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.

9 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.

Vonhaus Garden Sofa Pod

With its unusual curved structure, this garden ‘pod’ from Vonhaus is a stylish seating option. It has a sturdy powder-coated steel frame, finished with PE rattan woven in an elegant chevron pattern.

Like many of the best outdoor sofas, this model is simple to set up, as it comes with a seat pad and extra back cushions included. You won’t need to worry about buying extras separately.

Either nestle this garden sofa among trees and shrubs to create a cosy reading nook or give it pride of place on your patio as an eye-catching statement piece.

Alif Garden Corner Sofa

• Buy now from Made.com (£1,550.00)

Made.com stocks a beautiful selection of sleek, modern garden sofas like this one, which seats up to six people. While lots of other models are made from hard-wearing plastic, this corner set is crafted from natural eucalyptus wood.

The design includes two useful tables at either end of the comfortable garden sofa - ideal for popping down your drinks, books or even a portable table lamp.

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

Jonah Garden Sofa

• Buy now 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.

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.

The Kettler Palma Luxe 2 seater sofa set

• Buy now from The Garden furniture & Interiors Co (£2,159)

Looking for the ultimate outdoor comfort? The sumptuous, weatherproof Palma Luxe 2 seater sofa set is constructed from a beautiful white wash UV resistant wicker. Complete with two armchairs a two seater sofa and a glass topped coffee table, this set also comes with a full set of stain and shower resistant cushions.

Harting Sofa

• Buy now 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 now from Argos (£750.00)

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.

Bramblecrest Chedworth Deluxe Recliner Set

• Buy now from The Garden Furniture & Interiors Co (£1,435)

Wanting 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.

Vichy Corner Set

• Buy now from Cox & Cox (£1,650.00)

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 a matching coffee table, as well as plush, dew-resistant cushions along the length of the comfortable garden sofa.

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

Hampstead Corner Sofa Natural

• Buy now from Olivia's (£1,700.00)

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?

Curved Splash Lounge

• Buy now 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.

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 43cm across, this cushion is a great size for most outdoor furniture pieces. It comes in a range of colours, including green and blue.

Indoor Outdoor Woven Leaf Cushion

• Buy now from Cox & Cox (£40.00)

The textured fabric and white embroidered palm leaves make this outdoor cushion a timeless accessory.

Striped Garden Cushion

• Buy now from John Lewis & Partners (£12.00)

This nautical-themed cushion is perfect for coastal or riverside gardens. One side features thick stripes and the other thin, so you can flip it over when you fancy a change.

Looking for more beautiful furniture pieces? See our favourite rattan garden furniture.