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Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Banish mosquitoes from your garden all summer with $40 off the sleek trap that shoppers say 'REALLY works': 'No more bugs in my yard!'
The joys of spending time outside are unmatched. There's nothing like soaking up the sunshine on the patio or enjoying a chilled beverage at golden hour with friends. If there's any downside to the experience, it's that mosquitoes and other unwelcome pests can really ruin the ambiance. Swatting at flies while you're trying to relax is a huge pain — but thanks to the Dynatrap LED Mosquito and Insect Trap, your summer is about to get a lot less buggy. Right now it's a phenomenal deal, too. It retails for $85, but you can score it for as low as $44.98 when you enter HELLO15 to snag an extra $15 off your first QVC purchase. Dynatrap LED Mosquito and Insect Trap Bugs, be gone! Never again worry about unwelcome outdoor pests thanks to this sleek and stylish insect trap that effectively manages mosquitoes, flies, wasps, beetles, yellowjackets, gnats, and moths. Available in three colors (forest green, granite, and slate blue), the trap has an ultraviolet LED light and a fan that work in tandem to lure and trap the insects. Enter code HELLO15 at checkout to snag yours for an extra $15 off. $44.98 (was $85) Shop The device is expertly designed to de-bug your patio or porch while adding a pop of subtle style to your space. That's right — this is a fashionable bug trap, and it fits in nicely with your setup instead of sticking out like a sore thumb. Along with being easy on the eyes, the Dynatrap works efficiently to clear your surroundings of the unfriendly critters that may otherwise feast on your food, land on your stuff, or bite you. It's all thanks to the built-in ultraviolet LED bulb, which commands the attention of the insects and draws them in for a closer look. As they venture towards the light, a fan pulls the insect inside, and traps them inside the attached basket. The bulb is powerful, yet not so bold that it will disturb you while you're outside. It's quick and simple to replace when needed, but is designed to last up to six times as long as standard fluorescent lighting, so those changes will be few and far between. Don't fear the idea of emptying the basket, either. It's basically like a miniature trash can. Simply press the button to eject this portion of the trap, then discard the contents in the garbage. It's mess-free, so you'll never make contact with the pests. The Dynatrap treats all unwelcome visitors equally. Whether you're concerned about mosquitoes, flies, wasps, beetles, yellowjackets, gnats, or moths, you can rely on it to effortlessly lure them to the light and trap them in the basket. The beauty of the device is that it puts an effective stop to insect breeding cycles. We all know how difficult it can be to control an infestation once it gets out of hand. This is an excellent ally that can have a huge impact on your efforts to maintain a healthy and clean space outside. What's especially amazing is that it has a half-acre coverage area. It's incredible even for super large yards, and is weather-resistant to stay in beautiful shape even if it's exposed to inclement conditions. Naturally, the reviews are glowing. 'This is the best bug catcher!' exclaimed one happy user. 'I did not get eaten alive this weekend!' 'The half-acre unit has done a wonderful job reducing flying insects as black flies, mosquitoes, and wasps. Working in the yard and the gardens is possible now! I love that the unit is light and preassembled,' raved another. A third shopper said, 'It REALLY works! No more bugs in my yard. It worked right away. I'm very happy with my purchase.' Don't miss this opportunity to snag an impressive $15 off the Dynatrap LED Mosquito and Insect Trap with code HELLO15. It's a must for summer!
