Rattan garden furniture made for long summer evenings

A quick guide to choosing outdoor rattan

Rattan is the most popular outdoor furniture in UK gardens for good reason. Modern PE rattan looks like natural woven cane but copes with sun and rain, the frames are light enough to move, and the cushions make it as comfortable as an indoor sofa. Whether you’re furnishing a small balcony or a big family patio, there’s a set that fits. Here’s how the main types compare.

Corner sofa sets

An L-shaped rattan corner sofa set seats the most people in the least space, tucking into the corner of a patio. Most come with a glass coffee table, and many offer a rising table or a gas fire pit table, so one set covers afternoon drinks and evening meals. A 6 seater or 7 seater suits most family gardens, while a 9 seater with stools handles big get-togethers.

Corner sofa dining sets

Can’t decide between lounging and dining? A corner sofa dining set pairs an L-shaped sofa with a full-height dining table and a couple of stools, so you get a relaxed outdoor dining area in one footprint. They’re a smart choice when you only have room for one set, and they create a cosy, sociable spot for family meals.

Dining sets

For long lunches and barbecues, a rattan dining set is the one to choose. A 4 seater suits couples and small patios, a 6 seater dining set is the family favourite, and an 8 seater dining set handles big gatherings. Round tables are sociable; a rectangular dining table seats more along a fence or wall. Look for a tempered glass or stone-effect top and dining chairs with thick seat pads.

Sofa sets and cube sets

A garden sofa set pairs a sofa with armchairs and a coffee table, giving a relaxed outdoor living room for four or five. For smaller gardens, rattan cube sets are brilliant: the chairs and stools slide under the table, so the whole set packs into one neat block.

Bistro sets, egg chairs and day beds

Short on space? A two seater bistro set turns a balcony or doorstep into a coffee spot. For pure relaxation, a hanging rattan egg chair, a day bed or a pair of sun loungers make the most of sunny afternoons.

Choosing a colour

Grey rattan is the bestseller, from light grey to charcoal, and looks crisp beside modern paving. Black rattan feels contemporary and hides marks, while brown and natural weaves suit lawns, timber decking and cottage gardens. Grey cushions, cream or beige are the easiest to live with, and dark grey hides the odd spill.

Which outdoor furniture is the most durable?

For a set that lives outside all year, look for a powder-coated aluminium frame and UV-stable PE rattan. Aluminium won’t rust, and good PE rattan won’t crack or fade for many years. Steel frames are cheaper but heavier and can rust if scratched. Add a fitted cover for winter and store the cushions, and a quality set should last ten years or more.

Finishing touches

Once the main set is sorted, the extras make it feel finished. Rattan coffee tables and side tables give you somewhere to put a drink, a parasol keeps the midday sun off the garden table, and a fire pit or patio heater keeps you outside after dark. Browse the full range of products in our accessories, from covers and cushions to outdoor rugs and lighting.

Is rattan furniture OK outdoors?

Synthetic PE rattan is made for it, and it’s what almost every outdoor set uses today. Natural rattan and cane are best kept indoors or in a conservatory. Bring cushions in when it rains, wash the weave with warm soapy water a few times a year, and you’re set.

When are the best rattan sales?

The biggest discounts usually land from late August to October, when retailers clear summer stock, with more deals around Black Friday and in January. If you want a particular set for summer, spring is often the safer time to buy before popular colours sell out.