This is the product my family in Spain swear by to repel flying insects – and it’s under £10 on Amazon

by Furnishly | Aug 20, 2025 | Design Inspiration

Mosquitoes and midges are the bane of any summer. After a trip to visit family in Spain, I now have exactly what I need to repel them from my patio – citronella incense coils (£9.99 at Amazon).

I’m lucky enough to have family in rural Spain, which means family reunions often take place in the sunshine; however, as with a lot of warm climates, it brings an abundance of flying pests. But one thing my aunt and uncle swear by is mosquito coils, which have proven to be one of the best ways to get rid of mosquitoes I’ve seen.

Similar to burning incense, you light one of these coils on your outdoor dining table or best garden furniture set, and the scent and smoke works to repel mosquitoes. This is everything you need to know.

How do mosquito coils work?

‘A mosquito coil is a spiral-shaped insect repellent that slowly burns to release smoke containing mosquito-repelling chemicals,’ explain experts at The Pest Master. ‘It’s a common and inexpensive method to keep mosquitoes away, especially in outdoor or semi-open spaces’

Typically scented with citronella, a citrusy scent that pests hate, these coils irritate and confuse mosquitoes, and if exposed to prolonged exposure, can kill them.

‘Mosquito coils act by smouldering a spiral-coiled mixture with an active ingredient, typically a synthetic pyrethroid like allethrin or prallethrin that has similar chemical characteristics to naturally occurring pyrethrins found in chrysanthemum blossoms,’ says Tony King, pest control expert, owner and manager of The Pied Piper.

‘While mosquito coils are intended to keep mosquitoes away, the smoke will also drive other flying insects like gnats, midges, and a few kinds of flies away because the active substances act as a generic irritant to their nervous system.’

I myself noticed that insects like wasps seemed a little less bothersome when one of these coils was lit. Smoke is a scent that wasps can’t stand; however, experts at The Pest Master are keen to point out that this is not an effective deterrent long-term, as they will fly away temporarily if they find the smoke unpleasant.

Mosquito coils don’t require any electricity and are available in most convenience stores in warmer climates.

‘They’re one of the most widely used mosquito control tools in warm climates for a reason,’ say The Pest Master experts.

Now, the exact brand my family buy is only available in Spain, but I’ve rounded up some similar alternatives with great reviews.

However, it’s important to note you shouldn’t use them indoors, and they’ll be less effective when it’s windy.

But when the sun sets in England, and the mosquitoes come out, there’s nothing else I would choose to use to stop mosquitoes ruining my summer plans.

Argos has slashed the price of its 5-star rated rattan garden furniture sofa set to £160 – act fast before it sells out

by Furnishly | Aug 11, 2025 | Design Inspiration

If you haven’t snapped up any garden furniture this summer, you’re in luck as Argos Home’s five-star 4 Seater Rattan Effect Garden Sofa Set is currently half price after the retailer slashed the price from £320 to £160.

Argos Home’s five-star 4 Seater Rattan Effect Garden Sofa quickly emerged as one of the best garden furniture sets of the summer, racking up thousands of five-star reviews online, with customers praising its affordability and high quality.

Now, the set, in the stunning shade ‘natural’, is just £160, making it one of the best value-for-money outdoor sofa sets I’ve seen, and a great deal to snap up. But if you want to get your hands on one, you’ll have to be quick, as this is likely to sell out fast.

When I’d first spotted the Argos Home 4 Seater Rattan Effect Garden Sofa Set, I was surprised (yet very impressed) to see such an affordable sofa set rack up so many positive reviews, especially considering that many affordable or high street garden furniture sets can cost upwards of £500.

So, I can’t stress enough how impressive the current sale price is, and if I had a garden (the downside of a third-floor flat), I’d be snapping it up myself. This is not to say this set won’t suit a small garden or patio. The compact set-up is ideal for two sunbathing adults, but you can easily host four if you’re having any BBQs or garden parties.

The set comes with six plush outdoor cushions and a footstool, which can be used as an extra seat or as a storage ottoman. You can also remove the cushion from your footstool and use the rattan effect top as a coffee table. For just £160, this is a fantastic deal.

