Rattan furniture can transform your patio into a comfortable space to spend time. However, the British weather is not always kind to this type of furniture left outside. Rain, frost, gusts of winds, dirt and heatwaves can all take their toll over time.
The simplest way to protect rattan furniture used outdoors is to keep it clean and dry, remove cushions when they are not being used and use well-fitting covers when the furniture is left exposed. Choosing a waterproof yet breathable cover can provide additional protection while reducing the amount of moisture that becomes trapped underneath.
At Bags 4 Everything, we manufacture covers for outdoor furniture here in the UK, including made-to-measure designs for rattan patio sets of different shapes and sizes.
Does rattan furniture need to be covered outside?
If your rattan furniture spends long periods outdoors, covering it is a sensible way to protect it from the elements.
Nowadays, many rattan furniture sets are designed to cope with changing weather. However, constant exposure to rain, dirt, autumn leaves and sunlight can still affect the appearance of furniture and create extra cleaning and maintenance.
Covering your furniture is particularly worthwhile over autumn and winter, when you may use your garden less frequently and furniture can remain untouched for weeks at a time.
Choose waterproof and breathable protection
Not all covers for outdoor furniture perform in the same way.
Waterproofing is important for protecting pieces from rain, but breathability should also be considered. Changes in temperature can cause moisture and condensation to develop underneath a cover, particularly when furniture is covered for long periods.
Our breathable polyester covers are designed to allow air circulation while providing waterproof protection. We also offer an advanced UV-resistant breathable material for customers looking for greater durability and additional resistance to sunlight.
The right material will depend on factors such as the size of your patio set, where it is positioned and how exposed your garden is to the weather.
Why does a well-fitting cover matter?
A garden furniture cover should provide good coverage without having excessive loose material that can flap around or create large areas where rain collects.
This is where made-to-measure patio furniture covers can be particularly useful. Rattan furniture comes in a huge variety of designs, including rectangular dining sets, round tables, corner sofas and more unusual modular arrangements.
Standard covers may not always match these dimensions closely.
At Bags 4 Everything, we can manufacture bespoke covers to the measurements of your furniture. Our made-to-measure rattan patio set covers also use secure cord and cord locks around the base, with adjustable straps and buckles available as an additional option.
A more secure fit can be especially useful in gardens often exposed to strong winds.
Don’t allow rainwater to collect on the cover
Even when using waterproof furniture covers, it is important to consider where the rain will go.
Try to position your cover so water runs off rather than gathering in low points. Flat sections can allow pools of water to form, adding unnecessary weight and putting pressure on the fabric and sewn seams.
If the shape of your rattan set creates a large flat area, raising the centre of the cover slightly can help create a slope. This encourages rainfall to drain away instead of sitting on top after a downpour.
It is a small adjustment, but it can help both your furniture cover and the patio set underneath remain better protected.
Should you leave rattan furniture cushions outside?
We recommend removing cushions rather than leaving them underneath your furniture cover for extended periods.
Even when you use a breathable cover, condensation can still develop as temperatures and humidity levels change. Soft furnishings can absorb this moisture, increasing the risk of dampness and unwanted odours.
Whenever possible, store outdoor cushions somewhere clean and dry, such as a shed, garage or somewhere similar.
You can then cover the rattan frame separately, ready for the cushions to be returned when you next want to use the furniture.
Cleaning and ongoing care
Regular maintenance can also help your furniture stay looking its best.
Remove leaves, dirt and other debris before covering your patio set, particularly if you plan to leave it covered for a long period. Putting a cover over furniture that is already wet or dirty can trap unnecessary moisture and mess underneath.
It is also worth checking your furniture and cover periodically throughout winter. After storms or strong winds, make sure the cover is still secure and that water has not collected on the surface.
When spring arrives, giving the furniture a clean before regular use can help remove any dirt that has accumulated during the colder months.
Protect your patio furniture throughout the year
Effectively protecting garden furniture is about preparing for more than just rain. With 2026 the hottest summer on record, it’s clear the weather is becoming more extreme in the UK.
At Bags 4 Everything, we manufacture patio furniture covers for a wide range of outdoor furniture, including rattan dining sets, tables, sofas and unusually shaped patio sets. Our covers are made in our factory in West Yorkshire, with both standard and bespoke options available.
If you cannot find a standard cover that fits your rattan furniture properly, our made-to-measure service allows us to create a cover around your dimensions and requirements.
