Quality You Can Feel

Higher-grade materials, engineered to last. All at prices you’d expect from standard ranges.

Delivery Done Properly

2-man delivery to the spot you choose, plus a 60-day return window for total peace of mind.

 Pay Your Way

A huge range of finance and payment options so you pay the way that best suits your budget.

Market Leading Warranty

Warranties up to 5 years. We offer the longest protection available in the UK.

Visit Our Showroom

Come and see our range of hundreds of items on display in our showroom.

Shop Our End of Season Sale

Discover our hottest, best-selling products. All at best prices and market-leading warranties.

Shop the Sale

Our End of Season Promotions

Get Shade with a Pergola

Design your perfect custom pergola

Design Today

BBQs

Premium BBQs for every garden gathering.

Shop BBQs

End of Season Sale

Refresh your garden as we lead into autumn. There's still time to enjoy your garden.

Shop now

Browse Our Top Garden Ranges

Stay on top of the latest garden trend with us. Check out these popular categories that everyone’s talking about right now.
Rattan Garden Furniture

Rattan Garden Furniture

Rattan garden furniture is one of the easiest ways to turn an...

Rattan Garden Furniture

Rope Garden Furniture

Rope Garden Furniture

Rope garden furniture is the perfect choice for creating a comfortable and...

Rope Garden Furniture

Aluminium Garden Furniture

Aluminium Garden Furniture

Aluminium garden furniture is durable, lightweight, and can easily withstand UK weather...

Aluminium Garden Furniture

Pergolas

Pergolas

Pergolas are an excellent way to make better use of your garden....

Pergolas

Garden Accessories

Garden Accessories

Luxury Garden Furniture Accessories from Chimes Home & Garden At Chimes Home and...

Garden Accessories

Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor Kitchens: The Ultimate Outdoor Cooking Experience Whistler Modular Outdoor Kitchens are...

Outdoor Kitchens

Discover Our Top Indoor Products

Stay on top of the latest indoor trend with us. Check out these popular categories that everyone’s talking about right now.
Sofas

Sofas

Sofas At Chimes Home and Garden, we offer sofas and sofa beds...

Sofas

Lighting

Lighting

Indoor Lighting – Chandeliers, Floor Lamps, Table lamps and Wall lights Add...

Lighting

Decorative Cushions

Decorative Cushions

Chimes Home & Garden Ltd have a wide and extensive range of...

Decorative Cushions

Console Tables

Console Tables

Console Tables Sometimes, you need a small hallway table to stand next...

Console Tables

Home Accessories

Home Accessories

Home Accessories and Gifts Add style and sophistication into your living space...

Home Accessories

Kitchen & Dining Room Furniture

Kitchen & Dining Room Furniture

Kitchen and Dining Room furniture Our beautiful range of kitchen and dining...

Kitchen & Dining Room Furniture

New Arrivals

Discover our hottest, best-selling products. All at best prices and market-leading warranties.

Shop the Sale

Ranges by Chimes

Explore thoughtfully curated collections by Chimes, designed to bring style, comfort, and cohesion to every space.

Shop Rattan Collection

Design Inspiration

We regularly post inspiration ideas and guides on how to style your home with our garden furniture.
  • Garden lounge, outdoor furniture and countryside house patio decor in a country cottage style

    What Is PE Rattan and Why Is It Used for Garden Furniture?

    Walk through any garden in summer and there's a good chance you'll spot a rattan sofa on the patio. Woven furniture has a relaxed, warm look that suits British gardens beautifully. Most of the rattan furniture you see outdoors today, though, isn't made from the natural material at all. It's made from PE rattan, a synthetic weave designed specifically to live outside. If you'd like a broader introduction first, our article on what rattan furniture is covers the history and the different styles. Here, we'll focus on PE rattan itself and why it's become the material of choice for garden furniture. Why Natural Rattan Struggles Outdoors Natural rattan comes from climbing palms that grow in tropical forests. The stems are strong, flexible and beautiful when woven, which is why rattan has been used in furniture for centuries. It's a wonderful material indoors, in a conservatory or a covered porch. Left outside in the UK, it struggles. Natural rattan absorbs moisture, which can lead to swelling, mould and rot, and strong sunlight dries it out and fades the colour. That's why natural rattan garden furniture needs to be brought indoors for much of the year. What PE Rattan Actually Is PE rattan is made from polyethylene, a durable plastic that's extruded into long strands. These strands can be made flat, round or half round, in almost any colour, and they're woven by hand around a frame in the same way natural rattan would be. The key detail is the grade of polyethylene used. High density polyethylene, known as HDPE, is the premium choice. It's flexible, strong and resistant to UV light, which is why it holds its colour and doesn't turn brittle in the cold. Our rattan sets are made with durable, high quality HDPE rattan woven over rust-proof, powder coated aluminium frames. Why It Suits Garden Furniture PE rattan brings together the look of natural rattan with the practicality of a modern outdoor material. It's weather resistant. The strands don't absorb water, so rain simply runs off and frost has nothing to expand into. It holds its colour. UV stabilised HDPE keeps its tone through long summers of direct sun. It's easy to care for. A wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush is all it needs. It's comfortable. The woven surface has a slight give, and it pairs beautifully with deep cushions. It's lightweight. Combined with an aluminium frame, it makes sets easy to rearrange for different occasions. Flat Weave And Round Weave PE rattan comes in different profiles, and each gives furniture a distinct character. Flat weave uses flat strands that sit neatly against each other, creating a clean, contemporary finish. Our Chimes Stone Grey range uses a flat weave. Round weave uses rounded strands that give a fuller, more textured look, closer to traditional wicker. Our Chimes Prestige Grey & Sandstone range uses a round weave for a set with real presence on the patio. Mixed tones, where strands of slightly different shades are woven together, add depth and help hide everyday marks. You'll find flat, round and mixed tone designs across our range of stylish woven furniture for gardens, in dining sets, corner sofas, cube sets, daybeds and sun loungers. Choosing A Colour Because the strands are manufactured, PE rattan comes in a very wide choice of colours. Greys suit contemporary gardens and modern paving, browns and natural tones sit beautifully against planting and brickwork, and paler shades keep a small courtyard feeling light and open. It's worth holding a sample against your paving and your house before deciding, since outdoor light changes colours more than you'd expect. Darker weaves hide everyday marks well, while lighter weaves show off cushions and accessories. How To Recognise Good PE Rattan When you're choosing a set, a few quick checks will tell you a lot about the quality of the weave. Look for even colour and thickness across the strands. Check that the weave is tight, with no gaps, loose ends or sharp edges. Press the weave gently. It should feel firm but slightly flexible, never stiff or brittle. Then look underneath to confirm the frame is aluminium, since the frame is what gives the set its strength and longevity. Caring For PE Rattan PE rattan needs very little from you. Brush off leaves and dust as needed, and give it a wash with warm soapy water a couple of times a year. Rinse with clean water and let it dry in the air. Cushions are best stored somewhere dry when they're not in use, and a fitted cover over winter keeps the set clean and ready for spring. With that simple routine, a well made PE rattan set will look good in your garden for many summers. Is PE Rattan Comfortable All Year? PE rattan is comfortable in every season. It doesn't hold heat the way a solid metal surface can, so it's pleasant to sit against on a warm afternoon, and it doesn't feel cold and damp in spring the way untreated timber sometimes does. Add cushions for everyday use and throws for cooler evenings, and a rattan set becomes somewhere you'll happily sit from April right through to October. PE Rattan And Sustainability Longevity is one of the most sustainable qualities a piece of furniture can have. A well made PE rattan set that lasts for many summers keeps replacement furniture out of circulation, and the aluminium frames beneath our sets are fully recyclable at the end of their lives. Bringing PE Rattan Home If you're ready to bring a rattan set into your garden, we deliver nationwide. Our team is always happy to help you choose the weave, colour and layout that suit your outdoor space - just give us a call on 01268 219969 or visit us in-store for a chat.

