At Lazy Magazine, we love discussing outdoor furniture — and if you know us, you’ll know we don’t just stop at what it’s made of or why cast aluminium is such a brilliant choice for UK gardens.
This time, we’re turning our attention to something just as important: styling your outdoor space so it feels as lived-in and lovely as the rest of your home. Think of your patio as your open-air living room or your al fresco dining room.
Whether it’s a laid-back breakfast in the sun, drinks with friends as the evening cools, or a weekend BBQ gathering, a beautifully styled space will make every moment more enjoyable.
Your outdoor furniture should do more than just look good — it should invite you outside, bring people together, and make your garden feel like your favourite place. So, if you're ready to give your patio a 2025-worthy glow-up, here are our top 10 styling tips to help your outdoor space shine:
1. Layer Up with Outdoor Cushions, Rugs & Throws
Our cast aluminium chairs are designed for comfort straight out of the box — but with a few thoughtful touches, you can take both style and relaxation to the next level. Start with our outdoor cushions in soft, neutral tones; not only do they add a layer of plush support, but they’re also crafted from water-resistant, fade-resistant fabric that holds up beautifully in the ever-changing UK weather.
To tie the whole space together, consider adding a tile-print or geometric outdoor rug. It brings warmth, texture and colour underfoot while helping to define your patio dining zone. And when the sun dips below the horizon? Lightweight wool throws draped over each chair add a cosy, inviting touch that your guests will love.
2. Use Parasols for Shade & Style
No summer-ready garden is complete without a parasol — and ours are as practical as they are stylish. Made from quick-drying, waterproof fabric, they offer generous shade with diameters up to 3.5 metres, making them ideal for covering our larger dining sets. Thoughtful features like a crank handle and tilt mechanism make adjusting throughout the day effortless.
For a touch of evening charm, drape battery-powered LED string lights inside the parasol spokes to create a soft, ambient glow. Want to take your setup even further? Frame your furniture with a pergola or retractable canopy to establish a semi-permanent dining space that feels cosy, structured, and truly inviting.
3. Add Personality with Outdoor Accessories
These days, patios are seen as true extensions of our homes — and just like your interiors, your outdoor space should reflect your personal style. The secret to making it feel complete? Well-chosen accessories that strike the right balance of beauty and function. Mix and match from a curated selection of planters, lighting, and serving essentials to express your aesthetic. Some of our favourite looks for summer 2025 include:
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Vertical wall planters that transform dull fences or bare walls into lush green features.
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Serving trays in rattan, melamine or powder-coated metal — a perfect combination of practical and stylish.
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Outdoor table lamps powered by USB or solar energy, perfect for soft, ambient lighting after dark.
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Hanging planters suspended from pergolas or tree branches at staggered heights for added depth.
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Candle lanterns for a warm, flickering glow — with the bonus of deterring insects.
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Compact fire lanterns or tabletop heaters to keep the conversation going well into the evening.
The key to pulling it all together? Cohesion. Choose a colour palette you love and repeat materials like wood, ceramic, or matte metal throughout your accessories for a look that feels considered and effortlessly stylish.
4. Set Your Outdoor Table Like a Pro
Whether you’re hosting a relaxed afternoon lunch or planning a more elegant garden gathering, how you set your table can make all the difference. Start with the basics — a simple runner or individual placemats to define each setting, then layer with stylish tableware and neatly folded napkins for a clean, welcoming look.
Stick to a cohesive palette of two or three colours to keep the overall effect polished, not fussy. For practicality and style, opt for outdoor-friendly materials like acrylic or melamine — they're durable enough for alfresco use but can still echo the look and feel of your indoor dining style.
And don’t overlook the finishing touches. Coasters, coordinated glassware, and a few faux floral stems or greenery in a simple vase can elevate your setup beautifully, creating a table that feels as considered as any indoor dining space.
5. Create a Stunning Centrepiece
A floral centrepiece is the ultimate finishing touch to any outdoor dining setup — the kind of detail that effortlessly pulls everything together. Whether it’s a cluster of fresh-cut blooms in a weather-safe vase, a pot of fragrant herbs, or a sculptural planter with seasonal foliage, adding something green (or colourful) brings life and height to your table.
