this summer. They'll cover your space with a wash of vibrant colour.

Save money on garden storage sheds and wishlist garden furniture with these John Lewis discounts.

Garden Trading is a brand where your exterior decor comes first, something a lot of competitors can't stand up to. In fact, their indoor furniture selection was a later addition to their collections and, in terms of style, Garden Trading focuses on timeless pieces which will help to encourage an uncluttered outdoor space. The brand sells tables, chairs and all the furniture covers to go with them.

In terms of seating, this 2-seater sofa has bags of nautical character and mid-century charm, but made from polyrope material wrapped in vertical lines it gives a more unique and lightweight appearance than all-weather rattan. Perfect on a sunny balcony or on the patio, matching coffee table and armchairs also available. As for bar and tableware for all your garden parties and summer barbecues, create your own bar area or drinks station with this cute drinks trolley. Whatever your tipple of choice, the addition of wheels make this trolley fully portable so the bar can come to you!

An evening spent socialising outdoors will be no fun at all if you all get cold. Make like Love Island and snap up the above fire pit from Garden Trading. It's made from steel and has plenty of glowing reviews. And lastly, crafted in Powder Coated Steel, this weatherproof bistro set is fully foldable and available in a wide choice of colours. This sunshine shade of cheery yellow is a firm favourite when it comes to patio furniture.

Save money on the best patio heaters and garden furniture with these Garden Trading discount codes.

Heal's will likely be a familiar name to your ears, but perhaps more for corner sofas and armchairs than garden furniture. In fact, the brand stocks a great selection of outdoor pieces, with mirrors, shower-proof cushions and string lights, not to mention statement chairs as luscious as their indoor collections. Plus, you can get free delivery if you spend over £5,000.

For me, Amazon is my retailer of choice for what I would describe as ‘overnight’ essentials - your Command strips, Brita filters and the like. What I didn't know I was missing out on was a whole host of garden accessories from brands I know and trust. Think: IKEA, Weber, Kettler and Lafuma. For starters, look to the below Kettler patio heater. If the springtime chills have got you clinging to your cosy living space, rather than braving the outdoors, it might tempt you en plein air. Plus, let's face it, ordering from IKEA online is a faff. You'll be set back £15 on delivery alone so, instead, I'm looking to trusty Amazon. Prime delivery to the rescue.

Save money on patio heaters to save you the hassle of a fire pit or, worse, a DIY campfire, by using these Amazon discounts when you checkout.

If you like your outdoor space to give off echoes of warmer climes, Nkuku should be top of your bookmarks. Whether you're in the market for North African-inspired plant pots or rattan here, there and everywhere, they'll have a variety of options to suit your exteriors tastes. Fancy yourself a summer spent lounging outdoors? Boho in design, this Nkuku coffee table makes for a stunning Aperol spot, crudité resting place and more. Treat ya'self.

Save money on daybeds and more on-trend garden decor with these Nkuku discount codes.

One of the latest retailers to find its way onto our shopping radars, Scotts of Stow stock a mixture of gifts, fashion and, of course, garden furniture. What we love about the brand is the uniqueness of some of the pieces. Yes, you can go to your local garden centre for a sun lounger and an outdoor dining table, but can you take home a garden mirror with shutters that looks straight out of Tuscany? Or, rather, an alternative to your classic climbing plant support, this Secret Garden-style trellis is ornate and will blend seamlessly into your surrounding greenery and fleurs.

Save money on everything from arbours to trellises and garden décor by using these Scotts of Stow discounts when you head to the checkout

If you're after kitchenware - think cocktail sets and small electricals - then VonHaus will be one of your first point of calls. Now, with a wide array of wooden garden furniture, parasols and even lawn mowers, they're moving up the ranks as one of our favourite inexpensive outdoor retails destinations. Looking to hop aboard the hanging egg trend? In a minimalist macrame style, this affordable hanging chair from Von Haus is the perfect spot to accessorise with a whole host of seat cushions, tailored to your outdoor space, of course.

Stripped-back styles at their best, Gardenesque is the retailer for washed-wood, almost shabby-chic effect furniture and they stock everything from parasols to sun loungers and deck chairs. In terms of pricing? Gardenesque stocks a range of prices with table sets under £300 and, equally, garden corner sofas over £1,000.

The Range is your one-stop shop for outdoor furniture on a tight budget. With pieces that serve solely to fill a hole while you wait on your dream furniture, as well as more durable and stylish picks that will be the talking point of your summer soirees, The Range really is a versatile brand.

Save money on your purchases with these discount codes for The Range.

B&Q are the DIY kings of the retail world and, whether you're looking for a flat-pack sofa for your living room, or an affordable seating area for your garden, these guys will have what you're looking for. You can get their pieces ordered to store for easy pick up, too.

Save a bit of extra £££ with these B&Q discount codes.

If affordable homeware and exterior decor is your bag, then Homebase might just be the retailer for you. Specialising in DIY flat pack and lightweight bits, as well as your bigger, more long-lasting purchases (like a pergola or garden shed), Homebase has a little bit of everything, not to mention the power tools you'll need to actually put your purchases together. After a more affordable rattan-style sofa sets? This Homebase unit features clean, straight lines and will look straight out of a five-star Ibiza hotel. Espléndido.

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