    Read Article

    What Is PE Rattan and Why Is It Used for Garden Furniture?

    Walk through any garden in summer and there's a good chance you'll spot a rattan sofa on the patio. Woven furniture has a relaxed, warm look that suits British gardens beautifully. Most of the rattan furniture you see outdoors today, though, isn't made from the natural material at all. It's made from PE rattan, a synthetic weave designed specifically to live outside. If you'd like a broader introduction first, our article on what rattan furniture is covers the history and the different styles. Here, we'll focus on PE rattan itself and why it's become the material of choice for garden furniture. Why Natural Rattan Struggles Outdoors Natural rattan comes from climbing palms that grow in tropical forests. The stems are strong, flexible and beautiful when woven, which is why rattan has been used in furniture for centuries. It's a wonderful material indoors, in a conservatory or a covered porch. Left outside in the UK, it struggles. Natural rattan absorbs moisture, which can lead to swelling, mould and rot, and strong sunlight dries it out and fades the colour. That's why natural rattan garden furniture needs to be brought indoors for much of the year. What PE Rattan Actually Is PE rattan is made from polyethylene, a durable plastic that's extruded into long strands. These strands can be made flat, round or half round, in almost any colour, and they're woven by hand around a frame in the same way natural rattan would be. The key detail is the grade of polyethylene used. High density polyethylene, known as HDPE, is the premium choice. It's flexible, strong and resistant to UV light, which is why it holds its colour and doesn't turn brittle in the cold. Our rattan sets are made with durable, high quality HDPE rattan woven over rust-proof, powder coated aluminium frames. Why It Suits Garden Furniture PE rattan brings together the look of natural rattan with the practicality of a modern outdoor material. It's weather resistant. The strands don't absorb water, so rain simply runs off and frost has nothing to expand into. It holds its colour. UV stabilised HDPE keeps its tone through long summers of direct sun. It's easy to care for. A wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush is all it needs. It's comfortable. The woven surface has a slight give, and it pairs beautifully with deep cushions. It's lightweight. Combined with an aluminium frame, it makes sets easy to rearrange for different occasions. Flat Weave And Round Weave PE rattan comes in different profiles, and each gives furniture a distinct character. Flat weave uses flat strands that sit neatly against each other, creating a clean, contemporary finish. Our Chimes Stone Grey range uses a flat weave. Round weave uses rounded strands that give a fuller, more textured look, closer to traditional wicker. Our Chimes Prestige Grey & Sandstone range uses a round weave for a set with real presence on the patio. Mixed tones, where strands of slightly different shades are woven together, add depth and help hide everyday marks. You'll find flat, round and mixed tone designs across our range of stylish woven furniture for gardens, in dining sets, corner sofas, cube sets, daybeds and sun loungers. Choosing A Colour Because the strands are manufactured, PE rattan comes in a very wide choice of colours. Greys suit contemporary gardens and modern paving, browns and natural tones sit beautifully against planting and brickwork, and paler shades keep a small courtyard feeling light and open. It's worth holding a sample against your paving and your house before deciding, since outdoor light changes colours more than you'd expect. Darker weaves hide everyday marks well, while lighter weaves show off cushions and accessories. How To Recognise Good PE Rattan When you're choosing a set, a few quick checks will tell you a lot about the quality of the weave. Look for even colour and thickness across the strands. Check that the weave is tight, with no gaps, loose ends or sharp edges. Press the weave gently. It should feel firm but slightly flexible, never stiff or brittle. Then look underneath to confirm the frame is aluminium, since the frame is what gives the set its strength and longevity. Caring For PE Rattan PE rattan needs very little from you. Brush off leaves and dust as needed, and give it a wash with warm soapy water a couple of times a year. Rinse with clean water and let it dry in the air. Cushions are best stored somewhere dry when they're not in use, and a fitted cover over winter keeps the set clean and ready for spring. With that simple routine, a well made PE rattan set will look good in your garden for many summers. Is PE Rattan Comfortable All Year? PE rattan is comfortable in every season. It doesn't hold heat the way a solid metal surface can, so it's pleasant to sit against on a warm afternoon, and it doesn't feel cold and damp in spring the way untreated timber sometimes does. Add cushions for everyday use and throws for cooler evenings, and a rattan set becomes somewhere you'll happily sit from April right through to October. PE Rattan And Sustainability Longevity is one of the most sustainable qualities a piece of furniture can have. A well made PE rattan set that lasts for many summers keeps replacement furniture out of circulation, and the aluminium frames beneath our sets are fully recyclable at the end of their lives. Bringing PE Rattan Home If you're ready to bring a rattan set into your garden, we deliver nationwide. Our team is always happy to help you choose the weave, colour and layout that suit your outdoor space - just give us a call on 01268 219969 or visit us in-store for a chat.

