Shopping
The 20 best garden furniture stores of 2024, for bistro sets, hammocks and rattan sofas
Gardens aren’t just about weeding and mowing, thank goodness. They’re private spaces that enrich our lives, so choosing the best garden furniture for an al fresco lunch, or for cooling off in the shade whilst admiring the fruits of your labour, is a must. As the poet William Henry Davis says, It’s a poor life this if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare.
The problem is, we’re spoilt for choice. Beyond high street names like Aldi and B&Q is a whole world of online options. Some of the best garden furniture stores specialise in one particular material, such as oak or teak, whereas some specialise in one item, such as hammocks. Elsewhere you’ll find tables, chairs, loungers and parasols in a huge range of materials and prices.
Luckily, as a Telegraph gardening writer, I’ve bought from most of them over the years, so I know their pros and cons. You can read my pick of the top 20 outdoor furniture shops below, followed by some advice on the best furniture materials. If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at my top five:
Which are the best garden furniture stores in 2024? At a glance
How to choose the right garden furniture store for you
Before you start to browse my recommended stores, do some measuring. Balconies and small patios need slim furniture that folds away. Not all retailers sell it.
If you’ll have to leave your furniture exposed to the elements in winter, wood and metal are your best options and many retailers specialise in one or the other. Others specialise in rattan, both genuine and PVC, which will need to be stored.
The elephant in the room is price. If you’ve got a young family, your budget will already be stretched to the max. Look for the end of season bargains that always crop up from August onwards. To help you choose, I’ve included each outdoor patio furniture store’s price range in my reviews.
Finally, think of your setting. A rattan three-piece sofa won’t sit easily beside an old Victorian rectory. Those gardens will need more traditional designs, such as a Lutyens bench or a wooden dining set. I recommend plenty of garden furniture shops below that will fit the bill.
1. Charles Bentley
Prices from £30 to £1,100, charlesbentley.com
Best overall garden furniture store
We like: the quality of the service