From sculptural sofas to 'outdoor living rooms': Five garden furniture trends to invest in for 2026

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Spring is here, with summer hot on its heels.

With the changing seasons comes our chance to throw open the doors and finally go outside.

But after you’ve power-washed the patio and brought out the barbecue , how do you style your outdoor space for 2026?

No longer will a cheap-and-cheerful bistro set , a chintzy beach umbrella (shudder) and a couple of colourful planters do.

With temperatures heating up in Britain, the terrace has evolved to become a fully-fledged outdoor living space.

Not only is it somewhere to relax and kick back when the sun shines, but it’s a spot for gathering with friends and family, and somewhere for self-expression that reflects our personal style.

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As for colour palettes, Rutherford reveals: “While neutral foundations remain popular, our customers are increasingly gravitating toward a more expressive palette of burnt orange, golden olive and deep ochre, proving that the great outdoors is the perfect place for confident, personality-led design.”
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Beyond editorial, I’m also a brand editor and consultant who’s created content for major brands like Heal’s, Atkin & Thyme, OKA, The White Company, Dulux, plus others.

Below, I’ve rounded up the hottest trends for the season ahead and the outdoor furniture to help you get the look.

“Rounded silhouettes naturally encourage conversation and help spaces feel more welcoming, especially in outdoor settings where the goal is often to unwind and spend time with loved ones.

We’re seeing an increasing preference for pieces with gentle curves because they bring a sense of fluidity and movement to a garden while still maintaining a clean and contemporary look.

They also complement the natural, flowing shapes of plants and trees, making the space feel more organic and considered.”
John Lewis Lozenge 5-Seater Modular Curved Garden Sofa & Coffee Table Set
The clue’s in the name with this one.

With a lozenge shape that embraces the coffee table, the curved outdoor sofa from John Lewis is as comfortable as it is stylish.

The organic form of both pieces softens the design to create an aesthetic that’s both warm and welcoming.

Casaria Sun Lounger Wooden Ergonomic FSC-Certified Acacia Wood Rocking Deck Chair
This contemporary-cool meets natural-chic sun lounger has a sculptural design for ultimate comfort, whether you’re reading your favourite book or having an afternoon snooze.

The organic look of the slatted acacia wood top complements the curved base, and its all naturally moisture-resistant and scratch-resistant.

Lounging never looked so stylish.

From Australian brand King Living is the relaxed and curvaceous 1977 outdoor sofa.

The modular design features a sculptural form made from lightweight aluminium that can be easily configured to suit your taste and space.

Better still, the removable covers make for easy cleaning.

“Modular sofas are popular because they offer the flexibility to change your seating layout whenever needed,” says Lisa Rutherford at John Lewis .

“This trend is growing in outdoor furniture as more people treat their gardens like an extra room that must work for both quiet relaxing and social gatherings.

You can keep the sections together to create a large daybed for lounging or pull them apart to create individual chairs for a more convivial feel.

Some designs use curved segments that can be pushed together for a sculptural look or separated into smaller pods to encourage private conversation in different areas of the garden.

When shopping for these styles, it’s best to think of the furniture as a versatile system that can be reshuffled to suit a big party just as easily as a quiet afternoon in the sun.”
She adds: “Choosing high-quality, durable materials ensures that these adaptable sets can handle being moved around a lot and will stay looking good for years to come.”
Neptune Pembrey Modular Teak Garden Sofa
Combining a modular style with a micro trend – weather-resistant teak – Neptune’s Pembrey is on point for 2026.

Simple but stylish, the individual pieces are sold separately to enable you to create a size and shape to suit your terrace, while everything comes in with removable weather-resistant cushions.

John Lewis Sahara 4-Seater Modular Corner Garden Lounge Set
Offering plenty of bang for your buck, the Sahara from John Lewis accommodates up to four of your nearest and dearest more than comfortably.

Including two chaise-style double seats with armrests on one side, it can be configured to suit your exact needs, while its slimline design means it’s great for small or awkward spaces.

Inspired by the winding streets of Milan’s design district, Brera from American brand RH balances sculptural and architectural elements.

It combines a solid teak frame with all-weather rope and thick cushions in sectional components that can also be bought individually to create the outdoor sofa of dreams.

Just as important as looks, opt for high-performance fabrics that are quick-drying and resistant to stains, mould and mildew, so your cushions stay fresh and stylish for years to come.”
John Lewis Macy Sling Garden Chair
Combining two trends in one – stylish but practical upholstery and outdoor accent chairs – is this ray of sunshine.

The all-weather fabric seat and backrest in golden olive provides comfortable support bolstered by plump cushioning.

