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What to do with your outdoor furniture after the summer

This summer has seen a run of lovely warm, and often hot, weather and this prompted many of us to invest in new patio furniture to take full advantage of the season and enjoy a more alfresco lifestyle at home. There’s no doubt that new luxury garden furniture in whatever combination does much to enhance a garden, but what do you do with it once the summer is over? Here are a few ideas on how you can keep your outdoor furniture looking its best, so you can use it again and again for many summers to come.

Bring it inside

If you are lucky enough to have a conservatory attached to your home, or perhaps a garden room or summer house, the ideal solution would be to move your outdoor furniture indoors to protect it over the winter months. A rattan garden furniture set looks just as good indoors as it does outdoors and makes perfect conservatory furniture. Style it with some extra cushions and blankets that fit with your interior style and bring the outdoors in.

Clean and treat

If moving your garden furniture indoors isn’t possible, before the worst of the autumn and winter weather sets in you should do all you can to protect your furniture to ensure it emerges next spring still looking fresh. Garden furniture comes in a variety of materials which need different methods of cleaning and protecting. Whether you have teak garden furniture or other wooden garden table and chairs, you’ll need to take extra care to protect these from the elements. And furniture made from aluminium or other forms of metal need to be cleaned using non abrasive materials, cleansers or bleach.

First of all, no matter what your outdoor furniture is made from, you will need to get rid of all dust, cobwebs and debris before you start a deeper clean. Remove any cushion covers and clean these separately before storing them neatly away. Use a soft brush to sweep all dust and dirt from every part of the furniture from the top down, and make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies. Rattan furniture, in particular, will benefit from a thorough vacuuming to get right into the weave.

Clean and treat: Wooden furniture

Wash wooden furniture using just a soft brush and warm, soapy water (a small amount of washing up liquid will be adequate). Then let it dry before the starting the next stage. Because maintaining the colour of the wood will prolong its life, it will benefit from an appropriate wood stain or preservative. Lightly sand down the wood before applying the stain according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Let it dry completely before storing the furniture away.

Clean and treat: Metal furniture

Clean and wash metal furniture with warm, soapy water as above, then rinse and dry completely. Look for any rust spots or holes in the metal. Gently sand rust off with steel wool and fill any holes with epoxy filler. Then repaint and let it dry.

Clean and treat: Plastic furniture

Wash using hot water and a detergent to remove any staining. You may even be able to use a bleach to really brighten it up, but always check manufacturer care instructions first. Finish off to a shine with a coat of car wax and it will look as good as new next year.

Cover it

Once clean and dry, your garden furniture can be stored away until next year or covered over for outdoor protection. Covers should be waterproof and include UV protection and must be the right size and shape to completely cover your furniture so make sure you measure with a tape measure before buying. Don’t forget to measure chairs tucked under the table and ensure that the covers include heavy duty security ties to protect from the wind, rain and any type of weather the elements may throw at it!

We hope we’ve helped you understand how to take care of your garden furniture to ensure it’s in tip-top condition for next year. If you’ve enjoyed reading this, check out more outdoor garden ideas or follow us @modishliving.

5 breezy ways to make a relaxing garden

On a warm summer’s day, there is nothing quite like opening the back doors and stepping out into the garden. Park, picnic and beach days are all great fun, but there’s something special about chilling out and soaking up the rays in the privacy of your own home. However, some gardens have a more laid-back vibe than others, so to help you transform your outdoor space into a zen zone this summer, we’ve pulled together 5 easy styling additions to ensure your garden is all about relaxing.

1. Outdoor lounging

Enjoying your garden horizontally is a sure-fire way to help you get into an easy-breezy kind of mood. Hotel-style garden loungers and reclining chairs are a must-have when it comes to outdoor furniture and will instantly add some poolside chic to your garden. While away the afternoon with a good book or mix up a cocktail and create your own beach club party. From a sturdy wooden sun lounger with a distinctly colonial feel to a faux rattan sun lounger that would look at home in a Hampton’s mansion, a classic outdoor sun lounger will force you to kick back and relax. Or up the relaxing game even further with a hammock – guaranteed to send you off to sleep.

2. Comfy outdoor sofa set

Creating a real living area in your outside space means you not only have a new room to use in the warmer months, but you have the perfect spot for outdoor laid-back living as well. A garden corner sofa set with an outdoor coffee table and garden armchair needs to be comfy, but also practical, so think about a rattan corner sofa with shower-proof cushions for that unexpected downpour. Style with an outdoor rug to really build on the aesthetic of your outdoor space and recreate an indoor/outdoor scheme.