    Read Article
  • Modern garden lounge, outdoor furniture and countryside house patio decor with sofa, sun lounger, sunbed and umbrella, country cottage style

    Is Expensive Rattan Garden Furniture Worth the Money?

    When you first start browsing rattan garden furniture, the price range can be surprising. Two corner sofas can look almost identical in photographs and yet sit hundreds of pounds apart. It's natural to wonder whether the more expensive set is genuinely better, or whether you're paying for a name. The honest answer is that the difference is usually real, but most of it isn't visible in a photo. It sits in the frame, the weave, the cushions and the way the set is put together. Here's where the money goes, and how to judge whether a set is worth it for you. Where The Money Goes A rattan set is made of four main parts: the frame underneath, the woven rattan on top, the cushions, and any tables or glass. Each can be made to a very different standard, and small savings on each one add up to a noticeably lower price. Those savings tend to show themselves after a couple of seasons outdoors. The Frame You Can't See The frame is the most important part of any rattan set, and it's completely hidden by the weave. Quality sets use powder coated aluminium, which can't rust and keeps the furniture light enough to move around the garden. Lower priced sets sometimes use steel, which is strong but can rust if moisture gets through a chip in the coating. Frame thickness, weld quality and proper feet all affect how the set feels years later. A well built frame stays square and solid. At Chimes, our rattan sets are woven over rust-proof, powder coated aluminium frames, which means the frames can stay outside all year round. The Weave Synthetic rattan varies more than most people realise. Better sets use HDPE, a high density polyethylene that's flexible, UV stable and made to cope with years of sun, rain and frost. It holds its colour well and stays supple through cold winters. Look closely at the weave itself, too. Consistent strand colour and thickness, a tight weave with no gaps, and neat finishing where the weave meets the frame are all signs of careful work. You'll find these qualities throughout our collection of stylish furniture for alfresco relaxation, from mixed grey and mixed brown weaves to our heritage designs. The Cushions Cushions make or break comfort, and they're one of the easiest places for costs to be trimmed. Thicker, resiliently filled cushions keep their shape and support through a whole summer of use. Shower resistant covers and removable, washable fabric add to their lifespan. When you sit on a set in a showroom, pay attention to how the cushion feels after a few minutes of sitting, as well as the first impression. Good cushions still feel supportive when you stand up. Tables, Tops And Finishing Details The smaller parts of a set tell you a lot about the whole. Look at the table top, whether it's toughened glass, ceramic or polywood, and check how it's fitted to the frame. Look at the feet, the fixings and the way cushions are secured. On firepit sets, check the quality of the burner surround and the lid. These are the details that separate a set built to last from one built to a price, and they're easy to overlook when you're comparing photographs online. Design, Comfort And Proportions Premium sets often have more thought put into their proportions: seat depth, back height, arm width and table height. These details are what make a sofa comfortable for an entire evening and a dining chair pleasant through a long lunch. They're hard to see online and easy to feel in person. Cost Over Time The most useful way to judge value is to think about cost per year of use. A well made set that you enjoy for many summers can work out as better value than a lower priced set that needs replacing after a few seasons. There are other savings, too. Aluminium frames and HDPE weave don't need oiling, sanding or painting, so you save time and money on maintenance. And a set that still looks good adds to the enjoyment of your garden every time you step outside. When Is It Worth Spending More? Spending more makes the most sense if the furniture will stay outside all year, if you use the garden often, or if you want a set that will still look smart in five years. It also makes sense for large pieces like corner sofas and dining firepit sets, where frame quality matters most. If you're furnishing a secondary seating area or need a smaller piece for occasional use, a more modest set can suit you perfectly well. P.S. - Our guide on where to buy affordable garden furniture covers how to get good quality at a lower price point, including what to look for in a sale. It's also worth remembering that a rattan set is furniture you'll look at every single day, whether you're sitting on it or glancing out of the kitchen window. That daily presence is part of the value, and it's one of the reasons people tend to be happier having stretched slightly for a set they really love. Spread The Cost If It Helps If a premium set is the right choice for your garden, you don't have to pay for it all at once. Our finance options let you spread the cost over monthly payments, with credit provided subject to affordability, age and status, so you can choose the set you actually want and start enjoying it from the first warm weekend. Whichever way you buy, ask us anything you like about the specification. We're always happy to explain what's inside a frame, how a weave is made or what the cushions are filled with, because we'd much rather you bought the set that's right for you. It means you can choose the set you really want and enjoy it from the first warm weekend.

    Read Article

    Is Expensive Rattan Garden Furniture Worth the Money?

