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The best metal garden furniture; from wrought iron tables and chairs to metal bistro sets, transform your outdoor space with durable patio seating

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Looking for the best metal garden furniture? From space-saving folding metal bistro sets to durable wrought iron tables and chairs and timeless metal garden benches to contemporary metal outdoor dining sets. We've rounded up the best 2021 has to offer.

Metal garden furniture is strong, durable, weather-resistant and low maintenance, making it a brilliant option for outdoor seating and dining. And, even better, you can now find a variety of metal outdoor furniture styles, meaning there are decorative options for country cottage gardens, contemporary looks for modern urban gardens, and classic metal garden furniture that will add timeless appeal to a range of outdoor spaces. 

If you're refreshing your garden make sure to check out our full guide to the best garden furniture around, but if metal's your thing then read on to discover some of the best designs available.

Made in Italy, this sturdy steel bistro set is finished in EMU's 4-layer electroplated coating to protect the table and chairs from moisture and extend the set's lifespan. 

A good selection of colour options - from classic black and white to more colourful contemporary options - and a compact design make this bistro set a great alfresco option for any garden, patio or balcony. Even better, the folding design makes for easy storage.

We especially like the fact that the table surface is a little larger than most bistro sets allowing two people to dine comfortably with plenty of room for plates and drinks. 

This reclaimed wooden tabletop with powder-coated distressed metal frame will add industrial vibes to your outdoor space. 

The table comes with two sets of legs to make it into the perfect height for dining or a low-to-the-ground coffee table. Matching foldable metal dining chairs (opens in new tab) - that are actually reclaimed Indian cinema seats - complete the look.

Repurposing existing materials is a much more eco-friendly approach than extracting more raw materials from the earth, and this outdoor/indoor dining set shows that being kind to the planet definitely doesn't mean compromising on style.

A very affordable garden seating option, this pair of folding metal bistro chairs are available in eight vibrant shades. We love the sunshine yellow and eye-catching turquoise for adding a pop of bright colour to the garden on a grey day. 

Although this set doesn't include the table, a matching circular metal bistro table (opens in new tab) or square outdoor dining table (opens in new tab) are available. Pick and mix as to whether you match or contrast table and chairs.

Rocket St George's new outdoor range features some great metal garden furniture, including this decorative metal garden table and chair set. 

Intricate scrollwork and decorative detail add interest to this pretty bistro set, whilst Rocket St George's trademark black colourways keep the look contemporary. 

More contemporary decorative scrollwork is on display in this metal loveseat from Perch & Parrow. 

Available in grey or distressed white finish, these metal armchairs are joined by the two tier table creating the perfect alfresco afternoon tea spot for two. Just add cushions and a friend for the ideal place to catch up over drinks.

Sometimes it's easy to think of metal garden furniture as being the wrought iron table and chairs that sat on your grandparent's patio, but this modern metal garden chair proves metal outdoor furniture can be contemporary too. 

A comfortable lounge chair made of white-painted metal, the Alieno is designed in Italy by Casamania. Its unusual shape and striking silhouette will add a modern sculptural element to the garden. 

Position this decorative wrought iron garden bench seat at the end of the garden or tucked away on a garden path for the ultimate hidden wow-factor. 

Already the perfect intimate retreat for two, you can up the poetic ambiance by planting climbing roses or trailing foliage at the base of this garden arch and let nature add an extra layer of romance.

Modern graphic shapes and minimalist silhouettes make up Danish brand Hay's Palissade metal garden furniture collection.

The carefully considered fluid curves make this range of outdoor armchairs, garden benches, sun loungers and tables surprisingly comfortable to sit on, whilst the clean-lined Nordic design ensures a contemporary yet timeless look that blends effortlessly into a wide range of garden styles.

This sturdy steel bistro set has a matt black powder-coated finish which adds both a contemporary aesthetic and protects the outdoor table and chairs from the elements. 

The table is perhaps a bit of a tight squeeze for four people to dine alfresco, but for intimate drinks (post-social distancing!) it will make the ideal spot for an evening's aperitif. 

This decorative peacock chair is ideal for statement garden seating.  Delicate scrollwork creates a pretty design that works well in smaller gardens as you can see through the chair so it doesn't add bulk. 

With a comfortable cushion to sit on and cocktail in hand, we'd be very happy whiling away a warm summer's day on this eye-catching outdoor chair. 

Metal garden furniture makes for a strong, durable, weather-resistant and low maintenance option outdoors. Unlike the best wooden garden furniture which will need treating each year to preserve its longevity, all that metal garden furniture requires to keep it looking good is an occasional wipe down with a damp cloth.

This makes it a great option if you're looking for the least labour intensive garden furniture.

The best metal garden furniture will be either galvanised or powder-coated to keep out the moisture and ensure it is weather-resistant enough to remain durable outdoors. 

Steel or wrought iron garden furniture is usually the most durable and has the best outdoor longevity. However these metals tend to be very heavy, so you won't want to move them around the garden very often. They also tend to be the more expensive options.

Aluminium garden furniture is generally a cheaper and more lightweight alternative, and as long as it's painted or powder-coated it will still offer decent weather-resistance. However, you're more likely to need to store this garden furniture somewhere dry in wet weather to prolong its lifespan and prevent rust, and it's less robust in withstanding hard knocks. 

The best metal outdoor furniture is galvanised, powder-coated or painted to seal and weather-proof the metal and prevent it from rusting. 

However, most manufacturers will still recommend you bring metal garden furniture indoors over winter to protect it from the worst of the elements.

If your powder-coated or painted metal furniture gets chipped it's best to try and reseal the finish with some outdoor paint before any moisture gets in. Check out our guide to the best paint for furniture to find some good options, along with our guide to how to paint metal garden furniture. 

After completing a major house renovation, Amy discovered what she had always suspected; that decorating is the best part. She joined the Real Homes team to share her love for all things interior, finally putting all those hours spent agonizing over the best white paint to good use in Real Homes’ carefully researched buying guides, and helping readers to find the best furniture, decor, and furnishings to create the home they've always dreamed of. 

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