3. Garden storage

Just like inside your home, a cluttered and messy garden will not encourage you to relax. To achieve an easy-going outdoor space you should think about storage and what you need to store. These could be cushions, blankets, toys and paddling pools – all items you want close to hand, but out of sight when they’re not being used.

4. Lighting matters

When dusk falls, illuminating your outdoor space will transform its look and feel. From pretty festoon lights and magical fairy lights to path lights, uplights and downlights, there is a myriad of options to choose from to give your garden an ambiance boost. Experiment with a variety of lighting options and apply the same method of layering lights outdoors just as you would in your living room. For example, hang festoon lights around a tree or pergola and tall floor lanterns around your rattan garden set.

5. Stay warm

Nothing kills a laid-back and easy-going outdoor space than feeling cold. Not being blessed with a Mediterranean climate and its warm and balmy evenings, ensuring you stay warm once the stars come out is a vital component of creating your relaxed space. There are lots of options, including stylish fire bowls for a designer-style garden to rustic chimineas if you prefer a more rustic feel. You could even go all-out and invest in a patio heater in a sleek and modern design that will enhance your space rather than be an eyesore. And, of course, there is always the option of layering up with soft blankets – why not keep a stash specifically for the garden in some outside storage to grab once the temperature drops.

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How to style a small balcony

When it comes to creating a great outdoor area this summer, even the smallest space can be important. If you only have a small balcony, then you still have plenty of outdoor space to work with.

With a bit of careful planning and some great design inspiration, it is possible to style a small balcony to create a great space in which you can enjoy the simple pleasures of lounging, dining or even entertaining. Read on and explore some of the clever design solutions that can help you to create maximum utility with the minimum of space.

Think about your seating options

When space is at a premium, being able to move some of your garden furniture out of the way can be incredibly helpful. Stackable or folding chairs make it very easy for you to do this with a minimum of fuss and allow you to create a seating area for just one person, two or maybe even three. Stacking garden chairs do not need to be the cheaper plastic ones, so shop around to look for something more in keeping with your overall design.

Eating al-fresco

Depending on the size of your balcony, it is entirely possible with a little clever planning and arranging to put a small garden table and chairs on a balcony. Small bistro sets are a great option and can often be purchased with tables that can be folded away when not in use. As an alternative to this more traditional table and chair arrangement, a bar table complete with bar stools may provide you with a very good alternative. However, the positioning of taller bar stools will be key on any balcony as you want to ensure the safety of anyone using them.

Design a relaxing space

Of course, not everyone wants to create an outside space where they can dine. If you would prefer to create an oasis on your balcony where you can relax in the fresh air, forget the idea of a patio table and chairs and instead invest in a sun lounger, or loungers if you have the space. If you have enough room, consider an outdoor lounge set with a small coffee table, perfect for relaxed dining. The Portsmouth outdoor lounge set with its nautical feel would be perfect for a balcony with a coastal view.

If you have a very small balcony but would like to add seating that would work for a couple of people whilst still leaving space to move around with ease then something like the Swansea Love Seat.

Add some greenery

The one thing that a balcony can often be lacking as an outside space is foliage. However, a live wall with vertical planting is a great way to change this. Because the planting is done vertically you won’t be taking up some of that all-important floor space which can be all too lacking on a balcony. You might not have room for a garden dining table and chairs on your balcony but with a little imagination, there is always room for some clever planting to create the perfect space to relax.

Check out our luxury garden furniture collection and refresh your outdoor space, no matter how big or small. Or for some outdoor inspiration, take a peek at our blogs for styling tips and ideas.

How to design an outdoor living space like a pro

With the weather in the UK changing and our summers predicted to get hotter and last longer, the desire to have an outdoor living space with all the comforts you enjoy indoors is an interior trend that is becoming increasingly popular. Whether you have a large garden, a tiny courtyard or somewhere in between, read on for tips on how to design a welcoming and comfortable outdoor living space.

Think about function

Before you can design your outside space, you need to consider what function it will have. Ask yourself if you plan to use the space for simply relaxing in, or would you like an area where you can entertain with a space for alfresco dining? Perhaps you want a space that will offer you both options – one for outdoor dining furniture and also some more casual seating?

