Looking for outdoor sofa ideas so you can make your outside space as comfortable, stylish and cosy as your indoor living space? With everything from corner sofas and hanging sofas to dining sofas and even fire pits sets available, the options for you to up the comfort factor outdoors are endless.
Like all garden furniture ideas, the type of sofa that will work in your garden will of course depend on the space you have available. You’ll want a design that’s big enough to encourage some serious summer lounging, but not so big that it dominates your patio and leaves little room for anything else in your garden.
You’ll also need to consider the materials you choose for your outdoor sofa ideas carefully. If you go for wooden designs, are you happy to have some level of ongoing maintenance to keep it looking good, or would you prefer the low-maintenance choice of aluminium styles instead?
And let’s not forget the overall style of your sofa too. Choosing a design that works with the rest of your garden scheme is key. Low, angular sofas work well with a contemporary-style space, while rattan sofas in a classic shape are better suited to cottage-style gardens. To get you inspired to find the best outdoor sofa ideas for your space, we’ve rounded up 15 of our favourite looks, plus there’s expert tips from on what you need to consider before buying a new outdoor sofa. Keep reading to find your perfect pick.
1. GO FOR SLEEK LINES FOR A CONTEMPORARY LOOK
The Layout Collection from Barlow Tyrie(opens in new tab) will work beautifully in a contemporary space
(Image credit: Barlow Tyrie)
If you’re a fan of our modern garden ideas, you’ll want to make sure that your outdoor sofa ideas will suit the clean, contemporary lines of your space.
This gorgeous design works with beautifully with the pale colour of the paving, while the slimline frame and legs of the sofa ensure it doesn’t dominate the space. Wooden tables complement the materials used in the garden too, ensuring this luxurious corner setup sits comfortably in its modern surroundings.
2. CHOOSE A HANGING SOFA FOR THE ULTIMATE RELAXATION SPOT
Relax in style in the stunning Chedworth Sandstone Triple Hanging Cocoon from Bramblecrest(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Bramblecrest)
Want to create a cosy corner where you can while away the afternoon and gently rock yourself to sleep? Sounds like bliss, doesn’t it?
Opting for a hanging sofa will let you do just that. You’ll get all the comfort of a sofa with sink-into-me cushions, plus the added bonus of the rocking motion for extra relaxation.
Hanging chairs are one of this season’s hottest styles, so you’ll be bang on trend too. We love this three-seater hanging sofa design – there’s plenty of space for two or three people but we’re not sure we’d be sharing this spot with anyone!
3. DESIGN A U-SHAPE SOFA FOR A SOCIABLE ENTERTAINING AREA
You’ll always have plenty of space for guests with this sofa from the Kingscote Cloud Collection at Bramblecrest(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Bramblecrest)
Love the idea of creating a sociable set up for entertaining family and friends? A U-shaped sofa arrangement naturally lends itself to relaxed garden party ideas as everyone can join in the conversation with ease.
Opt for modular outdoor sofa ideas and you can tailor the layout to suit your space too. Keep to a U-shaped layout for garden get-togethers, or remove one of the sides to create more of an L-shaped set up with the remaining sections used as single armchairs instead.
4. MATCH YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE FOR A COHESIVE LOOK
Available in a choice of different fabrics, you can mix and match designs from the Auckland outdoor range at Daro(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Daro)
If you’re lucky enough to have a large outdoor space and plenty of room for separate seating and dining areas, choosing furniture items from the same range can help to visually link the different zones of your outdoor living space.
In this setup, the frame material and style is the same for both the sofa and dining furniture, but by opting for contrasting cushion colours it helps to create a subtle point of difference between the two areas.
Picking up the blue cushion colour in the edging and accessories in the sofa area is a stylish touch, ensuring the two furniture sets sit comfortably next to each other.
5. INTRODUCE COLOURED CUSHIONS FOR ADDED INTEREST
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The Cebu collection from Daru(opens in new tab) means you can introduce a pop of colour for added interest
(Image credit: Daro)
Your outdoor sofa ideas are the perfect opportunity to introduce a splash of colour and personality to your patio.
