The exact date to buy garden furniture, before the rush, according to experts
In search of furniture for your garden? Spring might feel like a long way off, but the experts have revealed the best date to start buying your outdoor dining sets — and it's sooner than you think.
According to Ryan Schwarze, garden furniture expert at Luxury Rattan, Monday 7th February is when households should start buying garden furniture before demand rockets around the UK.
"To avoid the mad rush that starts during spring, we would suggest buying, or looking to buy your garden furniture and accessories on the 7th February, as this is when we first begin to see demand increase," Ryan explains. "Securing your furniture on this date means you'll usually be able to get exactly what you want, instead of opting for what's left and it allows for plenty of time for delivery ahead of peak dates."
Cox & CoxLast year saw garden furniture sell out in record time, with long lead times, supply problems, and pre-order waits for garden chairs, dining tables, egg chairs, and warming fire pits. Many of us might be thinking about how to get our outdoor spaces set for summer (anyone else bored of the cold weather?), but you'll have to shop fast if you want to find the items you really want.
Ryan adds: "With your garden furniture ordered you can start to prepare your seating area, think about adding other accessories such as an outdoor carpet or fire pit before making a start on the rest of your garden maintenance tasks ahead of the sunshine - meaning you'll have more time to relax later!"
Need some inspiration? Take a look at our favourite garden furniture sets to buy now...
32 of the best garden furniture sets
Trabella Roma Dining SetEuropa Leisure£399.00SHOP NOWThis reasonably-priced set looks smart and modern. Thanks to the polypropylene material, it's easy to wipe clean – and the chairs are stackable.
Wooden Conversation SetCharles Taylor£449.00SHOP NOWWe're looking forward to sunny days relaxing with family outside. This FSC-certified wooden garden furniture set will make a lovely addition to your space. There's even a table for your glass of Pimms.
Bambrick Garden Dining SetHomebase£230.00SHOP NOWThis square dining set would look lovely tucked in a corner, or would make a good option if your patio area is on the small side.
Misali 6 Seater Garden Dining SetHomebase£550.00SHOP NOWRule of six gathering, anyone?
Rochester Hardwood Grey Sofa SetGablemere£1,050.00SHOP NOWHow chic is this? International travel is still off the cards for now, but sitting on this glamorous sofa set in your garden might be the next best thing.
Arc En Ciel Steel Bistro SetEMU£199.00SHOP NOWA classic little bistro set, perfect for popping on your balcony for al fresco breakfasts in the sun.
Lyra Garden Hanging ChairMademade.co.ukSHOP NOWWe can just see ourselves curled up in this chair reading a book.
Yuri Garden BenchMademade.co.uk£299.00SHOP NOWMade has a range of bright and beautiful garden furniture this season – we love the contrasting greens and pinks of this modern bench.
Topa Garden Corner Lounge UnitMademade.co.uk£1,299.00SHOP NOWYour patio is about to get a serious upgrade. There's plenty of space for the whole family here – plus ample room for everyone's drinks too.
Swara Garden Dining SetMademade.co.uk£499.00SHOP NOWRattan furniture looks great, but the real deal isn't especially well suited to the great outdoors. This polyrattan option is a great alternative, so you don't have to compromise on the look you want.
Outdoor 4-Piece Dining Set Montenegro£592.99SHOP NOWThis set wouldn't look out of place in your living room so, if you like a indoor/outdoor living feel, this would be a great choice.
Kennet Reclining Dining Set Hectare£450.99SHOP NOWAlong with four (reclining) chairs and a table, this set also comes with a parasol, making it great value for money.
Garden Picnic TableRowlinson£142.99SHOP NOWOn a budget? You don't need to scrimp on space. Here's a classic picnic table, with plenty of room to sit around for Saturday barbecues.
Set of 2 Lois Garden ArmchairsMarks & Spencer£119.00SHOP NOWCheer up dreary outside spaces with this cheery set of chairs. There's plenty of matching furniture (in a selection of colours) in this range, so feel free to mix-and-match.
Capri Garden SofaMarks & Spencer£399.00SHOP NOWThis sofa is the perfect combination of rustic charm and modern styling.
Extrusion Bar Dining SetCharles Bentleywilko.com£530.00SHOP NOWCreate a real outdoor bar feel in your garden with this tall dining set. Now you just need an outdoor drinks cart and you're all set.
Folding Metal Bistro SetCharles Bentleywilko.com£75.00SHOP NOWHere's another sweet bistro set – we love the pale green hue.
5 Piece Garden Conversation SetOutsunny£339.99SHOP NOWTime for sunbathing, anyone?
Faux Rattan Bistro SetDawsons Living£199.00SHOP NOWAnother great one for those who enjoy the rattan look.
Outdoor Indoor Sectional Corner Sofa SetOutsunnySHOP NOWThis sofa set can be used indoors and outdoors, so it's a good one to deck out your conservatory with, we think.
Vallarta Indoor/Outdoor StoolAnthropologieUS$160.00SHOP NOWNeed something to brighten up your drab patio? Anthropologie is well known for its beautiful decorative designs and this gorgeous indoor/outdoor stool is no exception.
Bamboo Garden Table SettHomeimprovementGBUS$179.00SHOP NOWHere's another garden furniture set that will help you recreate the feeling of being at a bar on a far-flung beach. Be quick if you're interested in this, though, there's only one available.
Camley Table SetGarden Trading£950.00SHOP NOWGarden Trading always has such sophisticated furniture pieces – we especially love this roomy anthracite grey bench set for six. There's a two-seater version, as well.
Valencia garden suiteBarker & Stonehouse£1,499.00SHOP NOWRemember having guests? Soon enough, we can have everyone piled around the table for summer barbecues. This huge, cosy set will ensure there's enough seating for everyone for your first big bash after lockdown.
Willow hanging chairBarker & Stonehouse£549.00SHOP NOWAnother cosy hanging chair – this one is very bohemian.
Ipanema 2 Coffee TablesHabitat£5.00SHOP NOWA splash of yellow just makes any space a bit more inviting. This is a great price for two outdoor tables, too.
Trough 2 Seater Bistro SetHabitat£150.00SHOP NOWThis bistro set has a trough at the end to keep your drinks cold while you relax. Very handy.
Pallet SofaEuroPalletFurnitureUS$150.00SHOP NOWUsing pallets as furniture is an low cost, low environmental impact way to ensure there's plenty of seating in your garden. It looks striking, as well.
2 Person Macrame HammockAlchemyVibesForYouUS$96.00SHOP NOWWe're pretty sure we can find our zen lying in this hammock – even during a global pandemic.
Karina Rattan Lounge ChairPerch & Parrowperchandparrow.com£230.00SHOP NOWFor long evenings spent relaxing outside, you need a lounge chair. Paired with a bright, textured cushion, this natural rattan number would look great sitting on your decking or patio.
Hampstead BenchGarden Trading£300.00SHOP NOWForget boring garden benches – this outdoor rattan sofa will give your garden seating area a sophisticated upgrade.
Hanging Bell TentCox & Cox£1,125.00SHOP NOWAt just under £1000, this item is a bit of a splurge purchase – but there's no denying this is the dream setup for long sunny days at home.
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