Best Outdoor Sofas for Summer Lounging
Transform your backyard or patio with these cozy, stylish sofas.
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Warmer weather means being able to finally spend more time outside. If you’re dreaming of sipping lemonade and lounging around as the sun sets, an outdoor sofa might just be what your patio is missing. Not only are outdoor sofas typically more resistant to harsher weather conditions and staining than indoor couches, but they’re just as comfortable. They’re perfect for hosting friends and family around a fire pit or hanging out while the kids play in the pool.
The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute teamed up with GH home editors to find the best outdoor sofas for your home. To finalize our top picks from our favorite online furniture stores, we asked consumer testers for feedback on sofa brands as well as scoured online shopper reviews to see how sofas held up in the real world. While some of our featured sofas, sectionals and furniture sets are pricier, we’ve also included budget-friendly picks under $300 so you can find the perfect outdoor sofa for your needs.
Remember: No matter what outdoor sofa you buy, it's important to properly store your outdoor furniture when not in use so it lasts multiple seasons. Most brands will recommend owners remove any cushions and store them inside as well as place a waterproof cover over the furniture to protect against any extreme weather, especially during the colder months.
Rated as our most comfortable couch, the Harmony (Indoor) Sofa has made several of our shopping guides over the years. The outdoor version is just as beautiful — and soft. We appreciate the pillowy-soft cushions and deep seats, perfect for cozying up outside. According to West Elm, the cushions are fabricated to be water-, mold- and mildew-resistant. Although pricey, it's by no means the most expensive sofa on our list and the couch comes with two side pillows and two lumbar cushions.
What testers are saying: One panelist said the Harmony Sofa was "like sitting on a cloud!" Senior analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, Olivia Lipski, said, "It's the most comfortable couch I've ever owned. You just melt into it."
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Walmart's patio furniture is popular among GH readers and staff because the price is right. For under $300 (or less than $250 when on sale), this three-seat sofa offers a durable steel frame and comfortable cushions. Online customers were impressed with the overall quality of the affordable sofa, although some noted the assembly was a bit difficult. Choose from four cushion colors: gray, khaki, navy blue and peacock blue.
What shoppers are saying: "Furniture is very sturdy and yet very light, I am able to move this furniture easily on my porch by myself. Cushions are thick and comfy," said one satisfied shopper.
This Amazon's Choice loveseat from Crestlive features a 4-inch thick cushion available in three colors (beige, blue and dark gray) as well as a durable metal frame built to last. Did we mention it's only $230? The sofa can live poolside or go under a shady spot in your backyard. Amazon reviewers confirm that it can comfortably fit two people, so you can cozy up with your SO.
What shoppers are saying: "This loveseat is a fantastic addition to my outdoor space! The design is modern and looks great on my patio," shared one satisfied shopper.
Available in two solid colors and with or without arms, the Relay Outdoor Sofa from Burrow combines smart construction with elegant design. Our pros appreciate the galvanized steel frame for superb durability as well as the quick-drying cushions that are comfortable. Burrow is our recommended couch for easy delivery because its sofas arrive in a box so you can assemble it on your own. Our testers found setup to be easy and online reviews agreed.
What shoppers are saying: "Perfect sectional for our patio in Seattle — comfortable, durable, and stylish. Great for morning coffee or afternoon nap. Love that it’s modular if we need to reconfigure and easy to store when winter rains hit," said one five-star reviewer.
Associate Lifestyle Editor Alyssa Gautieri loves the gorgeous sofa styles Article has to offer and has found the brand's delivery and assembly service to be seamless. The Urba Outdoor sofa is made from durable materials like acacia wood and synthetic wicker and has a stylish, low-profile design. It has a 4.6-star rating on the brand's site, with many reviewers praising its comfortable cushions and top-tier quality.
What shoppers are saying: "Going into our third (maybe fourth?) summer with this beloved sofa. It is comfortable, durable and easy to clean," reported one five-star review.
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Wicker can often feel old-school and traditional but this Joss & Main outdoor sofa adds a breath of modern design, thanks to a low-profile silhouette and crisp white cushions. We appreciate the deep seats that let you comfortably lounge with space to spare if you want to accessorize with a few throw pillows. The powder-coated aluminum legs offer good sturdiness but are lightweight so you can move the sofa around your patio, and the synthetic wicker material allows for more durability.