Style matters

A great design tip that works well for your outdoor space is to take a look at the style you already use inside your home. If one of your rooms open into the garden, then consider carrying the same style from one area to the other. This could help to provide a more cohesive look that will help you extend your indoor living space as well. Think about colours and textures as well as styles of furniture.

Clearly define each area

Having said that, you should also clearly demarcate all of the different areas in your outdoor living space to help establish each area in their own right. This may mean picking a rattan garden corner sofa as part of your seating area and opting for a completely different type of garden dining furniture for the space you have chosen for alfresco dining. Bold coloured planters and different textured foliage offer a great way to clearly separate and zone different areas, giving them each their own individual character.

Consider adding a wall or ceiling

Unfortunately, as we well know, the weather here in the UK doesn’t always play nice so you may want to consider adding some form of canopy or ceiling to your outdoor living space. This will help to protect you against winds and light rains and make your space even more usable, not to mention cosy and inviting. A pergola or canopy is a great way to offer some overhead protection and can add a really visual contrast to your garden. You can also create more natural walls or a “ceiling” with clever use of planting, using small trees, bamboo planting or even some shrubs.

Pick similar furniture to inside your home

Just as you did when you thought about the style of your outdoor area, when it comes to picking the type of garden furniture, pick the same type of furniture you like the most indoors and use this as a base for your outside space. An ideal choice could be a garden dining table that echoes the same style you have chosen for your dining room. For example, if you have an industrial dining table, pick an outdoor dining table or outdoor chairs with dark metal detailing, such as our Poole Outdoor Dining Table and Poole Outdoor Dining Chair. You could also use outdoor lounge chairs and add bright coloured cushions that bring the same colour scheme of your living room into the garden.

Lighting and heating

One final thing to consider to complete your outside space is the addition of some lighting and heating. These will make it easier to use your outside space for longer on warm evenings when the natural light fades and of course on lighter evenings when it gets cooler. Whilst candles might seem like a good option it only takes a light breeze to be constantly relighting them – it is much better to go for something like solar lighting which will be safe and more effective beside your rattan garden set.

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Platinum Jubilee garden party ideas

2022 marks a very important celebration for the British monarchy, the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. She is the first British monarch to have reached the incredible milestone of 70 years on the throne and to celebrate, many of us will have an extra-long weekend with the Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd June official bank holidays. It is anticipated that approximately 10 million Brits will get getting together with friends and neighbours, for garden and street parties in honour of her Majesty. With this in mind, if you’re planning on celebrating over the Jubilee weekend, here are some top garden party ideas to help your festivities get the royal seal of approval.

Decorating your space

In terms of a colour scheme for your decorations, it has to be red, white and blue. Bunting, streamers and union jack flags make a great starting point. If you prefer something a little different then think floral; blue delphiniums, white peonies and red roses, there are plenty of different flowers in these hues that you could opt for. Floral arrangements in small vases would look particularly attractive on a teak garden table.

Don’t forget to decorate your rattan outdoor furniture as well – cover your rattan garden set or garden armchair with throws and cushions in Jubilee colours. You can also scatter picnic blankets and floor cushions on the lawn to bring some patriotic colour to the garden, not to mention extra seating for guests.

Ideas for decorating tables

Before you can begin to decorate it is important to take a look at what you have to work with. If your outside table and chairs are not up to scratch, then there are a couple of alternatives. You can use a trestle table and cover it with a tablecloth to complement your colour scheme, alternatively why not bring your rustic dining table outside and use that instead. Add touches of colour to your table with some vibrant coloured crockery that matches your colour scheme – you don’t need everything to match, think about using white for your plates with touches of red and blue to make your table really “pop.”

Lighting and Heating

Whilst everyone will be hoping for some glorious summer weather, there is a good chance we might be in for chillier climes – we are talking about the great British weather, after all – so be prepared. If you don’t have a patio heater or a chiminea then see if you can borrow one from a friend. Make sure you also have plenty of blankets and throws to offer guests if it gets cooler, especially at night. Bring a wooden blanket box outside and fill it with blankets and jumpers to have in the garden, ready for if the temperature drops.

Solar lighting is an excellent way of illuminating your garden if you want to carry your party on into the evening or stock up on candles, lanterns and fairy lights to give your garden a magical glow at night.