Neutral tones remain the go-to colour of choice for outdoor sofa cushions, but if you want to make your outdoor sofa ideas stand out from the crowd, why not opt for something a little bolder and brighter?
The soft coral hues of this pretty set would suit our classic cottage garden ideas, adding a romantic, whimsical touch to your patio setup.
There’s more inspiration in our colourful garden furniture ideas too.
6. KEEP IT LOW AND ANGULAR FOR A MODERN VIBE
This stylish setup from Garden Impressions(opens in new tab) recreates the same levels of comfort as your indoor living space
(Image credit: Garden Impressions)
If this sleek sofa design doesn’t encourage lazy weekend afternoons relaxing outdoors, then we’re not sure what would.
A matching footstool offers maximum flexibility as it can be pushed against one end of the corner sofa to create a chaise effect for an extra lounging spot, or it can be used as an additional seat when you have extra guests.
Want some extra storage space to boost your garden storage ideas? Look out for tables, sofas and footstools with hidden storage underneath so you can keep extra cushions and throws dry in wet weather.
7. CREATE A SHELTERED SPOT FOR YOUR SOFA
A smart lounging set, such as this one from Garden Impressions(opens in new tab), is a great choice for a covered patio space
(Image credit: Garden Impressions)
For the ultimate in outdoor living space ideas, create a sheltered spot in the garden for your sofa and you’ll instantly have somewhere that feels intimate, private and can be used all year round.
Having a roof overhead will automatically make the space feel more like a room, so why not decorate it just as you would your indoor living room? Add pattern and texture with accessories such as outdoor rugs, textiles, lighting and plenty of greenery to help you feel immersed in your outside space.
If you want to create a similar space in your garden, there’s more inspiration in our patio cover ideas feature.
8. ZONE YOUR SOFA SPACE WITH AN OUTDOOR RUG
The Lincoln range from Garden Impressions(opens in new tab) is made of aluminum, so it’s easy to maintain and won’t rust
(Image credit: Garden Impressions)
In a large garden, outdoor furniture can run the risk of looking a little lost in the space, so choosing the right size design is essential to make it work with the scale of your garden.
Another way to help your sofa sit well in its surroundings is to give it a strong focal point by arranging the seating around an outdoor rug. Not only will it help to zone the space, it will also introduce texture and comfort underfoot, perfect for that shoes-off garden vibe we all love in the height of summer.
Here, the soft blue of the furniture cushions is echoed in the tones of the rug and lanterns for a subtle colour scheme that adds a layer of interest without dominating the space.
Check out our best outdoor rugs if you want to give your seating space a similar feel.
9. COMBINE ALUMINIUM AND WOOD FOR AN ON-TREND LOOK
The Singapore collection from Hartman(opens in new tab) combines sleek styling with teak side tables
(Image credit: Hartman)
Love the natural look of wood but don’t want the ongoing maintenance of an all-wood design? By choosing a sofa that combines different materials you’ll get the best of both worlds.
Powder-coated aluminium frames are hard-wearing and require no upkeep, making them a perfect choice for outdoor sofas.
10. CHOOSE PALE COLOURS FOR A SCANDI FEEL
The Palma collection from Kaemingk(opens in new tab) will create an understated, timeless look
(Image credit: Kaemingk)
Want a classic Scandi-style look that won’t go out of style? Opt for a sofa and matching armchairs in timeless shapes and subtle oatmeal tones and you’ll have made the winning choice.
The gorgeous combination pictured above manages to be both elegant and comfy. What’s more, it would work just as well indoors, so if you have a conservatory or garden room you could use it inside your home during the cooler months.
Thanks to its more compact dimensions, it’s also a great choice for our small garden ideas.
11. OPT A FIRE PIT TABLE FOR THE ULTIMATE AFTER DARK SETUP
Design a stunning entertaining zone for after the sun has set with Kettler’s Elba Grande collection(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Kettler)
We’ve all been using our gardens more than ever during the last year, and finding ways to make the most of our time outdoors has been key.
When the sun goes down and temperatures begin to drop, ensuring you stay warm and cosy outdoors is essential to maximise your enjoyment of the space.
