The best outdoor sofas for relaxed summer days

Having a comfortable garden sofa is one of the best ways to create a relaxing environment in your outdoor space and soak up warm sunny weather when it comes around.

While you could opt for a luxurious garden day bed (see our buyers guide to find the best on the market), an outdoor sofa is a versatile choice. Sit out in the summer sun with a good book or entertain friends and family around the BBQ or firepit. Choose a sizeable sofa and you could even stretch out for an afternoon nap.

13 of the best outdoor sofas for any garden

We’ve scoured the internet to find the best outdoor sofas across a range of different sizes and styles. Here are some of our favourites.

Emerson Garden Sofa

Buy from Rowan & Wren (£1,998.00)

With its cheerful red and white striped cushions and timeless wooden frame, Rowan & Wren's Emerson sofa is a real favourite of ours at the moment. It's made with solid FSC-certified teak, which will last for decades with the right care.

You can also buy the sofa with natural-toned cushions for a neutral look, but we love the vintage-inspired red stripe version, which perfectly taps into the current 'unexpected red' trend.

HAY Palissade Garden Lounge Sofa

Buy from Holloways of Ludlow (£840.65)

Hay's Palissade range of furniture seems to be having a bit of a moment, found in many of the gardens we feature at Gardens Illustrated. With its minimalist silhouettes and selection of sophisticated colourways, these pieces suit gardens of all sizes and styles. For added comfort, buy the matching seat cushion.

Don't miss our feature on why Hay Palissade is just so popular to find our favourite pieces and the lookalikes we've found across a range of price points.

Maze Eve Grande Corner Sofa Group

Maze stocks a beautiful selection of sleek, modern garden sofas like this one, which comes with a matching armchair and fire pit.

Unlike most outdoor sofas, this one comes with built-in cushions, made from UV- and water-resistant fabric, so it should stay looking smart when left out all year round.

We love this light-toned set, but you can also buy the same sofa in grey if you want to create a darker scheme.

John Lewis Squiggle 2-Seater Garden Sofa

With its sweet wavy backrest, striped cushion covers and warm-toned acacia wood frame, this outdoor sofa would look lovely nestled amongst shrubs or tucked into garden nooks. Its whimsical design makes it perfect for period homes and cottage gardens.

The sofa includes FSC-certified wood and shower-resistant cushions.

Jonah Garden Sofa

Buy from Made.com (£825.00)

With its angled metal legs and mid-century look, this rattan outdoor sofa gives a nod to chic retro furniture pieces.

Thanks to the single seat cushion, the three-person sofa has a minimalist design to create a characterful yet uncluttered look on any patio or terrace.

Part of a larger collection, this steel and polyrattan sofa belongs to one of Made.com’s outdoor sofa sets. Pair it with the matching armchair or two-seater lounger for a cohesive look.

Alternatively, buy the garden sofa in dark grey if you have a more modern or industrial-style home.

Kettler Palma sofa

Looking for the ultimate outdoor comfort? The sumptuous, weatherproof Palma three-seater sofa is constructed from a beautiful white wash UV resistant wicker.

Buy it alongside other furniture pieces from Kettler's Palma range or choose a set for a stylish set-up.

Harting Sofa

Buy from Garden Trading (£1,300.00)

For a rattan outdoor sofa with a slightly more elevated look than the many minimal models out there, try the Harting from Garden Trading. Design details include linen-look, charcoal-toned cushions and coiled rattan edging around the base and sides of the frame.

As this garden sofa is designed to survive the odd spot of rain, it comes with showerproof seat pads. The PE rattan is also a long-lasting material, as it stands up to poor weather conditions, UV rays and mould.

Argos Home Lexy Rattan Garden Sofa Set

Buy from Argos (£399.00)

With its airy rattan weave and egg-shaped seating, this collection is one of the best outdoor sofa sets for modern or bohemian home styles.

Thanks to the simple woven design, each piece is lightweight and easy to move around the garden, so you can follow the sun - or shade! - on warm days.

Alongside the two-seater sofa, the garden set includes two matching chairs, seven cushions and a glass-top table, perfect for storing books, snacks or your morning coffee. Just add a tabletop patio heater for a cosy glow in the evenings.

Vichy Corner Set

Buy from Cox & Cox (£1,795.00)

Featuring a simple ‘slatted’ frame, this outdoor sofa set from Cox & Cox has a neat design to keep your patio looking smart. It comes with plush, dew-resistant cushions and a matching coffee table - ideal for popping down your drinks, books or even a portable table lamp.

As for the construction, you’ll get a honey-toned acacia wood base and contrasting metal feet for sleek style.

Hampstead Corner Sofa

This Scandi-style set makes it onto our list of the best outdoor sofas because of its fully weatherproof design. Crafted from hand-wrapped PE ‘bamboo’, with a steel frame and legs, it’ll stand up to all weather conditions.

Also included in the set are three comfy seat pads and six back cushions, all in a light, neutral tone to match the rest of your garden furniture and accessories. Just drape a garden blanket over the top for extra cosiness on chilly evenings.

If you like the Hampstead Corner Sofa, why not complement it with the matching armchair, ‘scoop’ chair or coffee table?

Outsunny Wicker Rattan Sofa

Stylish and hardwearing, faux rattan outdoor sofas are always a popular choice. This one is made with durable, UV-resistant ‘wicker rattan’ in a versatile grey/brown tone to suit most outdoor spaces.

Designed to withstand light showers, the zip-up cushion covers are also water-resistant, and you can easily clean them by removing the pads inside. The seat cushion is 10cm thick, while the back support has 8cm of padding, so this is a comfortable garden sofa for days spent outdoors.

As you’d expect, the frame is made from galvanised and powder-coated steel, making this a long-lasting garden sofa.

We've rounded up more of our favourite rattan garden furniture in our standalone guide. Check it out for more beautiful furniture pieces.

Curved Splash Lounge

Buy from Gaze Burvill (£6,540.00)

For top-quality craftsmanship and adaptability, you can’t go wrong with this curved outdoor sofa from Gaze Burvill.

The makers steam-bend oak to create the beautiful arc shape of each modular seat. You can keep them separate as a unique sofa or combine them to form an almost complete circle.

As this sofa has enough room to fit a large group of family and friends, it’s perfect for entertaining around the matching table or a cosy firepit. Quick-dry cushions complete the package; you can either accept the white covers included as standard or choose your own fabric.

Bramblecrest Chedworth Deluxe Recliner Set

Buy from Garden Furniture World (£899.10)

Want something with a little more of a classic design? The Bramblecrest Chedworth deluxe recliner set in sandstone, offers adjustable high back, reclining chairs, constructed from a quality sandstone weave and each with their own padded footstool. This deluxe set also includes a ceramic topped high coffee table to complete this durable outdoor seating set.

Outdoor sofa cushions

Buying your own cushions is a quick and easy way to add extra comfort and style to your garden sofa. Here are some of the most versatile options available to buy today.

Plain Garden Cushion

Measuring 50cm across, this cushion is a great size for outdoor lounging. It comes in a range of colours, including greige, red and blue.

furn. Dunes Outdoor Cushion

The terracotta colour and white detailing make this outdoor cushion a stylish choice that'll fit into lots of different schemes.

For more options, it's worth checking other outdoor cushions at Furn and Dunelm, which both have a big selection.

Striped Garden Cushion

This nautical-themed cushion is perfect for coastal or riverside gardens. It's made with water-repellent fabric and has a plain cream-coloured underside.

To add an extra luxurious touch to your garden, have you ever thought of creating an outdoor bath? We've found the best bath tubs to install amongst shrubs and plants for a truly relaxing soak.