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Including small outdoor sofas, garden corner sofas and rattan garden sofas... Rattan Chair
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
Nailing the smart casual aesthetic to perfection, this beautiful rattan sofa is perfect for relaxed lounging in your garden. We love the clean silhouette and padded seat and back cushions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In cream and acacia wood, this outdoor sofa from Garden Trading is perfect for smaller spaces. It boasts five scatter cushions, an oak-wash oiled finish and polyrope backing. Gorgeous!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 is the Senior Digital Writer at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
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 makeovers (who doesn't love a before & after?), as well as the hottest and most unique properties on the market.
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