In October 2006, Ocean Designs was launched with a simple goal: create beautiful, high quality furniture that people genuinely love living with.
Twenty years later, that goal remains exactly the same.
Founded by Nigel Hampson, who brought with him a strong background in furniture and textiles, Ocean Designs began with expertise in hand woven products. That knowledge translated perfectly into synthetic woven rattan, just as outdoor living was starting to evolve into something more sophisticated.
What began with conservatory cane furniture, built to a comfortable lounge standard, naturally progressed into high quality outdoor furniture designed to look and feel just as good as anything inside the home.
Over the years, that progression has continued. Today Ocean Designs offers not only woven and aluminium garden furniture, but pergolas and, new for 2026, outdoor kitchens.
Built on Experience, Grown Through Partnerships
From the very beginning, Ocean Designs focused on quality and long term relationships.
Working with some of the largest and most respected outdoor furniture manufacturers in Europe has allowed the business to open up the UK market to exceptional brands. Partnerships have included Jati and Kebon, Glatz, Domus Ventures and more recently Garden Impressions, Europe’s largest outdoor furniture manufacturer.
These relationships have allowed Ocean Designs to stay ahead of trends, respond to changing materials and styles, and consistently introduce new products year after year.
As the market grew, demand increased not just for traditional woven pieces but more contemporary and longer lasting aluminium designs. Customer expectations evolved. Outdoor spaces became extensions of the home. Ocean Designs evolved alongside them.
Adapting to a Changing Market
Like many retail businesses, Ocean Designs has adapted as buying habits have changed.
In 2009, a High Street showroom opened, offering customers the opportunity to see and experience the furniture in person. As online buying trends accelerated, particularly during the pandemic, the business shifted again. Pop up shows across the country brought the showroom directly to customers’ doorsteps, meeting people where they were.
During COVID, while many businesses struggled, Ocean Designs continued to serve customers who were spending more time at home and investing in their outdoor spaces. The ability to adapt quickly and remain service focused became one of the company’s proudest achievements.
A True One Stop Shop for Outdoor Living
What started as conservatory furniture has grown into a complete outdoor living offering.
Today Ocean Designs provides:
- Garden furniture in woven and aluminium designs
- Pergolas in eight different styles and multiple sizes
- Outdoor kitchens with flexible unit layouts and configurations
- Parasols from premium European brands
- Outdoor heaters, cushions, storage boxes, side tables and lighting
Everything needed to create a cohesive and practical outdoor space.
The focus has always been on giving customers choice, while maintaining competitive pricing and high standards of quality.
Sustainability and Looking Forward
As materials and manufacturing techniques have developed, sustainability has become increasingly important. Ocean Designs has embraced recycled materials, forward thinking aesthetics and more environmentally conscious production methods through its European partnerships.
The business continues to expand its product range while staying true to its original principle: well made furniture, designed to last, offered at fair prices.
A 20 Year Timeline
- 2006 – Ocean Designs launches
- 2006 – Conservatory cane furniture collection
- 2009 – High Street showroom opens
- 2009 – Partnership with Glatz Parasols, Europe’s leading parasol manufacturer
- 2010 – Expansion into outdoor woven furniture
- 2011 – Domus Ventures partnership as sole UK distributor
- 2016 – Jati and Kebon partnership, responding to rising demand for aluminium furniture
- 2019 – Garden Impressions partnership, Europe’s largest outdoor furniture manufacturer
- 2022 – Introduction of eight pergola styles
- 2026 – Launch of two outdoor kitchen ranges
Still Growing After 20 Years
The outdoor furniture market has seen significant change over the last two decades. Many businesses have struggled. Consumer habits have shifted. Competition has intensified.
Ocean Designs is proud not only to have remained standing, but to have continued expanding, progressing and refining its offer.
Twenty years on from that October launch in 2006, the business remains focused on what it does best: providing customers across the UK with affordable, high quality outdoor living solutions that feel as good as they look.
Here’s to the next chapter.