Spending time outdoors is something most of us like to do when the weather's good, but you might find that traditional outdoor furniture isn't quite as comfortable as your interior decor, making it a little harder to truly relax in your backyard space.
However, in recent years, clever outdoor textiles have become softer to the touch, and now there's a whole new world of brilliantly cozy outdoor sofas from the best outdoor furniture brands making use of them that mean you can turn your backyard into a real outdoor living room. Here are 10 of the best.
10 of the best outdoor sofas
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From modular sofas that can be used to create your own bespoke seating arrangements to on-trend wicker and affordable loveseats, here are 10 of the very best outdoor sofas on our radar right now.
Best modular outdoor sofas
Modular outdoor sofas are systems that allow you to build your perfect seating arrangement by piecing together individual elements. They often include armchairs, too, so that you can round out your outdoor seating in a cohesive way.
While it's best to store this modular sofa indoors in rainy and cold climates, this design is covered in olefin knitted textile, which makes it super soft but durable outdoors.
With plump, removable cushions and a black aluminium frame, this outdoor corner sofas looks as comfortable as it does modern, laidback yet refined.
The best thing about opting for a a modular sofa set like this one from Target isn't the price, it's that you get a readymade seating area all-in-one, coffee table included.
Best wicker sofas
Wicker gets a bit of a bad rap for outdoor furniture, and yes, while some examples of this type of outdoor sofa can feel a little dated, there are plenty of designs that use wicker, rattan and more in modern, interesting ways.
This lightweight patio set has a charming bohemian vibe, while feeling modern enough to work on any kind of contemporary patio or deck.
This interesting modern loveseat is a bold take on the wicker sofa, but would make a brilliant focal point for your outdoor seating area.
Combining wicker with acacia gives this outdoor corner sofa an interesting materiality, and undoubtedly feels like a more luxurious take on standard rattan furniture.
Best outdoor love seats
Loveseats aren't only a better fit for small backyards, but they're also often more budget-friendly, too. Here are three that are perfect for compact spaces, while bringing a taste of the luxuriousness of an outdoor sofa.
This Adirondack-style loveseat is far more comfortable and cool than its $185 price tag. It'll be perfectly at home on the patio of a minimalist backyard.
A sunny yellow aluminum loveseat, this design by interior designers the Novogratz just needs a few of your favorite outdoor throw pillows to be a colorful, comfortable addition to your backyard.
This outdoor sofa by Emma & Oliver has the sense of a much more expensive couch, but costs just over $350. With its beige upholstery, it's on trend for a modern backyard design.
What's trending in outdoor sofas?
As outdoor textiles evolve, furniture that doesn't look or feel like traditional outdoor furniture is becoming a huge trend for patios and decks. Think plump, fully-upholstered sofas and textiles you wouldn't expect to see outside.
'Deep and comfy sectionals with great lines and great fabrics like boucle and linen-like materials are now possible for outdoor upholstery,' explains interior designer Amy Kalikow (opens in new tab). 'Rounded sofas, creatively designed chairs, and unique coffee tables in concrete or stone are all possible to help make outdoor living as great as indoors.’
Best indoor/outdoor sofa
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