What shoppers are saying: "This outdoor couch is so comfortable! It’s the perfect couch to lounge on during summer and it can fit at least 4 people comfortably in my opinion," said one satisfied Wayfair shopper.
Pottery Barn Huntington Wicker 5-Piece Slope Arm Outdoor Sectional
Pottery Barn furniture almost always makes it into our couch guides because of its comfortable and durable pieces that exude traditional aesthetics. This outdoor sectional holds up to those expectations, thanks to its aluminum frame designed to be rustproof and synthetic wicker that features a protective lacquer finish. We like the sloped armrests that add a unique flare as well as the high-performance fabric slipcovers available in 30+ colors you can add on for further customization.
What experts are saying: "This spacious outdoor sofa is super roomy and super stylish. We recommend pairing it with the coordinating cushion covers (sold separately) for added protection from wet and sunny weather and for a more personal touch," said a GH analyst.
An Amazon's Choice with over 1,400 online reviews and counting, this outdoor patio set features a modular sofa (comprised of an armless sofa and two corner chairs), an ottoman and a coffee table for ultimate customization. The set features a durable steel frame and hand-woven resin wicker that is designed to be water-resistant. It has all the hallmarks of a solid furniture set — plus it rings in for just a few hundred dollars. Whether you want to stick to a budget or have a uniquely shaped patio space, this modular set will do just the trick.
What shoppers are saying: "Everything went together perfectly! It did sit lower than what I thought but the cushions are thick so it works out. The color is perfect and I love you can move it around to change it up," reported one satisfied Amazon shopper.
Picture a comfortable (indoor) sleeper sofa made with sturdy materials like alloy steel and polyethylene (PE) rattan that can withstand outdoor use. Similar to other modular picks in our guide, the Devoko day bed allows you to experiment with different set-ups, whether you want to lounge with your legs up or convert the pieces into a more typical sofa and coffee table. We also appreciate the storage space in the ottoman and side tables so you can neatly store picnic blankets, pool toys and the like.
What shoppers are saying: "It is super sturdy and durable and has withstood the high winds here in Vegas where I live. It’s also super comfortable and has so many variations of seating options," reported one five-star Amazon review.
Investing in a couch for your living room can require a hefty chunk of money, so we understand not wanting to also splurge on an outdoor sofa. But if you want to go there, the Haven Sofa lives up to its name. Made from solid teak wood that is kiln-dried and featuring quick-drying foam cushions, the modern-looking couch combines durability with practicality. It's designed to be easy to assemble and the company offers a 45-day trial period. Choose from seven neutral shades that will blend into your natural surroundings, as well as two arm styles.
What shoppers are saying: "I was hesitant to spend the money on the couch, but after reading countless reviews and loving it at first glance, we went for it. I can honestly say that it was worth every penny," said one reviewer.
Casterly Rio Outdoor Teak Chaise Sectional Sofa
Gautieri has recommended Casterly couches in previous guides, most notably her round-up of the best Cloud Couch dupes. Our pros appreciate the solid teak frame that has a natural finish and will be able to brave the elements. While the chaise sectional is pictured here, you can opt for an extended chaise, L-shape or extended L-shape sectional for even more room to spread out and lounge under the sun (while wearing sunscreen, of course!).
What experts are saying: "Made of real teak wood, this quality outdoor sectional features sharp angles and minimalist design for a more modern look," described our home expert.
When it comes to outdoor furniture, GH Home Design Director Monique Valeris recommends SunVilla for its durable construction that is designed with comfort in mind. Although the Santiago set retails at $3,500, you will receive a three-seat sofa, a coffee table, two swivel lounge chairs and four throw pillows. We appreciate the weather-resistant resin wicker for added texture and the lightweight aluminum frames that are meant to be rust-resistant.
What experts are saying: This set "holds up well and the cushions are so comfy/dry pretty fast if we happen to leave them out in the rain," explained Valeris.
Crate & Barrel Walker Metal Outdoor Loveseat
Crate & Barrel is a go-to destination for modern and sophisticated furniture. Testers find the brand's sofas to be durable and comfortable. The Walker Loveseat features deep seats we know and love, as well as an aluminum frame that's designed to be rustproof and has a powdered finish. It has wide, stable arms, great for resting a glass of lemonade or iced tea too.
