An outdoor sofa sets the scene and elevates your space for relaxing and lounging or entertaining family and friends. Bringing the inside out has become quite literal in recent years thanks to an increased focus on outdoor living, which has given way to this idea of creating an outdoor living room – mimicking all the furniture and accessories that we love indoors, but bringing it out into the garden.
It makes sense that an outdoor sofa is a priority in creating this 'fifth room', and there's no better time than now (at the height of summer) to invest in one.
From garden corner sofas to garden sofa sets with matching tables, an outdoor sofa will really become the focal point of your space. While other garden furniture, such as sun loungers or day beds, are just as comfortable, an outdoor sofa provides ample space, which is especially ideal if you love to entertain.
Modular Sofa - Best Garden Sofa
Sofa Club Somerset Outdoor Sofa
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Corner Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Dunelm Ibiza 5 Seater Corner Sofa Set
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Rattan Garden Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Aventine 2-Seater Sofa - Driftwood
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Grey Outdoor Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Sintra Outdoor Corner Sofa in Grey
£2,085 at housebeautiful.co.uk
£2,085 at housebeautiful.co.uk
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Weave Garden Sofa Set - Best Outdoor Sofa
Rowlinson Bunbury Sofa Set Grey Weave
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Sustainable Rattan Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Ledbury Lloyd Loom Sofa
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Metal Garden Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
M&S Collection Melbourne 6 Seater Garden Corner Sofa Set
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Corner Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Lisbon L-Shape Corner Wooden Garden Lounge Sofa with Table
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Blue Garden Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Capri Garden Sofa
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Outdoor sofa for 2 people - Best Outdoor Sofa
Colwell 2 Seater Sofa
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There are, of course, many outdoor sofa styles and designs to choose from: A garden corner sofa is great for maximising space and putting against a wall or fence, a smaller bench-style sofa is ideal for compact spaces, while a rattan garden sofa can work for any size garden but is ideal for contemporary spaces.
What is the best material for an outdoor sofa?
Of all the possible wood choices for outdoor furniture, teak is the most highly recommended. Considered to be one of the strongest woods, it's incredibly durable, and resistant to rotting and warping. Meanwhile, steel and aluminium are two of the metals used most often. Aluminium is far lighter than steel or iron, and is also very durable. The main advantage of using wrought iron is its strength, although it can be very expensive.
'We shouldn't have to compromise when using fabrics outside. Long gone are the days of slippery nylon cushions and covers,' says David Harris, design director at Andrew Martin. 'Now there is a whole host of luxurious and well-designed fabrics that can be used. Outdoor weaves and eco digital prints all perform incredibly well against light and fading, and they can withstand a shower or two as well.'
When it comes to choosing outdoor sofa cushions, David suggests looking for styles filled with hollow-fibre lightweight pads which won't get sodden in a shower.
The main thing to remember is that a garden sofa should be just as comfortable as an indoor one, but made with water-resistant materials instead. And while you'll want to make sure it's comfortable, you also want the sofa to stand the test of time.
Can I leave my outdoor furniture outside during winter?
Outdoor furnishings, including outdoor sofas, should be stored and protected during harsh weather. Metal, wood and wicker furniture could either be stored inside (if you have the space) or left outside with protective covers on top. While many top-quality outdoor sofas are made to withstand the elements, it doesn't hurt to take extra precautions to prevent wear and tear.
Browse a selection of stylish outdoor sofas below...
Modular Sofa - Best Garden Sofa
Sofa Club Somerset Outdoor Sofa
Sofa Club’s corner sofa set is an investment, even with the £379 discount, but isn’t it gorgeous? It offers ample room for guests, or provides a place for you to stretch out and snooze. You can easily arrange its modular design to suit the layout of your patio or garden too. Additional pieces are available here.
It's made from weather-resistant polyester and aluminium, but a waterproof cover is included to protect it during bad weather. It comes in two colours.
We love this five-seater corner sofa set from Dunelm. Perfect for bigger gatherings, it comes with one two-seater sofa, one three-seater, and one table. Made from synthetic wood and aluminium, we think it would boost the appeal of every outdoor space.
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Grey Outdoor Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Sintra Outdoor Corner Sofa in Grey
Grey Outdoor Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Sintra Outdoor Corner Sofa in Grey
Now 20% Off
£2,085 at housebeautiful.co.uk
A stylish option from our very own House Beautiful Marketplace, this outdoor corner sofa will upgrade any sunny afternoon. It has an aluminium frame with a teak trim on the arms, and smart grey cushions.
Weave Garden Sofa Set - Best Outdoor Sofa
Rowlinson Bunbury Sofa Set Grey Weave
Weave Garden Sofa Set - Best Outdoor Sofa
Rowlinson Bunbury Sofa Set Grey Weave
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Ideal for your patio or conservatory, this set includes a two-seater sofa and two armchairs, complete with plush cushions and a frosted glass table. It'll make a stylish – and comfortable – addition to your outdoor space.