New York Times
a day ago
- General
- New York Times
Wirecutter's 100 Most Popular Picks of May 2025
Top-pick gas grill Read review Top-pick digital photo frame Read review Staff-pick wedge flipflop Read review Staff-pick wedge flip-flops Read review Top-pick electric toothbrush Read review KitchenAid Full Size Dish Rack Top-pick dish rack Read review Top-pick bathroom scale Read review Top-pick hard-sided carry-on Read review Top-pick smart bird feeder Read review
Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Telegraph
The best rattan garden furniture for summer 2025, recommended with expert advice
With summer here, however fleetingly, now is the time to look for the best rattan garden furniture. You'll want garden chairs on the patio, the barbecue going and a bottle of rosé chilling in an ice bucket. Former Telegraph gardening writer Cinead McTernan is a rattan enthusiast. 'My modular corner sofa has absolutely transformed how much we use our outdoor space,' she says. 'I go for synthetic polyethylene rattan because it's so light and easy to look after. A quick blast with a pressure washer at the start of the season and you're ready to go.' As Cinead suggests, synthetic rattan garden furniture is an ideal choice because it's usually more waterproof and sold with a long warranty. Cinead bought her set from Sweeek but there are great selections at Maze and Outsunny among others, ranging from uner £300 to over £2,000. You can find our full reviews of the best rattan garden furniture below, followed by answers to frequently asked questions. But if you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at our top five: The best rattan garden furniture: At a glance How to choose the best rattan furniture There's an assumption that natural rattan is superior, Cinead says, but it's not weatherproof and is only really suitable for sunny days: 'Natural rattan does look more beautiful, but isn't as hard wearing and fades in the sunlight.' PE rattan (polyethylene – also known as synthetic rattan or polyrattan) can shrug off rain, snow and, as long as you give it an occasional light scrub with soapy water, mould and algae. 'The properties of the polymer PE are in between a plastic and a wax,' says Peter Bridgman, founder of Bridgman furniture store, which specialises in rattan furniture. 'That gives it a very natural look and feel. It doesn't look plasticky and it also has no toxins.' For more detail, read the FAQs at the end of this feature. How we chose the best rattan furniture The experts, including The Telegraph's own gardening writer of more than 10 years, Cinead McTernan, were our guide to the quality and durability of rattan furniture, but we also took into consideration affordability, style and a range of uses from sun lounging to outdoor entertaining. All the furniture below is chosen from the respective retailers' most popular products, at a range of budgets. Remember to check out our guides to the best patio heaters and fire pits, too. That way you can enjoy outdoor seating all year round. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our rigorous standards will always help you find the best gardening product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All reviews are based on independent expert opinion or hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best rattan garden furniture of 2025 1. Best Buy Rattan Garden Furniture: La Redoute Natural Rope Lounge Chair and Footstool Set Bucking the trend for polyethylene, La Redoute's light and airy chair-and-footstool set is made of natural rope on a steel frame, with wooden legs. It's not totally weatherproof, more of an indoor-outdoor piece to sit on patios in the summer and in the conservatory or a sunny room in winter. Key specifications 2. Best Value Rattan Furniture Set: Habitat 4 Seater Bamboo Effect Garden Sofa Set £350 Buy now Price at Argos Mid-century modern design (think Frank Sinatra's Palm Springs pad) is normally something you pay a Danish designer thousands of pounds for. Argos have managed it for under £500 with this bamboo-look table and chairs, although it'll need storing inside since the steel legs and polyester cushions won't be fully waterproof. It does need assembling, too — Argos say it requires two people. Argos also make some of the best solar garden lights to add twinkle to late nights al fresco. Key specifications 3. Best Rattan Sofa: OKA Weybourne 3 Seater Sofa Rattan furniture doesn't get much more high-end than OKA and this is the pick of their collection: a sofa big enough to seat you and a couple of friends for cocktails and inexpertly-barbecued sausages as the sun goes down. You'll need a reasonably sized outdoor space but, if you're an OKA customer, that's unlikely to be a problem. Key specifications 4. Best Rattan Bistro Sofa: John Lewis Salsa 2-Seater Garden Sofa, Natural £165 Buy now Price at John Lewis Just right for balconies or small patios, this chic rattan-look sofa has the Royal Horticultural Society's stamp of approval. It uses 3mm round synthetic fibres for a more classic look than flat-woven furniture, and matching chairs are available as a set of two. For a bolder look, choose the burnt orange colourway. Key specifications 5. Best Rattan Dining Set: Dunelm Santorini 4 Seater Conversation