Rishi Sunak today announced that VAT on energy-saving devices for the home will be cut to zero. This change, revealed in the chancellor’s spring statement, will reduce the cost of installing solar panels.
It will also make it cheaper to install other energy-efficient measures such as insulation, wind and water turbines, and heat pumps. Sunak laid out his plans today in a mini-budget amid rising energy, food, and fuel costs.
Image credit: Getty images / Leoniek Van Der Vliet / EyeEm
Rishi Sunak slashes VAT on solar panels
‘As energy costs rise, we know that energy efficiency will make a big difference to bills,’ Rishi Sunak told MPs today. ‘I can announce for the next five years, homeowners having materials like solar panels, heat pumps, or insulation installed will no longer pay 5% VAT– they will pay zero.’
As Martin Lewis said in a tweet, this is great for those who can afford it, but not a help in the immediate crisis. The cost of living crisis has left many looking for ways to save energy at home.
While it will encourage some homeowners to go green, eco-home improvements like solar panels will remain out of reach for the majority.
Image credit: Simon Whitmore
What does this mean for the cost of installing solar panels?
A premium panel, the LG NeON R costs £3,180 for ten panels, plus installation. They would cost £159 less than this, at 3,021 without the 5% VAT.
If you opt for a small area of solar panels, such as a 1kW system, which takes around eight square metres of roof space, this will cost around £1,840. That amount of power this produces is likely to cover bills for a person living alone.
Data published by Ofgem showed that the average UK energy bill was £95 per month, or £1,138 a year in September 2021. Prices are set to go up on April 1st when the energy price cap rises.
This means an eco-alternative like solar panels and a heat pump could mean huge savings.
Which energy-efficient measures does the VAT cut affect?
Heat pumps
Insulation
Wind turbines
Improving our home’s ability to retain heat with insulation is one other way to reduce bills.
Our outdoor spaces have become even more valuable to us over the last couple of years and with the sunshine finally here, we look to outdoor living room ideas to ensure we make the most of it.
No matter size of garden, patio or outdoor space you have, you want it to feel like an extension of your home and still have that comfortable, relaxing vibe to it. Start with seating and thinking about how you’re going to be using your space. If you’re big on entertaining, a dining set could be a good choice, or perhaps a large built-in banquette. If you’re more of a solo sun worshipper, then maybe a day bed or sun lounger will suit your space better. Whatever you choose, be sure to adopt similar planning and researching time as you would to your living spaces inside. Hopefully, this will be the area of your home you will use the most this summer.
Outdoor living room ideas
From outdoor kitchen ideas to garden seating ideas, all it takes is a little planning, design know-how and expert advice to transform your garden with an outdoor living room idea.
Whether you’re looking to extend your living space, divide what you have into zones or update the furniture, our relationship with our gardens has never been more important. Any change, big or small, can be transformative, so we asked the experts to share their insider tips and advice on where to start…
1. Layer up seating with soft furnishings
Image credit: Future Plc/Joanna Henderson
Just like you would in your living room, layer up your benches and armchairs will plenty of cushions for the ultimate spot for sundowners. A natural palette of neutrals and terracotta touches will work in almost any outdoor space, and will have a soothing, calming affect. Floor cushions are great for impromptu visiting friends and will add to the relaxed vibe.
2. Open up the space with a mirror
Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole
Mirrors are a great addition to any size garden, with the power to totally transform the space. Not only does it open up the space to make it seem bigger, it will reflect areas of garden that you might not be able to see from your seating spot, so allows you to enjoy more of it. Just like you would in your indoor living room, hang a mirror at a central point above your seating, or in the middle of a slim space.
3. Lay a rug over decking to add colour
Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole
If our outdoor space is lacking slighting on colourful plants and flowers, a great way to introduce more, is with an outdoor rug. While a heavier blanket will work better on a lawn or grassed area, a rug is the perfect addition to a patio or decked space. Outdoor rugs are made with different fibres to their indoor counterparts, so they should with stand most weathers through-out the summer, but will need to be rolled up and stored over winter.
Let’s face it, as soon as the sun makes an appearance, we want to spend as much time outside as possible, whether its at meal times, working in the shade or chilling with a good book. So create a space to combine all these things with an open-plan living and dining space. Bench seating is great for squeezing on several small bums, so ideal for family meal times. Armchairs and coffee tables will bring a reading nook vibe and layered rugs will keep toes cosy come sunset.
