After the day’s gardening work is done, it’s nice to sit down and relax or hang out with family and friends on some stylish metal outdoor furniture.
Metal outdoor furniture isn’t only durable, it’s low-maintenance and comfortable (provided you add some cushions). Metal garden furniture comes in many styles, from compact loveseats to large, extravagant lounging sets.
Whether you want to turn your outdoor space into a dining area, reading nook or party spot, you’re sure to find something that enables you to make the most of your space all year round.
All set? Let our favourite outdoor metal furniture ideas inspire you.
1. Southwold Bistro Table and 2 Carver Chairs, Harrod Horticultural
Southwold Bistro Table Set, Harrod Horticultural
Bring a hint of vintage to your outdoor space with this round bistro set from Scotts of Stow. The elegant decorations and antiqued finish will make sure it stands out in any garden.
The set comes with two chairs and a table and is perfect for brunching under the gentle spring sun.
Place your bistro set on your patio, deck, or any other paved area. Add a couple of seat cushions and enjoy the spot with a friend or a special someone.
2. Havana Swing Seat, Garden Furniture Centre
Havana Swing Set, Garden Furniture Centre
When shopping for outdoor metal furniture, you’ll want to find the perfect blend of style and comfort. This great-looking tubular steel swing seat from Garden Furniture Centre ticks all the boxes. With an elegant anthracite, powder-coated finish, this swing seat will give your outdoor space an instant facelift.
The chair features an adjustable canopy, providing shade on the brightest days, wherever your seat is positioned. It also includes built-in, foldable drinks tables, perfect for spending relaxing afternoons outdoors.
3. LG Outdoor Roma Aluminium Lounge Set, Keen Gardener
LG Outdoor Lounge Set, Keen Gardener
This ultra-stylish lounge set is made from tough aluminium, making it virtually maintenance-free. It’s lightweight, durable, and perfect for your patio or poolside. Although the table looks like wood, it’s actually made from heat-transfer aluminium.
The set comes with soft-touch cushions and a handy side table. It’s season-proof too, so you can leave it outdoors all year without a care in the world.
4. Kochi Garden Corner Sofa, Made
Kochi Garden Corner Sofa, Made
This ultra-stylish set blends the practicality of tough aluminium with the comfort of textured cushions to create a welcome addition to your outdoor space. The olive-coloured metal adds a touch of class and will blend in beautifully with your garden.
As the set won’t rust you can leave it outside all year round although you will need to cover or remove the cushions in heavy downpours and over the colder months.
5. Harrod Modern Pergola with Awning, Harrod Horticultural
Harrod Modern Pergola with Awning, Harrod Horticultural
Add some structure to your garden with a chic, practical pergola. This beautifully-engineered piece is designed to blend in with your surroundings. Crafted from extruded aluminium, the framework is powder coated to give long-lasting protection from the elements.
This pergola comes with a retractable awning so you can have the best of both worlds, depending on whether you prefer to bask in the sun or relax in the shade.
6. Retro Cross Back 4 Chair Set, Garden Furniture Centre
Retro Cross Back Dining Set, Garden Furniture Centre
We love the retro take on this aluminium framed outdoor dining set. The metal is coated with tough lacquer paint in a choice of colours (you can mix or match the chair colours) and the furniture feet are capped for extra protection. Aluminium is extremely lightweight so it’s easy to move the table and chairs around as needed.
The set comes pre-assembled, so you can start using it right away. Place it on your patio and enjoy carefree alfresco meals more often.
7. Habitat Nordic Spring Compact 4 Seater Patio Set, Argos
Habitat 4 Seater Patio Set, Argos
If you don’t have much room for a patio furniture set, don’t worry. This space-saving set from Habitat is a great option for smaller spaces.
The set includes an oak-effect table and 4 rattan and steel chairs. Perfect for dining and relaxing, at the end of the day, simply slide the chairs under the table.
Tip: Chipped paint? Touch it up as soon as possible to protect your set against oxidation.
8. Northside Long Reclining Sun Lounger Set, Wayfair
Northside Lounging set, Wayfair
For ultimate, laid-back relaxation, how about an easy-to-assemble sun lounging set. You can use it to unwind with a book, soak up some Vitamin D and snooze away the afternoon.