Set Good old Dunelm usually know what will suit the average home and garden and they've hit the target with this dining set: big enough to serve a decent meal but small enough to fit in a sunny corner. The inclusion of two tables – one large, one small – makes this set a versatile pick. Key specifications 6. Best Rattan Corner Sofa: DUSK Lisbon 2-Seater Garden Sofa Better known for its bedding, DUSK has launched garden furniture for the first time, debuting with a collection of modular sofas, available in two or three seaters, corner sofas along with pouffes and coffee tables. Every option is available in natural (shown above) or grey. The PE weave rattan is durable while the polyester cushions are finished with a linen effect. It's great value garden furniture and this rattan sofa is cheaper than alternatives of similar quality. Key specifications 7. Best Rattan Hanging Egg Chair: Cox & Cox Paxos Teardrop Hanging Snuggler £397.50 Buy now Price at Cox & Cox Telegraph garden-living expert Sarah Rodrigues loves Cox & Cox: 'Compared to some High Street brands, the prices are steep, but the timelessness of the pieces, combined with the attention to detail and construction, really does make them worth the investment. This year, I have my eye on the Paxos Teardrop Hanging Snuggler. I can just imagine being curled up in its cosy embrace with a book and an Aperol Spritz as the evenings get longer.' Technically, it's made from PE faux wicker, not faux rattan, but that shouldn't rule out this charming chair. Key specifications 8. Best Cube Garden Furniture: Pebble 9 Piece Rattan Cube Garden Furniture Set £429.99 Buy now Price at The Range Can you stack rattan furniture? It's a common question for those worried about storage. This Pebble set, sold by The Range, is designed with that in mind. They've managed to fit four chairs, a table and four stools into a four-foot cube into an implausibly neat configuration, which becomes a generous family seating suite when the chairs and stools are slid out from under the table. Key specifications Assembly required: Yes Materials: UV-resistant poly rattan over steel frame, glass tabletop, showerproof cushions with machine washable covers Dimensions: H73 x W110 x D110cm (table), H84 x W52 x D52cm (chairs), H35 x W41 x D41cm (stools) Delivery: Free delivery in 3 working days or longer 9. Best Outdoor Sofa: Nest Outdoor Sofa 'Right now the trend is for expanding your living space out into the garden,' says Stuart Isbister, who sells these gorgeous Danish-designed Cane-Line sofas. 'The outside becomes an extension of your interior design. Danish designers dominate the scene at the moment.' Although made of PE, the Cane-Line is hand-woven in Indonesia, the original home of rattan, and feels identical to the real thing while being completely weatherproof. Key specifications 10. Best Rattan Moon Chair: Furniture Box Moon Chair Moon chairs, otherwise known as Papasan chairs are perfect for creating a cosy reading nook in the corner of a garden. The tilted angle and thick, plush cushions means total relaxation. This FurnitureBox Moon Chair is made from handwoven wood and rattan over a metal frame. On top sits thick, dark grey cushioning which is 10.5cm thick and more than a metre wide. It curves to your body and there's even room for a spoilt dog or cat in the space next to you. Key specifications 11. Best Rattan Set for Sunbathing: Outsunny 5 Pcs Rattan Garden Furniture Set Brits no longer need to head abroad to catch a tan (as long as we time it right - early and late summer now seem to be the best bet for sun). Just head out to the garden and relax on suitably laid back garden furniture (with sun cream, of course). You'll struggle to find a rattan garden furniture set more versatile than this Outsunny set. It takes the shape of two seats with matching stools and a coffee table in the middle, but the stools can easily be used separately for extra seating. The frame is made from metal wrapped in rattan, for a solid structure, and the cushion covers are washable. Key specifications Assembly required: Yes Materials: PE rattan, steel frames, glass tabletop, polyester cushion covers Dimensions: H75 x W 67 x L71cm (armchairs), H40 x W51 x L67cm (footstools), H42 x W46 x L46cm (table) Delivery: 30 day returns, free standard delivery 13. Best Outdoor Rattan Bar Set: Maze Rattan Winchester Six Seater Round Rattan Bar Set £1,149 Buy now Price at Maze Living Nothing says al fresco living like an outdoor bar and this set from Maze comes complete with an ice bucket in the middle of the table. It adds a bit of fun and luxury into entertaining, whether for a BBQ or evening drinks. The set comes with one bar table, one ice bucket with a rattan lid and six bar chairs, all in the light wash Winchester rattan colouring. The bar stools all have foot rests for added comfort. Key specifications Materials: Polyethylene rattan, powder coated aluminium frames, clear tempered glass top and polyester cushions Dimensions: H108cm x W47cm x D56cm (chairs), H109cm x D120cm (table) Delivery: 14 day returns, free delivery in 7-10 days 14. Best Rattan Garden Storage: Pacific Bermuda Woven Large Garden Cushion Box £549 Buy now Price at John Lewis Where do you store all the cushions for your rattan furniture? You could