Choosing outdoor furniture? Here's what the experts say to look for

With summer in full swing and the school holidays underway, outdoor spaces are working harder than ever. From family barbecues and impromptu gatherings with friends, to quiet mornings with a coffee, the right furniture helps your garden adapt to every occasion.

Whether you're replacing an old set or furnishing a new patio, choosing the right outdoor dining furniture is about more than just appearance. The size, material and layout all play an important role in creating a space that's practical, comfortable and built to suit the way you use your garden.

To help you find the right fit, Naomi Bentley, Director at outdoor leisure brand Charles Bentley, shares her expert advice on choosing an outdoor dining set that complements both your space and your lifestyle.

Start by thinking about your space

Before choosing a style, think about how you use your garden and what you want your outdoor furniture to achieve. The right dining set should complement your space while creating somewhere comfortable to eat, relax and entertain.

"The best place to start is by thinking about how you want to use your garden,” says Naomi. “If you have the space, and regularly host family barbecues or entertain friends, you might want to create a dedicated dining area with a large statement table that becomes a real focal point. If you’re working with a smaller patio or courtyard, a compact bistro set or round table will make much better use of the space.”

"I'd always recommend choosing furniture that fits your garden rather than trying to squeeze in something too large. Lightweight, flexible pieces are also a great option because they're easy to move around, allowing your outside space to adapt to different occasions throughout the summer.

"Once you've thought about how you'll use the space, it's time to choose a material that suits both your lifestyle and the look you want to create."

Chunky wood: timeless and traditional

"When people ask me for a dining set that will stand the test of time, wooden furniture is always one of my first recommendations," says Naomi. "It's hardwearing, naturally beautiful and brings a real sense of warmth to the garden.

"Wooden dining sets work particularly well in larger gardens or on spacious patios where the table can become the focal point for summer entertaining. Collections like Charles Bentley's Acacia collection and Teak range are made from FSC®-certified wood, offering a durable and more sustainable choice that's built to last.

"To soften the look, I like to style wooden furniture with outdoor cushions, natural textures and plenty of planting. Large planters, herbs and seasonal flowers create a relaxed, countryside-inspired space that's perfect for dining outdoors."

Soft, comfortable lounge sets: relax in style

"If your idea of the perfect garden is somewhere to switch off and unwind, I'd recommend looking at a comfortable lounge set," Naomi explains.

"They work brilliantly in gardens of all sizes. In a smaller space they can create a cosy social corner, while larger gardens can benefit from a dedicated lounging area away from the dining table.

"Our Porto collection is one of my favourites because it combines comfort and style, with deep striped cushions and a gentle rocking chair-inspired design that's ideal for lazy afternoons, reading a book or enjoying an evening drink.

"Finish the space with outdoor throws, scatter cushions and potted plants to make it feel like a natural extension of your home."

Rustic metal: charming vintage appeal

"For anyone looking to create a cottage-inspired garden or want to follow the grandma gardening trend, rustic metal furniture is a fantastic option," says Naomi.

"I love how wrought iron-style furniture adds instant character, whether it's on a patio, balcony or tucked into a quiet corner of the garden. Our Heritage Green Decorative Rustic Metal Bistro Set offers a traditional look with a durable, weather-resistant finish that's designed to last.

"To complete the look, I'd pair it with wildflower-filled planters, climbing plants or fragrant herbs to create a peaceful, nature-inspired setting."

Rattan: modern, practical and versatile

"Rattan continues to be one of the most popular choices for outdoor furniture, and it's easy to see why," says Naomi. "It's lightweight, durable, easy to maintain and suits almost every style of garden.

"I often recommend rattan to families or anyone who enjoys entertaining because it's practical without compromising on style. Our four and six-piece rattan dining sets create a sociable space that's perfect for everything from family meals to summer parties.

"To elevate the look, add a statement parasol for shade, comfortable cushions and plenty of lush greenery to create your own outdoor retreat."

Creating your perfect outdoor space

Once you've chosen your furniture, it's the finishing touches that really bring the space together. Outdoor lighting, cushions, planting and accessories can transform a simple seating area into somewhere you'll want to spend time from morning through to evening.

"Creating an outdoor space that you love doesn't have to be complicated," concludes Naomi. "The right furniture provides the foundation, then it's all about adding personal touches that reflect your style. Whether you're entertaining friends or enjoying quiet moments with family, choosing a set that suits your garden is the first step towards creating a space you'll want to use all summer."

Charles Bentley offers a wide range of outdoor dining sets, bistro sets and loungers designed to help homeowners create comfortable, stylish outdoor spaces for relaxing and entertaining. Find out more at charlesbentley.com.  

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Editors notes

Established in 1860, Charles Bentley is a sixth-generation family business and the UK’s leading manufacturer of brushware. What started as a chimney-sweeping brushes company has grown into a trusted British brand, with over 160 years of experience creating high-quality brushware for homes, businesses, and industry. Today, more than two million brushes and brooms are made every year, combining traditional values with modern manufacturing to meet the demands of customers across the UK and beyond. Alongside its brushware heritage, Charles Bentley is now known for a wide range of home, garden, and leisure products, from garden furniture and parasols to storage, barbecues, and decorative touches. Every piece is thoughtfully designed to bring comfort, style and practicality to everyday living. Still based in Loughborough, Charles Bentley continues to innovate while staying true to its long-standing values of quality, sustainability, and dependable customer service. Whether it’s a hand-finished broom or a beautifully crafted piece of garden furniture, the Bentley name is trusted by generations to deliver products that enhance everyday life.