Ah, the UK — where one week it’s a scorching 30°C and we're lounging with a cold drink in the garden, and the next week we’re bracing for rain and frantically searching for the storage bag for our seat cushions.
Autumn is most definitely here now, though, and while our thoughts might be turning to storing and protecting our garden furniture sets, it’s also the perfect time to start planning for cover and shade in 2026.
At Lazy Susan, we specialise in cast aluminium garden dining sets built to last in the UK climate. Unlike wood or rattan, aluminium won’t warp, rust, or fade easily. Thanks to our powder-coated finish, it can stay outside all year round, rain or shine.
That said, parasols and protective covers each bring unique benefits depending on how you use and store your outdoor furniture, and the right choice can make a huge difference to your outside space.
Garden furniture sets with parasol: comfort, style, and sun protection
Garden furniture sets with a parasol aren’t just a fancy accessory — it’s a practical way to enhance your outdoor living. If your summer memories include sunburnt shoulders while trying to enjoy an al fresco lunch, a parasol is your new best friend:
1. Shade and UV protection
The main advantage of a parasol is simple: shade. It protects you and your guests from harsh UV rays while dining outdoors, making it possible to enjoy your garden comfortably for longer. Whether it’s a quick coffee on the patio or a long evening dinner, the parasol ensures the sun is on your side, not against you.
2. Stylish finishing touch
Parasols aren’t just functional — they’re a style statement. With garden furniture sets from Lazy Susan, you can choose parasols that match your cushions or complement your table and chairs, creating a coordinated, inviting outdoor space. A well-chosen parasol adds warmth and personality to your patio, transforming it from a simple functional area into a welcoming haven for friends and family.
3. Everyday convenience
The majority of our furniture sets include a central parasol hole in the table, making it easy to add shade exactly where you need it. The parasol is ideal for those who prioritise flexible comfort and usability while their furniture is in use, rather than fixed protection like a pergola.
4. Low-maintenance protection
Covers are perfect if your priority is low maintenance. They keep cushions cleaner in summer (although we would always store them inside), protect tables from dirt and water marks, and reduce the need for regular cleaning before you sit down to enjoy your outdoor living space. Think of a cover as the insurance policy for your garden furniture sets — simple, effective, and stress-free.
5. Affordable and easy to find
At Lazy Susan, we don’t sell covers ourselves. Why? Because, unlike parasols, covers don’t need to be a perfect fit or coordinated with cushions. They’re widely available, affordable, and easy to purchase separately across the UK. This gives you flexibility: you can choose the style, size, and type that best suits your furniture and patio without being tied to a specific product.
Which option is right for your garden furniture set?
Deciding between a parasol and a cover comes down to how you use your outdoor space.
Choose a parasol if you want everyday shade, comfort, and style while using your furniture. It’s ideal for sunny days, entertaining, and creating a welcoming outdoor living area. Choose a protective cover if you want to minimise cleaning and maintain your furniture in pristine condition between uses.
While a parasol is all about comfort when you’re enjoying your outdoor furniture, a protective cover provides peace of mind when your furniture isn’t in use. Especially in the UK, where rain, wind, and falling leaves can appear at a moment’s notice, a cover helps ensure your garden furniture sets stay clean, dry, and ready for your next alfresco meal.
Adding a parasol to your garden furniture set isn’t just about blocking the sun — it’s about enhancing your entire outdoor space. Here are some of the main advantages:
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Provides shade and UV protection
A parasol creates a comfortable, sun-safe area for you and your guests. Whether it’s lunchtime with the family or a long evening of entertaining, it shields skin from harmful UV rays while allowing you to enjoy your outdoor living space. -
Makes outdoor dining more comfortable
No more squinting into bright sunlight or struggling with hot surfaces. A parasol keeps your table and chairs cool, making your patio a pleasant spot to eat, relax, or work outdoors, regardless of the weather. -
Adds style and colour to your patio
Parasols come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, giving you the chance to complement cushions, tables, and other accessories. From classic grey and crisp white to vibrant hues, a parasol can become a stylish focal point that enhances the overall look of your garden furniture sets. -
Complements the design of your Lazy Susan aluminium furniture sets
Lazy Susan tables are designed with integrated parasol holes, ensuring your parasol fits perfectly and functions seamlessly. This means your set remains cohesive, functional, and visually appealing, combining durability with style for a truly polished outdoor space.
In short, a parasol isn’t just a practical accessory — it’s a way to elevate your garden, extend the usability of your furniture, and make your outdoor space a stylish, comfortable retreat.
Using a protective cover comes with several key benefits:
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Shielding from the elements
Protects tables, chairs, and cushions from rain, wind, and debris, reducing weather-related wear and tear. -
Keeps cushions cleaner for longer
Prevents dirt, dust, and bird droppings from settling on your upholstery when you want to have things set up and ready in the summer, meaning less frequent washing. -
Reduces maintenance
Saves time on cleaning and preparing your outdoor space, so your patio is always ready to use. -
Extends furniture life
Minimises fading and damage, keeping your garden furniture looking stylish and new. -
Affordable and flexible
Covers are easy to purchase online, and there are even UK companies that make bespoke fitted covers tailored to your set shape and size.
In short, while a parasol enhances comfort during use, a protective cover ensures your furniture sets remain in top condition between uses, giving you both convenience and long-term value.
For many homeowners, though, the answer is to get both!