    When you first start browsing rattan garden furniture, the price range can be surprising. Two corner sofas can look almost identical in photographs and yet sit hundreds of pounds apart. It's natural to wonder whether the more expensive set is genuinely better, or whether you're paying for a name. The honest answer is that the difference is usually real, but most of it isn't visible in a photo. It sits in the frame, the weave, the cushions and the way the set is put together. Here's where the money goes, and how to judge whether a set is worth it for you. Where The Money Goes A rattan set is made of four main parts: the frame underneath, the woven rattan on top, the cushions, and any tables or glass. Each can be made to a very different standard, and small savings on each one add up to a noticeably lower price. Those savings tend to show themselves after a couple of seasons outdoors. The Frame You Can't See The frame is the most important part of any rattan set, and it's completely hidden by the weave. Quality sets use powder coated aluminium, which can't rust and keeps the furniture light enough to move around the garden. Lower priced sets sometimes use steel, which is strong but can rust if moisture gets through a chip in the coating. Frame thickness, weld quality and proper feet all affect how the set feels years later. A well built frame stays square and solid. At Chimes, our rattan sets are woven over rust-proof, powder coated aluminium frames, which means the frames can stay outside all year round. The Weave Synthetic rattan varies more than most people realise. Better sets use HDPE, a high density polyethylene that's flexible, UV stable and made to cope with years of sun, rain and frost. It holds its colour well and stays supple through cold winters. Look closely at the weave itself, too. Consistent strand colour and thickness, a tight weave with no gaps, and neat finishing where the weave meets the frame are all signs of careful work. You'll find these qualities throughout our collection of stylish furniture for alfresco relaxation, from mixed grey and mixed brown weaves to our heritage designs. The Cushions Cushions make or break comfort, and they're one of the easiest places for costs to be trimmed. Thicker, resiliently filled cushions keep their shape and support through a whole summer of use. Shower resistant covers and removable, washable fabric add to their lifespan. When you sit on a set in a showroom, pay attention to how the cushion feels after a few minutes of sitting, as well as the first impression. Good cushions still feel supportive when you stand up. Tables, Tops And Finishing Details The smaller parts of a set tell you a lot about the whole. Look at the table top, whether it's toughened glass, ceramic or polywood, and check how it's fitted to the frame. Look at the feet, the fixings and the way cushions are secured. On firepit sets, check the quality of the burner surround and the lid. These are the details that separate a set built to last from one built to a price, and they're easy to overlook when you're comparing photographs online. Design, Comfort And Proportions Premium sets often have more thought put into their proportions: seat depth, back height, arm width and table height. These details are what make a sofa comfortable for an entire evening and a dining chair pleasant through a long lunch. They're hard to see online and easy to feel in person. Cost Over Time The most useful way to judge value is to think about cost per year of use. A well made set that you enjoy for many summers can work out as better value than a lower priced set that needs replacing after a few seasons. There are other savings, too. Aluminium frames and HDPE weave don't need oiling, sanding or painting, so you save time and money on maintenance. And a set that still looks good adds to the enjoyment of your garden every time you step outside. When Is It Worth Spending More? Spending more makes the most sense if the furniture will stay outside all year, if you use the garden often, or if you want a set that will still look smart in five years. It also makes sense for large pieces like corner sofas and dining firepit sets, where frame quality matters most. If you're furnishing a secondary seating area or need a smaller piece for occasional use, a more modest set can suit you perfectly well. P.S. - Our guide on where to buy affordable garden furniture covers how to get good quality at a lower price point, including what to look for in a sale. It's also worth remembering that a rattan set is furniture you'll look at every single day, whether you're sitting on it or glancing out of the kitchen window. That daily presence is part of the value, and it's one of the reasons people tend to be happier having stretched slightly for a set they really love. Spread The Cost If It Helps If a premium set is the right choice for your garden, you don't have to pay for it all at once. Our finance options let you spread the cost over monthly payments, with credit provided subject to affordability, age and status, so you can choose the set you actually want and start enjoying it from the first warm weekend. Whichever way you buy, ask us anything you like about the specification. We're always happy to explain what's inside a frame, how a weave is made or what the cushions are filled with, because we'd much rather you bought the set that's right for you. It means you can choose the set you really want and enjoy it from the first warm weekend.

    Read Article
  • A patio with wooden furniture and a pergola

    Which Direction Should Your Pergola Face?

    There's a particular kind of evening that shows a pergola at its best. The sun is low, the air is still warm, and you're sitting in soft light with a drink in hand while the rest of the garden settles into shadow. Getting that feeling on a regular basis comes down to one decision made before installation: which way the pergola faces. Orientation affects when you get sun, when you get shade, how much shelter you'll have from the wind and what you look at while you're sitting there. Here's how we'd think it through. How The Sun Moves Across A UK Garden In the UK, the sun rises in the east, arcs across the southern sky and sets in the west. In summer it climbs high and sets well into the north west, giving long evenings of light. In winter it stays low and crosses a much shorter path to the south. That means the direction your pergola faces, and where it sits in relation to your house, shapes the light you'll have at every time of day. Before deciding anything, spend a day noting where the sun falls on your garden in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening. South Facing A south facing pergola gets the most sun through the day. That's wonderful in spring and autumn, when warmth is welcome, and it makes the space bright and inviting from late morning onwards. In high summer, it can get hot, so shade control becomes important. This is where an adjustable roof makes a real difference, letting you close the louvres over the hottest part of the day and open them again as the evening cools. West Facing West facing pergolas catch the afternoon and evening sun. For many households, this is the most popular choice, because it's when people are home from work and ready to eat or relax outside. Expect warm light for dinner and those long golden evenings in June and July. Low evening sun can shine straight into your eyes, so side screens on the western edge are a practical addition. East Facing An east facing pergola gets morning sun and is shaded from mid afternoon. It's perfect for breakfast outside and a coffee before the day starts, and it stays pleasantly cool through a hot afternoon. If you work from home or tend to use the garden early, east can be an excellent choice, especially for gardens where the western side is already well used. North Facing North facing spots get the least direct sun, which makes them naturally cool and shaded. They can be a real asset in a garden that bakes in summer, giving you a comfortable retreat on the hottest days. On cooler days a north facing area can feel chilly, so a pergola heater and a roof that closes fully help extend the months you'll use it. Using The House As Part Of The Plan Your home casts its own shadow, and it moves through the day just as the sun does. A pergola close to a south facing back wall will be bright and sheltered, while one tucked against a north facing wall may sit in shade for much of the afternoon. Walls also block wind, which can make a spot near the house far more comfortable than an open corner of the lawn, even with less direct sunshine. Wind, Privacy And The View The sun is only one factor. Notice which direction the wind usually comes from in your garden, as sheltering a seating area from it can make more difference to comfort than an extra hour of sunshine. Think about privacy too. If a neighbour's window overlooks one side, that's the side for a screen or side panel. And consider what you'll see when you're sitting down. A pergola that faces your best planting or a long view down the garden will be far more enjoyable than one that faces a fence. How An Adjustable Roof Changes The Equation With a fixed roof, orientation locks you into one pattern of sun and shade. An adjustable louvred roof loosens that. Tilt the louvres to filter morning light, close them for midday shade, and open them for the evening, whichever way the structure faces. Our Torino pergolas go further with a dual-control roof, where each half opens and closes independently. You can shade the dining side and keep the lounge side sunny, then swap as the sun moves across the sky. For anyone wanting a premium adjustable garden shade structure, it means the direction you choose becomes a starting point that you can fine tune every day. Planning The Installation Once you've chosen the direction, think about the base. Our pergolas need a firm, level surface such as concrete paving or a patio, with each corner leg bolted down through a pre-drilled base plate. A slight gradient on the patio helps rainwater run away from the drainage outlets at the foot of each leg. If you'd like the pergola directly against the house, our Titan Wall-Mounted pergolas remove the need for rear legs, which frees up floor space and creates a smooth transition from your back door. For more ideas once it's up, our guide on making the most of your pergola covers furniture, lighting, heating and styling.