Opting for a corner sofa set complete with a gas fire pit table is a sleek, contemporary way to add plenty of warmth and create a stunning showpiece for your alfresco seating setup. In this fire pit table, the central gas fire is surrounded by glass for safety and there’s still plenty of room for drinks and snacks around the edge of the table too.
Discover more ways to stay warm after dark with our outdoor heating ideas.
12. INCLUDE A PARASOL FOR ESSENTIAL SUMMER SHADE
The Challenger Oak parasol from Pacific Lifestyle(opens in new tab) will provide all the shelter you need for your outdoor seating space
(Image credit: Pacific Lifestyle)
As much as we love the summer sunshine, there are times when we all crave a little respite from the heat and glare of the midday sun.
Team your outdoor sofa with one of the best garden parasols overhead and you’ll always be able to retreat from the heat when you need a break from the sunshine. Plus, if you like to spend time working outdoors in the summer, it will help to minimise the glare on your laptop screen too.
A cantilevered parasol such as this can sit neatly to one side of your seating space so you don’t need to worry about the pole or base taking up room in the middle of your seating area. Opt for a tilting model to ensure you can move it to shield you from the changing angle of the sun’s rays.
13. CHOOSE CURVES FOR A SOFTER LOOK
The Honolulu Lounge Set from Pacific Lifestyle(opens in new tab) features acacia wood frames to provide a contrast to the twisted Polystring detailing
(Image credit: Pacific Lifestyle)
Want to offset the hard edges of your garden landscaping ideas? Introducing furniture with curved shapes will immediately soften the overall look of your space.
This lounge set combines contemporary twisted Polystring with a beautiful acacia wood frame to provide a stunning contrast.
Curves can also be a good choice for family garden ideas – no sharp corners for kids to fall into (or even adults to walk into after a glass or two of wine) means less chance of accidents and tears.
14. GO FOR A HIGH TABLE FOR A COSY DINING SPACE
Dine in style with the Barcelona collection from Supremo(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Supremo)
If you’re short on space and don’t have room for a dining and seating area, opt for a outdoor sofa combined with a high central table and you can either lounge around or dine in style with one practical design.
Guests will love the added comfort they get with this style of outdoor dining ideas as they can simply sit back and relax once they’ve tucked into the delicious BBQ food you’ve served up. Just be warned that you might have a job getting them to leave at the end of the night…
15. ADD A COFFEE TABLE FOR A FLEXIBLE SETUP
The Nevada corner sofa set from Norfolk Leisure(opens in new tab) is ideal for creating a focal point in your outdoor living space
(Image credit: Norfolk Leisure)
If your outdoor sofa area is set to be your main entertaining space, you’ll want to ensure there’s somewhere to place your drinks, nibbles, BBQ food and even candles and lanterns for adding atmosphere after dark.
A central coffee table will cater for all of this and more. Make sure its size is in keeping with the size and scale of your sofa – too small and it will look lost in the space, too big and it will dominate. Why not team it with one of our outdoor bar ideas for the ultimate entertaining space?
As shown above, adding a table can be a brilliant way to include another material in your setup too. Introducing a timber tabletop helps to soften the overall look of this seating area.
‘Well for starters, you need to count heads,’ say the experts at LOFA(opens in new tab). ‘If there are only two of you, then perhaps a small lounge set with a two-seater sofa, a couple of chairs and a coffee table might be the way to go. If, however, there are more than two of you then take a look at the wide choice of casual lounge sets. They can seat from four up to eight people comfortably, and if you like to have the family or friends around this is the ideal solution for you.’
WHAT SIZE OUTDOOR SOFA SHOULD I CHOOSE?
The modular Timber collection from Norfolk Leisure(opens in new tab) means you can design your perfect sofa setup
(Image credit: Garden Leisure)
‘Sofas and lounge sets come in all shapes and sizes – they can be rectangular, square or even round,’ explain the experts at LOFA. ‘Buying a garden sofa set is a considered purchase, so take your time and make sure you buy the set that suits your needs and space.
