Glorious weather calls for glorious seating. We have compiled a quick outdoor furniture guide to get your outdoors summer ready. So, if you are on the hunt for garden seating ideas this summer, read on.

As the seasons change, so does our enthusiasm for the outdoors. Warmer weather and lighter evenings are a great excuse to invest in quality outdoor furniture. Whether you have a small balcony or a rolling garden plot, there’s a furniture set for every home. So, if you are looking to entertain friends or simply want to soak up some sun in peace, have a read of our outdoor furniture guide to help you get started.

Consider the material

Typically, outdoor furniture is constructed from wood, plastic, rattan or metal. Each varies in durability, maintenance and affordability.

  • Metal

An ideal material for outdoors, metal is hard wearing, durable and low maintenance. It does tend to rust so look for all weather protected metal to prevent this. As metal doesn’t tend to be the most comfortable, invest in, or choose a set, that has comfortable showerproof cushions. Our Covina lounge set is a fantastic option as it combines aluminium with soft teak for a hard-wearing design with maximum comfort.

  • Plastic

An ideal option for those on a budget who are looking for short term practicality.

Affordable in price, plastic can be left outside all year round without rusting. It isn’t as resilient as other materials and is not an environmentally friendly option.

  • Rattan

A sustainable material, rattan is great for the environment, lightweight and a comfortable seating option. Ensure that you choose rattan furniture that is manufactured to withstand all weather conditions. Our rattan furniture is crafted from all- weather 5mm PE rattan, meaning it is fully weatherproof and can be left outside all year round.

  • Wood

Wood is another material commonly found in outdoor furniture. It can require a little extra care to prevent rotting and erosion. Consider a high quality and low maintenance wood such as teak. Teak retains its oils, making it naturally resistant to weather extremities and insects.

Think about the furniture’s purpose

Do you want your furniture to be a space to relax and unwind with guests? Then a sofa set could be the ideal solution. High on both comfort and sophistication, is our Clifton square sofa set. Featuring an all-weather rattan two-seater sofa, two armchairs and a coffee table, it is perfect for relaxing in the sun with friends.

For alfresco dining, comfort and resilience are key. The furniture needs to be sturdy to accommodate several guests and dinnerware, whilst providing premium relaxation. An outdoor dining set, like our Florida dining set, is the perfect option for dining outside. Crafted from all weather rattan and comfortably seating eight guests, dinner parties are sure to be a breeze.

If you are looking for garden seating ideas that give you a little ‘me time’, a lounge set is a fabulous option. Choose a set like this Culver high back lounge set, perfect whether you are relaxing with a morning coffee or watching the sunset with a glass of wine. It even comes with ottoman footstools and a tempered glass table, for ultimate relaxation.

Invest in quality

When it comes to furniture, particularly outdoor furniture, choosing good quality pieces is imperative. Look for hard wearing materials such as all-weather rattan, metal and teak to ensure that seating is weatherproof. By investing in furniture that is made with care, you can avoid having to replace it every couple of years, saving you money in the long run.

Consider the size of your outdoor space

Furniture that complements a garden needs to be the right size. For a small patio or a balcony, a bistro set is an excellent solution. Our distressed Burack outdoor patio set, for example, features two chairs and a round intricate table, perfect for intimate drinks in the sunshine. Be sure to measure up your space and consider the optimal layout before buying, keeping enough space around the set to enable guests to walk around freely. It is also important to take into account winter storage, should you need it.

Garden furniture has come a long way in recent years. At Love Home Living, we pride ourselves on providing good quality outdoor furniture that is built to last and withstand the uncertainties of British weather. For further inspiration and garden seating ideas take a look at our selection here.