    Read Article

    Which Direction Should Your Pergola Face?

    There's a particular kind of evening that shows a pergola at its best. The sun is low, the air is still warm, and you're sitting in soft light with a drink in hand while the rest of the garden settles into shadow. Getting that feeling on a regular basis comes down to one decision made before installation: which way the pergola faces. Orientation affects when you get sun, when you get shade, how much shelter you'll have from the wind and what you look at while you're sitting there. Here's how we'd think it through. How The Sun Moves Across A UK Garden In the UK, the sun rises in the east, arcs across the southern sky and sets in the west. In summer it climbs high and sets well into the north west, giving long evenings of light. In winter it stays low and crosses a much shorter path to the south. That means the direction your pergola faces, and where it sits in relation to your house, shapes the light you'll have at every time of day. Before deciding anything, spend a day noting where the sun falls on your garden in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening. South Facing A south facing pergola gets the most sun through the day. That's wonderful in spring and autumn, when warmth is welcome, and it makes the space bright and inviting from late morning onwards. In high summer, it can get hot, so shade control becomes important. This is where an adjustable roof makes a real difference, letting you close the louvres over the hottest part of the day and open them again as the evening cools. West Facing West facing pergolas catch the afternoon and evening sun. For many households, this is the most popular choice, because it's when people are home from work and ready to eat or relax outside. Expect warm light for dinner and those long golden evenings in June and July. Low evening sun can shine straight into your eyes, so side screens on the western edge are a practical addition. East Facing An east facing pergola gets morning sun and is shaded from mid afternoon. It's perfect for breakfast outside and a coffee before the day starts, and it stays pleasantly cool through a hot afternoon. If you work from home or tend to use the garden early, east can be an excellent choice, especially for gardens where the western side is already well used. North Facing North facing spots get the least direct sun, which makes them naturally cool and shaded. They can be a real asset in a garden that bakes in summer, giving you a comfortable retreat on the hottest days. On cooler days a north facing area can feel chilly, so a pergola heater and a roof that closes fully help extend the months you'll use it. Using The House As Part Of The Plan Your home casts its own shadow, and it moves through the day just as the sun does. A pergola close to a south facing back wall will be bright and sheltered, while one tucked against a north facing wall may sit in shade for much of the afternoon. Walls also block wind, which can make a spot near the house far more comfortable than an open corner of the lawn, even with less direct sunshine. Wind, Privacy And The View The sun is only one factor. Notice which direction the wind usually comes from in your garden, as sheltering a seating area from it can make more difference to comfort than an extra hour of sunshine. Think about privacy too. If a neighbour's window overlooks one side, that's the side for a screen or side panel. And consider what you'll see when you're sitting down. A pergola that faces your best planting or a long view down the garden will be far more enjoyable than one that faces a fence. How An Adjustable Roof Changes The Equation With a fixed roof, orientation locks you into one pattern of sun and shade. An adjustable louvred roof loosens that. Tilt the louvres to filter morning light, close them for midday shade, and open them for the evening, whichever way the structure faces. Our Torino pergolas go further with a dual-control roof, where each half opens and closes independently. You can shade the dining side and keep the lounge side sunny, then swap as the sun moves across the sky. For anyone wanting a premium adjustable garden shade structure, it means the direction you choose becomes a starting point that you can fine tune every day. Planning The Installation Once you've chosen the direction, think about the base. Our pergolas need a firm, level surface such as concrete paving or a patio, with each corner leg bolted down through a pre-drilled base plate. A slight gradient on the patio helps rainwater run away from the drainage outlets at the foot of each leg. If you'd like the pergola directly against the house, our Titan Wall-Mounted pergolas remove the need for rear legs, which frees up floor space and creates a smooth transition from your back door. For more ideas once it's up, our guide on making the most of your pergola covers furniture, lighting, heating and styling.