‘The old saying of “measure twice and cut once” is a great piece of advice. Before you buy make sure you measure your outdoor space properly, and ensure that there will be enough space to walk around the furniture and room for it to be moved if needed too. Most LOFA members have sizes and dimensions listed with their furniture on their websites, so you can find out all this crucial information before you buy.’
DO YOU WANT AN OUTDOOR SOFA FOR LOUNGING OR DINING?
The Dubai Square Corner Casual Dining Set from Hartman(opens in new tab) combines sofa and dining space in one practical layout
(Image credit: Hartman)
The other thing to think about when considering your outdoor sofa ideas is will you just be using your sofa to lounge on, or will you be also using it with a table and perhaps a few extra chairs for entertaining?
‘If you want to use your outdoor sofa for dining as well as lounging, then a casual dining sofa set might the way to go,’ explains LOFA. ‘These multi-functional modular sets are the ideal solution for any outdoor space. Usually made from durable and hard-wearing rattan-weave or aluminium, they can be left outside all year round and come with comfortable cushions and plenty of space for all the family.’
DON’T FORGET ABOUT COMFORT…
The Fiji lounge set from Kettler(opens in new tab) is made from natural Eucalyptus wood and will suit both modern and traditional gardens
(Image credit: Kettler)
‘When it comes to buying an outdoor sofa, cushions are very important. You shouldn’t sacrifice comfort for style, so where possible it’s always a good idea to test them out before you buy,’ says the experts at LOFA. ‘If you can choose all-weather outdoor cushions as it means you won’t have to run outside every time it rains.
‘If sustainability is a big factor for you too, then look for eco fabric cushions that are made from recycled bottles.
‘If you are purchasing from a LOFA member, then you can be safe in the knowledge that the cushions are LOFA Assured, which means they meet current Government Fire Safety Regulations.’
Want to keep your outdoor sofa looking its best, whatever the weather? Head over to our guide to the best outdoor furniture covers.
Having a garden, whether large or small, is a real bonus for any home right now. Not only do gardens provide a welcome and safe space to venture outside, breaking up the monotony of being stuck indoors – they also provide a great source of jobs to keep busy.
How can I garden for free?
You can garden for free by making simple and savvy changes to the way you tend to your outdoor space. Improve the garden without spending a penny by firstly just giving everything a really good clean, from the garden furniture to the patio or decking area.
A fresh start each spring will awaken the garden ready for use throughout the warmer months. Try growing your own from seedlings and splitting plants to make them go further. Plants are not cheap, therefore taking cuttings and cultivating your own is ideal when on a budget.
Upcycling is set to be the buzz word for 2021. Giving a new purpose to an unloved piece of indoor furniture can go a log way to provide free gardening solutions. From old kitchen shelving fashioned into a handy potting bench to a cot mattress base being reimagined as a vertical planter, the possibilities are endless. All it takes is a little imagination.
Free garden ideas – ways to improve any outdoor space
1. Pick self-seeding flowers
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Whether you’re a hands-off gardener that doesn’t have the time or inclination to propagate plants – or you simply don’t have the budget to buy them – self-seeding plants are your friend.
Once you have your first batch of seeds, which you can likely scavenge off a friend or neighbour for free, you simply sew, and let them do their stuff. As they die back, they’ll drop new seeds – self seeding – and you’ll see brand new blooms the following year. All without spending a penny.
But which flowers are self seeding, I hear you ask? Try meadow cranesbill, poppies, verbena and forget-me-nots.
2. Landscape with beachcomber treasures
(Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme)
Save on garden landscaping costs(opens in new tab) and make your own garden rockery by using beachcomber and foraged finds. This landscaped garden uses recycled whelk shells to light up the ground, hiding the dark soil beneath an impressive Acer tree – making a feature of it in the process.
3. Make your own compost
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
Be organised, and you never have to shell out for bags on compost at the garden centre ever again. Instead, have a go at making your own – just read our guide to how to make compost(opens in new tab) and you’ll see how easy it is to feed your garden for free.
You can start any time, collecting food scraps like peelings and egg shells, and when you come round to potting up your plants in spring, you’ll have a plentiful supply.