get a plastic storage bin but this excellently built but lightweight storage holder is a better complement to your table and chairs. It can be left outside all year round, although it's recommended to use an additional storage bag inside it to keep cushions dry. The pistons on either side take the weight of the lid, making it easy to open and close. Key specifications 15. Best Weatherproof Rattan Garden Furniture: Bridgman Windsor Grey Square Dining Table £2,038 Buy now Price at Bridgman We love a rattan garden furniture set as much as anyone, but we can't help but sometimes think they look a bit samey. Our favourite thing about this set from Bridgman is that is provides the bare bones of a set. You can then either add Bridgman's waterproof cushions for an additional £319 or find your own cushions with a splash of colour. Key specifications 16. Best Space-Saving Rattan Garden Furniture Set: Orlando Rattan Garden Vase Set If storing your rattan furniture in the colder months is an issue, you might like this Rattan Garden Vase Set from Rattan Direct which all stacks directly on top of each other when not in use. The chairs stack by flipping one upside down and the table sits on top, creating a vase shape. It also comes with a free outdoor cover, for an extra layer of protection. As if all of this wasn't convenient enough, the chairs come pre-assembled. Key specifications Rattan garden furniture FAQs What is better: rattan or wicker? Trick question. Rattan is the material, wicker is the method. Wicker (from the Old Norse word vika, 'to bend') is the way of forming pliable natural fibres like willow, reed, grass or bark into furniture. In Asia it's often done with the climbing palm rattan. Rattan wicker was so extensively imported in the 19th and 20th centuries from south-east Asia that we ended up using the word generically for woven furniture. Is rattan furniture long-lasting? Most is, but not all. Garden furniture entrepreneur Peter Bridgman says you should beware of cheaper furniture where the synthetic rattan strands have been nailed onto the frame: when the nails rust, they will become weak points. Stuart Isbister, co-founder of outdoor furniture specialists The Worm That Turned, says there is another way to assess rattan furniture: look at the shape of the strands. 'Flat-woven products are lighter and cheaper, but they probably won't last as long as round weave. Flat weave will often sag in when you press your finger against it, particularly if it's hot, since plastic becomes malleable with heat, and in some cases brittle after a year or so.' Is rattan furniture waterproof? Natural rattan definitely isn't. Synthetic is, up to a point: metal parts can still rust and cushions can't usually be left outside. Some can, though, says Stuart Isbister: 'They can now be made from things like textilene, which is an outdoor furnishing fabric. They're a lot softer to the touch and they dry really quickly, so you can leave sofas outside without having to bring the cushions in.' Can rattan garden furniture sit on grass? It's not advised. Garden furniture tends to be heavy, which can weaken the grass beneath it and cause lasting damage. Mould and mildew from wet grass could also cause mould on the rattan, while moisture could cause rust on the metal frame. View the latest deals from John Lewis and La Redoute
Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Ditch the greige rattan – this is the best summer garden furniture (from £50)
There's nothing like the prospect of a sunny weekend to spur you into a garden furniture update. A quick scan on Google will bring up reams of garden chairs and tables, mainly in various shades of greige. The prevailing trend for several years has been for rattan pieces that look as if they have already faded – chosen, perhaps, because they don't fight with the colours of the planting. But high-street retailers are noticing a subtle shift away from muted colours, to pieces altogether bolder and brighter. 'Garden furniture has traditionally leant towards greige and neutral tones, designed to blend quietly into the background,' says Gabrielle Anderson, an outdoor furniture buyer at John Lewis. 'But as customers grow more confident with colour indoors, we're seeing that same boldness extend into outdoor spaces. Rich tones such as terracotta, olive and even vibrant orange can bring a playful energy to the garden, and can complement natural greenery.' Sabina Miller, the buying director at Heal's, agrees: 'The introduction of colour into outdoor settings brings multiple benefits and will offer visual interest year-round, instantly lifting the energy of the space in even the wettest of weathers,' she says. 'As the availability of coloured outdoor furniture has grown, so too has customer demand.' Durability is an important part of outdoor furniture, and is another reason that many of us opt for muted furniture that won't fade in the weather – but today's colourful options boast serious staying power. 'Modern materials and manufacturing innovations have meant that the UK market now offers furniture in a greater variety of colour, textures and designs, while simultaneously providing enhanced durability,' says Miller. 'Modern powder-coated aluminium maintains its colour integrity year after year, while many contemporary outdoor fabrics are woven using recycled plastics and feature UV-resistant properties that preserve their vibrancy over time.' If you feel that greige has had its day in your garden, here's a selection of colourful pieces to lift the mood.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
