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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to despise outdoor sofa and coffee table sets?

578 replies

1950swallpaper · 28/01/2021 18:58

I don't know why I have taken such a dislike to them. Maybe it is because it is "indoor" furniture but outside. Maybe it is because they are all made out of grey plastic wicker which is not environmentally friendly. Maybe it is because I find them very "show-offy keeping up with the Jones' smug". Maybe it is because I know if I had one, I'd find bringing the cushions in from the rain a pain in the bum. I dunno but I really find them tacky and vulgar. Am I on my own?

OP posts:
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UnityUnited · 30/01/2021 11:49

Snobbery is very unattractive.

CounsellorTroi · 30/01/2021 11:58

@UnityUnited

My neighbour has your kind of chairs Counsellor. They are ok if there are only two of you and rarely have people around to visit.
We have our table and chairs for that. You don’t have to have a three piece suite in the garden to entertain outside. I mean, if you meet friends for coffee or a drink in the pub you don’t always expect to be lounging on a sofa.
UntilYourNextHairBrainedScheme · 30/01/2021 12:06

I want the sofa in this picture - its carved out of solid wood and unexpectedly comfortable. I have no idea what it would cost or where to look for similar ones for sale. This one is in Europa park.

AIBU to despise outdoor sofa and coffee table sets?
UnityUnited · 30/01/2021 12:20

If you always insist on socialising around a table and chairs Counsellor then fine. Lots of people prefer something a little less formal.

TheKeatingFive · 30/01/2021 12:20

I’ve only skim read, but this thread brings it home to me how many people are on here are lacking in the absolute basics of manners.

An appropriate reaction to not liking something is to not get one yourself.

Not starting snobbish threads on MN, calling people vulgar in some bizarre attempt to make yourself feel superior, or making up total shit about them to look down your nose further.

There are some nasty types around.

Averyyounggrandmaofsix · 30/01/2021 12:25

@TheKeatingFive

Some people see Hyacinth Bucket as a role model not a joke.

Bluntness100 · 30/01/2021 12:34

We have our table and chairs for that. You don’t have to have a three piece suite in the garden to entertain outside. I mean, if you meet friends for coffee or a drink in the pub you don’t always expect to be lounging on a sofa

No, but let’s be honest, it’s so so much better when you can and do..

waterlego · 30/01/2021 12:43

You don’t have to have a three piece suite in the garden to entertain outside.

Oh goodness no, you don’t have to, but you can if you like.

@UntilYourNextHairBrainedScheme

I love Europa park! Never saw that lovely sofa there though. This gives me an excuse to go back 🙂

anniegun · 30/01/2021 12:45

Why dont you post some pictures of your furniture on here so we can all pass judgement?

huuuuunnnndderrricks · 30/01/2021 13:30

Those fold up chairs look like you can't afford proper furniture .. sorry not sorry 🤷‍♀️.. what is the issue with decent comfy furniture to eat in the garden on?? I like to be comfy and for things to look nice ! I'm never going to apologise for having nice stuff!

CounsellorTroi · 30/01/2021 13:44

Those fold up chairs look like you can't afford proper furniture .. sorry not sorry

now that IS snobbery.

Janegrey333 · 30/01/2021 13:48

@huuuuunnnndderrricks

Those fold up chairs look like you can't afford proper furniture .. sorry not sorry 🤷‍♀️.. what is the issue with decent comfy furniture to eat in the garden on?? I like to be comfy and for things to look nice ! I'm never going to apologise for having nice stuff!
One person’s “nice stuff” is another’s taste crime.
GreenlandTheMovie · 30/01/2021 14:13

@TheKeatingFive

I’ve only skim read, but this thread brings it home to me how many people are on here are lacking in the absolute basics of manners.

An appropriate reaction to not liking something is to not get one yourself.

Not starting snobbish threads on MN, calling people vulgar in some bizarre attempt to make yourself feel superior, or making up total shit about them to look down your nose further.

There are some nasty types around.

It is funny though. Most people who are satisfied with their place in life have the confidence to do what they want, and not worry about what 9ther people think.

The "medieval garden" in Italy was particularly funny. What on earth is a "mediaeval garden"? Certainly not that one shown. Thars an overgrown garden, not a peoductive garden in mediaveal times providing vegetables and herbs for a small community in a proteected setting.

