The best garden furniture for livening up your outdoor space

It may still be winter, and we may have only just entered 2023, but the time has arrived once again to get your garden ready for the warmer months. Yes, it's early, but thanks to a combination of long shipping times and the fact you can currently bag yourself a bargain in the furniture sale period, this is actually one of the best times to shop for garden furniture.

Shopping for garden furniture doesn’t have to be just a practical task, however. Take the opportunity to find stylish pieces, build out the aesthetic of your outdoor space and make it somewhere you really do want to spend time. But with that being said, it can be hard to find the right stores and furniture to suit your garden, given just how many options there are to choose from. Thankfully for you, we know just where to look.

From tables and chairs, to sun loungers, fire pits, hammocks and sofas, so many of our favourite furniture stores have launched outdoor lines for this year that are perfect for taking your garden to the next level. Whether you only have patio space or are lucky enough to have some green space to work with, these are the best garden furniture retailers to start browsing. But first, a bit of information...

What are the best garden furniture stores to shop in 2023?

We've included our in-depth guide to everywhere you can browse garden furniture below, but if you're just after a few quick recommendations, look no further.

Best overall garden furniture store: Barker & Stonehouse, barkerandstonehouse.co.uk
Best garden furniture store for accessories: Rose & Grey, roseandgrey.co.uk
Best garden furniture store for dining sets: John Lewis, johnlewis.com
Best garden furniture marketplace: Wayfair, wayfair.co.uk
Best contemporary garden furniture store, Heal's, heals.com

What is the best garden furniture to shop in 2023?

Garden furniture sets are the bread and butter of your outdoor set-up, so before we get into our full run-down of the best garden furniture stores to shop below, we thought we'd include a quickfire guide to the best garden furniture sets to shop now.

Menos by Kettler Cassis 4-Seater Round Garden Dining Table Set

Seats: Four
Materials: Powder-coated aluminium frames
Reasons to buy: Weatherproof, sturdy, easy to care for, stylish minimalist design

Finding weatherproofed, durable garden furniture that isn't an eye sore can be a challenge, but this set from Menos by Kettler has both the practical and stylistic elements covered. Lightweight, designed to prevent rusting and durable enough that you could leave it outdoors year-round (just take in the seat cushions), this set will see you through thick and thin, while also tapping into the minimalist design trend for a simple set of furniture that looks the part. £1,049. At johnlewis.com

Barker & Stonehouse Penryn 4-Seater Garden Dining Set

Seats: Four
Material:
Reasons to buy: 100% weatherproof PE rattan, polyethene, polyester

Simple is often best with larger furnishings, and this set from Barker & Stonehouse is a prime example of how it can pay off to keep things stripped back. In a rattan style, the darker shade of the dining set will prevent stains or any signs of wear and tear from showing up, while still being comfortable and relaxing to spend time in thanks to the cushioning. If you want garden furniture that doubles up as both somewhere to lounge and somewhere you can eat meals al-fresco, this is for you. £1,139. At barkerandstonehouse.co.uk

How do I decorate my garden with furniture in 2023?

Whether or not you have any actual greenery in your garden or just have a patio space, garden furniture is the easiest way to change things up. And the real perk? It doesn't require any green-fingered know-how. Invest in some good quality furniture and you'll be able to bring some character and some added flair, turning your space into one that's worthy of hosting a Pimm's-soaked party this summer.

When it comes to the actual decorating, start by investing in some fundamental pieces and then build out your design style from there. A table and chairs are essential for summer entertaining, and if you have enough space, we'd suggest throwing in an outdoor sofa or sun lounger for relaxing outdoors. Once you have these sorted and in place, it's worth thinking about lighting options, especially if you're planning to keep things going into the evening, as well as some soft furnishings (eg. outdoor rugs) that can add a bit of a personal touch. Adding some outdoor plant pots and plants to your patio can also make it feel more relaxed.

Author: Daphne Bugler

Source: https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/lifestyle/gallery/best-garden-furniture