10 affordable garden buys from Dunelm to make the most of the weather before it disappears - with prices from £7.50
There are many words to describe the UK weather, but predictable is not one of them. Luckily, it's set to be hotting up over the next fortnight (according to the weather app, I take no responsibility if it doesn't), and we've found the best affordable buys for your garden so you can make the most of time spent outside. From ornamental accessories that will certainly wow guests at your next alfresco soiree, to seating options and fire pits that are a must-have for BBQ season, Dunelm has you covered - and in even better news, most of our top picks are available at purse-friendly prices. We don't need to tell you that summer in the UK can be a fleeting occasion, so to make the most of the warm weather, you'll want to add these to cart ASAP. And don't forget to wear your SPF! Dunelm White Festoon Lights 20 Bulbs Planning your next garden party? Set the atmosphere with these string lights, which will bask your garden in a warm light - perfect for evening soirees. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, the lights are mains-operated for a reliable power source, and add the perfect finishing touch to your outdoor space. £7.50 Shop Dunelm Shell Citronella Multi Wick Outdoor Candle Perhaps one of the only negatives about the summer season is the annoying mosquitoes and other insects that the warm weather brings with it. Acting as a natural insect repellant. the citrus scent will help dispel any unwanted guests, while the adorable shell design will bring a coastal feel into your outdoor space. Win win! £8 Shop Dunelm Sun Embellished Multicolour Outdoor Square Colour Cushion A must-have on my summer wishlist, this cushion looks far more expensive than it is, and adds a touch of colour and whimsy to any outdoor space. The ideal accessory for your outdoor seating, the embroidered sun design adds charm to your outdoor seating, patio or balcony, plus, the design is splash-proof for easy maintenance. £14 Shop Dunelm Verona 60cm Fire Basket Make like the Love Islanders and gather round the firepit with this pocket-friendly fire basket, which is an excellent addition to any garden (and a must-have for cooler evenings). Hand-crafted from durable steel ensuring your new addition will stand the test of time, the bowl can be used as both a heat and light source (to keep the party going way beyond sunset), or even a grill - the choice is yours. £52 Shop Dunelm Windsor 4 Seater Conversation Set Make the most out of WFH days and weekends with this stylish and comfortable seat and coffee table set, consisting of a two-seater sofa, two chairs and steel table. Crafted from weather-resistant materials for excellent durability, the attractive set makes for memorable conversations or a great space for alfresco 'working', and the sleek, contrasting design adds an elevated feel to any garden. £399 Shop Dunelm Verdi Drinks Trolley A great addition for summer soirees, this drinks trolley ensures you have everything you need on hand for the perfect cocktail without going back and forth to the kitchen. Made from 100 per cent Eucalyptus wood for a vintage yet luxury feel, the trolley boasts two levels of storage space for your favourite liqueurs, garnishes and glasses. We love! £103.20 Shop Dunelm Artificial Lavender in Wall Mounted Planter If, no matter how hard you try, plants end up less than perfect under your supervision, it might be time to call in some artificial assistance. This artificial lavender planter has a realistic look to it, and can be mounted on to exterior walls to create an enchanting display that you'll actually want to take credit for. Plus, its robust materials will help to protect it from any unexpected spells of rain, too. £12 Shop Dunelm furn. Psyc Jungle Pink Washable Indoor Outdoor Rug Add a playful touch to your outdoor space with this fuchsia, tropical print rug that has been expertly crafted to withstand the elements. Both lightweight and foldable, the rug can be used both indoors and outdoors and is lightweight enough that it can be easily moved, and customers have noted they have received 'many compliments' on the design. £48 Shop Dunelm Country Arched Window Indoor Outdoor Wall Mirror If you're looking to achieve a contemporary feel with your outdoor space, this mirror will help you do just that. The timeless, window-effect design can be mounted to exterior walls thanks to the keyhole hook, and customers have even noted that it makes their garden 'look bigger' and 'opens up outdoor spaces'. £44 Shop Dunelm Fallen Fruits Fly Agaric Bird Feeder For nature lovers who want to welcome new guests into their outdoor space, this is a must-have. With a whimsical mushroom-inspired design that instantly adds a touch of charm, the feeder has been created specifically for peanut feeding, and is sure to make your garden the garden of choice for a number of winged friends. £9 Shop