Food and drink ideas

When it comes to the type of food you want to serve this will depend on they type of party you are planning. An afternoon tea get together serving quintessential cucumber sandwiches, scones and jam and a royal Victoria Sponge is a lovely way to celebrate – don’t forget to use your finest china from your dresser and a crisp white tablecloth. For a more casual gathering, a picnic, BBQ or even a buffet is fun. How more British can you get having a BBQ in the rain! With any luck, it won’t rain, but if you are catering for a crowd, it’s a good idea to pre-cook some of your meats and vegetables before and then finish them on the barbecue to get the lovely chargrilled taste. The key to successfully catering for any type of event is to plan everything well in advance and keep things simple so that you can enjoy yourself.

For drinks, Pimms and Gin and Tonic spring to mind as a typically royal tipple to serve – it is believed the Queen’s favourite drink is Dubonnet and Gin. You can also make non-alcoholic punches for children and designated drivers. Pop them on an outdoor drinks trolley and let guests help themselves.

Ideas for games

Don’t forget to organise some games for the kids, and the big kids. Sack races, pin the crown on the Queen and games like a tug of war are great outdoor activities that will work well at a garden party. You don’t need much in the way of equipment, just some sacks, a rope and plenty of willing volunteers.

Ultimately, the day is all about having fun with friends and family, so make sure there’s plenty of food, drinks and somewhere for everyone to sit, and you’re sure to have a wonderful time.

For more outdoor inspiration see our garden blogs or for furniture ideas, visit our luxury outdoor furniture collection.

How to host outdoors in style this summer

The British weather can be unpredictable to say the least, but we are an optimistic bunch and the merest hint of some warmer weather has us rushing to throw the perfect outdoor get together with friends and family. This can often mean planning things at the last minute, so preparation is key. Knowing how to host in style, no matter how much or little time you have to prepare, will certainly make sure you don’t lose your head while preparing a dinner or drinks get-together at home.

Think about your menu

Prepping as much of your food in advance as possible is one of the key things that you can do, and will allow you to spend more time with your guests when they arrive. Keep things simple. When hosting an outdoor get together don’t over complicate your menu with elaborate dishes. Whether you plan on barbecuing meat to go with salads or simply going with a more buffet style offering, simple recipes will be your friend. If the weather is very warm (we can always hope) then salads and fresh fruit will be popular choices with your guests, set out perfectly on the rattan table and chairs.

Prepare your garden

You will probably already have such tasks as mowing the lawn on your list for getting your garden ready. Don’t forget to tidy all the kids’ toys and pets’ toys if you have them as well. If you don’t have enough space to put them all away, then make sure you neatly piled to one side. This will really open up the space in your garden for your guests.

Styling your table

Pick a theme for your table that ties in with your wonderful outdoor setting, and to make this match perfectly, take cues from your garden. Natural table mats and linens that pick up the colours of any flowers in your garden are a great way to decorate the perfect outdoor table. Set it as you would an indoor table. Bring your garden right up to your round garden table and chairs with a simple floral arrangement and your guests will be delighted.

Consider the number of guests that you have too. Do you have enough seating? If you are short on outdoor dining chairs, a rustic garden bench by a teak garden table can make all the difference.

Plan for a dip in temperature

As we’ve already mentioned, even when you plan thoroughly, the one thing you cannot plan for is the weather. Even the warmest evening can see a dip in temperature, so be prepared with blankets and throws, cleaned and smelling fresh in your outdoor garden storage system.

If you have a firepit then stock up on firewood and marshmallows, because even if it doesn’t get too cold you are never too old to toast marshmallows around a flickering flame.

Lighting

If your party is in the evening – or has happily drifted from day to night – plan the right lighting for when the sun goes down. Candles on your garden dining table will add atmosphere to your evening as well as a gentle light – maybe arrange in jars to stop the breeze from blowing them out – and festoon lighting will add additional lighting to the rest of your garden. You may also want to consider an outdoor floor lamp for additional lighting, particularly if you have some steps. If you don’t have one, how about a portable oil lantern for some flickering natural light. There are some great designs out there to consider.

And finally….

Don’t worry about getting everything perfect. Plan carefully and everything should be fine, just enjoy spending time with your guests outside and hopefully the weather will keep up its end of the bargain. If not, you can always pick up your plates and glasses and head indoors at a pinch.

Share your ideas

What kind of party will you host this summer? See more from our Ideas and Inspirations and create a fabulous entertaining space both inside and out. Plus, we’d love to see what you create, so share your styling tips in the comment box below and your images @modishliving.