5. Utilise a parasol to keep things cosy
Image credit: Future Plc/Claire Lloyd Davies
While a parasol will be great for blocking out direct sunlight during the day, it will also help to keep things cosy and intimate come the evening. It acts as a little ‘roof’ to your outdoor living space, keeping in the warmth of candles or patio heaters and will also act as protection should an evening shower hit. It’s one of the most simple but effective outdoor living room ideas.
6. Choose outdoor furniture that can be used inside too
Just because outdoor furniture has the word ‘outdoor’ in it, doesn’t mean you can’t use it inside too! Mary Bunting, buyer at QVC says, ‘Go for furniture that wouldn’t look out of place in a living room or a conservatory. Outdoor suitable materials are key as they are more durable and suitable to be left outdoors, but can also be used inside too.’
Rattan, cane and woven furniture are all popular choices for both inside and out and will work in both spaces through out the year.
7. Break up the space with levels
Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole
‘If you have existing level changes, it’s best to work with these rather than fight them,’ says landscape and garden designer Tom Massey, director of Tom Massey Studio.. ‘Retaining walls can be very expensive. If your garden is flat, adding levels will add costs, but also interest and excitement to the space. If you were going to excavate a pond, then you could use the spoil to create a mound. Thinking creatively and limiting material taken off site is a good way to save money and lower the environmental impact of the build.’
8. Create a seamless flow
Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole
‘Connecting different links between spaces enhances the sense of rhythm and flow. Try using a limited palette of hard materials, or drifting key plants between different areas of planting,’ says Tom.
Stylist Selina Lake adds: ‘I’m not sure they always need to connect visually – you could decide on a different planting scheme for each zone – think scented herbs for somewhere to sit and relax, wild grasses and wildflowers for a charming dining space, or a Scandi-style seating area with all-white flowers.’
9. Extend the interior decor
Image credit: John Lewis & Partners
Extend your indoor space by dressing your outdoor living area with thoughtful furniture choices and accessories – such as armchairs and cushions. Woven rugs, like the jute rugs pictured above, are a great decor option for grassless garden ideas.
10. Define with edges and boundaries
Image credit: Future Plc/Annaick Guitteny
‘A mixed boundary with some planting, some screening and perhaps some features like integrated sculptural elements can add interest,’ says Tom. ‘Boundaries can end up costing a lot of money, especially in larger gardens where the linear meter rates stack up.’
11. Illuminate with an outdoor lighting scheme
Image credit: Future Plc/Joanna Henderson
‘Festoon lights can be left out all-year-round and provide an easy and inexpensive way of adding magic to any outdoor space, while solar stake lights or path markers are a great solution of lighting your garden without plugs or wires,’ Tom adds.
‘The most simple and effective thing to do is to uplight trees – this looks dramatic and gives an ambient level of light. Too much lighting though and your garden can feel tacky and overblown.’
12. Enjoy alfresco mealtimes by creating an outdoor dining area
Image credit: Dobbies
‘Start with location,’ says Tom. ‘Ask yourself if you want morning or evening sun? Do you need shade/prefer to dine in the shade? What about proximity to the house? You could put the dining terrace at the end of the garden, rather than right outside the house, meaning you go on a journey to get there, making it more of an event and experience.
Selina adds: ‘The very nature of dining al fresco evokes a relaxed, informal mood – I’d always choose a lovely spot in the garden over a practical decision. I have a mini meadow area near the bottom of my garden, and I happily carry all the tableware there as it’s such a charming spot.’
13. Add shade to make the space more versatile
Image credit: Dobbies
Get more from your outdoor living room by incorporating an element of garden shade, such as awnings and pergolas. Being able to shade the space during the hottest parts of the day will mean the area is available to use throughout all hours of the day.
‘Always ask “do I need it”,’ advises Tom. ‘In a shady garden, one will just add more shade, but on a sunny terrace, a pergola can make it useable in hot weather. It’s not always nice to sit in direct hot sun’.
14. Be thoughtful with hard landscaping
Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole
‘Hard landscaping is a good idea for connecting areas,’ says Tom, ‘but this can be loose and informal, such as a planted gravel pathway, stepping-stones or floating timber boardwalk. Think beyond paving – it’s not always the best solution and it is high cost too.’
