With searches for “garden sofa set” rising by 30%* in the last month, more homeowners are looking to create comfortable outdoor spaces that feel like an extension of the home.
As warmer weather arrives and households prepare to spend more time outdoors during the summer months, including gathering with friends and family to watch major sporting events such as the World Cup, demand for stylish and practical garden seating continues to grow.
From relaxed family gatherings to alfresco dining and entertaining, garden seating has become a key part of how people use their outdoor spaces. However, with a wide variety of styles, materials and layouts available, choosing the right outdoor sofa requires careful consideration.
Magdalena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse, shares her expert advice on what buyers should consider before investing in outdoor seating.
- Start with how you plan to use the space
Before selecting a garden sofa, it is important to think about how the space will be used throughout the season.
Magdalena explains, “One of the first questions I always recommend asking is how you want to spend time outdoors. For some people, that might be hosting family meals and entertaining friends, while for others it is about creating a comfortable space to unwind with a book or enjoy a morning coffee.
“If you regularly host family meals or summer get-togethers, a combined sofa and dining set can offer the right balance of comfort and functionality. For those looking to create a more relaxed retreat, a compact sofa set or a larger corner arrangement can provide plenty of space to stretch out and unwind.”
For households looking to maximise flexibility, multifunctional designs are becoming increasingly popular.
She adds, “We are seeing more customers choosing outdoor sofa sets that can comfortably transition from dining to relaxing. These designs offer a more versatile approach to outdoor living and help make better use of the space available.”
- Measure carefully before making a decision
While style is often a major consideration, ensuring furniture fits the space properly is equally important.
“One of the most common mistakes people make is purchasing based on appearance alone,” says Magdalena.
“It is essential to measure your garden, patio or decking area carefully before buying. The right garden sofa should fit your space comfortably, not feel like the missing Tetris piece you’re trying to squeeze in at the last minute. You should allow enough room for movement around the furniture and think about how doors, pathways and other garden features interact with the layout.”
- Choose materials that suit your lifestyle
The material of an outdoor sofa plays a significant role in both its appearance and maintenance requirements.
According to Magdalena, homeowners should balance aesthetics with practicality. She adds, “Synthetic rattan remains one of the most popular choices because it offers a timeless look while being relatively easy to maintain. It works beautifully in both traditional and contemporary gardens.
“Aluminium frames are another excellent option. They are lightweight, durable and require minimal upkeep, making them particularly well suited to busy households.”
Natural materials such as teak and acacia continue to appeal to those seeking a more organic aesthetic. She continues, “Wood brings warmth and character to outdoor spaces, but it does require more regular care to maintain its appearance. Understanding the maintenance requirements of different materials before purchasing can help ensure the furniture remains looking its best for years to come.”
- Prioritise comfort and timeless style
As outdoor living spaces become increasingly sophisticated, comfort has become just as important as design.
Magdalena explains, “Supportive seating, deep cushions and generous proportions can completely transform how often you use your garden furniture. An outdoor sofa should feel inviting. It is worth paying close attention to seat depth, cushion quality and overall ergonomics, particularly if you enjoy spending long periods outdoors.”
When choosing colours and finishes, Magdalena recommends considering both current trends and long-term appeal. “Neutral tones remain popular because they provide a versatile foundation that works with changing accessories, planting schemes and garden styles. Natural shades, soft greys and earthy tones tend to age well and create a timeless look that can evolve over time.”
For those wanting to introduce more personality, she suggests doing so through accessories: “Cushions, lanterns and decorative accents allow homeowners to experiment with colour without committing to a large furniture investment.”
- Plan for maintenance and changing weather conditions
Maintenance should always form part of the purchasing decision, particularly given Britain’s unpredictable weather.
Magdalena recommends covering furniture whenever it is not in use and ensuring it is completely dry before fitting a cover. She said, “Breathable covers are important because they allow ventilation and help reduce the risk of mould or water marks. Cushions should always be removed before furniture is covered and stored in a cool, dry, ventilated space.”
She adds, “During winter months or prolonged periods of bad weather, storing furniture in a shed, garage or other watertight environment will help protect it from unnecessary wear.”
“Even high-quality outdoor furniture benefits from protection during extreme conditions. For example, bringing cushions indoors during a heatwave can help prevent fading, while moving furniture to a garage or shed ahead of strong winds can reduce the risk of damage.”
Regular maintenance also plays an important role. “It is worth inspecting furniture at least once a year, checking fittings and fixings, and cleaning surfaces with products suitable for the specific material. Small maintenance tasks can make a significant difference to the longevity of outdoor furniture.”
For Magdalena, the most successful outdoor spaces are those that balance style, comfort and practicality: “Choosing outdoor seating is about more than finding something that looks good. The right sofa should suit your lifestyle, fit your space comfortably and be made from materials that work for your needs.
When those elements come together, you create an outdoor space that feels like a genuine extension of the home and one that can be enjoyed throughout the season and for many years to come.”