Our top 5 most stylish outdoor chairs to upgrade your patio

garden lounge chair with white cushion and wooden side table

As we welcome the arrival of this wonderful weather, besides replacing your winter wardrobe with your summer favourites, you may also be thinking about dressing your outdoor space with some luxury garden furniture. The joy of dining or lounging outside on a blissfully sunny day is unbeatable and our new outdoor furniture range is so versatile it can accommodate your every need and any space. Whether you have a large rural idle or a small urban balcony, we have stylish and easy to maintain outdoor seating options that will see you all the way through the summer and into autumn in style.

1. Poole Outdoor Dining Chair

If you’re short on space but big on style, the Poole Outdoor Dining Chairs are a great investment to add a little bit of paradise to your patio. We love the industrial feel of these chairs. The combination of the weather-proof iron frame with the hard-wearing slatted teak wooden seat and beautiful handwoven, PE rattan back, these chairs do not compromise durability for style. Pair with a bistro table to create the perfect environment to enjoy an intimate alfresco dinner or a cosy catch-up as the sun goes down or for larger spaces, pair with our matching industrial-vibe Poole Outdoor Dining Table and stools for a practical, yet contemporary set to seat the family and friends.

2. Whitby Outdoor Garden Bench

For timeless and classic seating which will give your outdoor space a whimsical and magical feel, the Whitby Garden Bench is the addition you’ve been looking for. The traditional design has been crafted using acacia wood, which will last you all the way through the twists and turns of our good-old British weather due to its naturally water-resistant qualities.

With its whitewash finish, we see it fitting beautifully under the branches of a favourite tree, the ideal spot to escape the sun (or rain!) to rest or read in the fresh air. Or if you have a sunny patio, surround the bench with pots full of flowers and a parasol to soak-up the rays on a sunny afternoon.

3. Exeter Outdoor Dining Chair

If you’re wanting to impress this summer, then look no further than our Exeter Outdoor Dining chairs. Cleverly crafted using a mix of natural and modern materials, the teak wooden seat and PE rattan weaved back adds a modish feel, whilst sleek powder-coated iron legs brings in a fabulous industrial twist. What makes these patio chairs stand out from the crowd is the details. The unique PE rattan rope knots on the legs add a special touch that we guarantee will get them noticed. If you’re spoilt for space, these wooden chairs pair wonderfully with our Exeter outdoor dining table so you can create the place to be this summer to host all of your sunny social gatherings.

4. Alum Bay Grey Rattan Garden Furniture

Whilst style and design plays an important role in both indoors and outdoors, comfort is key and the Alum Bay furniture set ticks this box nicely. Crafted using high-quality PE rattan and topped with deep, soft-to-the-touch cushions means you can laze around as long as you like on this patio sofa set, intentionally or ‘accidentally’! The modular sofa is made up of a corner unit, a middle unit, an ottoman that can be placed at either end of the sofa, as well as a rising table to give you everything you could possible need for a stunning outdoor sofa. Perfect for modern homes looking to bring comfort to their outside space whilst still maintaining a designer-led feel.

5. Ryde Garden Lounge Chair

For a colonial classic that’s crying out for a cocktail or two or a pit-stop for the dedicated gardeners, meet the Ryde Garden Lounge Chair. These outdoor lounge chairs were designed with relaxation in mind and what’s not to love about that? With three detachable plump cushions, a comfy headrest, footrest and an adjustable back you can truly worship the sun in style – don’t forget your sunscreen! The frame is crafted using eucalyptus wood, a great outdoor furniture material choice due to it’s hardiness and resilience, but it’s also extremely eco-friendly, due to its fast-growing nature. Fantastic for kicking back in country or city spaces, the Ryde lounge chairs will be the hot seat this summer.

3 reasons why faux rattan garden furniture makes sense

An outdoor sofa set is a bit of a must-have right now. The way we use our gardens has changed – we want it to be an extra room of our house (well it has needed to be over the last couple of years) and an attractive living-room-like space with sofas, dining areas, coffee tables and fire pits or patio heaters where we can socialise and make our time outside as comfortable as possible. But what we put in our garden also has to look natural and blend harmoniously with our outdoor space and keep looking good whilst being out in the elements. This is why faux rattan is a great choice for your garden.

As beautiful as it is, natural rattan is best kept inside in the conservatory – it really isn’t hardy enough to withstand our wonderful British weather and will quickly damage and rot if left outside. Just as damp and wet is detrimental to it, the sun is too – UV rays will fade and weaken it pretty quickly….and this is where poly, also known as PE, rattan comes in.