The Argos Home 4 Seater Rattan Effect Garden Sofa Set is available in ‘natural’ and ‘grey’, but right now, it’s just the ‘natural’ colourway that’s on sale. But a creamy, beige hue, it’s a great example of how the best rattan garden furniture should look. But don’t just take it from me, here are a couple of the set’s glowing reviews.

‘This has been a big hit for the whole family and created a nice seating area where we sit and chat or lie and read. Much more comfortable than expected and a good size. We went right-handed, which made buying a cover a little trickier, but we got there. Super easy to assemble, feels firm and is a lovely patio addition,’ said one.

‘I brought this 2 weeks ago and absolutely love it it is so comfortable to sit on and bring a touch of style too my garden I have always wanted one of these but my garden is small (court yard) and this fits in it lovely was recommended to me by my daughter in law who has the grey one in her garden Takes a bit of time to put together but is worth it,’ says another.

Alternatives

In case this sofa set sells out, here are a few more highly rated garden furniture sets you can pick up at Argos.

If you’re still in the market for a garden furniture set, then the Argos Home 4 Seater Rattan Effect Garden Sofa Set is great value for money, and if the countless reviews singing its praises are anything to go by, stylish and quality addition to your garden.

I can’t stop thinking about this stunning terracotta garden furniture set from B&Q – it’s less than £110

by Furnishly | Aug 11, 2025 | Design Inspiration

Colourful garden furniture has been all the rage this summer, and there is one set I currently can’t stop thinking about, and that is the Sweeek 4-seater steel garden sofa set at B&Q.

A four-piece set for under £110 in this on-trend colourway is just part of why it caught my attention. But the other reason I sat up and took note of this jazzy outdoor set up is that it is a dead ringer for one of my other favourite garden furniture sets, Habitat’s Cali 4 Seater Metal Patio Set, priced at £150, but £40 cheaper.

Both B&Q and Habitat are heavyweights when it comes to providing some of the best garden furniture at an affordable price, and if you want to add a splash of colour to your garden, I’d recommend either of those sets.

These sets indeed look incredibly similar, but it’s the small details that make a difference. Colourful garden furniture – especially terracotta – has been a big trend for some time now, and Sweeek’s stunning terracotta shade will give your patio an instant sun-kissed look, ideal if you’re on the lookout for some Mediterranean garden ideas.

The Sweeek garden sofa set features a coffee table with a fluted glass finish, a smart design feature that makes the set look more expensive than its £109 price tag.

This elegant set comes with a two-seater sofa, two single chairs and stylish coffee table. The brand boasts it is lightweight, comfortable and easy to maintain. The reviews are impressive, too.

‘Great garden furniture, light and comfortable, quite easy to assemble for 2 people, and the colour is great… the legs are adjustable, it looks sturdy. I’m delighted,’ says one.

‘Very nice colour, comfortable, easy to assemble for two people! I am delighted with my purchase!’ says another.

While this set is slightly cheaper than Habitat’s, Habitat’s Cali set has been popular for good reason. Drenched in a burnt orange colourway, this four-seater set is made from steel with fabric seats.

‘Such a gorgeous set and looks so much more expensive in real life. The colour is beautiful and the fabric feels nice and strong. Bit tricky to build, but I got the hang of it after the first chair – not as complicated as I first thought or as some of the comments allude to. Looks so great in our garden – would highly recommend!’ says one review.

A few reviews do mention the set can be difficult to put together, with one stating you need ‘exceptional strength’, so I’d recommend doing this job with a partner rather than on your own.

The Sweeek garden furniture set is a stunning and cheaper alternative to Habitat’s Cali set. But they’re both stylish and functional. Which one would you choose?

Nigella Lawson’s hot pink garden bistro set proves the colourful garden furniture trend is here to stay

by Furnishly | Aug 10, 2025 | Design Inspiration

Nigella Lawson has once again proved she’s an expert in combining traditional charm with contemporary styles, after showcasing her stunning bright pink garden bistro set on Instagram last week.

Not only is Nigella a household name for her flirtatious cooking style, but she has a swoon-worthy home and garden that reimagines trends timelessly. When looking for the best garden furniture, many of us are tempted to play it safe with neutrals, but in the last year, the colourful garden furniture trend has taken off in a big way.

Nigella’s hot pink set is the perfect example of why it’s so effective. Her bistro chairs and table set of the gorgeous greens of her lush courtyard garden. It creates a bold yet timeless look.

