Lena Gierasinska, head of product and displays at retailer Barker and Stonehouse, looks at six trends making waves in the world of garden furniture design this year …
Rope and string garden furniture
Versatile and lightweight, rope or string garden furniture makes a refreshing change from the norm. It can be combined with a range of other materials, which means shoppers can easily update their existing collection without worrying about a clash.
Helena Davies, our head of home buying, comments: “We’ve seen a real increase in string and rope items this year, particularly paired with wood.”
If you prefer the natural look, opt for beige and brown tones alongside rustic timbers, like teak. Or for something more modern, consider one of our rope and aluminium sofa sets in a cool grey colour – the perfect combo of casual, sleek and luxurious.
Outdoor kitchens
More and more Brits are investing in their own outdoor kitchen, a trend that really started to take off after Covid-19 restrictions meant we had to adapt the way we socialise. Helena says: “Kitchen ranges continue to lead the way for the indoor/outdoor trend.”
Hosting outdoor dinner parties and events is made a whole lot easier with the addition of an outdoor kitchen. Offering everything from handy storage to grill tables, our bestselling outdoor kitchen units are incredibly stylish and hardwearing.
Wooden garden furniture
Wooden garden furniture is a versatile choice for a range of styles – whether your customers are looking to create a far-flung exotic paradise or a rustic space to enjoy with the family.
Helena says: “Wood in general is a growing trend again for 2024. Look out for stylish twists, such as slatted teak and cane detailing.”
Whichever style works, wood complements every garden – pairing nicely with trellising, fencing and planters. Throw in some bamboo accessories and colourful fabrics to make a space feel unique.
Remember that wooden furniture needs to be treated regularly to keep it in good condition. You can provide even more protection from the elements with furniture covers.
Firepit garden furniture
It’s no surprise that the UK demand for garden firepits is far from dying out. Instantly transforming a space into a cosy and luxurious hangout, the warm flickering flames allow us to spend more time outdoors, even when it’s a little chilly.
While a freestanding firepit gives you the flexibility to position it where you like, they don’t quite compare to the integrated designs you’ll find in our garden firepit sets. Perfectly sized to keep everyone around the table warm, these nifty designs can easily be hidden away when not in use, so the customer’s not losing any tabletop space. We offer a variety of looks, from contemporary metal corner sofas to traditional rattan dining sets.
Contemporary garden furniture
If your customer’s home is full of contemporary, modernist pieces, why not encourage them to continue the look outside? Aluminium garden furniture is the perfect solution – think sturdy metal frames in sleek grey tones and simple silhouettes.
It has a range of benefits. It’s sustainable, durable, easy to clean and weather resistant. Sustainability is a key trend for 2024, and this infinitely recyclable material is just the ticket for adding an eco-friendly edge to a garden.
Another key trend in contemporary garden furniture is the hanging chair. Cosy and inviting, they make the perfect garden book-nook.
Rattan garden furniture
Simple, reliable versatility that works indoors and out, luxurious rattan styles are a great way to merge indoor and outdoor living – one of the key trends for this summer.
Warm and inviting, rattan garden furniture is a British summertime classic, which means it’s sure to stay on trend for years to come. Fit family and friends around garden corner sofas, armchairs and tables to make outdoor dinner parties, barbecues and brunches a blast. Sometimes, the best garden furniture options are the tried-and-tested styles.
Helena says: “Rattan products are now coming through with new design elements, like large, luxurious curved sofa sets and chunky, oversized weaves.”
Pictured: Rio mini modular set with firepit
Barker and Stonehouse's 2024 outdoor furniture trends
