The best garden chairs, loungers and day beds for a laid-back summer
We've been spoilt with sunshine so far this year (long may it last). If you haven't had the chance to laze in your garden yet, we suggest you make the most of the balmy weather while you can - and what better way to do it than with envy-inducing garden furniture that's not only stylish, but also invitingly comfortable?
Whether you fancy dining al fresco or simply kicking back and relaxing, allow us to suggest this year's most covetable garden furniture, chairs and sumptuous garden beds - the must-have al fresco buy of 2018.
Consider it an investment: good quality garden chairs and furniture will see you through plenty of summers to come. If you choose something that you love first time around, you won't want to buy twice - so we've spoken to the experts and compiled some simple tips to help you pick out the perfect chair for your garden.
Sue Jones, founder of British furniture and home accessories retailer OKA, says there are three things you should consider before purchasing chairs for your garden: "As your garden is an extension of your home, the same criteria should apply when choosing outdoor chairs as indoor ones. Comfort, design and practicality are the key things to consider."
Ben Hanley, home stylist manager for homeware retailer West Elm, also recommends giving some thought to how you will ultimately end up using your garden: "Is it for entertaining, growing your own greenery or just a personal space to relax in? This will entirely dictate what ends up on your wish list."
Hanley says size is key: "Picking furniture that is the right size for your space is so important, so be sure to measure it up properly before buying anything.
"If space is limited, folding chairs are a great option as they can be easily stashed away. If you entertain regularly, benches are a great seating option to get more people round the table and are far more social."
Jones adds: "Modular outdoor furniture works in any size or style of outdoor space, as you can mix and match individual pieces to create something that fits perfectly."
Next, you'll need to put some thought into the type of material your chairs will be made out of. Durability is an important consideration. "Make sure your garden furniture is made from a durable material - choose a low-maintenance wood that can be left outside all year round," says Hanley.
Meanwhile, for those living in the city, where there's often less space to work with, Jones recommends metal chairs: "They're a great choice for balconies and terraces - just add a colourful scatter cushion, and then sit back and enjoy the sun."
The best garden chairs and sofas
John Lewis "Eden" outdoor dining chairs
Host a summer soirée to remember or enjoy breakfast and coffee in the garden with the help of these weatherproof wicker chairs, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Escale garden chair in aluminium and composite
White, bright and minimalist, this modern design is stackable, as well as hard-wearing and lightweight. Ideal for creating an outdoor haven everywhere and anywhere.
Esacale Skargaarden Nozib lounge chair
One for the aesthete, this slatted teak design chair is ridiculously good-looking - as well as extremely comfortable. It's also practical, since it's a folding garden chair.
Zeno solid oak folding garden chair
Lacking in space - or on a budget? Keep it simple with these folding chairs, which work well for balconies and smaller city gardens as well as larger spaces in the countryside.
The best garden day beds
Kettler outdoor pod chair
For the ultimate relaxation experience this summer, invest in a rattan pod chair in either whitewash or rattan. The deep, lavish cushions make the sofa-bed the best way to spend a sunny afternoon. The pod has been made with high quality hand-woven wicker, making it not only sturdy and sustainable but also weatherproof and suitable for leaving outside all year round.
Charles Bentley rattan day bed
Cocktail in hand, a day bed is the height of al fresco luxury - and this one is versatile too. The footstool can be interlocked with the sofa to create a full-sized day bed, or removed and used as additional seating. The built-in table is perfect for drinks and snacks, and the cushions are showerproof.
The best sun loungers
Fidji sun lounger in brown resin wicker with sand-coloured cushion
This sun lounger is sturdy, but it's also portable, thanks to two wheels. You probably won't ever want to get up.
Columbus garden sun lounger by Skagerak
Sleek-looking and durable (made with weather-resistant teak), the rot-resistant, quick-dry fabric (available in either cream or black) of this sun bed is also resistant against bleaching and ultra-violet sunlight. It's also lightweight, and easy to wheel around. Heal's delivery includes assembly. Sorted.
Other outdoor seating ideas
Rowlinson Winchester arbour
A great choice if you have the space, this arbour can turn any dark corner in your garden into a comfortable nook to read while enjoying the sun. It has storage space underneath the seat, perfect for storing books, cushions, blankets and other items, while the metal roof provides protection from the unpredictable British weather. You don't have to worry about adverse weather causing the deterioration of this arbour as it has been lined with pressure-treated timber to stop it from rotting.
Mead bench set
Benches are ideal for large families or for people who enjoy entertaining as you can save space while fitting more people round the table. This sturdy bench from MADE.com, made from recycled polywood, has rounded – handy for homes with little ones running around. Colourful and modern, this set is an investment piece that'll stick with you for summer after summer.