Use a parasol in the summer to make your garden furniture sets the centrepiece of outdoor entertaining, and add a protective cover during the wetter months to maintain your furniture’s condition if you don't have an indoor spot to store it.
Together, they're a simple way to enjoy your patio all year round without stress.
Outdoor furniture considerations for UK weather
The UK weather is notoriously unpredictable, which is why your garden furniture needs to be versatile. Lazy Susan’s cast aluminium sets are perfect for this environment:
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Durable materials
Aluminium won’t warp, rust, or fade, even after months of rain. -
Low-maintenance design
Powder-coated finishes protect against weather damage. -
Stylish options
From sleek grey and crisp white to our stylish antique bronze designs, our furniture sets suit a wide variety of gardens and patios.
Adding a parasol enhances your enjoyment of sunny days, while a cover keeps your furniture looking fresh when the weather turns. Together, they extend the life of your set and make your garden a space you’ll love all year.
Planning your garden furniture set for 2026
Now is the perfect time to plan for next summer. Consider the size of your outdoor area, the number of chairs you need, and the kind of lifestyle you want to enjoy.
Lazy Susan offers sets ranging from intimate two-seaters to large garden furniture sets that can accommodate family gatherings or garden parties.
Think about your outdoor living style
Are you seeking a quiet haven to relax with a book and a cup of tea, or a lively outdoor space for entertaining?
Your choice between a parasol and protective cover will depend on your priorities:
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Parasols
Ideal for enhancing comfort, style, and shade while using your furniture set. -
Covers
Perfect for long-term protection, reducing maintenance, and keeping your set in top condition.
Many of our customers find a combination of both works best: A parasol for everyday summer use, plus a protective cover for autumn and winter.
Choosing the right parasol and accessories
A parasol isn’t just about shading your table — it’s about creating a cohesive look for your garden furniture. Consider:
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Size
Make sure the parasol is large enough to cover your table and chairs comfortably. -
Material
Durable, fade-resistant fabric ensures longevity. -
Style
Coordinate colours with cushions and other accessories to enhance your patio’s look.
Lazy Susan dining tables come with integrated parasol holes, making it easy to add a parasol without compromising style or functionality. This attention to detail ensures your set is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Lazy Susan parasol-bundle deals: Example with the best-selling June 6-Seater Set
It’s important to know: Lazy Susan’s garden furniture sets don’t come with a parasol included as standard. But — and this is good news — there are bundle deals where you can add a parasol (and sometimes other accessories) to your set, and save money compared to buying everything separately.
Using a real working example helps show how much you can gain by choosing the bundle. Here’s a breakdown using the June (pictured above), one of Lazy Susan’s top sellers.
June 6-Seater Set: Bundle Example
|
Item |
Individual Price |
Bundle Price Option |
Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
|
June 6-Seater Set (table + 6 chairs) |
£1,235.95 |
£1,235.95 (base set) |
— |
|
Parasol (mid-size, suitable for 6) |
~£150 |
£100 (if £50 bundle discount applied) |
~£50 |
|
Accessories (base, cushions, etc.) |
~£40–£80 each |
Often discounted in bundle deals |
Additional savings |
Example total:
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Buying separately: £1,235.95 + £150 = £1,385.95
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Bundle (set + parasol with £50 discount): £1,335.95
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Bundle saving: ~£50 (plus any extras if included).
Please note: Prices depend on current promotions, parasol options, and accessory choices. Prices were correct as of 2nd October 2025 and are subject to change in our web shop due to promotional discounts, price increases, etc.
Lazy Magazine’s final thoughts…
Even in the UK, with our famously unpredictable weather, a well-chosen garden furniture set can be enjoyed for much of the year. The key is knowing how to make the most of your outdoor space with a few simple strategies:
Regularly clean cushions and tables to maintain style and comfort.
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Add a parasol for shade and UV protection during sunny spells.
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Use protective covers to reduce cleaning and prolong the life of your furniture sets.
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Consider lighting and accessories to extend your evenings outdoors and create ambience.
By thinking ahead, you’ll ensure your patio, garden, or outdoor living area remains a stylish and durable investment.
Whether you choose garden furniture sets with a parasol or garden furniture with a protective cover, planning ahead ensures you’ll enjoy comfort, style, and durability.
At Lazy Susan, we recommend a parasol to complement our aluminium tables — they’re designed with parasol holes to fit perfectly, coordinate beautifully, and enhance your summer dining experience.
Protective covers, meanwhile, are a simple, affordable add-on that keep your furniture sets looking their best through rain, wind, and falling leaves.
Buying a fitted cover has never been easier, with plenty of UK-based companies offering high-quality options online — and some will even make bespoke covers tailored to your table and chairs. This means you can protect your outdoor furniture quickly and conveniently, ensuring your set stays pristine with minimal effort.
Invest in a Lazy Susan garden furniture set, and you’ll enjoy:
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Durability that withstands UK weather.
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Stylish designs that enhance your outdoor space.
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Comfort, practicality, and peace of mind.
Explore our collection today and find the perfect garden furniture set to transform your patio into a year-round haven. With the right parasol and cover strategy, you can relax, entertain, and indulge in your outdoor living — whatever the British weather throws at you.
We’d love to see how you make the most of your garden furniture sets. Share your favourite outdoor dining moments with us on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @LazySusanFurniture, or join our Do Some Good campaign by uploading photos of beautifully styled tables and patios.
