In an ideal world, we'd all have spacious sheds and storage boxes, and unlimited time to spend carefully covering up our garden furniture whenever it rains. Failing that, we'd have the patience and enthusiasm to spend hours diligently sanding down and touching up weathered furniture each spring.
But in the real world, most of us are on the lookout for robust and weather-resistant pieces that can survive the colder seasons outside. If you've got a small garden with no space to store large items, having furniture you can keep out is especially important.
Garden furniture you can leave outside
Here are the beautiful pieces you don't have to drag inside or cover during bad weather.
Southwold Garden Bench
Available from Harrod Horticultural (£1,125.00)
A good garden bench is always a great item to have in a garden, and this one is chemically etched by hand, giving it an antique finish. It'll also age over time for rustic character.
Groove dining table and chairs
Chairs (£245.00), Armchairs (£295.00) and Table (£1,160.00) from Tom Dixon
These weather-resistant table and chairs will bring unique Art Deco style to a garden or terrace. We love the quirky swirling design, which is available in putty white or moss green, as shown here.
Maze Outdoor Fabric Ethos Grande Corner Sofa Set
Available from Maze (£5,299.00)
Unusually for an outdoor sofa, this smart set is made with mould-resistant 'outdoor fabric', which you can leave outside 365 days of the year. Get it in grey, shown here, or oatmeal.
Casoli and Cerazo Travertine Coffee Tables
Buy Casoli table from Nth Degree (£915.00)
Buy Cerazo table from Nth Degree (£390.00)
Travertine, formed by mineral deposits from hot springs, is an interesting material to use in the garden. We've picked out this large Casoli table and the smaller Cerazo side table, which is available in three sizes.
Oka Viticcio Metal Garden Bench
Available from Oka (£225.00)
Oka's whimsical metal bench caught our attention for its unusual, tree-inspired design - but it's also a durable piece you can leave out in the garden all year round.
Baxter Matera table
Available from Archiproducts
Marble is another material you can leave outside without covering it over the winter. For a pop of colour, try this unusual green and peach-toned table.
Folia Rocking Chair
Available from Indian Ocean (£2,265.00)
This stylish rocking chair is crafted from powder coated stainless steel, so it'll stand up to the elements during poor weather. The brand also sells a chair and a lounge chair in the same range, plus cushions. Choose between several attractive colours.
Fermob Piapolo Stool
Available from Fermob
Here's a furniture piece with true versatility. Not only does the lid pop up to reveal useful storage space, but it works as a dining seat or a side table. Plus, it's available in 25 vibrant colours, from cotton white to chilli red and marshmallow lilac. It's made from lightweight aluminium, so it's a durable piece to leave outside.
Provence Vintage Bistro Set
Available from Agriframes (£249.00)
There are countless vintage-style bistro sets on the market, but for a robust option, you might want to try this set from Agriframes. Leave it out in all weathers and you'll have a ready-made spot for morning coffee when the sun shines.
Hay Palissade Bar Stool and Cone Table
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Bar Stool Available from Holloways of Ludlow (£365.00)
Hay's Palissade range is a favourite among designers (find out why and browse our favourite pieces in the collection), and it can be left outside all year. We've picked out this chic bar table and stools in dark green; perfect for enjoying a tipple on summer evenings.
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Rowen & Wren Sudbury Dining Table
Available from Rowen & Wren (£1,698.00)
Rowen & Wren stocks a variety of beautiful outdoor furniture pieces, like this dining table and its matching chairs. It's made in a small British workshop from hot-dipped galvanised steel, so it'll survive the harshest weather.
Vitra Panton Chair
Available from Archiproducts (£301.98)
For a retro look, you could opt for plastic, which will just need a wipe down after the colder seasons have passed. The Panton chair is a 1960s classic, and looks smart around an outdoor dining table. Choose from several eye-catching colours, including red, blue and black.
IKEA TÅNEBRO Side table
Available from IKEA (£15.00)
If you're in need of a low-maintenance side table, you can't go wrong with this sleek choice from IKEA; perfect for storing cool drinks and books on a warm day.
Palma 6 Seat Rope Oval Dining Set
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At first glance, these chairs look like they'd need covering in the rain - but they're actually made with hydrophobic rope weave and water-repellent cushions which can be washed for a quick clean. Thanks to the quick-dry foam, you can sit down straight after a rain shower without getting wet.
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