15. Purposely use paint outside
Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole
‘If you have an existing fence, painting it black makes it recede and can make the space feel bigger,’ says Tom. ‘Planting is also offset by the dark backdrop. Painting is cheap and can make a big difference, but remember if you paint it once, you will need to paint it again and will result in ongoing maintenance.’
‘Exterior paints and wood stains are great for revamping tired furniture – try painting black for a Scandi feel’ advises Selina. ‘For walls, a newly-built wall painted white is a great way of reflecting light, but I’d never paint an old, weathered wall – that would be a shame.’
16. Create a sense of calm with a water feature
Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole
‘The sound of running water is so relaxing. Look for one that is just “plug and play” without any complicated set-up needed, or even an outdoor tap,’ says Dani Taylor, creative director at Cox & Cox
17. Give your outdoor space a focal point
Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson
‘Tables are great for adding interest,’ says Selina, ‘but I’m not talking about a dining one, rather a side table that can be used to create displays with planters or collections of gardenalia. I love a vintage metal folding table, which can be moved to the perfect spot each season, ready for a new display.’
Tom suggests a tree; ‘One can be a fantastic sculptural element and cost a fraction of the price of an actual garden sculpture. Look for trees with multi-stem form and seasonality, such as hawthorn, crab apple or Amelanchier species.’ Dani adds; ‘A fire pit also makes a great focal point.’
18. Add a fire pit to make the space suitable for all seasons
Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole
Whether you choose to build a permanent solution or buy a moveable design a fire pit makes an outdoor living room more versatile. No matter how chilly the evenings get, sitting around a warming fire makes the space more useable throughout the entire year. ‘A fire pit is great to sit around with the family, toasting marshmallows or cooking sausages, and is the perfect excuse to get everyone outside,’ says Dani.
How do you make a good outdoor living space?
Image credit: Rei Moon
‘I’m not a huge fan of the term “outdoor room”,’ says Tom. ‘A garden is an outside space, and in my view, the main focus should be on plants and planting. Gardens obviously need to perform a range of functions for the human users, but I believe should also cater for local wildlife, and help support biodiversity.’
‘When thinking about a garden I always consider balance between hard and soft landscaping, too much hard and it can feel cold and sterile,’ Tom explains. ‘A garden should be full of life.’
Start big, says Selina, ‘Think about the bigger items of furniture, like you would with your indoor spaces. Invest in something comfy that can be easily stored away at winter. Then add your accessories, and a few pots with flowering plants that grow quite tall, like delphiniums, foxgloves or verbena bonariensis, which can be positioned around the furniture, helping it to feel more embedded into the garden.’
For Dani, it’s about shelter and heat. ‘If you’re going to spend money on an outdoor room, then it’s about using it as much as possible. You don’t need to add a permanent structure – pergolas or a sail shade look fantastic – but a large parasol can work just as well for a smaller space. And for evenings, consider a fire pit.’
What is garden zoning and why is it a good idea?
Image credit: Colin Poole
‘Zoning is a design trick used inside and out,’ says Selina. ‘It basically divides up a space into different areas, eg in a garden you’d have somewhere to dine, relax, entertain or sunbathe. Zones work particularly well for families as you can create a hang-out area for teenagers, a stylish sofa space for coffee mornings and a family table that’s perfect for al fresco dining and bringing everyone together.’
Tom adds; ‘All too often I see gardens that have a large-paved terrace outside the house, a huge lawn and tiny borders with a few drab shrubs. This doesn’t offer any mystery or excitement – there’s no reason to explore as the whole space is revealed immediately. Zoning and screening can provide intrigue and destinations to draw you out into the space.’
‘You can use festoon poles and lights or even solar path lighters in planters to create pathways’ advises Dani for defining the space.
What furniture materials are best for outdoor living room ideas?
‘If you are looking for wood, then acacia is a good-wearing option,’ says Dani, ‘it’s used in ship building. For a metal option, choose aluminium as it’s light, lasts a long time and doesn’t rust. Most cushions are waterproof – or showerproof – but you should try to bring them in over the wetter months and cover the frames of your furniture with a breathable outdoor furniture cover.’
‘If you want low maintenance, thinking about how materials weather well is important. Choose timber that will fade naturally to a nice silver or corten steel that rusts to a deep dark brown,’ says Tom.
How do I make an outdoor living room feel cosy, inviting and comfortable?
‘It’s about layering and coordinating,’ says Dani. ‘Keep furniture neutral and add colour and personality with things that are easily changeable, such as paint, textiles and lighting. Think about where you’ll store everything when the weather turns though, with sheepskins and cushions that work inside as well as out.’