‘Brightly coloured garden furniture has been popular because people want to bring more personality and cheer into their outdoor spaces. After years of neutral tones dominating, bold colours feel fresh and uplifting. They create a focal point in the garden, making the area feel more inviting and fun rather than just functional,’ says Stuart Murray, Founder of Retrovintage.

‘What we like about colourful garden furniture is how it instantly brightens up a space and contrasts beautifully with natural greens. It adds warmth and a playful vibe, encouraging more use of outdoor areas for relaxing or socialising. Colours like pink, yellow, or turquoise can make the garden feel more like an extension of the home’s personality.’

How to get the look

While I haven’t been able to track down the exact garden furniture set Nigella has, Lee Trethewey, garden furniture expert at Sustainable Furniture, has recommended a few similar sets.

‘I believe the chairs are separate from the table, and appear to be something similar to the Kirkdale Side Chair,’ he says. This set from John Lewis is similar, and there’s also this one from Amazon.’

‘Styling colourful garden furniture at home is easy, really, as you don’t necessarily need a lot of colour to make an impact, and you definitely don’t need lots of different colours to make an impact.

‘To start, I would place the chosen table/chair set on either a gravel or a stone base. This means that the colour of the set isn’t competing against any other colourful areas. Then I’d bring in a couple of accessories across the garden in the same colour or almost the same colour as the set, such as cushions, plant pots, decorations, etc. Then I’d think about adding some flowers that echo the colour of the set, too.

‘You might pick a set colour because the colour is already prominent in your garden – if this is the case, then you can opt for new flowers that complement or contrast with this main colour, or just leave it.’

I think Nigella is onto a winner with her stunning pink garden furniture. It’s brightens her garden and enhances the beauty of her greenery and plants.

IKEA is selling a stunning pergola that looks way more expensive than it is – it’s the stylish addition your garden needs

by Furnishly | Jul 30, 2025 | Design Inspiration

A pergola can add shade, shelter, style, and functionality to your garden, making it a coveted feature by any standard, but they can be an expensive option. If you’re looking to get the look on a budget, IKEA’s pergola might be exactly what you need.

The best pergola ideas are adaptable to suit your garden all year round, and that’s exactly what IKEA’s £319 HAMMARÖN Pergola does. A sleek neutral shade, it will bring out your garden’s best features rather than overcrowd them.

If you’ve been dreaming of a pergola to enhance your outside space, IKEA’s is affordable, stylish and customisable. Here’s everything you need to know.

A pergola is one of those garden features that can improve a home’s value if done well. And IKEA does it well.

The HAMMARÖN Pergola is large enough to comfortably shade your dining or best garden furniture, creating your own cosy outdoor room to shelter you from the sun. The pergola uses a material with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 25+, which means it blocks 96% of the sun’s rays from filtering through the material. It’s also fade-resistant, so its stylish beige colourway will stay intact for summers to come.

Use the easy pull device to open and close the canopy, and you can also choose to have partial sun by tailoring how far you open it. The pergola has a sturdy powder-coated steel frame, making it durable in poor weather conditions.

And you don’t have to worry about it becoming dirty or being difficult to clean because this canopy is machine washable for ease. The pergola is 300cm wide and 222cm high, making it large enough to host large groups of guests, but also means it’s less suited to courtyard or tiny gardens.

I’m a big fan of the beige colourway as it allows your garden to be the star of the show. The greenery of your garden borders will pop against the neutral shades, and your favourite flowers will look even more radiant.

The reviews look good, too, with shoppers praising the appearance and quality of the pergola.

‘We wanted something to provide shelter from both bright sunshine and summer showers, and this provides the perfect solution. A robust metal frame, yet unobtrusive, with an easy-sliding material canopy. Took a little while to construct, and would definitely recommend at least an additional two people to help with the later stages of erection. Looks stylish and very good value,’ says one.

‘We brought this to give some needed shade for our children in a south-facing garden. Easy to assemble. Looks much more expensive than it was.’

A few reviews do mention that the pergola is not particularly waterproof, so it is recommended that you use it to create shade rather than as an all-weather shelter.

However, if you haven’t been convinced, I’ve tracked down a few more alternatives.

Stylish and affordable, this IKEA pergola could be a future cult classic. Do you agree?