It is a walled garden, but compared to a well looked walled garden in this country, its not very symmetrical.

Odd.

A walked garden would be an excellent place to put some rattan furniture in. It's very windy where I live. Anyway, I don't have one any more, but I am changing my sofa soon, so I'm going to put my old shaped sofa and chair into my garden when the weather is better, thus nearly achieving an actual 3 piece suite in my garden! I might have to put out a second tarpaulin though...

huuuuunnnndderrricks · 30/01/2021 14:26

I just don't get this , even if you hate them why do you care ?? I couldn't give a shiny shite what my neighbours / friends sit on ffs !

waterlego · 30/01/2021 14:37

why do you care ??

@huuuuunnnndderrricks Because it hurts their special eyes. Won’t you please have some consideration for those with superior, special eyes?

minipie · 30/01/2021 14:38

What, it hurts their eyes when they’re peering over their neighbours’ fence...? Grin

waterlego · 30/01/2021 14:42

Exactly minipie! And even when they can’t actually see what’s in their neighbour’s garden, the very thought that there might be rattan furniture there is painful.

Exhausteddog · 30/01/2021 14:50

Not read the whole thread. We have wooden furniture with cushions that we keep in a plastic storage chest in the garden. The chairs are meant to fold up but they are such a PITA and keep collapsing that we keep them out all the time. We also have outside lights all year round because they are pretty.

Exhausteddog · 30/01/2021 14:51

I notice the OP never returned...?
(Unless they name changed?)

HereIfYouNeedMe · 30/01/2021 15:18

What would you suggest is non smug to sit comfortably outside? Had my garden done last year and looking forward to finally making it our own when spring comes. I was thinking of a corner sofa for the decking, probably rattan as it's cheaper but I don't want to look 'smug' ☹️ so let me know the alternative! Or I'll just get what I want/can afford and enjoy our new garden for the first time in DS's life 🤗

Janegrey333 · 30/01/2021 15:27

@GreenlandTheMovie

The garden was mediaeval in style. The slightly natural look adds to its charm. There are many other types, including the type you referenced, so there is nothing whatsoever “odd” about it or about it being the image I selected.

ZaraW · 30/01/2021 15:52

I love my plastic rattan, maintenance free sofa. Everyone thats visits loves it or they are too polite to say otherwise. I have enough confidence not to care.

www.bhg.com/shop/saybrook-all-weather-wicker-78-sofa-with-cushion-natural-p211e1c1ce4cec32569e4dedd8c024524.html

GreenlandTheMovie · 30/01/2021 16:09

JaneGrey333 The garden was mediaeval in style. The slightly natural look adds to its charm. There are many other types, including the type you referenced, so there is nothing whatsoever “odd” about it or about it being the image I selected.

You mean...faux mediaeval? Even worse! It is surely the Italian equivalent of a cheap rattan sofa.

I do get what you are aiming at , but its all just a little too Barbara Cartland crossed with Charlie Dimmock's idea of what a "tasteful" garden should look like. (in fact, Charlie Dimmock would probably produce something better).

The key is to have the confidence to do what you want, and to be kind about other people's choices. Everyone knows that cheap rattan furniture is a little tacky, but no-one cares, because even people with walled gardens can hide it somewhere out of the way because they want to be comfortable. And, you know, time moves on, new materials are invented. Monkey puzzle trees and American redwoods at one time were "nouveau" and look how they caught on.

By the way, the mediaeval era isn't really a garden trend - it stemmed from the 5th to the 15th century, latterly ending in the bubonic plague and is more commonly referred to as the dark ages. I think you may be referring to the renaissance era because mediaeval gardens really did need to be more productive than decorative.

User2921 · 30/01/2021 16:23

I always think that the people who own them are probably a lot of fun. Same with hot tubs and outdoor bars. They make me think the owners are sociable and like to enjoy life a bit more than sitting in front of the tv. Assumptions of course, but that's the image they conjure up.
I haven't got of these things and am jealous of the people I think have more fun than me.

UnityUnited · 30/01/2021 16:35

I agree User. They strike me as people who know how to relax and have fun.

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