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What’s your current patio setup? Mine is a sleek outdoor dining set, which I’ve raved about…and a pair of wood Adirondack chairs that are falling apart. I’m sorely lacking lounge seating that can properly withstand the weather, not to mention something that’s comfortable for longer than 30 minutes. In other words, a really good outdoor sofa. Below, I’m sharing the fruits of my hours-long research. This is my unofficial list of the best outdoor sofas on the market right now, organized by frame type: wicker/rattan, wood, metal, and upholstered (aka no frame at all). Oh, and scroll to the very end for a few standouts that don’t fit into any box, which earns them extra points in my eyes.
The Best Wicker Outdoor Sofas
Rattan, a natural material, adds the same instant warmth to a patio as it does inside. But the real deal is pretty rare outdoors—only two of these styles, the Natura and the Haviland, are made of it (and therefore should be protected by furniture covers when not in use). The rest are actually “all-weather rattan,” a woven waterproof plastic that gives you a similar look but with less maintenance.
Best Wood Outdoor Sofas
Wood outdoor sofas have the most range—you can lean traditional, Scandi minimalist, or rustic modern depending on the silhouette. Material-wise, you’re probably picturing teak, but don’t discount the other species that show up on this list. Eucalyptus, Iroko, and mahogany are also known for their natural resistance to the elements.
Best Metal Outdoor Sofas
We’ve come a long way from formal wrought iron scrollwork. These days, metal outdoor sofas run the gamut, from romantic scalloped steel to chunky matte aluminum. As these choices show, the key to softening the clean lines of the frame is generously-sized cushions.
Best Upholstered Outdoor Sofas
If you fell hard for RH’s Insta-famous Cloud sofa a few years back, these picks are the outdoor equivalent. Pillowy, puffy, and essentially frameless, it’s hard to believe they’re also fade-resistant and quick-drying. Bonus: Most have removable slipcovers you can throw in the wash (the only one that doesn’t is the Muse).
Best Outside-the-Box Outdoor Sofas
Three options that defy my neat categorization, pushing the boundaries on what an outdoor sofa can be. Shore Studios covered marine-grade foam with its signature woven silicone, Galanter & Jones has figured out how to rig lightweight cast stone with radiant heat, and I just discovered that Faye Toogood’s iconic Roly Poly seating, crafted of molded plastic, can go inside or out.