Sustainable Rattan Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Ledbury Lloyd Loom Sofa
Sustainable Rattan Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Ledbury Lloyd Loom Sofa
Handcrafted from sustainable rattan, this Lloyd Loom-style sofa is perfect for outdoor spaces or garden rooms. The soft, moss green finish is the perfect nod to nature and the feet is fitted with nylon glides to protect your floor.
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Metal Garden Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
M&S Collection Melbourne 6 Seater Garden Corner Sofa Set
Metal Garden Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
M&S Collection Melbourne 6 Seater Garden Corner Sofa Set
Bring comfort, style and relaxation to your outdoor space with this garden sofa. The painted metal construction ensures durability, while the removable cushions create the ultimate spot to relax.
Corner Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Lisbon L-Shape Corner Wooden Garden Lounge Sofa with Table
Corner Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Lisbon L-Shape Corner Wooden Garden Lounge Sofa with Table
Now 20% Off
Jazz up your outdoor space with this luxurious corner sofa set. Designed with traditional gardens in mind, it features a lovely Acacia frame, grey cushions and a practical coffee table. It's ideal to consider if you're blessed with a larger patio space.
We really like this contemporary garden sofa, made with a solid teak frame and a handwoven faux rattan. The navy blue colourway is particularly striking. It's also available in grey and matching pieces are available too.
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Neat Garden Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Provence 4 - Person Seating Group with Cushions
Neat Garden Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Provence 4 - Person Seating Group with Cushions
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This neat, compact charcoal garden sofa boasts an elegant plastic rattan-wicker design. Durable, weatherproof and fade-free, you can enjoy endless hours of lounging on this. It comfortably fits four people and comes with a table for drinks.
Stylish Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
John Lewis 2-Seat Garden Sofa, Black/Grey
Stylish Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
John Lewis 2-Seat Garden Sofa, Black/Grey
Traditional rattan garden furniture gets a stylish upgrade with this two-seater outdoor sofa. Handwoven with a synthetic weave on powder-coated metal frames, this sofa is designed for comfort with sumptuous shower-resistant cushioning.
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Rattan Garden Corner Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Habitat Mini Corner Sofa Set with Storage - Brown
Rattan Garden Corner Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Habitat Mini Corner Sofa Set with Storage - Brown
Providing a cosy spot to sit outside, this corner sofa set with a multifunctional coffee table/stool comes with cream cushions for ultimate comfort. Lift the stool lid for hidden storage.
Rattan Corner Garden Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Alexandria Grey Rattan Garden Corner Sofa Set
Rattan Corner Garden Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Alexandria Grey Rattan Garden Corner Sofa Set
Now 22% Off
One of Homebase's bestsellers, this wicker sofa set is a stylish piece for your garden or patio, even if space is at a premium. Comfortably seating four, it includes a coffee table and plush grey cushions.
Affordable Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
John Lewis Salsa 2-Seater Garden Sofa
Affordable Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
John Lewis Salsa 2-Seater Garden Sofa
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You don't have to spend a fortune on a garden sofa. This style from John Lewis, available in three colours, features an updated rattan design. Layer with a seat pad for extra comfort.
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PE Rattan Garden Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Dakota Fields Keana Rattan 4 - Person Seating Group with Cushions
PE Rattan Garden Sofa - Best Outdoor Sofa
Dakota Fields Keana Rattan 4 - Person Seating Group with Cushions
This corner set, made from high-quality PE rattan, comes with a corner side table (with hidden storage) and coffee table, making it great for summer entertaining.
4 Seater Garden Sofa Set - Best Outdoor Sofa
Habitat 4 Seater Bamboo Effect Garden Sofa Set
4 Seater Garden Sofa Set - Best Outdoor Sofa
Habitat 4 Seater Bamboo Effect Garden Sofa Set
Now 20% Off
A stylish choice to suit all gardens, we love the modern rattan twists on this outdoor sofa. It also comes with two matching chairs and a glass-topped side table, perfect for drinks and snacks.
Garden Sofa Set - Best Outdoor Sofa
Garden Gear California Rattan Sofa with Canopy
Garden Sofa Set - Best Outdoor Sofa
Garden Gear California Rattan Sofa with Canopy
With a practical canopy, this rattan corner sofa provides a relaxing spot to unwind after a long day. The set includes one large sofa with a retractable canopy, two chairs, one stool and one U-shaped table with a tempered glass top. Bonus: it also fits together to create a day bed.
Lisa Joyner
Senior Digital Writer, House Beautiful and Country Living
Lisa Joyner is the Senior Digital Writer at House Beautiful UK and , where she's busy writing about home and interiors, , , pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for , and magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
Olivia Heath
Executive Digital Editor, House Beautiful UK
Olivia Heath is the Executive Digital Editor at House Beautiful UK, covering tomorrow's biggest interior design trends and revealing the best tips, tricks and hacks to help you decorate your home like a pro. Week by week Olivia shares the most stylish high street buys to help you get the look for less and showcases the best makeovers (who doesn't love a before & after?), as well as the hottest and most unique properties on the market.