When the weather gets warmer, your patio suddenly becomes your living room (or at least, it should). That's why the furniture pieces you pick for this space deserve to be selected with just as much care and attention as you'd spend on those inside. But the one that calls for the most consideration? Your outdoor sofa.
An outdoor sofa is really just the same as the one in your living room — only outdoors. In both spaces, it's a key feature — it's big and can control the entire design of the space, and, on top of that, it's a piece that gets a lot of use.
Since the best outdoor furniture blends indoor and outdoor living, don't feel like you have to commit to a poky, plastic design anymore. No, these days, an outdoor sofa can blend durability with comfort and style. They're plusher, prettier, and pieces you can be proud of.
Remember, your patio isn't just the space outside of your home, it is your home, so decorate it just as you would anywhere else. To help you set the right tone in your outdoor area, find six stunning outdoor sofas to shop below.
If you want to create a modern atmosphere in your patio that mimics the look of your modern living room, opt for an outdoor sofa like this design. Its sleek powder-coated aluminum frame promises durability, and its UV- and water-resistant cushions ensure utmost comfort. Its overall design will add a stylish look to your patio and maintain the level of modern flair that you've curated indoors.
In my opinion, stripes are a mood boosting pattern and striped outdoor furniture is all the rage right now. Just look at this garden sofa by Joss & Main. Unlike other outdoor sofas, this one is covered in a fabric — which, yes, could cause some hesitation. But, it's a Sunbrella fabric, so you can rest assured it will stay clean and withstand weather for years to come. On top of that, this garden sofa is actually modular, so you can split it apart or rearrange it to fit your space.
This outdoor sectional was made for ultimate relaxation. Its low-set seat puts a modern twist on outdoor furniture and will bring a sophisticated style to your patio design. With its mahogany wood and aluminum frame, it's durable and strong and comes complete with comfortable fabric cushions that feature a contrast trim, as well as bolster-style back cushions for a more contemporary look.
Rope is such a summertime detail that works perfectly for furniture designed for an outdoor space. On this outdoor sofa, the durable woven rope detail around the steel frame creates a textured look, while the seat is made from sturdy acacia and topped with weather-resistant cushions. The subtle, rounded shape and light coloring of this sofa add to its organic nature, making it a great choice for a contemporary backyard.
This outdoor sectional will give your indoor sofa a run for its money. Its design is long and low — a trend that we've been loving for furniture right now. It's made from strong acacia that'll age gracefully while maintaining its durability. On top, the couch features foam-padded, weather-resistant cushions that ensure utmost comfort. The perfect choice for those looking for stylish corner seating or a shape to zone their space.
This outdoor sofa is effortlessly elegant. It features an aluminum frame that's covered by woven wicker, which wraps along the back and curves on top of the armrests. As for the cushions, they're made from foam covered in Olefin — a strong fabric that is ideal for outdoors because of its exceptional durability. As an added bonus, this sofa comes with a matching ottoman — with the cushion on, it can serve as a footrest, but take the cushion off, and you'll have a sleek coffee table for your patio.
FAQs
The best material for outdoor sofas?
It's important to do lots of research before choosing your outdoor sofa. Think about the climate where you live and what types of weather you frequently experience. This will help you decide what material is best for your sofa (and all furniture, really).
"In general, materials like teak, resin-coated wicker and rattan, powder-coated aluminum, and wrought iron are going to be solid choices for outdoor sofa frames," interior designer Kathy Kuo explains. These materials guarantee durability and longevity. They can also be used to create very stylish pieces of furniture for your outdoor space.
As for seat cushions, look for fabrics that are water- and UV-resistant. Sunbrella is a tried-and-true choice when it comes to outdoor cushions, Kathy attests.
If possible, it's best to choose outdoor sofas where seat cushions can be easily removed and brought inside for off-season storage. This way, they can maintain their fresh and clean appearance year after year.
How to style an outdoor sofa?
Treat your patio like your living room, and position your sofa in a place that makes sense for the flow of the area — perhaps against a wall, fence, or maybe somewhere that will help to zone a more open-plan area.
In terms of styling, Kathy says to "Approach outdoor sofa styling the same way that you would your indoor sofa — with intention and personality!"
Throw pillows can instantly update an outdoor sofa, and you could even add a blanket basket to make it feel more like a living room inside.
If you're now sold on a garden sofa, you might also want to complete the look with one of our favorite outdoor pool loungers or outdoor bar carts for the ultimate hosting oasis.
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