AIBU to despise outdoor sofa and coffee table sets?

[1950swallpaper]

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?

It's ok to not like things

What an odd thing to start a thread about. Why would you possibly give a shit about what someone else has in their garden?

I’ve a sofa and coffee table set, with a fire pit in the middle, three sofas actually in a u shape. And a seperate dining table set with chairs. All in a nice matt wicker.

We use them all the time in the good weather, we have dinner outside regularly in the summer, most nights when it’s dry, we sit outside and have a coffee in the morning, a beer or glass of wine in the evening, or socialise with our friends outside.

I’m all good with you thinking it’s tacky vulgar and show offy. Because they are in my garden not yours..,😂

Oh you'd hate me OP

My decking is painted grey - my sofa is orange and pink (but John Lewis don't you know) and chairs bright blue - I have fake trellis and purple plants disguising my neighbours ugly garage and I have many little lights - I'm such a disappointment

It's common

I do think they’re a bit ugly but they are very comfortable looking. I’m considering a set !

I do have some tack though , my cushions are cream, and the sofa set to be fair is quite elegant, but I have some occasional cushions with palm leaves on, that I dot around them.

Love a bit of tacky vulgarity me. 😃

It’s like pine furniture
If you’ve got both it’s a double whammy

I don’t think furniture can be common. Does that make me common?

Well in the summer we shall all be outside, sprawled out on our outdoor sofa sets being all vulgar and tacky and op you can sit inside, curtain twitch and seethe,,

Each to their own. I don't have one but I quite like them

Agree most of them are fugly. I'd stick to sun loungers and a nice iron bistro set.

I bloody love mine! (Also from John Lewis). It arrived on my birthday last April and was a lifesaver during the first lockdown. So comfortable and pretty, colourful cushions (not grey, also from JL) and perfect for reading or snoozing.
I can't wait to get it out again this Spring and Summer and I couldn't give a flying fart what anyone else thinks about it.

I forgot to add that we gave giant beanbags that go outside when the weathers nice. We also have garden games sets for nice days too.

Your eyes would pop out of their sockets whilst peering over the fence OP!

You’d be much happier if you stopped stalking your neighbours and had a nice cup of tea in your own tasteful back garden. In fact why don’t you post a picture of it so we can all see where we’re going wrong and see what we should be emulating. Can’t wait to see it, there’s still a lot of time before summer to get my garden ‘Mumsnet random’ ready.

I have a lovely pair of rattan sunbeds with the addition of a thick grey cushion on each, tacky they may be but comfy as hell in the 24 degrees on my terrace today.

Agree. Tres naff

I hate plastic rattan cube sofas etc. They're horrible and looked dated even when they were first +fashionable'.

@Strokethefurrywall

Ahh good. "Tacky" and "Vulgar" in an opening post about garden furniture.

What the fuck has happened to the quality of snobbery in the UK? It used to be far superior...

Mumsnet used to describe things as "a bit councily".

If the faux wicker set in grey offends, one can buy special durable plastic paint in almost any color. Hunter green is nice, and shows less grunge than white.

I dont like them because both my ex neighbours had them and they were tatty and mouldy. The cushions were left out and looked grim. Its the whole make another room in the garden thing which to me means constant, invasive noise ...

Well I don't have a sofa set, but do have what Aussies call outdoor settings - tables and chairs/benches: four of them - front, back and side gardens and balcony - so I can relax anywhere.

Before I'm accused of stealth boasting, this is quite usual here, a case of chasing sun and shade. Most of my furniture comes from nature strips.

I’d agree, can you post pics of your back garden op and rhe tasteful furniture you have? Show us vulgar lot how it’s done? 😃

Its like gin and tonic in a can

What you really need is one of those tables with a fire pit in the middle and a hot tub to complete the set though!

We manage just fine with a weatherproof cast iron table and chairs. Given the prevailing climate in this country it does seem a bit OTT to have sofas and rugs outside.

100% agree OP!