4. Mow the lawn
(Image credit: Future PLC/Claire Lloyd Davies)
Never underestimate the difference a freshly mowed lawn can have on the rest of your garden. Scott Chandler, former Kew Gardener says ‘Simply mowing the lawn will turn a scruffy garden into a purposefully rustic outdoor area.’ He advises, ‘If you have grass, keep it short’, for the best way to keep it neat and tidy.
5. Make time to tidy up
(Image credit: Talbot Photography)
It won’t add anything new to your garden, but giving the space a good straighten up could help you give your outdoor space a new lease of life. Many of us put off the nitty-gritty gardening chores, but de-weeding your patio or fixing that wonky fence panel will transform the space in an instant.
6. Deep clean the patio
(Image credit: Future PLC/Chris Snook)
Start with a clean slate, quite literally. If you have a patio or decking in your garden use a pressure washer to spray away any dirt and slime that might have built up over the winter months.
A thorough clean will ensure it’s much more pleasing on the eye when it comes to sitting outdoors to enjoy the garden.
7. Use eggshells to start off your seeds
Not all eggshells need to go into the compost heap. If you can save any intact, you can use them to hold seedlings in an egg box. Eggshells contain calcium, which will enrich the soil, helping your seedlings to grow.
8. Divide your plants
(Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Bolton)
If you’re looking to up the number of flowers and plants in your garden, without any additional cost, now’s the ideal time to divide or split summer-flowering plants. By dividing your plants, you’ll be able to add more colour to your garden whilst also makingyour original plants healthier by making sure they don’t overgrow.
Experts recommend, ‘Primroses, daylilies, asters, geums, heucheras, hardy geraniums and Japanese anemones’ – as all suitable for dividing. ‘To separate your plants, dig up the clump whilst gently loosening the soil. Using a trowel or hands, carefully pull the plant apart. Making sure each section has plenty of roots still attached. Then simply replant these new sections in your garden and water well.’
9. Rearrange the furniture
(Image credit: Dobbies)
Simply repositioning the furniture can alter the garden layout – instantly refreshing the space, making it feel like new by creating a different perspective. Non-fixed outdoor seating allows you to change things up at your leisure, and solar powered fairy light ideas(opens in new tab) are easy to move and re-drape as the mood takes you.
Related: 9 simple ways to revamp a rented garden on a budget – all without upsetting your landlord(opens in new tab)
10. Move a mirror
(Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme)
Doesn’t every household have a mirror they can afford to move into the garden? You’ve amazed at the difference it can make, moving such a simple accessory.
Garden mirror ideas(opens in new tab) can help to totally transform the garden, making it feel more like an extension of the indoors but more importantly it can help to make it look bigger by reflecting light and scenery back into the space.
For more ways to visually grow your space, our tricks for How to make a small garden look bigger(opens in new tab) are a must-see.
11. Raise up your planting
(Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson)
Change the landscape in grassless garden ideas(opens in new tab) by rethinking your plant pots. Move freestanding pots to create a more curated display, that will fill any empty gaps on the patio to add greenery and colour.
Elevate smaller pots on side tables and plant stands to gain a different perspective, adding depth to the overall feel of the planting arrangement. A cluster of potted plants surrounding a seating area is a great way to make the experience of sitting outdoors feel more immersive.
12. Paint your garden buildings
Winter can take its toll on garden buildings. Use the free time now to check sheds and greenhouses, making sure they are still in good stead. ‘A fresh lick of paint and regular ventilation now the weather is improving will help your garden buildings and plants within them stay healthy,’ advise the experts.
To do this for free, put shout outs for leftover paint on Facebook and other social media, and ask around. It won’t necessarily match, of course, in which case pick a striped multicolour look, or try painting a mural.
Top tip: If your outdoor buildings provided extra storage in the winter, now’s the time to do a bit of decluttering. Even better transform the extra space to a home office or home gym.
Related: Shed gym ideas(opens in new tab) – create a space to keep up your fitness regime at home
13. Create garden zones
Creating different themed zones can help to make the space feel bigger. This can be easily done by moving garden furniture such as chairs or outdoor tables into one section to create a seating space and children’s play items into another section to create a mini play area.