Mary says, ‘Choose a centre piece and build your space around it, this could be a low coffee table, an indoor/outdoor rug or a fire pit that can keep you cosy when the sun goes down. Think about covering up your gas cylinders that are used to fuel your firepit, and go for a cover that can double up as a side table.’
‘Complete the look with mature architectural plants that bring instant impact and drama to your space, compliment with indoor/outdoor basket effect planters as these give that indoor vibe and can be used outdoors all year round. It’s important to add ambiance too. Lanterns and festoon lights can transform any outdoor space and create a welcoming glow so that you can continue to entertain and enjoy your space well into the evening.’
What interior design tips I can use outside too?
‘I love to see jugs, vases and buckets filled with freshly-cut flowers,’ says Selina. ‘They will instantly jolly up a space.’ Dani suggests a statement piece of furniture, ‘like a hanging chair positioned at the bottom of your garden to give you something to draw the eye. Or an outdoor mirror on a wall to give the illusion of more space. And if you need occasional extra seating, then use a daybed just as you would a bench inside.’
‘Your garden should be an extension of your home and style. Don’t compromise on garden furniture or accessories that you would never have inside,’ says Dani. ‘All-in-one solutions are really exciting, like a corner set with a built-in fire pit. They provide a real luxe feel to your garden and are super practical as you can lounge and dine.’
The average price of a house coming onto the market has jumped by 1.7% (+£5,760) this month to £354,564, in the biggest month-on-month increase since the mid-noughties. This is a record high, with the average house price in the UK now surpassing 350,000.
If you are looking to sell your house, Rightmove says this spring is the best time to sell a house. This is due to ‘a hat-trick of reasons’ for sellers to put their homes on the market this spring.
Image credit: Alamy
Reasons why this spring is the best time to sell a house
Record prices
A significant imbalance between demand and supply
The chance of finding a buyer in the first week it’s on the market
As well as these record prices, there’s currently the biggest mismatch ever between supply and demand on Rightmove for this time of year. There are twice as many buyers as sellers.
Plus, your chance of finding a buyer in the first week on Rightmove is the highest it’s ever been. You’re twice as likely to find a buyer in week one compared to the same period back in 2019.
Image credit: Colin Poole
Guy Gittins, CEO of Chestertons says that not even halfway into March, his team had witnessed an 11% increase in buyer enquiries and a 16% uplift in sales compared to the same time period last year. ‘This is an early indicator for the spring market to be extremely buoyant.
‘Known as the “spring bounce”, we anticipate more vendors to put their properties up for sale over the next few weeks.’ This will in turn improve the currently competitive market conditions for house-hunters, tipping the scales slightly in their favour as supply rises.
Rightmove says that it’s too early to know how the market will be affected by the longer-term economic impact of the devastating war in Ukraine. The property platform initially saw slightly lower buyer demand, but this has now stabilised.
Image credit: Colin Poole
‘Those who weren’t ready to take advantage of last year’s rush now have another chance to get on the market while these conditions last,’ Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s Director of Property Data comments. ‘Many of those who are selling in this record-breaking market obviously also face the prospect of buying again in the same market and being in fierce competition against other buyers.’
Tim says that having a buyer for your own property puts you in a powerful position when it comes to buying a house compared to buyers who have yet to sell. ‘Agents report that these “power buyers” are more likely to get the property that they want and negotiate the best deal on price,’ Tim adds.
Rightmove forecasts a less frothy market in the second half of the year, which means the rapid price rises may even out. But demand will still outstrip supply. Read up on the best mortgage rates to help you to secure the best deal.
Regardless of whether you have a long, lush garden or a courtyard the size of a postage stamp, there’s nothing quite like enjoying your own outside space at home. It’s great garden furniture ideas that make anything possible. From watching the morning bird brigade from a bistro table breakfast spot or relaxing on a swing seat with a good book – even sitting around a comfortable dining table where you can enjoy the warmer weather as you eat.
With the summer months approaching, it’s never too early to start thinking about how you can make the most of your garden – starting with the best garden furniture.
Garden furniture ideas
From family get-togethers and alfresco evening dining to a solitary mid-morning coffee outdoors, our gardens have to work hard to accommodate all our needs. The type of outdoor furniture we choose is key to making any outdoor space more usable.
