Hot days are here, and in case you hadn’t noticed, the sun is already blazing across parts of the UK with temperatures heading towards 33C in some parts of the country. So what better time to refresh your garden setup before the summer rush kicks in and the best sets sell out?
If you’re looking for an affordable outdoor seating set and like a pop of colour, Habitat’s Cali Four-Seater Metal Patio Set is a great option. It’s currently discounted to £100.50, down from £150, in the Argos summer sale—arguably a steal for a two-seater bench, two armchairs, and a small rectangular table.
The table is also available to buy directly from Habitat for £100.50.
The set comes in a bright and bold shade of tangerine orange. And, compared to similar sets like Dunelm’s Santorini Four Seater Conversation Set (£153.30 even in the sale), it’s a solid bargain.
It’s sturdy at 24kg, and, in the reviews, some customers have said it feels very “comfortable”, with many noting its “high quality”.
One happy shopper said: “Looks fab, comfortable and great quality. Needs two people and a bit of elbow grease to assemble, but well worth it.”
The table measures 39cm high, 45cm wide and a very generous 85.5cm long — perfect for holding drinks, snacks or playing board games with friends. The legs on the table can also be removed to make it easier to store. However, one reviewer said that the Textilene material on their chairs and bench had arrived frayed and, therefore, had to be returned.
It’s unusual for Textilene to be damaged easily, as the mesh woven fabric is made from polyester and has a PVC coating. This combination is claimed to make it durable, resistant to fading, and easy to clean. It’s also resistant to mildew and other elements, which is why it’s a popular choice for outdoor furniture.
If you prefer something softer than orange, it also comes in a sherbet lemon, with the exact same setup. However, the lemon version doesn’t have as many positive reviews. The yellow version is also slightly more expensive than the orange set, at £120.
When it comes to downsides, the main thing shoppers have pointed out is the assembly. The set arrives in parts, so you will have to construct it yourself, which several reviews claim to be a tricky process. One user warned that it “took a while” to put together, and another said: “It was extremely challenging, that’s for sure, but it’s well worth it.”
The same person also added: “It’s not orange, it’s actually terracotta, which was a pleasant surprise. It’s very sturdy and comfortable, we are very pleased with it.”
Despite some complaints about assembly, one person wrote: “I love this set. I must admit I was worried about assembling since I’ve seen so many reviews pointing out it’s hard, but I am actually confused, what was so difficult about it? Perhaps that you need to balance some pieces above the ground to align, but I assembled the full thing by myself (female 37y) with a glass of vino in my kitchen in the middle of the night. It looks beautiful and very comfy.” [SIC]
If you fancy adding some comfort, Habitat has a selection of outdoor cushions that would go well with the seats. The square pillow, measuring 43cm, comes in a range of colours. I think the cobalt blue would look stunning with the orange of the metal furniture.
The cushions, priced at £8, are also available in burnt orange, plain cream, green stripe, and red stripe. Other versions of the same size are available in various prints, priced at £40 for two.
And if you’re after more seating without ditching the style, there’s the Habitat Cali Metal Sun Lounger for £45. It’s available in the same orange and yellow and is made from low-maintenance steel and fabric, but unlike the set, it arrives fully assembled.