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?

@Janegrey333

On the subject of gardens, why do so many people cram gardens full of stuff? “Less is more.” doesn’t seem to be followed.

So true.

Do you have small gardens?

Why do you care?

@Ericaequites

Echt- Recycling from flytips is doubly delightful. In the States, bulky trash days are another good source for no to me furniture.

Exactly. It's called hard rubbish collection here. The run-up to Christmas is when people upgrade their outdoor settings in Australia, so excellent stuff to pick up. The Covid clear out has also yielded good pickings.

When I was flatting it was “Free stuff day!”
We literally furnished our flat with hard rubbish collection furniture. (Accept the couch and mattresses cause eww)

@FossilisedFanny

I’ve got one of those garden swing chairs with a shade over it - is that ok ?

So have I. It's damned ugly, but functional. Got it cheap this year, and not sure I'll replace it when, and it is a when, it breaks.

It's grey too. Hate grey.

@Mypathtriedtokillme

When I was flatting it was “Free stuff day!” We literally furnished our flat with hard rubbish collection furniture. (Accept the couch and mattresses cause eww)

Mattresses are grim, but if you're very quick, sofas can be OK, especially vintage ones.

What I miss is the older days in my bit of Melbourne, when hard rubbish collection was twice a year, an event, with cars cruising the streets, often eBayers looking for bargains. Strictly speaking, once it's on the nature strip it belongs to the Council, but no-one takes any notice. Now it's individual bookings so the place looks like shanty town all year round and fly-tipping has gone stratospheric.

My personal best was spotting a Dualit toaster, hardly used, just dusty, which I retrieved and restored to its proper glory.

I must admit every time I walk past the garden sets in Costco, I wish my garden was bigger so I could get one. I think they look great!

Talking of verge side collection, I just picked up an Egg chair for free from my local gumtree group. It looks amazing by the pool, but is probably common as fuck according to the miseries on here. As, no doubt, is my pool as it has a water feature but that was here when I bought the house.

• My current petty garden hate is for outside lights. 2 of our neighbours have done up their back gardens and filled them with lights. Every night they have them on. Doesn't matter if they are in their garden - they just have the whole space lit up. Whyyyyyyyy????? Why not?*

Because it's like living next door to a post escape Colditz when they switch them on. They light up their garden and my garden enough that I can read a book after dark if I needed to.

@alwayscrashinginthesamecar1

Talking of verge side collection, I just picked up an Egg chair for free from my local gumtree group. It looks amazing by the pool, but is probably common as fuck according to the miseries on here. As, no doubt, is my pool as it has a water feature but that was here when I bought the house.

You are well common and I claim my prize. :o

Thanks Echt, I'm very happy to be common as muck. . Did I mention the water feature is a nudie lady holding a lotus flower? We call her Kath.

@Wilsonwilson

Are they not very spidery? That would be my worry.

In my experience, they are only really spidery if you cover them for autumn/winter.

I’ve got a couple of different “plastic”;rattan sofa sets. The first year, I covered them with the, to be fair, good quality covers. Taking those covers off come spring was my worst nightmare - souses running out, gross spider “cocoon/web type things). Never again!

For the last 8 years they’ve been left open to the elements all year. Quick blast every spring with pressure washer and they are all looking just as good as when I got them (I store the cushions away and I also put the glass table tops in the shed).

Best money I’ve spent re enjoyment and longevity.

Lost my bingo post, will try again

Outdoor dining ✔
Outdoor seating - plush - super comfy ✔
Outdoor lighting - which has an on/off switch✔
Swimming pool ✔
Built in exterior kitchen (with fridge, 2 types of Bbq) ✔
Firepit ✔
Undercover area with a ceiling fan ✔

Sadly I cant beat the TV ✖

Nowt stranger than folk....🤪👌🤣

@GADDay

Lost my bingo post, will try again

Outdoor dining ✔
Outdoor seating - plush - super comfy ✔
Outdoor lighting - which has an on/off switch✔
Swimming pool ✔
Built in exterior kitchen (with fridge, 2 types of Bbq) ✔
Firepit ✔
Undercover area with a ceiling fan ✔

Sadly I cant beat the TV ✖

Nowt stranger than folk....🤪👌🤣

I’m going to guess you’re in Australia? If so, you forgot the thing that should be top of your list - blooming decent summer weather (I’m not at all jealous!)

This summer when I am in Aus has been wet followed by more warm wet then a horrible sweltering few days of 34-40 then back to wet and cool or even better 32 and a light misty rain so it’s literally like breathing hot shower water all day.

My hair is a ball of frizz.

I like garden furniture. And lights. I don't think it's tacky or vulgar at all. 🤷🏽‍♀️

@alwayscrashinginthesamecar1

Thanks Echt, I'm very happy to be common as muck. . Did I mention the water feature is a nudie lady holding a lotus flower? We call her Kath.

Ooh, does it top this?

I should have said more, but this aroused neighbours' ire in Melbourne some years back.

Totally loving this thread and the envy disguised as faux snobbery from some folks. 😂😂😂

They have become the garden equivalent of stenciled walls. Or even worse. Stick on inspirational quotes.

😆😆😆

I didn’t realize I was vulgar and snobby and keeping up with the joneses to want an outdoor sofa, in a sunny country where I spend half my time in the garden. How dare I want a comfy chair outside

We have this and I absolutely love it. Made the first lockdown for us completely. DC could sit at it with a laptop and do school work while I sat and read or we’d sit for lunch together before getting back to work. Granted it was expensive, but worth it for us being a quality set, not needing to be covered or anything. Definitely one of if not the best purchase for the house.

I’m just missing that amazing view!

@ThereOnceWasANote

My current petty garden hate is for outside lights. 2 of our neighbours have done up their back gardens and filled them with lights. Every night they have them on. Doesn't matter if they are in their garden - they just have the whole space lit up. Whyyyyyyyy?????

This annoys me for the impact on wildlife, switch it off when not using them is all that is required.

Oh I love mine! But yes, it is a pain in the bum to take the cushions in each time it rains (and we do it over night too)

Love this set and looking to purchase something similar. Where is it from?