The best outdoor sofas for a comfortable backyard - plus Labor Day sale picks not to miss

From sectionals to loveseats, these outdoor sofas will transform how you use your backyard - and now's the perfect time to pick up a bargain for next year, too

a striped outdoor sofa
(Image credit: Anthropologie)

Spending time outdoors is something most of us like to do when the weather's good, but you might find that traditional outdoor furniture isn't quite as comfortable as your interior decor, making it a little harder to truly relax in your backyard space. 

However, in recent years, clever outdoor textiles have become softer to the touch, and now there's a whole new world of brilliantly cozy outdoor sofas from the best outdoor furniture brands making use of them that mean you can turn your backyard into a real outdoor living room. Here are 12 of the best, including our top Labor Day sale picks. 

Best Labor Day discounts

Best modular outdoor sofas

red outdoor modular sofa

(Image credit: Article)

Modular outdoor sofas are systems that allow you to build your perfect seating arrangement by piecing together individual elements. They often include armchairs, too, so that you can round out your outdoor seating in a cohesive way. 

Best wicker sofas

a modern wicker sofa

(Image credit: Burke Decor)

Wicker gets a bit of a bad rap for outdoor furniture, and yes, while some examples of  this type of outdoor sofa can feel a little dated, there are plenty of designs that use wicker, rattan and more in modern, interesting ways. 

Best outdoor love seats

an outdoor loveseat

(Image credit: Emma & Oliver)

Loveseats aren't only a better fit for small backyards, but they're also often more budget-friendly, too. Here are three that are perfect for compact spaces, while bringing a taste of the luxuriousness of an outdoor sofa. 


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an indoor outdoor sofa

(Image credit: Anhtropologie)

As outdoor textiles evolve, furniture that doesn't look or feel like traditional outdoor furniture is becoming a huge trend for patios and decks. Think plump, fully-upholstered sofas and textiles you wouldn't expect to see outside. 

'Deep and comfy sectionals with great lines and great fabrics like boucle and linen-like materials are now possible for outdoor upholstery,' explains interior designer Amy Kalikow.  'Rounded sofas, creatively designed chairs, and unique coffee tables in concrete or stone are all possible to help make outdoor living as great as indoors.’ 

Best indoor/outdoor sofa

Denver indoor/outdoor sofa, Anthropologie
Editor's pick

Denver indoor/outdoor sofa, Anthropologie

This indoor/outdoor couch from Anthropologie is probably one of the best examples of outdoor furniture that wouldn't look out of place indoors too. 

Hugh Metcalf
Editor of Livingetc.com

Hugh is the  Editor of Livingetc.com. From working on a number of home, design and property publications and websites, including Grand Designs, ICON and specialist kitchen and bathroom magazines, Hugh has developed a passion for modern architecture, impactful interiors and green homes. Whether moonlighting as an interior decorator for private clients or renovating the Victorian terrace in Essex where he lives (DIYing as much of the work as possible), you’ll find that Hugh has an overarching fondness for luxurious minimalism, abstract shapes and all things beige. He’s just finished a kitchen and garden renovation, and has eyes set on a bathroom makeover for 2024.