for outdoor living at John Lewis. CHEAP AND CHIC: John Lewis's contemporary Homestead range in teak, £899, includes a six-seater table, two benches and two chairs. Next has given a contemporary twist to the oldfashioned arbour set with its sleek aluminium and hardwood Monaco arbour, £249.
BIG SPENDER: Indian Ocean has a style to suit most tastes and its classic pieces include a Clifton stacking bench, £895, with teak slats and a sturdy stainless steel
? Strathwood St Thomas Cast Aluminum Dining Armchairs Set of two £199, Amazon
WEAVE A SPELL
Ensure your space works as well as an indoor room by keeping a close eye on design as well as comfort. Woven or rattan-style furniture is ideal. "Woven furniture collections have an advantage in that they sit well in a conservatory area, or outside on a terrace," says Nicola Gidlow at John Lewis. CHEAP AND CHIC: B&Q's weather-resistant rattan-effect wicker Comoro range includes a six-seater table, £204, and two chairs with cushions, £165.
BIG SPENDER: Marks & Spencer's synthetic rattan Carmelo range features a dining table with two benches and cushions, £699, and a sun lounger, £299. Next's rattan Hanging chair, £375, with cushions could be perfect for idling away summer hours, or just cuddle up on a Sorento Love seat and footstool, £399, Bhs.
DOWN TO THE WIRE
Metal and wirework seating is an elegant choice and works particularly well in small spaces, including balconies and compact urban settings. "Decorative ironwork is enjoying huge popularity because of its good looks and also, I believe, because there's a renewed interest in craftsmanship," says Adrian Rayment, founder of Rayment Wire.
"We often find people feature a piece in a room adjoining the garden and another outside, which helps to bring continuity between the outdoor and indoor space."
CHIC AND CHEAP: Bhs black Tuscan leafshaped bistro set, table and two chairs, £329.
Amazon's Strathwood
St Thomas cast aluminium dining armchairs are a snip at £199 for a set of two. Beat chilly evenings with a Colorado wood burning patio heater, from £85, Next. Marks & Spencer's black wirework Moroccan lantern, £45,