‘Corner lounge sets and hanging chairs have been the most searched for items so far in 2022, as customers seek to bring the inside out,’ says Rikke Blaeside, design and range manager at JYSK. ‘In January 2022, we saw an incredible 375% increase in search volumes for garden items compared to the previous month of December.’
Of course, there’s lots to think about, whether you’re looking to buy a brand new seating set or mix in a few additional pieces with your existing furniture. What material should you go for, what type of furniture would work best, and how will it fare in the non-summer months? We’ve come up with a range of garden furniture ideas to give you some inspiration, as well as advice from the experts on how to care for your chosen pieces.
1. Create an outdoor living room
Image credit: Garden Trading
With our outdoor spaces often used as an extension of our homes, it’s no surprise that we’re turning them into replicas of the living space we have inside, ready for us to socialise, work and entertain. Think of these areas as you would an indoor living room, decorating with items such as an L-shaped sofa, coffee table, rugs and pouffes – even a mirror on the wall and layers of lighting.
‘How you style the space and the furniture you choose needs to be adaptable to suit various purposes,’ says JYSK‘s Rikke Blaeside. ‘To create the ultimate outside living room, use furniture and accessories that are not traditionally associated with outdoors, such as soft furnishings like cushions and blankets. Adding lighting to the garden is also a key element of creating a cosy outside area. Using lights in a warm tone helps to create a warm, inviting atmosphere in a usually cooler environment.’
‘You could also create zones and sectioned areas within the garden itself,’ Rikke continues. ‘Using outdoor rugs, fencing and furniture is a great way to zone off the different living areas from the rest of the outside to give the illusion of a distinctive, designated living space.’
Built-in seating works beautifully if you have a compact garden, but smaller spaces aren’t the only gardens they excel in… neat, minimalist lines gives this style of seating a modern look and can also provide additional storage should you want it.
When planning your seating, consider building planters into the top of the back rest for plants and shrubs, along with a lift-up seat lid to store cushions when not in use – and don’t forget to make sure the seat itself is deep enough that it’s comfortable whether you’re sitting or laying on it!
3. Find room for a bistro table
Image credit: Homebase
Sometimes the spot that catches the most sun in the morning isn’t the area you want your dining or sofa set to sit, so why not add a bistro table and chairs to the mix and use them to enjoy breakfast as the sun goes up, or a glass of wine at the end of the day?
Bistro sets also make a great choice for smaller outdoor spaces, when you don’t have room for larger pieces of furniture. ‘A compact space needn’t stop you from investing in garden furniture,’ says Andy Baxter, MD at Maze. ‘Bistro and bar sets work well, especially for city living, where a small patio or balcony is more common.’
This French-style furniture comes in many colours, so it’s easy to choose one that works with your scheme, whether you’re looking for a shade to blend in, or one to add a bright burst of vibrancy.
Having become increasingly popular in the last few years, a garden bar is just as fun whether you’re serving up exotic cocktails to guests or mixing yourself a G&T for ‘happy hour’. Of course, you can DIY a bar yourself by converting a shed or building your own garden tiki bar. But there’s also some great ready-made options to buy, which you can personalise with a few bar signs, stools and drinks-related accessories.
Want the children to get involved too? Why not invest in a mixology set that they can use to whip up their own alcohol-free cocktails?
5. Style a pretty seating spot
Image credit: Dunelm
Sometimes all you want is a place to sit and read or enjoy the sunshine, which is where a few individual chairs can come in handy – and if you choose ones that are lightweight, they can easily be moved to wherever you need them. Pull them out into the sun (or a shaded area), or use them as extra seating for dining, indoors or out, when needed.
Your garden chairs don’t have to be formal to make a big impact, either. Here, a mix of metal and rattan gives the seating a relaxed feel, while a large coffee table offers a spot for drinks. Adding paper pompoms and an overhead hanging floral wreath gives the area a pretty feel, while cushions and lanterns in matching pastel shades add to the summer look.
Whether you’re lucky enough to have a garden full of vibrant flowers and plants, or you’re looking for a way to brighten up a courtyard or patio, use your garden furniture to give that added burst of colour. This large sofa and roomy chair boasts plenty of plump, coral-coloured cushions, while the slatted frame is made from solid FSC eucalyptus – all in a box-like, modern shape.
Already have a neutral-coloured sofa of choice? Why not invest in some new colourful outdoor cushions and a few blankets to liven it up this summer?
