Outdoor Furniture - Other

Transform Your Outdoor Space: The Best "Other" Outdoor Furniture Finds in the UK

Introduction: Why the "Other" Category Deserves Your Attention

Sometimes the best outdoor furniture pieces aren't the predictable bench or dining set you see everywhere — they're the quirky stools, sculptural footrests, rope lounge chairs, and compact wooden seats that give a garden personality. The "other" category of outdoor furniture is where style meets function in clever, space-saving ways. Whether you live in a townhouse with a tiny balcony or a suburban garden with room to spare, these items add thoughtful detail that elevates the whole space.

What makes "other" items so useful?

Think of these pieces as the finishing touches of a room: they don't dominate the scene but they change the mood. A well-chosen footrest, a statement stool, or a sculptural lounge chair can transform how comfortable and stylish your patio feels — much like an accessory does for an outfit. They’re great for layering, for sudden extra seating, or for creating a cozy reading corner outdoors.

Spotlight: Nordic Nest — Scandinavian Design for Outdoors

Nordic Nest is known for bringing Scandinavian design sensibilities to outdoor collections: clean lines, muted palettes, and materials that feel modern yet warm. Their selection leans toward refined, designer pieces that can double as indoor and outdoor furniture, so your terrace can feel like an extension of your living room.

Notable picks from Nordic Nest

If you’re after minimal elegance, the Fiam Chico Footrest in sage green offers a subtle pop of color and a compact footprint — perfect next to a lounge chair. For a sculptural statement, the &tradition Thorvald SC100 lounge chair in ivory brings mid-century curves that work brilliantly in a sunroom or sheltered patio. The Hay Palissade Cord dining armchair in iron red injects bold color and is great for an informal al fresco dinner. Cane-line’s Diamond lounge armchair in Natté taupe features soft rope seating that’s resilient outdoors. For compact seating and sculptural accents, the Aytm Novo stool and Aytm Novo lounge chair in black are versatile and stackable options. The Broste Copenhagen Nola stool in black leather is roughly about 17 3/4 inches high, making it an attractive side table or an evening-drinks perch. Finally, Hay’s X-line indoor-outdoor chair in iron red blurs the line between garden furniture and living space seating — ideal if you like continuity between indoors and outdoors.

Spotlight: Buy Sheds Direct — Simple Wooden Seating with Character

Buy Sheds Direct focuses on practical garden structures and straightforward wooden furniture that age gracefully outdoors. If you want an authentic wooden look — something a little rustic and very comfortable — their small wooden chairs are charming options for cottage gardens, potting areas, or alongside a summerhouse.

Best wooden chairs from Buy Sheds Direct

The Forest Kuba curved wooden garden chair is compact at 2'0" x 2'5", a neat size for narrow pathways or beside a raised bed. Its curved profile makes it an inviting spot to pause for tea or to slip on gardening gloves. The Forest slatted wooden garden chair is a bit longer at 2'3" x 3'11", perfect for when you want a little more room to relax and read. These classic wooden styles are straightforward to maintain and can be stained or painted to match your garden palette.

Other UK Stores to Explore for "Other" Outdoor Furniture

If you enjoy browsing styles, several UK retailers offer complementary choices that pair well with the Nordic or rustic picks above. John Lewis & Partners often stocks designer collaborations and versatile outdoor stools. Wayfair UK and Made.com provide everything from budget-friendly stools to bold designer chairs. Dunelm and B&Q are good for practical, durable options, and Heal's and Habitat bring curated, design-led pieces. For garden-specific lines, Garden Trading and Garden Furniture Centre are excellent sources for coastal and country-style accents.

How to pick the right retailer for your needs

Choose the retailer based on what matters most: designer labels (Nordic Nest, Heal’s), budget (Wayfair, Dunelm), or specialist garden furniture (Buy Sheds Direct, Garden Trading). If you want something that reads like indoor furniture but is weather-ready, look for “indoor-outdoor” tags or synthetic materials designed to resist fading and mildew. If authenticity and wood grain are your priority, specialist sellers of wooden garden furniture will have traditional options that develop beautiful patina over time.

How to Choose the Right "Other" Piece for Your Space

Picking the right accessory is equal parts practical and aesthetic. Start by asking: will this piece be used daily or seasonally? Is it for seating, storage, or decorative impact? Once you know the function, it’s easier to compare materials, shapes, and scale. A small balcony loves slimline stools or foldable pieces; a large garden benefits from sculptural lounge chairs or a trio of stools that can act as side tables.

