The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Garden Furniture That Lasts For Years

In recent years we have seen significant advancements in outdoor furniture trends. Dull standard furniture is now a thing of the past as we approach the design of our outdoor areas with the same level of attention and creativity as we do indoors. Nowadays designs are more fluid, materials are more engaging and the colour schemes are more sophisticated with many garden furniture sets appearing as though they could seamlessly fit into your living room. From compact city balconies to expansive gardens, this emerging trend enhances the enjoyment of outdoor living.

When looking to purchase your new garden furniture there are a few things worth considering with the first being the space and layout. Bistro sets are perfect for small balconies or patios, corner sofas or modular sets work well for medium patios and large gardens can accommodate 6 - 8 seater dining or lounge sets.

Material is also an important consideration with PE Rattan being the most popular as it is weather resistant and low maintenance. If you are looking for chic modern looking garden furniture then lightweight, rust-proof aluminium is a good choice. Finally, wood provides a natural aesthetic, but it will require ongoing care and treatments.

It goes without saying that comfort and use comes high on the list of requirements. Things to look out for include deep cushions for lounging, rising tables for dining and relaxing or modular pieces for flexible layouts.

Finally, weather protection is crucial when it comes to outdoor garden furniture - check if cushions are waterproof and consider buying covers for winter storage.

Here at Poplar Nurseries in Colchester you will find a comprehensive range of garden furniture ranging from the smallest Bistro Sets to the largest dining and lounge sets, so whatever size or style of garden you have, you are bound to find something that you love and importantly, will also last for years to come.

For limited garden spaces, utilizing compact furniture such as bistro sets or a two seater duo set accompanied by a side table optimizes space while ensuring both style and comfort. Bistro sets such as the Leisuregrow Florence Bistro are particularly well-suited for small patios or corner areas, generally consisting of a small table and two chairs, making them ideal for enjoying morning coffee or intimate dining experiences. Two seater duo sets, including the Sorrento 3 Piece Recliner Set With Side Table offer a compact seating arrangement that does not dominate the area. Ideal for cosy outdoor environments, this set combines comfort, elegance, and resilience, transforming your garden or patio into a haven of relaxation.

Above left: Florence Bistro Set

Above right: Sorrento 3 Piece Recliner Set with Side Table

The Hartman Portico 3 Seat Lounge Set represents an excellent option for relaxed social events and cosy nights with friends, effortlessly merging modern aesthetics with useful functionality.

This set features a three-seat sofa accompanied by two generous lounge chairs, all beautifully designed with almond all-weather rope intricately woven around a sturdy folie aluminium frame. The two stools are embellished with deep ivory Weatherready® cushions and the large and small round powder ceramic coffee tables are useful additions for drinks and snacks.

Overall, this stylish set provides a refined and chic appearance, making it suitable for any outdoor setting.

Alternatively, the Portico Bistro Set is ideal for patios, balconies, or garden nooks.

Above left: Portico 3 Seater Lounge Set

Above right: Portico Bistro Set

Modular garden furniture is growing in popularity with space conscious designs that can adapt to suit many different styles of garden.

The Supremo Lyra Curved Modular Set offers ample space for relaxation and enjoyment with friends and includes modular sofa sections, an adjustable 120cm square table and two seater stools. This stunning corner sofa set features a luxury weave and a heat-transfer wood-effect tabletop to ensure durability in all weather conditions.

The Lyra collection from Supremo includes a variety of other outdoor furniture including 4, 6 and 8 seater dining sets which can be viewed on our garden furniture pages.

Above: Lyra Curved Modular Set

The garden furniture sector is progressing towards a more sustainable future in which aesthetics, comfort and responsibility co-exist in harmony. By utilizing eco-friendly materials and implementing circular production methods, both manufacturers and consumers are leading a green revolution in outdoor living.

Hartman have launched their Return and Recycle initiative where you can register your Hartman furniture set on their website to qualify for the extended warranty (5 years) and to be eligible for the scheme.

Through Planet Mark (an internationally recognised sustainability certification), LeisureGrow are protecting an area of endangered rainforest with Cool Earth; a charity working alongside rainforest communities to halt deforestation. They have also partnered with Ecologi with the aim to achieve net-zero carbon status across their infrastructure and business. For every LG Outdoor furniture set and Grillstream barbecue sold, LeisureGrow will also be planting a tree in the UK as part of a national reforestation project to restore biodiversity and natural landscape.

Nova have created Polywood which is a highly durable material, renowned for its ability to resemble the appearance of natural wood while offering superior resilience. Made from recycled plastics, Polywood is resistant to rot and splintering, making it ideal for outdoor environments.

The Nova Heidi 4 Seat Dining Set (pictured above) with a Polywood tabletop requires no maintenance and is constructed with lightweight aluminum frames that are both sturdy and resistant to rust. This attractive set provides ample space for you and your guests to sit comfortably in the garden, featuring a generously sized 1.1m table accompanied by four chairs. Click here to view our full range of Nova Heidi garden furniture.

Our Poplar Nurseries garden furniture showroom is open seven days a week (excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Easter Sunday). You can browse our range of garden furniture (link) on our website, but please do bear in mind that it is not available to purchase online. Visit our garden centre in Marks Tey, Colchester or give us a call on 01206 210374 to speak to a member of our Outdoor Living team.

Above: Paul and Julian from our garden furniture team