Interior designers are constantly searching for innovative ways to bring elements of the outdoor world into our homes. But in recent years, turning our gardens into comfy eating and seating areas has become the new norm. So, if you’re doing the same, you’re probably wondering how to incorporate a luxury sofa into an outdoor space.
Cutting-edge materials and technologies have made it easier than ever to create elegant, well-considered, outdoor environments that perfectly emulate their indoor counterparts.
From high-end outdoor furnishings to colourful accessories and even LED lights, you can make your patios look every bit as good as your indoor living areas.
Here’s an in-depth guide on how our top designers source the right luxury sofas for your alfresco spaces.
When designing an outdoor space there’s a lot to think about, especially if you want to incorporate a luxury sofa set. So, understanding the challenges is the first step towards getting things perfect.
Extreme climate change can wreak havoc with your pre-planned designs because some outdoor materials respond differently to others. Choosing the right ensemble for your specific environment is therefore crucial and getting it wrong could cost you thousands in the long run.
Here are 5 things to consider before you start:
If you want your outdoor luxury sofa to last, you’re going to have to be prepared to make a proper investment. Because the only thing that will see you through the rain and shine is quality.
With indoor furniture, you’re working within parameters that we consider “normal”. But in outdoor situations, there are factors that you wouldn’t usually think about. And the composition of your luxury sofa is one of them.
If you have a wooden deck, for example, you’re not going to be able to buy furniture that has skinny legs, because they’ll sink between the gaps in the floorboards, doing damage all-round. So take a look at every aspect of your outdoor space and make sure that whatever you choose will serve you without any glitches.
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Chat NowYes, it says “outdoor” on the label, but different outdoor furniture is good for different weather conditions so don’t just buy any old thing. Woods need to be treated to withstand water, wrought iron gets scorchingly hot in the sun, aluminium is lightweight and will blow away in the wind and some things rust… you get the point.
Even if you have water-repellent cushions on your luxury sofa, they’re going to need protection in a storm. Or snow.
A short-term solution is to invest in some weather-resistant covers or a sealed storage box on your patio. But if your winter is a long one, you’ll need adequate space in your garage to accommodate your key items of furniture.
The thing about the outdoors is that it’s… outdoors! Meaning that your luxury sofa will be subjected to more than just the elements. Our advice? Look up.
If there’s a tree that drips berries or is home to lots of lovely birds, you’re going to have a problem. Because bird poop and fruit stains will ruin your furniture. The solution? Put up an awning, buy a gazebo or at the very least, get a large, outdoor umbrella.
When shopping for an outdoor luxury sofa, your expectations will be the same as for indoor furnishings: durability, comfort, style and price are all of importance. The key difference is the weather. And to be clear, no patio furniture is 100% impervious to it.
For this reason, it’s crucial to understand the pros and cons of the various materials on offer, assess whether or not they will accommodate your unique circumstances and decide if they fit in with your personal preferences and lifestyle.
These are the things you’ll be battling against:
If rainstorms are a common occurrence, you’ll want to ensure that your luxury sofa is resistant to water-related wear and tear, because residual moisture can both damage certain materials and create health problems. Expect to see:
Fungi thrive in humidity causing mould and mildew to form. While these can be easily removed, they may cause severe allergies and lung concerns. Rot, on the other hand, will completely decay your furniture if not caught in time.
Water-permeable materials can dry unevenly, resulting in warping. This may be invisible initially, but in the long run can significantly distort the material, misalign seams and loosen structural joins and screws.
If you live near the coast and decide to buy metal-based seating, rust is your biggest threat because any salt in the air acts as a corrosive agent and will oxidise your furnishings.
Sunny climates or areas that are subjected to noteworthy temperature changes require furniture that can endure damage from severe UV rays and extreme heat-to-cold fluctuations. Not meeting these criteria could lead to:
Certain materials expand and contract in temperature extremes, which could make them brittle. This leads to warping, cracking and splitting.
Most metals absorb heat and can become uncomfortable or even dangerous to touch. Let’s face it, no one wants to singe their skin while sinking into a two-seater sofa.
Over time, constant sun exposure can cause many materials to fade, which will change their aesthetic appeal.
Before you start shopping, factors like eco-friendliness, ease of maintenance and general durability should also be taken into consideration. But before you do that, you’ll need to get down to the nitty-gritty on what material is best for you.
Finding the right luxury sofa for your outdoor space is all about your material choices, how you will use it, where it will be stored and how easy it is to maintain.
Climate, durability, eco-friendliness and lifestyle are all factors that need to be seriously considered, so whether you want an expansive modular or a small two-seater, make sure you buy wisely.
Here are 3 smart choices:
When it comes to outdoor durability, not all wood is created equal. However, teak is a noteworthy exception and can last up to 50 years if looked after properly. Its natural oil allows it to repel water and it does not fade or shrink during the drying process.
It is also extremely resistant to rot and attacks from insects. Aside from its robustness and all-weather capabilities, it has a gorgeous grain and fades to a visually appealing patina if left untreated. Yes, it’s pricy, but boy is it worth it.
With its classic country aesthetic, rattan is another outstanding choice. While frequently used in its natural state for indoor furnishings, Polyethylene (PE) rattan is a more common version for outside applications.