Consider materials and durability

Rope and synthetic weave (like the Cane-line Diamond) are great for wet climates because they dry quickly and resist rot. Powder-coated metal (seen in Hay’s ranges) offers durability and bold color options, but check for rust-proof treatments. Teak and other hardwoods are ideal for long-term outdoor use; they weather to a warm silver if left untreated, which many people love. Leather or leather-look stools like the Broste Copenhagen Nola can work if placed under a covered area to avoid constant wetting.

Sizing and Measuring Tips — Imperial Units Only

Before you fall in love with a piece, measure your space in feet and inches. Visualize circulation: allow at least 2'0" to 3'0" of cleared width behind seating for people to move comfortably. For an outdoor lounge area, ensure that small side stools are around 16 to 20 inches high to match sofa seat height — the Broste Copenhagen Nola stool at about 17 3/4 inches is a good example. If you’re considering a compact chair like the Forest Kuba at roughly 2'0" by 2'5", check that doorways and gate widths can accommodate it.

How to measure like a pro

Use painter’s tape to mark out the footprint of a potential piece on your patio floor; this gives you a real sense of scale. If a piece is multi-functional (stool and side table), measure both the seating height and the surface area to ensure it works for your needs. For dining armchairs like the Hay Palissade Cord chair, check table-to-seat clearance: you’ll want at least 10 to 12 inches between the seat and tabletop for comfortable leg room.

Styling Tips: Mixing Indoor Looks with Outdoor Durability

One of the smartest trends is treating your outdoor area as a room: layer rugs, cushions, and a mix of metals and woods. Combine a sculptural chair from Nordic Nest with a rustic wooden stool from Buy Sheds Direct to create textural contrast. Use a durable outdoor rug to anchor a conversation area and add cushions in quick-drying fabrics for softness.

Color, scale, and cohesion

If you want cohesion, pick one or two accent colors and repeat them through cushions, pots, or an armchair like the Hay X-line in iron red. For a calmer look, stick to a neutral base and allow a single piece — perhaps the &tradition Thorvald lounge chair in ivory — to be your sculptural star. Balance is key: a bold red dining armchair looks brilliant when offset by muted taupe rope seating or a natural wood stool.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Options

Sustainability in outdoor furniture is about material sourcing and longevity. Teak and responsibly sourced hardwoods with FSC certification are better choices than tropical hardwoods with questionable provenance. Many brands now use recycled plastics or regenerated rope for durable, low-maintenance pieces. Choosing items that last and can be repaired rather than replaced is one of the biggest eco wins.

What to look for when shopping sustainably

Look for supplier transparency on timber sourcing and for products with replaceable parts — cushions, covers, or rope seat panels. Brands that offer spare parts or refurbishment services help extend the life of a piece. Also consider secondhand or vintage finds — a refurbished wooden chair can be more sustainable and more characterful than new mass-produced items.

Maintenance, Care, and Seasonal Tips

Even the most durable outdoor pieces need a little care. For wooden chairs like those from Buy Sheds Direct, a yearly oil or sealant will help preserve them. For metal and powder-coated pieces, a gentle wash with soapy water keeps dirt from causing surface wear. Rope and synthetic weaves benefit from quick rinses and thorough drying after heavy rain.

Quick seasonal checklist

Spring: inspect and tighten screws, refresh cushions, and oil timber. Summer: rotate cushions and wipe down surfaces to prevent mildew. Autumn: clear leaves and debris to avoid staining and moisture buildup. Winter: if possible, store leather items like the Broste Nola stool under cover and stack or shelter lightweight pieces to prevent wind damage.

Matching Accessories and Where to Find Them

Accessories make the difference. Consider low tables for drinks, outdoor lamps, and plant stands to create layers. Lighting can turn an ordinary patio into a magical evening spot — string lights, solar lanterns, and compact LED lamps are easy additions. Most retailers mentioned earlier, from John Lewis to Wayfair, stock coordinating accessories that match their furniture ranges, so you can build a consistent look without hunting around.

Small touches that make a big impact

Introduce a few weather-resistant cushions in the same accent color as a standout chair to tie the area together. Use a small durable stool as a plant stand to add height variation. Even a simple footrest like the Fiam Chico in sage green becomes a focal point if paired with a low-slung lounge chair and a textured rug.

Choosing "other" outdoor furniture is about personality more than scale. With careful measurement, a focus on materials, and a little styling savvy, these pieces can make your garden or balcony feel curated and welcoming. From Nordic design icons to rustic wooden chairs, there's an option to match every taste and outdoor lifestyle in the UK market.

Conclusion: Whether you’re after designer accents from Scandinavian-focused shops or honest wooden charm from specialist garden sellers, the right "other" pieces will enliven your outdoor space. Measure, mix textures, and pick durable materials — and you’ll have a garden that looks and feels intentional all season long.