Making the garden and the living room work together
Hosting friends at home in summer is easiest when the garden and the living room feel like one space. Guests drift between the two, drinks move out and back in, and the house needs to cope with changing weather. Before buying anything, think about how people will actually move through your home on a warm evening.
Start with the route between inside and outside. Look at the doorways, the distance to the kitchen and the surfaces that will take the most wear. Furniture that is comfortable and weatherproof outdoors, and serving pieces that are easy to carry, usually matter more than decorative extras. A few well-chosen items that cope with sun, rain and sand will serve you for many summers and make the whole gathering feel less effortful for you as host.
How to choose without overbuying
Begin with the number of guests you usually host, not the number you would like to host one day. A dining set for six that fits your patio will be more useful than a large table that blocks the path to the door. Measure the space, leave room to walk around chairs, and check that cushions and parasols can be stored when the weather turns. Materials matter here: look for rattan, powder-coated metal or treated timber that is designed for outdoor use, and check whether covers or cushions are removable for washing.
The main trade-off is between permanent pieces and portable ones. Heavy furniture stays put and looks settled, but it needs a dry place for winter. Lighter chairs and folding tables are flexible for small gatherings, though they can feel less stable in a breeze. Serving pieces follow a similar logic: stoneware and pottery look lovely and suit summer tables, but they are heavier and can chip, so keep a few sturdy platters for the busiest occasions and save delicate pieces for smaller meals.
Measure the space and the number of guests you usually host first, then buy storage and weatherproofing before anything decorative.
From the editors
The most common mistake is buying for the photograph rather than the routine. Many people choose a beautiful set and then find there is nowhere to store the cushions, or they pick a pale fabric that shows every mark. Another frequent error is ignoring the connection between rooms: a bright rug or a slatted wall panel can make a living room feel open to the garden, while mismatched colours can make the transition feel abrupt. Set a simple budget per category, and buy the storage and weatherproofing first, because they make everything else last longer.
What to buy first
For each item we name a store where you can start comparing.
Rattan dining set
A table and chairs sized to your usual number of guests, with cushions you can take in at night. Measure your terrace or lawn before you choose the footprint.
Search termsrattan dining set · outdoor dining furniture · garden table and chairs
Our recommendationrattantree.comBest for outdoor seatingWeatherproof storage box or shed
A lockable box or small shed keeps cushions, parasols and games dry between gatherings. Choose one with enough height for the items you actually store.
Search termsgarden storage box · garden shed · outdoor storage
Our recommendationsheds.co.ukGarden storageStoneware serving platters and jugs
Robust, dishwasher-safe serving pieces handle sun, condensation and being moved between kitchen and garden. Choose a few larger platters rather than many small dishes.
Search termsgarden party servingware · serving platters · pottery jugs
Our recommendationemmabridgewater.co.ukServing and giftsFamily room sideboard or cabinet
A low cabinet near the patio doors gives you space for drinks, napkins and candles that are easy to reach. It also works as a serving station when the garden is busy.
Search termssideboard for entertaining · living room cabinet · drinks storage
Our recommendationhaodirect.co.ukLinks indoor and outdoorVinyl rug or washable floor covering
A flat, easy-to-clean rug at the threshold between indoors and outdoors catches sand and grass. Check the size against the doorway before ordering.
Search termsvinyl rug · hallway runner · washable rug
Our recommendationtenstickers.co.ukSimple décor updatesSlatted wall panels
Wood slat panels can create a warm backdrop in a room that faces the garden or a covered terrace. Plan the wall area and fixings before you buy.
Search termswood slat wall panels · wall panelling · feature wall
Our recommendationnaturewall.comFeature wall option
A simple order for shopping
Begin with the outdoor seating, because its size shapes everything else. Measure the patio or lawn, then compare options at rattantree.com, which focuses on rattan and garden furniture and makes it easy to browse chairs and tables together. Once you have a plan, decide how the cushions and loose items will be stored, and look at sheds.co.uk for a lockable box or small shed that keeps the set tidy between gatherings.
Next, consider the link between inside and outside. Haodirect.co.uk carries family room and living room furniture, which is useful for a cabinet near the patio doors for drinks and napkins. Finally, add the small details: a few serving platters, a washable rug at the threshold and a couple of candles or lanterns. Buy these last, so you can see how the space actually works before you spend more.
Before you order
- Measure the patio, lawn or terrace, including the walking routes around it.
- Count the number of guests you usually host and add one or two spare seats.
- Check that cushions, covers and parasols can be stored in a dry place.
- Look for outdoor-rated materials such as rattan, powder-coated metal or treated timber.
- Measure doorway widths before buying rugs, panels or large cabinets.
- Choose a few sturdy serving platters for busy occasions and save delicate pieces for smaller meals.
- Set a simple budget for each category so you do not overspend on one area.
- Decide where drinks and napkins will sit so guests do not have to keep walking to the kitchen.
The stores at a glance
rattantree.com
Best for outdoor seatingRattantree.com suits anyone building a dining set or lounge corner for the garden, with rattan and garden chairs and tables in one place.
Recommended for Rattan dining set
haodirect.co.uk
Links indoor and outdoorHaodirect.co.uk carries family room and living room furniture alongside outdoor pieces, which helps the two spaces look like one set.
Recommended for Family room sideboard or cabinet
sheds.co.uk
Garden storageSheds.co.uk is useful for keeping cushions, parasols and games tidy out of the weather, so the garden stays ready for guests.
Recommended for Weatherproof storage box or shed
emmabridgewater.co.uk
Serving and giftsEmma Bridgewater offers hand-decorated pottery, mugs and teapots that bring a relaxed, cheerful look to a summer table.
Recommended for Stoneware serving platters and jugs
tenstickers.co.uk
Simple décor updatesTenStickers.co.uk offers vinyl rugs, blinds and wall stickers, which are quick ways to refresh a room that opens onto the garden.
Recommended for Vinyl rug or washable floor covering
naturewall.com
Feature wall optionNaturewall.com sells wood slat wall panels, which can give a room facing the garden a warm backdrop that suits a summer setting.
Recommended for Slatted wall panels
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Frequently asked questions
How many outdoor chairs should I buy?
Plan for the number of people you usually host, plus one or two spare seats for surprise guests. It is often better to have a little extra seating than to crowd a small table.
Is rattan furniture suitable for all weather?
Quality outdoor rattan is designed to cope with rain and sun, but it still benefits from covers or a dry storage spot during the winter. Check the manufacturer's care guidance before you buy.
What should I measure before buying garden furniture?
Measure the usable area, the doorway width and the path you need to keep clear. Leave enough room for people to pull chairs out and walk around the table comfortably.
Do I need a shed if I only have a small garden?
Not always, but a compact storage box can keep cushions and games dry. Choose the smallest size that holds the items you use most, so it does not dominate the space.
TransparencySome links to stores may be partner links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission – the price stays the same for you. We choose the stores independently. How we make money