These simple measures can go a long way to ensure the whole family can take time for themselves, and get a much-needed break from the indoors.
14. Welcome colour to walls
Nothing invigorates a tired garden more than a splash of colour. Beyond your summer bedding choices you might want to add colour on the walls to create the perfect backdrop for your planting.
Check if you have leftover paint in the shed to add even a slither of striking colour on one wall or fence – a little can go along way to enliven the space.
Failing that you could check what’s being thrown out at your local tip in the paint section, always ensure you gain permission first. Another idea for a free fix is to use chalks to add colour to the wall, even a mural perhaps?
15. Upcycle a potting bench
Turn something old into something new. Rather than throwing out a piece of old furniture see if you can repurpose it to fit for a job in the garden. An unwanted set of shelves could be perfect for creating a budget friendly potting table.
To keep it looking its best we advise adding a coat of weatherproof shielding, be it varnish or garden furniture paint. Check the shed to see what you already have to hand, in order to keep the task free.
16. Entice wildlife into the garden
From birds to bumble bees, there are lots of free and easy ways to make your outdoor space more inviting to wildlife.
Tying a bunch of hollow stems like bamboo together with string and placing them in an old terracotta plant pot or open wooden box will create a lovely new bee hotel for your garden – helping to preserve the dwindling bee population.
Or another way, and a good one to get little ones involved, is by stacking a pile of wood in a shady area as a habitat for small mammals, amphibians and insects.
Read more: Wildlife garden ideas(opens in new tab) – 13 easy ways to turn your outdoor space into a haven for wildlife
17. Fashion a free trellis
We started to see the rise during last summer’s DIY frenzy – homeowners were recycling old slatted bed bases to make ingenious vertical planters. Simply remove the base, cut to size and securely attach to the garden fence.
Vertical planting is a great way to add colour into your front garden ideas(opens in new tab), where space may be at a premium.
Read more here: Mum wows with ingenious idea to reuse little one’s cot bed in the garden – and it cost just £6(opens in new tab)
18. Get weeding without chemicals
Help you garden kicks a weed habit with ease. Forget expensive, and more importantly, harsh toxic weedkillers – try this savvy bin liner hack to rid your garden of weeds.
Gardening gurus suggest simply covering the problem area of your garden with a domestic bin liner or sheet. Weigh whatever method you use down with rocks, to keep it firmly in place. Leave the area covered long enough to deprive the weeds of sunlight, and viola – no more weeds.
19. Turn old tyres into something more
Before you drive that old spare tyre to the nearest tip, consider if you could give it new life as a garden swing. All you need is a sturdy branch and some rope, tied around the swing at 12am, 4pm and 8pm positions for balance.
Alternatively, tyres make great containers for flowers, plants or vegetables.
20. Find a new use for coffee filters
Potting up plants? Before adding soil, pop your used coffee filters inside to line your pot. It will prevent any soil from escaping and will help hold the water for longer, yet it will still be able to drain away so your greenery won’t be waterlogged.
21. Upcycle plastic bottles as a cool display
This display appeared at no less prestigious an event as the Chelsea Flower Show. So if it’s good enough for the great and good of gardening, it’s good enough for you!
To recreate it, take your plastic bottles, cut off the tops and pierce a few small holes at the bottom. Add gravel for extra drainage, before plant up in compost. The look is surprisingly effective.
22. Remember, anything can be a plant pot!
Your pretty plants don’t always need fancy planters. Be imaginative when finding homes for you plants – that chipped teapot or rusty may not be any good for your kitchen any more, but they’ll make fine homes for flowers and shrubs. For free!
23. Make a colander hanging basket
Talking of colanders, due to their amazing drainage, they make great hanging baskets or strawberry planters. How’s that for a free garden idea? Do remember though, they may be heavier than a standard design, so make sure your existing bracket can take the weight.
24. Re-use broken pots
Create the quickest-ever rock garden simply by nestling broken terracotta pots into a gravelled border, and plant low-maintenance succulents inside.