Best outdoor furniture: to add style and comfort to gardens this summer

Our edit of where to buy the best outdoor furniture covers everything from irresistibly comfortable sofas and lounge sets to stylish dining chairs and tables

Three of the best outdoor furniture sets from Next, M&S, and Dunelm
(Image credit: Dunelm/M&S/Next)

Investing in the best outdoor furniture is an easy way to transform an outside area, making it feel like a valuable extension of your living space. Whether it's a generous dining table for hosting or a plush comfy outdoor sofa for relaxation, the right outdoor furniture is a game-changer for spending more time outside.

We've evaluated all the new summer collections to round up where to buy the best outdoor furniture to accentuate your chosen garden trends and make better use of your outdoor space this summer after cleaning the patio in anticipation of sunshine days ahead. We've taken into consideration different budgets and styles to suit all.

When buying the best outdoor furniture, Heal’s buying director, Sabina Miller advises, “Treat outdoor furniture with the same consideration as you would an indoor piece." This mindset is important when looking to create an on-trend outdoor living room.

To avoid the most common mistakes when buying outdoor furniture Sabina adds: "It's crucial to look out for weatherproof materials, firm cushioning and durable fabrics that will maintain their high level of quality and style for years to come, whilst also withstanding the often unpredictable weather.”

Where to buy the best outdoor furniture 2025

What makes the 'best' outdoor furniture buys worth investing in? First and foremost, we look for designs that are durable and built to stand the test of time, because good outdoor furniture is an investment you want to last. Secondly, we've picked pieces from the best outdoor furniture brands we've shopped with for years and recommend them as trusted sources on all fronts.

Habitat

Habitat 4 Seater Bamboo Effect Garden Sofa Set

(Image credit: Habitat)

Habitat has always been the home of design nestled on the high street and thanks to its affiliation with the Argos family it's also now more widely available and accessible for all.

The in-house design team at Habitat remain as focused as ever on delivering the latest on-trend designs and tipping the balance between functionality and fun, as is evident from the bold use of colour within its outdoor furniture collection. I've had their bright Scion collaboration of garden furniture pinned on my board since it launched, but that's not the only collection you'll want to shop.

Marks & Spencer

Royalcraft, Monaco Rattan Bistro Table and 2 Chairs

(Image credit: Royalcraft)

M&S is one of those if you know you know places to shop outdoor furniture. Their range of bright bistro sets, irresistibly soft sofas, and chic tables cover every kind of outdoor space, from city balconies to country gardens.

All their seating is weather-proof, which makes maintenance utterly effortless. Plus, they offer outdoor lighting and plant pots to give your garden a final flourish.

Dunelm

Compact Natural Corner Sofa Lounger Set

(Image credit: Dunelm)

Dunelm is the hidden gem that offers thoughtfully designed furniture at the lower end of the budget, without it compromising on quality. Having ordered furniture from Dunelm I have been pleasantly surprised with the craftsmanship.

The in-house design team are always striving to keep abreast of the latest trends while considering their audience and the affordability factor. From space-saving solutions to on-trend rattan designs, this season's collection of garden furniture delivers on all fronts.

Cox & Cox

garden with a wicker dining set with a sofa and armchairs

(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

Cox & Cox effortlessly delivers the best in the quintessentially British style. Catering brilliantly for charming woven furniture Its traditional wicker-style sofas feature sumptuously deep cushions to ensure maximum comfort, sat upon a hearty aluminium frame to give the designs a classic cottage garden appeal.

To accompany the sofas there's a range of occasional chairs, bistro sets and even recliners to ensure every aspect of garden life is suitably dressed in country cottage style. Despite being designed for the garden these pieces are also ideal for a conservatory if you wish to leave them indoors for part of the year.

NEXT

Green Boucle Genoa 5 Seater Garden Sofa Chairs and Table Lounge Set

(Image credit: Next)

Next’s outdoor furniture collection offers a stylish and practical solution for transforming any garden, patio, or balcony. Featuring their own beautifully designed pieces alongside selections from MADE.COM (yes, you can still buy some of their furniture at Next), the range includes everything from contemporary dining sets to timeless rattan loungers.

With a variety of styles to suit both modern and classic outdoor spaces, Next ensures that finding the perfect furniture is effortless. Plus, with next-day delivery available on many items, you can refresh your outdoor setup in no time — just in time for those sunny days ahead.

FAQs

What material is best for outdoor furniture?

Choosing the best outdoor furniture is about more than mere aesthetics because the material is key to longevity and suitability for living outdoors. Outdoor furniture is often a costly investment so it's important to consider the right materials, to ensure your new furniture is built to last.

"With a rust-resistant treatment, powder-coated aluminium frames are protected from corrosion and provide defence against chipping and scratching, ensuring that the high quality of the finish will last all year round, and for years to come," advises Heal’s buying director, Sabina Miller advises.

"If you’re looking for a more natural aesthetic, teak is a great option. A tight wood grain makes it one of the strongest and most durable materials for outdoor furniture, while natural oils repel insects, acid and moisture, meaning it requires little maintenance and will be resistant to all weathers."

Is rattan or wood better for outdoor furniture?

Is rattan or wood better for outdoor furniture? It's an age-old debate. We asked Heal's buyer Sabina to offer her expert advice to settle the debate.

"Both rattan and wood carry a naturally timeless and versatile aesthetic, but the longevity, quality and suitability for individual outdoor spaces will vary depending on the investment made –in terms of both effort and cost," Sabina explains.

"We suggest investing in hardwood, such as teak. Highly durable characteristics and self-producing natural oils ensure its finish is maintained over many years, while its coloring fades to a beautiful silvery grey. On the other hand, softwoods like pine and cedar can start to look worn out if left untreated and will lose their structural integrity when exposed to moisture, meaning they need to be stored away outside of summer.

"Natural rattan is also prone to weather damage, but synthetic designs can offer a highly durable and low-maintenance option. However, a poorly woven construction can impact the longevity of the structure, and its lightweight design means it could be damaged in windy conditions."

Best outdoor furniture teak framed grey cushioned sofa beside a pool

(Image credit: Heal's)

Tamara Kelly
Lifestyle Editor

Tamara is a highly experienced homes and interiors journalist with a career spanning over 22 years. Now the Lifestyle Editor of womanandhome.com, she previously spent 18 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home. With these award-winning interior teams, she gained a wealth of knowledge and honed her skills and passion for styling and writing about every aspect of lifestyle and interiors.

A true homes and interiors expert, Tamara has been an ambassador for leading interior brands on multiple occasions, including appearing on Matalan’s The Show and presenting at top interior trend forecasting events such as the Autumn Fair and Spring Fair.

With contributions from