    Read Article
  • A patio with a pergola and chairs

    Pergola Roof Options Explained

    Warmer weather brings everyone outside, and a pergola is what keeps them there when the sun gets strong or a shower rolls in. The frame gives a garden its shape, and the roof decides how the space feels on any given afternoon. Choose the right one and your pergola works in bright sun, light rain and cool evenings alike. If you're still getting to grips with the basics, our aluminium pergola guide covers materials, sizes and installation. This article focuses on the roof itself, which is the part you'll interact with every time you use the space. Why The Roof Matters So Much The roof controls three things: how much light reaches the space, how much shelter you get from rain, and how much air moves through. Different roof types balance those three in different ways, so the best choice depends on how you plan to use the pergola and how much flexibility you want across the seasons. Open Slatted Roofs This is the traditional pergola look. Fixed slats or beams run across the top, casting striped shade and leaving plenty of open sky between them. Many people train climbing plants such as wisteria or clematis across the slats for softer, living cover. Slatted roofs are lovely for dappled summer shade and a relaxed garden feel. They offer little protection from rain, so they suit gardens where the pergola is mainly a decorative feature or a frame for planting. Fabric Canopies And Retractable Covers Fabric canopies stretch across the frame to give solid shade, and retractable versions slide back when you want the sun. They're a flexible option for summer use and come in a wide choice of colours. Fabric needs a little more care over time. Most canopies are best retracted or removed in strong winds and through winter, and they'll need occasional cleaning to keep them fresh. Solid And Panelled Roofs Solid roofs use panels of polycarbonate, glass or metal to create a permanent covered area. They keep rain off entirely and some let light through, which makes them popular for covered dining areas close to the house. The trade off is that a solid roof can't open, so on a still, hot day the space underneath can feel warmer, and you lose the open sky that many people love about a pergola. Adjustable Louvred Roofs A louvred roof is made from a series of aluminium blades that tilt. Angle them one way to let light filter through, turn them further for full shade, or close them completely to form a weatherproof canopy when it rains. Open them wide on a warm evening and you get air flowing through the space. It's the most versatile option because it adapts to the weather hour by hour, and it's why our Titan, Torino and Rivaro pergolas all use louvred aluminium roofs. Rainwater from the closed louvres is carried away through drainage channels in the frame, so the space underneath stays dry. Manual Or Motorised Louvres Once you've settled on louvres, the next choice is how you operate them. Manual louvres use a handle or crank to tilt the blades. Our Rivaro Pergolas use a smooth hand crank system, and our Torino pergolas take this further with a dual-control roof, where each half of the roof is operated independently. You can close one side to shade the dining table while leaving the other open over a sunny seating area. Motorised louvres move at the touch of a button. Our Rivaro Deluxe pergolas have a fully motorised double-layer louvred roof powered by integrated solar panels, so there's no mains wiring needed. The same solar setup runs built-in LED lighting for the evenings. Our Rivaro Solar LED pergolas pair an adjustable double-layer louvred roof with solar powered lighting. You can explore every option in our range of elegant backyard outdoor structures, with sizes from compact 2.4m x 2.4m models up to 6m x 3.6m. How Accessories Work With The Roof The roof handles what comes from above, and accessories take care of the sides. Pull-down screens and side panels block low sun, wind and overlooking views, while pergola heaters keep the space comfortable on cooler evenings. On our Rivaro Deluxe pergolas, optional pull-down screens can run from the same solar setup as the roof and lighting. Planning for these additions at the start means your pergola can grow with the way you use it. Choosing The Right Roof For Your Garden Start with how you'll use the space. If it's mainly for summer shade and climbing plants, a slatted roof may be all you need. If you want to sit outside through the unpredictable weather of a British spring and autumn, a louvred roof gives you the flexibility to respond to whatever the day brings. Then think about convenience. A manual roof is simple and reliable. A motorised roof suits pergolas you'll adjust several times a day, or larger structures where reaching a handle is less practical. Finally, consider the finish. Our Rivaro ranges use a TIGER Drylac powder coating, which resists UV, rain and temperature changes, so the roof and frame keep their appearance with nothing more than an occasional wash. Size plays a part as well. On a larger pergola, being able to adjust the roof from where you're sitting matters more, and a dual-control or motorised system earns its keep. On a compact 2.4m x 2.4m structure over a bistro set, a manual roof is quick to reach and simple to use. Tell Us About Your Space If you're weighing up manual against motorised, or you're unsure which size suits your patio, send us a few photos and measurements and we'll come back with a recommendation. We can also quote for the pergola with the accessories you want included from the start, so the heater, screens and panels all match the structure. Give us a call on 01268 219969 or drop us an email at sales@chimeshomeandgarden.co.uk whenever you're ready.