What’s a garden these days if you haven’t got a hanging chair of some description? Stylish, comfortable and totally Instagrammable, there’s nothing nicer than feeling the soft sway as you sit – or doze! – on a swinging chair.
One of the most popular shapes is the egg chair, which looks just as good indoors as it does out and features an open weave design and cocooning, pod-like seat. Ideal for patios, decking or even in a conservatory, as long as your swing chair has its own frame, then you can move it in and out as the weather dictates.
Create an area to relax with a daybed that you can lounge on, complete with a canopy overhead to offer shade when needed. Here, the space has been given an exotic feel, with bold spicy colours used on both the exterior wall behind and piles of luxurious cushions, while a large vibrant rug creates a carpet to step out onto. Natural materials for a side table and planters keeps it feeling relaxed rather than too formal.
‘A simple way to add a softness to your outdoor space is through the addition of weatherproof rugs and cushions in bright colours, helping to further blur the lines of inside and out,’ says Rikke Blaeside. ‘These added accessories will help to create a welcoming feel in the garden and take it from average to amazing.’
Eating and drinking outside is a huge part of being able to enjoy our gardens, which is where a dining table comes in. These days there’s a huge choice available, from small circular tables to larger designs with built-in fire pits, bench seats and armchairs, as well as sets like this where you benefit from both a sofa and dining table.
Think about the colours and materials you might like, whether it’s a soft, rattan country style, or something more Scandi in style, such as this black rope design with its angled blonde wood legs. Whichever you choose, make sure you go for one with comfortable cushions if you’re planning on spending a leisurely amount of time sitting down.
If you want to enjoy your garden long after the sun’s gone down then a key piece of garden furniture will be any one of our best fire pits. Not only will it help keep you warm, but it’s also a fun way to entertain kids, toasting marshmallows with the flickering glow adding extra light.
Whether you opt for a round, traditional design or a sleek rectangular fire pit, there’s nothing quite like sitting round listening to the crackling of logs to make you feel cosy.
When buying furniture for your garden it’s vital to make sure that it’s suitable to weather the elements – from having constant sun beating down on it to the occasional summer shower or overnight frost. Wrought iron and hard woods, such as teak and eucalyptus, are great choices that will last a long time, while softer woods are likely to need constant protection to keep furniture in tip-top condition.
When it comes to rattan, choose a design with a high-quality resin, which makes it waterproof, and remember that most outdoor cushions will still need storing inside during the winter months.
‘Pieces constructed from hardy, durable materials, such as our collections made from an outdoor fabric, are always popular,’ says Andy Baxter at Maze. ‘These pieces are quick drying and rain, frost, and UV resistant, ensuring they can be used in every season. Best of all, there are no cushions to bring indoors.’
How do you maintain garden furniture?
Once you’ve spent out on a stylish set for your garden, you’ll want to keep it in good condition – but are there any hard-fast dos and don’ts?
Tim Pennell, head of sales at Bramblecrest has the following advice: ‘Whether your furniture is rattan or aluminium, store the furniture cushions in a well-ventilated garage or outbuilding – you could put them in a cushion bag or leave them loose,’ he says. ‘If you’re short of space, use an outside cushion box and check once a week to ensure there is no damp, mould or rodent damage.’
When it comes to rattan furniture, Tim advises using a soft brush to clear away any leaves or garden debris – and to make sure your furniture is covered, whatever its material (except for teak, which due to its natural properties allows it to mellow to a silver-grey colour over time). ‘When your furniture is dry, use the appropriate cover for your set,’ he says.
‘For aluminium furniture, clean the frame and tabletop with a soft cloth and warm soapy water. As the aluminium is powder-coated, it won’t rust so can be left outside to elements. However, if you wish to protect it from garden debris and passing birds, it can be covered with a furniture cover as before.’
Where should you place your garden furniture?
Knowing which spot to put your garden furniture does come down, in part, to the space you have in your garden and where it would be most practical, but it’s also worth considering where gets the most sun and shade. ‘For those with access to a parasol, sunny spots can be taken advantage of, with the sun’s rays subdued when it gets too hot,’ says Andy Baxter.
”For those looking to eat in the garden, shady spots will be more comfortable on a hot day, so we’d recommend dining sets are placed away from the sun. Maze thankfully offers a myriad of furniture, from large sofa sets, to easy-to-forget essentials like fire pits and parasols, which can make a garden furniture set-up much more versatile.’