You can also opt for a three- or four-seat couch if you have a large family or host large cookouts in your backyard. Choose from 11 colors, whether you want a more neutral flax or a bolder sage green.
What shoppers are saying: "Very comfortable, great color and has stood the wear of kids, adults and dogs," said one five-star review.
If you want to revamp your entire patio area, buying a multi-piece set is the easiest the way to go. The more furniture pieces you add, though, the pricier the total. That's why our pros recommend this four-piece set available on Amazon for under $150. The quality may not be the most durable given the low price, but we appreciate that the brand says the wicker is designed to be rust- and corrosion-resistant.
What shoppers are saying: "Excellent value for the money. Very sturdy and spacious seating with the chairs too. I am plus size and often find that patio furniture is a tight fit. I have plenty of room sitting in this set," wrote one five-star reviewer.
Serena & Lily is popular for its outdoor furniture that brings chic and coastal vibes to your space. While expensive, the splurge can be worth it if you spend a lot of time in your outdoor space and want to invest in a wicker sofa that can stand the test of time. Its gorgeous fabric is designed to last even up against sun, stains, mildew and moisture. We like that you can choose from two sizes (7 or 9 feet) as well as from a selection of colors that are either ready to ship or made to order.
What experts are saying: "Though this wicker couch is made of resin, it's one of the most natural-looking styles I've seen, thanks to the variations in color and texture," reported our reviews analyst.
Anthropologie Havana Open Weave Two Seat Armless Bench
Anthropologie's home collection is full of aesthetic furniture pieces and fun accessories. This bench is made from teak wood and PE wicker. We like that the woven texture is on display and that the deep seats mean there is plenty of space for you and another person to cozy up by the pool or firepit. The brand recommends covering the bench when not in use and storing it in an enclosed, dry area, if possible.
What shoppers are saying: "The angle of the seat makes it really comfortable to sit in, making it perfect for reading with kids," wrote one five-star reviewer.
What to look for when shopping for outdoor sofas
If this is your first time purchasing an outdoor sofa — or you want a refresher on what to consider while browsing your options — Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine shares some shopping advice.
✔️ Cushion material: "The overwhelming majority of outdoor furniture cushions are made with synthetic fibers like polyester, acrylic and olefin," says Constantine. These materials are water-resistant and thus able to withstand light showers — although heavier rainfall may result in damage. If you experience a lot of rain, look for cushions that also feature a water-resistant finish to better protect against wet weather.
Synthetic fibers in particular "also tend to hold onto color better than natural fibers, making them less likely to fade outside in the sun," adds Constantine. Since this material is highly durable, it is better equipped to handle wear and tear.
✔️ Frame material: There are three main materials used to make the frame of an outdoor sofa (wood, metal and wicker). Constantine delves into the advantages and disadvantages.
- Wood: Although chic, wood furniture is "more susceptible to decay and can lack the weather resistance of other materials," explains Constantine. That's why she recommends choosing a hard wood like teak which is naturally weather-resistant. You can also "opt for wood covered in a weather-resistant finish to prevent the wood from being damaged," says Constantine. Although teak furniture can withstand the weather, Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forté recommends using Furniture Clinic's Teak Garden Furniture Kit, a GH Seal Star that comes with everything you need to nourish and protect teak furniture.
- Metal: Modern-looking metal furniture is typically made from aluminum or galvanized steel. Aluminum is more lightweight and easier to move around your patio. While it can resist rusting, it isn't as durable as galvanized steel. However, steel can hold heat so your sofa frame may become hot to touch during sunny days.
- Wicker: Traditionally, wicker is woven from natural materials like rattan or bamboo, explains Constantine. Nowadays, most wicker furniture is made from synthetic materials like vinyl or polyethylene (PE). These materials are already better suited for outdoor environments, but they can also be coated in a lacquer or resin finish for even better weather resistance, adds Constantine.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Elizabeth Berry is the updates editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she collaborates with experts across our Labs to ensure all shopping guides reflect the most recent testing and pricing information. She has written on a variety of home categories including the best small sofas, pool lounge chairs and velvet couches.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
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