    Read Article

    Pergola Roof Options Explained

    Warmer weather brings everyone outside, and a pergola is what keeps them there when the sun gets strong or a shower rolls in. The frame gives a garden its shape, and the roof decides how the space feels on any given afternoon. Choose the right one and your pergola works in bright sun, light rain and cool evenings alike. If you're still getting to grips with the basics, our aluminium pergola guide covers materials, sizes and installation. This article focuses on the roof itself, which is the part you'll interact with every time you use the space. Why The Roof Matters So Much The roof controls three things: how much light reaches the space, how much shelter you get from rain, and how much air moves through. Different roof types balance those three in different ways, so the best choice depends on how you plan to use the pergola and how much flexibility you want across the seasons. Open Slatted Roofs This is the traditional pergola look. Fixed slats or beams run across the top, casting striped shade and leaving plenty of open sky between them. Many people train climbing plants such as wisteria or clematis across the slats for softer, living cover. Slatted roofs are lovely for dappled summer shade and a relaxed garden feel. They offer little protection from rain, so they suit gardens where the pergola is mainly a decorative feature or a frame for planting. Fabric Canopies And Retractable Covers Fabric canopies stretch across the frame to give solid shade, and retractable versions slide back when you want the sun. They're a flexible option for summer use and come in a wide choice of colours. Fabric needs a little more care over time. Most canopies are best retracted or removed in strong winds and through winter, and they'll need occasional cleaning to keep them fresh. Solid And Panelled Roofs Solid roofs use panels of polycarbonate, glass or metal to create a permanent covered area. They keep rain off entirely and some let light through, which makes them popular for covered dining areas close to the house. The trade off is that a solid roof can't open, so on a still, hot day the space underneath can feel warmer, and you lose the open sky that many people love about a pergola. Adjustable Louvred Roofs A louvred roof is made from a series of aluminium blades that tilt. Angle them one way to let light filter through, turn them further for full shade, or close them completely to form a weatherproof canopy when it rains. Open them wide on a warm evening and you get air flowing through the space. It's the most versatile option because it adapts to the weather hour by hour, and it's why our Titan, Torino and Rivaro pergolas all use louvred aluminium roofs. Rainwater from the closed louvres is carried away through drainage channels in the frame, so the space underneath stays dry. Manual Or Motorised Louvres Once you've settled on louvres, the next choice is how you operate them. Manual louvres use a handle or crank to tilt the blades. Our Rivaro Pergolas use a smooth hand crank system, and our Torino pergolas take this further with a dual-control roof, where each half of the roof is operated independently. You can close one side to shade the dining table while leaving the other open over a sunny seating area. Motorised louvres move at the touch of a button. Our Rivaro Deluxe pergolas have a fully motorised double-layer louvred roof powered by integrated solar panels, so there's no mains wiring needed. The same solar setup runs built-in LED lighting for the evenings. Our Rivaro Solar LED pergolas pair an adjustable double-layer louvred roof with solar powered lighting. You can explore every option in our range of elegant backyard outdoor structures, with sizes from compact 2.4m x 2.4m models up to 6m x 3.6m. How Accessories Work With The Roof The roof handles what comes from above, and accessories take care of the sides. Pull-down screens and side panels block low sun, wind and overlooking views, while pergola heaters keep the space comfortable on cooler evenings. On our Rivaro Deluxe pergolas, optional pull-down screens can run from the same solar setup as the roof and lighting. Planning for these additions at the start means your pergola can grow with the way you use it. Choosing The Right Roof For Your Garden Start with how you'll use the space. If it's mainly for summer shade and climbing plants, a slatted roof may be all you need. If you want to sit outside through the unpredictable weather of a British spring and autumn, a louvred roof gives you the flexibility to respond to whatever the day brings. Then think about convenience. A manual roof is simple and reliable. A motorised roof suits pergolas you'll adjust several times a day, or larger structures where reaching a handle is less practical. Finally, consider the finish. Our Rivaro ranges use a TIGER Drylac powder coating, which resists UV, rain and temperature changes, so the roof and frame keep their appearance with nothing more than an occasional wash. Size plays a part as well. On a larger pergola, being able to adjust the roof from where you're sitting matters more, and a dual-control or motorised system earns its keep. On a compact 2.4m x 2.4m structure over a bistro set, a manual roof is quick to reach and simple to use. Tell Us About Your Space If you're weighing up manual against motorised, or you're unsure which size suits your patio, send us a few photos and measurements and we'll come back with a recommendation. We can also quote for the pergola with the accessories you want included from the start, so the heater, screens and panels all match the structure. Give us a call on 01268 219969 or drop us an email at sales@chimeshomeandgarden.co.uk whenever you're ready.

    Read Article
  • Comfortable wicker armchairs with stylish hat, chamomile flowers and teapot on coffee table in garden

    Garden Lounge Furniture vs Dining Furniture: Which One is Right for Your Outdoor Space?

    Picture your garden on a good evening in July. Maybe there's a long table laid for friends, with bowls being passed along and conversation running late. Or maybe it's a deep sofa, a cushion at your back and a drink on the side table while the light fades. Both are wonderful ways to spend an evening outside, and the one that comes to mind first says a lot about which kind of furniture will suit you best. Our range of stylish furniture for modern gardens covers both, and plenty of sets that sit somewhere in between. Here's how we'd help you decide. What Lounge Furniture Does Best Lounge furniture is built for relaxing. Corner sofas and sofa sets give you deep seats, generous cushions and room to stretch out, with a low coffee table in the middle for drinks and nibbles. It's the natural choice if your garden is where you unwind after work, read on a Sunday afternoon or chat with friends over a glass of something cold. Lounge sets also make a garden feel like an extension of your living room, which is lovely when the space is visible from the house through a patio door or a large window. The trade off is that eating a full meal from a low sofa isn't especially comfortable. If you often eat outdoors, you'll want to think about how lounge seating will handle that. What Dining Furniture Does Best Dining sets are built around the table. Upright chairs at the right height, a surface for plates, serving dishes and glasses, and a layout that brings everyone together face to face. If your summer revolves around barbecues, long lunches and family dinners, a dining set gives those occasions a proper home. Round tables make conversation easy across a smaller group, while rectangular tables seat more people along a longer patio. Our dining firepit sets add a gas fire pit to the centre of the table, which keeps the evening going well after the sun has dropped. Dining furniture is less suited to lying back with a book, so it tends to work best alongside other seating in larger gardens, or as the main event in gardens used mainly for eating. How You Actually Use Your Garden The most useful question is a simple one: what do you do outside most often? Think honestly about a typical week in summer, and set aside the one big party you host each year. If most of your time outdoors is spent eating, go dining. If it's mostly spent relaxing, go lounge. If it's a genuine mix, the good news is that you don't have to choose, which we'll come to shortly. It also helps to think about who uses the space. Families with young children often value a dining table for meals and crafts, while couples may prefer a comfortable sofa for relaxed evenings. Our guide to choosing the best furniture for your garden goes into these questions in more detail. Space And Layout Space often makes the decision for you. Dining sets need clearance around every chair so people can sit down and get up comfortably. Lounge sets need less space behind them, but corner sofas take up a good amount of floor in one direction. In a smaller garden, one well chosen set usually looks better than two squeezed in. In a larger garden, you can create two zones, perhaps a dining area near the kitchen door and a lounge area further out where the evening sun lingers. Where you place each zone makes a difference to how often it gets used. Dining areas work best close to the house, so plates, drinks and dishes don't have far to travel. Lounge areas can sit further away, in the spot that catches the last of the evening light or looks out over your favourite part of the garden. A pergola over either zone adds shelter from light showers and strong sun, which extends the number of days you'll actually sit outside. The Case For Having Both This is where casual dining and corner dining sets come into their own. They pair sofa style seating with a table set at a comfortable height for eating, so you can have lunch and then settle back without moving. Rising table sets go one step further. The table sits low as a coffee table while you're relaxing and lifts to dining height when the food arrives. For gardens where space is limited but both uses matter, they're one of the most practical options we sell. Making The Decision A quick way to settle it is to list your three favourite things to do in the garden. If they all involve food, choose dining. If none of them do, choose lounge. If it's a mix, look at casual dining, corner dining or rising table sets, which bring both together in one layout. Materials matter too, though they're a separate choice. Our rattan, aluminium and rope collections all include dining and lounge options, so you can pick the layout first and the look second. It's also worth thinking about how long you want to use the garden each year. Lounge seating with a fire pit table or a nearby heater tends to draw people outside well into autumn, while a dining set under a pergola stays usable on days when the weather can't quite make up its mind. Adding shelter or warmth often does more for how often you sit outside than the style of furniture itself. Tell Us How You Use Your Garden If you're torn between the two, we'd love to hear how you spend your time outside. Tell us who's usually there, what you tend to be doing and roughly how much space you're working with, and we'll suggest a few layouts worth looking at. You can call us on 01268 219969 or send us an email, and there's no pressure to decide anything on the spot.

