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?

I’m not a fan so yanbu...but taste is subjective and people can have what they like.

We’ve got a large fire pit (not a bought one, literally a pit on the ground) with logs and an old peeling bench to sit around it on. No decking or anything like that. It’s a rustic, wild garden and if I do say so myself, very pretty indeed.
Those ‘sofa in the garden’ sets are for a more polished garden setting than ours. They’re not our style.

Can I throw a pizza oven in to the mix.

I'm glad to be 'common'. I have to say after getting our garden furniture last year my DH spent more time in the garden then he has done ever.

We like to be able to relax in the garden and don't find sitting at a 'dinning' table very relaxing.

Yanbu, horrible ugly plastic crap!

The other thing that seemed to be the 'garden day bed' as well.

@ShrikeAttack I’m in! Although fill your car and come round mine. I also have a fire pit and chimenea, which I actually thought were quite posh!

@Janegrey333

I think they’re awful, too. They look cheap and I imagine the plastic rattan scratches people when it starts to disintegrate.

FYI good quality rattan doesn't disintegrate, try shopping somewhere other than Argos, you'll find your furniture doesn't fall to bits or... scratches people

But I guess if you don't have any friends to entertain you don't have a need for such tasteless frippery

OP, I'm guessing you live on an estate with a small garden and yes, I have to agree, cheap rattan furniture does look tacky in a small square garden.

Conversely, good quality, tasteful rattan furniture looks sublime, elegant and tasteful in my beautiful large garden, it's right at the bottom overlooking the horse field, sitting there with a glass of wine in hand watching the sun go down in the summer is just wonderful, we have held many al fresco lunches down there with friends. Lovely memories. Looking forward to doing that again this year!

Still waiting for OP to post a picture of her ‘classy’ garden so I know what I’m supposed to be doing with my garden.

Whilst I'm lounging comfortably on my sofa, in my outdoor room, over the summer, I'll ponder whether it's vulgar op, but then spend more time pitying you on your uncomfortable hard chairs. Had those, done that, love my sofa set.
Best spend ever.

@alwayscrashinginthesamecar1

This thread is mad. I'm in Oz where practically everyone who has a garden has an outdoor sofa, why wouldn't you? I also have an outdoor dining set, solar lights, and shoot me now an outdoor tv. Oh and I'd better not mention my tacky as hell pool table! . We spend a lot of time out there, I want to be comfy!

The UK has a rather different climate to Oz. In this country it is perfectly possible to have rubbish summers.

I agree with OP if it’s crammed into a tiny garden. The pictures people have posted here are of it overlooking gorgeous lakes or in front of an expansive stone villa where obviously it looks nice! If it’s taking up 50% of your outdoor space and squashed between your shed and back door it’s just going to look like it doesn’t belong. A nice 4-seater table and chairs set would look much better.

I don’t agree re rattan being tacky. It’s looks good and it’s durable. I have two wooden seats in the garden and I’ve already revarnished them once and the wood is faded again - it’s too much hassle to maintain. Iron sets are so uncomfortable. If I was ever to get one I’d like a wooden effect rattan with cream cushions and in a table & chairs set not the couch and coffee table set up as I don’t have the room for that to look nice.

What do you sit on in the garden, OP?

images.app.goo.gl/DDebFfrukifF6Xmf9

In theory I hate them - for all those reasons because I am also a snob.

But in practice I have a set and it's amazing. We love it and are always out there lolling on it as soon as the weather is warm enough. We even sleep outside on it on hot nights.

Only bad thing is static electricity.

People that froth and fume over what other buy for their own homes are tacky and vulgar.

I don’t really care about the garden sofas - not really that different to a bench tbh. But I do hate the outside lighting causing extra light pollution and worst of all the patio heaters pointlessly heating the atmosphere

We have something similar to this. It’s weatherproof so totally practical with folding chairs which are surprisingly comfortable.

@Iminaglasscaseofemotion

People that froth and fume over what other buy for their own homes are tacky and vulgar.

I think it’s envy to be fair. It’s the heightened emotion behind the words that gives it away and the need to be as scathing as possible.

I never quite get why people can’t just say , “I am envious of this, I can’t afford it or don’t have the space and it makes me feel bad others habe that and I don’t even have an option to” Instead they think putting it down will make them feel better. It doesn’t. It just makes everyone feel a bit sorry for you.

@FitzsimmonsMarvel

I agree with OP if it’s crammed into a tiny garden. The pictures people have posted here are of it overlooking gorgeous lakes or in front of an expansive stone villa where obviously it looks nice! If it’s taking up 50% of your outdoor space and squashed between your shed and back door it’s just going to look like it doesn’t belong. A nice 4-seater table and chairs set would look much better.

I don’t agree re rattan being tacky. It’s looks good and it’s durable. I have two wooden seats in the garden and I’ve already revarnished them once and the wood is faded again - it’s too much hassle to maintain. Iron sets are so uncomfortable. If I was ever to get one I’d like a wooden effect rattan with cream cushions and in a table & chairs set not the couch and coffee table set up as I don’t have the room for that to look nice.

A nice 4 seater table might look so much better, but it won't give the same experience of being able to spend hours in a garden being comfortable. Who cares if it's squashed in between the back door and the shed, as long as it gives the occupiers a chance to enjoy their small space.

It's about the experience, not the look. Don't be such a snob.

I have no problem with what people put in their garden, except for artificial grass. It should be outlawed. It’s an environmental disaster.

I agree fake grass should be banned. As should paving/concreting over the whole garden as some of my neighbours have done. Gardens with little to no plant life are incredibly depressing.

DS and DIL have a set. It is so comfortable that we practically live outside in the good weather.

It was left behind by the previous owners when they bought the house, so it can't have been that much of a desirable thing. We're glad they did, though.

@UnityUnited

I have no problem with what people put in their garden, except for artificial grass. It should be outlawed. It’s an environmental disaster.

But so are lots of other things - packaged food, plastic toys, flights, powerful cars, having children (especially more than one or two). Are you anti those things too?

@UnityUnited

I have no problem with what people put in their garden, except for artificial grass. It should be outlawed. It’s an environmental disaster.

This!!

I hate all unnecessary use of plastic in all areas, so my issue is environmental more than aesthetic (I do dislike the look of this ubiquitous plastic wicker garden furniture though!)

I agree with OP if it’s crammed into a tiny garden.

Ah yes, remember everyone, you are on allowed to be comfortable in your garden and have the furniture you like if you have a nice big country garden over looking a lake preferably 😂

I think that sort are actually ''down market'' not showy offy!