1. It looks great!

There’s no denying that poly rattan can look like the real thing – good quality PU rattan furniture is handwoven around powder-coated aluminium frames to look as natural as possible with an authentic look that blends in with the natural colours of the garden. Plus, with showerproof cushions a rattan sofa set brings an instant living room style to your outdoors – throw a contrasting blanket over the back of your grey rattan corner sofa for chilly evenings and add a stylish cushion or two for a designer look. In addition, a coffee table is often included with a rattan garden sofa set and can be styled as you would indoors with outdoor candles and lanterns or other decorative pots and plants.

2. It’s hardwearing and long-lasting

A poly rattan garden sofa is very hard-wearing and with just a little TLC will last for many years. Because of its longevity, it makes buying poly rattan a very sustainable choice – you are not buying ‘throw-away’ garden furniture that needs to be replaced after two to three years, but one that can be enjoyed for years to come. Whereas a natural rattan garden set will need oil applying to help preserve it, a poly rattan one won’t.

3. It’s low maintenance

Looking after your faux rattan garden furniture couldn’t be easier. Simply brush your poly rattan table and chairs down regularly to stop a build-up of dirt, dust, leaves and debris and bring the cushions in during heavy rain – it’s that simple. Despite being hardy, we still recommend you cover your rattan garden furniture to prolong its life and during winter months when it’s not in use, it’s a good idea to store in a shed or garage.

See our fabulous collection of garden furniture, including a wide selection of PE rattan sofa and dining sets.

How to make your outdoor furniture last longer and look great

After two years of us all spending more time (and money) in our gardens, outdoor furniture such as teak furniture is as popular as ever – and with very good reason. It is very hard wearing, perfect to tolerate our ever-changing British weather and with these garden furniture care tips, you can keep your outdoor sofa set, your teak garden furniture and your patio bistro set looking great for years to come.

Protect your outdoor furniture from the elements

The weather is your main enemy when it comes to outdoors. Protect your furniture from the elements and cover your outdoor dining table and chairs when not in use – we recommend investing in a well-fitting cover or a thick and secure waterproof sheeting. Over winter when you are not very likely to be using your furniture for long periods of time, check the cover for any holes and tears, or if you have space in a shed, garage or even a conservatory, store it indoors for the cold and wet months – much as we don’t like extreme weather your garden furniture is the same!

No matter what your garden furniture is made from, be that bamboo, rattan or hardwood, it will not like extreme cold. Cold and ice will affect the strength of it over time. If water gets into the furniture, it will expand as it freezes and start to break down the materials, so it is best to get it into a dry area and out of harm’s way before the temperatures get below zero.

Keep it clean

Just as you would your reclaimed wood furniture indoors, it is important to remove dust and dirt from your PE rattan furniture and teak outdoor furniture regularly, this will stop dirt from becoming ingrained and built up over time. Dirt and dust are also abrasive and will weaken or fray areas as it is rubbed in during use.

Simple cleaning steps….

Sweep dirt, debris and leaves off your outdoor bench, outdoor sofa set or outside table and chairs using a soft brush. Don’t forget to pay attention to the corners and underneath the benches and chairs.
Use a vacuum cleaner to clean inside hard-to-reach areas within the weave of the furniture.
After you have removed as must dust and dirt as possible, you can give your garden furniture a wash down – a warm and breezy day is perfect for this. Wash everything down with warm soapy water using a light washing powder or fabric conditioner.
It is much better to allow your furniture to dry in a shadier area – if it is in direct sun, it could dry out too quickly.
However tempting, never use a jet wash to clean your outdoor furniture – the pressure could be too high and you could end up damaging it.
Regularly cleaning your patio table and chairs will keep them looking great and in tip-top condition.

Don’t forget garden cushions

Garden cushions on an outdoor corner sofa set ensure you get comfort as well as good looks! Most of these are covered in water resistant fabric – these should be fine during a shower …..but they are waterproof not downpour proof! So to keep them looking as good as possible and help them to last as long as possible it really is best to keep them undercover or bring them indoors during changeable British weather – just make sure they a fully dry to avoid any mold or mildew build-up.

Storing tip: place a couple of tumble dry sheets between the cushions when you store them for winter. It will help keep them smelling fresh before you get them back out for spring.

You can also treat the cushions with an outdoor fabric protector to help protect them from not just rain, but spills and any other other marks.

See our fabulous new Outdoor Furniture collection and make your garden, patio or balcony a stunning space to relax in.