Consider showcasing your arrangement on our rotating servers — it not only highlights your centrepiece but also makes sharing dishes feel effortless and elegant. And don’t be afraid to tailor your display to suit the moment: think soft candles and trailing greenery for intimate evening dinners, or vibrant blooms paired with fresh citrus for a cheerful family brunch. Small changes can create a big impact.
6. Pay Attention to the Details
It’s the little touches that transform a good patio into a truly memorable one. From carefully chosen cushions and soft LED tea lights in repurposed jars to a coordinated set of outdoor tableware, these subtle details show care and personality — turning your garden into a space that feels both styled and lived in.
Even the elements you don’t see right away make a difference. Take our quick-dry cushion inserts, for instance — designed for comfort and durability, they quietly work behind the scenes to keep your seating looking fresh and feeling great, season after season. It’s this thoughtful layering that makes an outdoor space not just beautiful, but genuinely enjoyable to use.
7. Bring Your Indoor Style Outdoors
One of the standout outdoor furniture trends for Summer 2025 is the seamless blend between indoor comfort and outdoor living. It’s all about creating a space that feels like a natural extension of your home — think soft upholstery, textured throws, and décor pieces that wouldn’t look out of place in your living room.
Look for dual-purpose pieces to make the transition effortless. Durable acrylic glassware, easy-care table linens, and decorative accents that suit both inside and out help you achieve that cohesive, considered look. Just keep in mind: if something isn’t built for all-weather use, it’s best to bring it back indoors when not in use — a little care goes a long way in keeping everything looking its best.
8. Create Zones for Relaxing and Dining
A beautifully designed outdoor space isn’t just about the furniture — it’s about how you live in it. If you’ve got the space, consider dividing your patio into distinct zones to suit different moods and moments. Let your dining set serve as the social centre for meals and entertaining, then create a quieter corner with a pair of chairs, a small side table, a coffee table, or a bench — perfect for reading, sipping a morning coffee, or simply taking in the view.
To tie it all together, layer in textured outdoor rugs, planters, or low screens to gently define each area. These thoughtful touches help your garden feel more like an outdoor room — structured, stylish, and ready for anything from lively gatherings to peaceful time alone.
9. Embrace Natural Texture & Materials
One of the simplest ways to elevate your patio is by layering in natural materials that soften the space and add a designer’s touch. Think woven baskets doubling as planters, textured jute or sisal-inspired outdoor rugs, and warm wooden or rattan accents that bring depth and character.
These earthy elements not only add visual interest—they also beautifully complement the classic tones and finishes of Lazy Susan’s cast aluminium range, creating a space that feels effortlessly grounded and harmoniously connected to the garden beyond.
10. Keep It Guest‑Ready
Few things dampen the mood of an outdoor gathering like soggy cushions or a cluttered patio. The solution? Invest in stylish, weatherproof storage — think sleek bench boxes or discreet patio sideboards — to keep your cushions, throws, and lanterns clean, dry, and always within reach. Not only does it make spontaneous sunny lunches or impromptu evening drinks a breeze, but it also ensures your space stays effortlessly polished, even when it’s not in use.
Our Final Thoughts: Style That Feels Like You!
Styling your outdoor space isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating somewhere that feels good to be in. Somewhere that invites you outside, even if it’s just for a quiet morning coffee with a friend or an impromptu BBQ with family.
Whether you use a few of our tips or embrace all ten, the goal is always the same: make it personal, make it practical, and make it a joy to spend time in. With the right outdoor furniture as your base — something timeless, durable and beautiful like our cast aluminium range — the rest becomes a creative adventure that you can play with and switch up as the seasons change.
Layer in cushions, throws and rugs for comfort. Use lighting and planters to build ambience. Add structure with parasols or pergolas, and don’t shy away from details like table settings, centrepieces, or soft natural textures — they’re what transform a patio into a space with true personality.
Remember, great styling isn’t about chasing every trend—it’s about choosing pieces that suit your lifestyle, reflect your taste, fit your space perfectly, and stand up to whatever the weather (and a few muddy footprints) throw their way.
Lazy Susan furniture is built to last, and with these thoughtful styling tips, your patio will too. Here’s to making Summer 2025 your most stylish—and sun-soaked—season yet!
And when you bring Lazy Susan into your home, don’t forget to share the love. Tag us on Instagram or Facebook @LazySusanFurniture, and support our Do Some Good campaign by uploading your table styling photos. We can’t wait to see how you’re creating your perfectly accessorised outdoor sanctuary this summer!