Not only are there different weaves to choose from but offerings include sofas of varying shapes and sizes, all of which are UV and frost resistant. This means that you could leave them outside all year round if properly covered (and without cushions). Be sure to pick one with an aluminium frame, because steel tends to rust.
Lightweight, rain-resistant and invulnerable to rust and moisture damage, aluminium is excellent for outdoor use. It also requires less maintenance than most of its counterparts, but if you want to go the extra mile, simply preserve it with a bit of wax or oil.
However, don’t use it in ultra-windy areas because it might blow away and be sure to add cushions to protect yourself from burning – it does heat up when exposed to the sun. Although some aluminium sofas come with painted frames, powder coating is an optimal choice, especially if you live by the sea.
Once you’ve got your framework down pat, you’ll need to consider what fabric to use for your upholstery. It should be able to withstand UV rays, excessive water exposure and other elemental adversities.
These are the 4 most resilient options:
Mould and mildew-resistant, acrylic can endure both rubbing and tearing and will withstand over 1 000 hours of UV exposure without fading. It’s also perfect for rainy climates as it repels water and stays cool in hot weather. Soft to the touch and highly durable, it’s an excellent choice.
Sometimes known as polypropylene, this synthetic fibre is also stain and fade-resistant, dries quickly and can deter mildew. A great pick for poolside cushions, it’s easy to clean (with any household detergent including bleach) and costs less than acrylic fabrics.
Another material that is long-lasting and resistant to water damage and staining, polyester will dry quickly when wet and won’t tear easily. Embracing bold colours and fabulous patterns, it’s one of the most aesthetically pleasing fabrics of them all. However, direct sunlight is an issue, causing it to fade and wear, so only buy it if your sofa will be positioned in the shade.
A common choice for sunshades and outdoor furniture, Textilene is made of PVC-coated polyester and is waterproof, flame-retardant and mould-resistant. Watch out, though, because its texture does resemble plastic so if comfort is your top priority, it may not be for you.
When you’re sourcing outdoor luxury sofas for a patio, you need to fulfil two functions simultaneously.
Firstly, you want to facilitate some serious summer lounging, and secondly, you need to think about creating a space that will encourage convivial entertaining in a welcoming, relaxed environment. To do this, think about the functionality of your ensemble.
Here are some easy guidelines to help you get it right:
First and foremost, count heads. If you’re a household of two, a luxury sofa set with a two-seater and a couple of armchairs will probably suffice. But if you have a big family and also love to throw garden parties, then a versatile modular that can be added to as your needs grow is a better idea.
Is your sofa just for lounging on or will you be incorporating a central coffee table and a couple of ottomans so that you can enjoy an alfresco meal? If your answer is both, then a casual dining sofa set might be the way to go.
Cushions are really crucial when purchasing an outdoor luxury sofa, and sacrificing comfort for style is a no-no. So don’t be afraid to test out your options before you make a final decision and, if sustainability is important to you, make sure you find something that’s as eco-friendly as possible.
To do this successfully, you’ll need to follow 3 basic rules:
1. Establish a focal point: This is critical to good outdoor design and will help direct the eye to your feature piece, which is usually the sofa.
2. Consider your vertical space: Make sure that you plan vertically as well as horizontally by highlighting climbing vines, an exterior wall or even a nearby tree. To do this, use tall planters, floor lamps, wind chimes, hanging shrubs and even a bespoke chandelier.
Define your style: Think about the overall style of your home, any architectural features, your colour palette and the genre you’re aiming for and choose all of your furniture pieces accordingly.
Once you’re ready to tie it all together, make sure you avoid these common mistakes.
Once you’ve selected a luxury sofa that really speaks to you, it’s time to maximise comfort. After all, relaxation is the name of the game. Here are 4 fun ideas:
1. Style your sofa with soft, colourful cushions and indulgent throws – both will add warmth, visual interest and extra opulence.
2. Install a fire pit or invest in electric outdoor heaters that you and your guests can gather around on chilly evenings.
3. Find a gorgeous, fluffy outdoor rug that will define your entertainment area, tie your entire space together and give you loads of underfoot comfort.
4. Create some shade to keep you cool on those super-hot days. Use a pergola, parasol or awning if you don’t have an outside roof.
Having a luxury sofa next to the pool or placed in a shady spot on your lawn is a wonderful way to get full use out of your garden.
If you don’t fancy using a traditional two- or three-seater, think about buying a couple of chaise longues that will allow you to either sit or recline as you see fit.
Or invest in a comfy sun lounger so that you and your family can bask together in the fresh air.
And while you’re at it, make sure your outdoor area is party ready by reading our article on tips for a summer-approved garden.
If you have a tiny space to work with and want to include some seating, why not create an aesthetic that encourages a touch of self-indulgence?
A hanging sofa with soft cushioning will allow you to snuggle up with a good book or for an afternoon nap – we guarantee the rocking motion will have you snoring in no time.
Alternatively, find a charming loveseat for two where you can lose yourself in good company or watch the sunset with a bottle of fine wine.
Selecting the perfect outdoor luxury sofa should be a balance between personal choice, optimal functionality and style. Here’s a checklist to work with:
FCI London stocks an incredible range of outdoor sofas that will turn your garden spaces into stylish safe-havens. To find out more, get in touch with our design team today or pop into our showroom to discuss your options over a glass of bubbly.
For extra inspiration, have a look at all our latest projects – they’re sure to give you some fabulous new ideas.
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