The Bean Bag Blog

Cosy garden sofa covered with cushions and a woollen throw tucked into the corner of a patio.

The 10 essential features of cosy garden furniture (and why a cold metal dining set just won't do!)

November 07, 2025Caroline Lomax

The secret to a cosy garden is the furniture you choose – the depth of the seat, the softness of the fabric, the warmth of the colour. The way it...

A low garden table with a cup of tea and book in the winter sunshine.

How to enjoy your garden in winter – 10 tips for getting outside all year round

September 30, 2025Caroline Lomax

Have you shut the door on your winter garden, staying-in for the long wait to spring? Sunlight and fresh air make a huge difference to our mental and physical wellbeing in...

A gorgeous Airedale Terrier dog next to a blue and white garden bean bag.

Dog-proof garden furniture (that humans love too!)

August 29, 2025Caroline Lomax

Dog-proof garden furniture does exist – and it doesn’t have to be a stone bench. Here’s what to look for if you want comfort, durability, and an outdoor seat you...

Brightly coloured garden furniture including orange outdoor cushions and blue garden sofa.

Colourful garden furniture: 36 bright ideas to transform your outdoor space

August 24, 2025Caroline Lomax

Bright, colourful garden furniture is the easiest way to get a colourful garden. Outdoor furniture in blue, orange, pink, yellow, or green guarantees colour year-round and instantly brightens your garden, patio,...

Soft outdoor fabric sofa and patterned and striped garden cushions on a sunny patio.

Outdoor fabric furniture: how durable is it really? Answers to your top questions.

July 15, 2025Caroline Lomax

Armadillo Sun's outdoor fabric furniture is comfortable, stylish, and can be left outside all year. It's different from the traditional garden furniture of wicker, wood, metal and plastic so I get...

8 design tips from RHS Chelsea for a living room outdoors

June 06, 2025Caroline Lomax

At RHS Chelsea 2025 outdoor living took centre stage and seating areas were designed as living rooms, bringing the indoors out. To get the Chelsea look, use these 8 outdoor...

A low maintenance garden designed by Jake Sutcliffe featuring gravel, large slabs, and resilient planting.

"Let nature do more, while you do less" – 8 expert tips for a low-maintenance garden

May 11, 2025Caroline Lomax

Award-winning garden designer, Jake Sutcliffe, shares his expert advice on creating a low-maintenance, beautiful garden.

Blue comfortable garden sofa covered with cushions and laid out ready for a garden party.

3 quick fixes to transform your garden in an afternoon

April 18, 2025Caroline Lomax

If you're gearing up for the first BBQ party of the season, or looking forward to an impromptu garden party, then skip the patio makeover. Opt instead for quick wins...

How to host an easy BBQ party. Image shows simple delicous chicken kebabs sizzling on a grill.

How to host an easy BBQ party: three tips to keep it simple

April 15, 2025Caroline Lomax

The British BBQ – accompanied by the traditional rain shower – is a summer party staple. With my easy barbecue recipes, simple drink ideas, and rainproof outdoor furniture, organising one...

Light blue garden sofa with outdoor cushions outside on a patio.

Leave the garden sofa cushions outside in the rain (and all the fuss at the door!)

March 23, 2025Caroline Lomax

Take the drama out of the British weather with garden furniture cushions that stay out in the rain. Hands up who has a weather alert set on their phone so they’re ready...

A cosy garden sofa on a private patio surrounded by green foliage and covered in outdoor cushions in blues and greens.

Make an overlooked garden feel private: design a cosy sitting spot

February 11, 2025Caroline Lomax

Gardens are a place of solace and sanctuary... until the tranquility is shattered by prying eyes, overlooking windows, and next door's kids shrieking on their trampoline. Don't give up on the...

A gift of flowers on an outdoor table in the garden.

Don't want to send flowers? 14 beautiful gift alternatives to giving a bouquet

February 07, 2025Caroline Lomax

I love giving and receiving flowers - but I also love tweaking traditions! There are so many lovely small businesses creating beautiful things that are perfect for special occasions. I’ve...