Sure to inject your garden with plenty of personality.

Farm Rio x Anthropologie Cotton Printed Tassel Outdoor Cushion
Sometimes, all you need to perk up existing garden furniture is a good cushion.

Farm RIO's collab with Anthropologie delivers with a signature bold print complete with tassels that brings a welcome dose of maximalism into your outside space — Abha Shah
Ruggable Laguna Natural Multicolour Outdoor Rug
Much is made of bringing the outdoors in, but the same can be said for taking the indoors out.

A bright weather-resistant rug can work wonders anchoring your outdoor dining set, or covering tired patio slabs.

Ruggable has a great selection to choose from, like this Laguna print — Abha Shah
Danetti Camilo Natural Garden Dining Chair
Danetti’s Camilo dining chair brings indoor comfort to outdoor spaces with its sculptural design and generous cushioning.

With its frame wrapped in a weather-resistant natural weave fabric, the textured chair is comfortable enough to linger in long after another al fresco dinner is done.

Laura James Saffron White Acacia Occasional Garden Chair
Add character and fun to your outdoor space with this occasional chair from Laura James.

Its acacia wood frame is wrapped in woven rope featuring a geometric paprika-and-beige pattern – sure to make a splash.

Heal’s Case EOS Outdoor Rectangular Dining Table
Designed by Matthew Hilton for Case via Heal’s — do keep up — the EOS outdoor dining table is crafted from rust-resistant powder-coated aluminium and combines a modern look with a lightweight structure.

Sure to help you get the designer edge.

Neptune Cheltenham 2 Seater Metal Garden Bench
Whether for your morning coffee or evening sundowner, everyone needs a garden bench, and the metal Cheltenham from Neptune in a matt grey finish is just the ticket.

Now all that’s left to do is find a suntrap.

Atkin & Thyme Emilia Sunlounger
Thoroughly modern and visually lightweight, Atkin & Thyme’s Emilia sunlounger will make for a striking addition to your patio or a terrace, and is perfect for lounging on and catching some rays this summer.

The powder-coated aluminium frame has a wood-inspired slatted effect that adds rustic charm.

Just add rosé.

Lazy Susan June 6 Seater Oval Garden Table with 6 April Chairs
A bestseller for a reason, the June set from Lazy Susan — my favourite garden furniture brand — is beautifully crafted in cast aluminium and features an oval dining table with an intricate lattice top and classic double-helix border.

Six comfortable April chairs are provided to create the perfect spot for summer gatherings.

I have one just like this taking pride of place on my terrace.

Birdie Fortescue Curato Garden Sofa
Handcrafted from durable aluminium to look like antique rattan, the Curato garden sofa from Birdie Fortescue combines the best of both words.

Fully weatherproof, it features a slender frame that’s lightweight enough to move around your garden or terrace.

So chic.

“Balconies and terraces are becoming more valuable, driving a shift towards compact outdoor furniture that works hard without compromising on style.

This new generation of pieces is lighter and often multifunctional.

We are seeing more slimline silhouettes that create a sense of retreat rather than clutter.

And increasingly, it’s about editing rather than filling spaces, placing the emphasis on comfort and a feeling of escape.”
Castlery Sorrento Garden Bistro Dining Set
Having landed in the UK last year, Singaporean brand Castlery has expanded its collection to include outdoor furniture.

My pick is the Sorrento garden bistro dining set – including two stackable chairs – which is compact enough for small patios or even balconies.

Hanging chairs were all the rage a couple of years ago, but you’re never too late to join the party.

This design from Cox & Cox features all the character you’d expect with an egg-shaped design made from strong metal and faux rattan, albeit with slimline proportions.

Perfect for tucking in a forgotten corner.

Atkin & Thyme Savannah Bar Table and 2 Bar Stools
Whether serving up a barbecue or mixing and muddling cocktails, the Savannah bar table from Atkin & Thyme is the host with the most, although its compact design means it can slot into even the snuggest of corners.

Habitat 60 Wyatt Rattan Chair - Blue
If you need any proof that electric blue adds something special to a garden, just look to Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech or Mexico City's Frida Kahlo Museum.

Both incorporate swathes of the hue in their venues.

Habitat Global Accent Chair and Footstool
Habitat has just curated a collection of outdoor designs for any space included compact styles.

My pick is this dainty accent chair with matching footstool characterised by a curved frame in a rattan weave.

It’s pure 70s vibes – but I’m into it.

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They illuminate automatically with a built-in sensor and are powered through a solar panel.

There are eight settings that include a flash, chase or static illumination.