This reclining sun lounger set from Wayfair is available in a choice of grey and black. It comes with two lounger chairs and a table. It needs full assembly, but once you’ve put it together, the chairs will lock into any position for full control. The padded headrest adds extra comfort so you can relax for hours on end.
9. Hartlebury Duo Bench and Table, You Garden
Hartlebury Duo Bench and Table, You Garden
A classic garden love seat is a quick way to create a romantic nook in your garden. It’s perfect for the young and old alike, as well as families looking to extend their seating space.
If you’re taken with the idea of a love seat, check out this metal love seat from You Garden. It features an armchair couple secured together with a side table.
Constructed from tubular steel and finished in an attractive rustic bronze colour, the set is durable and won’t rust. Don’t forget to complete the set with some cushions!
10. Garden Bistro Set with String Moon Egg Chairs, Etsy
Garden Bistro Set, Etsy
If you’re short on space, here’s a simple, no-fuss bistro set for your garden, and one that’s colourful too. If you’re on the lookout for something a bit different to the average bistro sets, this could be just it.
Handmade with steel frames and PE rattan strings, the garden bistro set comes in a vibrant blue colour. You can leave it outdoors all year round, but it’s advisable to cover it during the colder months to help it last longer.
11. Cast Aluminium Armchair, BillyOh
Cast Aluminium Armchair, BillyOh
This traditionally styled garden chair is made from tough cast aluminium. The timeless design will suit any space and as it’s aluminium, it won’t rust. Unlike traditional cast iron designs, it’s lightweight, practical and excellent value for money.
The chair does require simple assembly but once done, you can sit back and relax in comfort! Use the chair alone or add it to a dining set.
12. Nardi 6-8 Seat Extending Dining Table, Made
Nardi Extending Dining Table, Made
Last minute dinner guests? With this clever, extending aluminium table, seating won’t be an issue. This table is as practical as it is stylish and its simple, industrial style is guaranteed to look great year after year. Cover the table when not in use to keep it looking like new.
How to choose metal outdoor furniture and patio sets
Shopping for metal outdoor furniture can leave you with a confusing number of choices. Should you choose aluminium, steel or wrought iron? And what about style? We answer all these questions in our buyer’s guide below, so read on!
Choose the right material
Each type of metal has advantages and disadvantages. Here’s what you need to pay attention to.
- Aluminium –Aluminium doesn’t rust and is low-maintenance and heat-resistant, so no risk of sizzled skin. But it’s lightweight and not suitable for windy outdoors.
- Steel –Steel furniture is heavier than aluminium and won’t bend but it rusts easily. Even stainless-steel options may show signs of rust in time. If you live in a particularly rainy area, steel may not be an ideal choice.
- Wrought iron – Wrought iron can handle the elements better than other materials. It can also live outdoors year-round. Wrought iron furniture makes for an expensive investment and it can be uncomfortably hot under the sun and cold on winter days.
Know how you’ll use it
Getting the style right gets a lot easier when you consider how you’ll be using the outdoor furniture you want to buy. Think about whether you’ll be using it for casual lounging, family dining or get-togethers.
Also check the outdoor space that you have available. You don’t want to go overboard but equally, a tiny chair might look a bit lost on a sweeping lawn.
Strike the right balance between your needs and space, and your outdoor furniture will make for a restful haven you can retreat to again and again.
Look for comfort
Most metal furniture pieces are crafted with comfort in mind, but they can sometimes be a pain in the you-know-what (quite literally). Always keep comfort in mind before investing in an outdoor furniture set.
Make sure the furniture has soft curves to conform to your body contours. Also, look for sufficient padding. Otherwise, add some cushions to make it comfier.
Be ready to put in some maintenance work
Outdoor furniture made from metal is very durable, but to keep it looking at its best, you need to look after it.
Store your furniture away when it’s not in use or cover it with water-proof fabrics. Also, regularly wash the furniture with mild soap to keep it looking good. Finally, check for signs of rust and touch it up with metal paint.
Mind the grass
Planning to place a table and chairs straight on the grass? Look for furniture with legs that won’t damage too much grass or dig too deeply into the soil. When shopping online, product descriptions don’t always mention this, so you may have to give the store a call and ask.
In the end, shopping for garden furniture should be fun, not a chore. Equipped with the tips we shared with you, go about it any way that works for you. And don’t forget about the cushions!
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