    Read Article

    Garden Lounge Furniture vs Dining Furniture: Which One is Right for Your Outdoor Space?

    Picture your garden on a good evening in July. Maybe there's a long table laid for friends, with bowls being passed along and conversation running late. Or maybe it's a deep sofa, a cushion at your back and a drink on the side table while the light fades. Both are wonderful ways to spend an evening outside, and the one that comes to mind first says a lot about which kind of furniture will suit you best. Our range of stylish furniture for modern gardens covers both, and plenty of sets that sit somewhere in between. Here's how we'd help you decide. What Lounge Furniture Does Best Lounge furniture is built for relaxing. Corner sofas and sofa sets give you deep seats, generous cushions and room to stretch out, with a low coffee table in the middle for drinks and nibbles. It's the natural choice if your garden is where you unwind after work, read on a Sunday afternoon or chat with friends over a glass of something cold. Lounge sets also make a garden feel like an extension of your living room, which is lovely when the space is visible from the house through a patio door or a large window. The trade off is that eating a full meal from a low sofa isn't especially comfortable. If you often eat outdoors, you'll want to think about how lounge seating will handle that. What Dining Furniture Does Best Dining sets are built around the table. Upright chairs at the right height, a surface for plates, serving dishes and glasses, and a layout that brings everyone together face to face. If your summer revolves around barbecues, long lunches and family dinners, a dining set gives those occasions a proper home. Round tables make conversation easy across a smaller group, while rectangular tables seat more people along a longer patio. Our dining firepit sets add a gas fire pit to the centre of the table, which keeps the evening going well after the sun has dropped. Dining furniture is less suited to lying back with a book, so it tends to work best alongside other seating in larger gardens, or as the main event in gardens used mainly for eating. How You Actually Use Your Garden The most useful question is a simple one: what do you do outside most often? Think honestly about a typical week in summer, and set aside the one big party you host each year. If most of your time outdoors is spent eating, go dining. If it's mostly spent relaxing, go lounge. If it's a genuine mix, the good news is that you don't have to choose, which we'll come to shortly. It also helps to think about who uses the space. Families with young children often value a dining table for meals and crafts, while couples may prefer a comfortable sofa for relaxed evenings. Our guide to choosing the best furniture for your garden goes into these questions in more detail. Space And Layout Space often makes the decision for you. Dining sets need clearance around every chair so people can sit down and get up comfortably. Lounge sets need less space behind them, but corner sofas take up a good amount of floor in one direction. In a smaller garden, one well chosen set usually looks better than two squeezed in. In a larger garden, you can create two zones, perhaps a dining area near the kitchen door and a lounge area further out where the evening sun lingers. Where you place each zone makes a difference to how often it gets used. Dining areas work best close to the house, so plates, drinks and dishes don't have far to travel. Lounge areas can sit further away, in the spot that catches the last of the evening light or looks out over your favourite part of the garden. A pergola over either zone adds shelter from light showers and strong sun, which extends the number of days you'll actually sit outside. The Case For Having Both This is where casual dining and corner dining sets come into their own. They pair sofa style seating with a table set at a comfortable height for eating, so you can have lunch and then settle back without moving. Rising table sets go one step further. The table sits low as a coffee table while you're relaxing and lifts to dining height when the food arrives. For gardens where space is limited but both uses matter, they're one of the most practical options we sell. Making The Decision A quick way to settle it is to list your three favourite things to do in the garden. If they all involve food, choose dining. If none of them do, choose lounge. If it's a mix, look at casual dining, corner dining or rising table sets, which bring both together in one layout. Materials matter too, though they're a separate choice. Our rattan, aluminium and rope collections all include dining and lounge options, so you can pick the layout first and the look second. It's also worth thinking about how long you want to use the garden each year. Lounge seating with a fire pit table or a nearby heater tends to draw people outside well into autumn, while a dining set under a pergola stays usable on days when the weather can't quite make up its mind. Adding shelter or warmth often does more for how often you sit outside than the style of furniture itself. Tell Us How You Use Your Garden If you're torn between the two, we'd love to hear how you spend your time outside. Tell us who's usually there, what you tend to be doing and roughly how much space you're working with, and we'll suggest a few layouts worth looking at. You can call us on 01268 219969 or send us an email, and there's no pressure to decide anything on the spot.

    Read Article
View All Articles

Visit Our Showroom

Based in Laindon, Essex, Chimes Home & Garden has everything you could need for your home and garden. We specialise in outdoor furniture, offering a huge range of stylish and practical garden products - including pergolas!

We also offer a wide selection of home interior products, including furniture,lighting, decoration and much more.

Come visit our showroom to browse our ranges and see for yourselves!

Discover
Trustpilot