On the hunt for a new outdoor sofa? The hottest furniture trend this summer is for curving garden sofas in sweeping ergonomic forms that are as easy on the eye as they are on the body. So forget the long lines of last year’s low-slung modular seating, and enjoy this far more comfortable outdoor seating style!
These shapely sofas come in all sizes and configurations so, however big or small your patio is, there’s a design out there that will help you make the most of your garden. Choose from corner sofas, snug two-seaters, or roomy three-seaters that are ideal for piling on as a family or for lazing on your own.
Related: Sofa dining sets for long lunches and relaxed evenings
Add in a matching footstool, armchair, and side table and you’ll have the perfect al fresco lounge that you won’t want to leave. And from intricate open-weave faux rattan, urban rope-strung to retro chic Lloyd Loom styles, these curvy sofas are seriously stylish and set to top everyone’s garden wish lists this season.
Why choose a curved garden sofa?
Full of sweeping lines and seductive curves these sofas not only look good but are also sublimely comfy. With no sharp angles or edges in sight, they’re a welcoming seat for visiting friends and a snug haven when you want to snatch a sneaky daytime nap. There are all sorts of comfort-enhancing designs too, from high backs to winged headrests.
They’ll instantly bring an indoor-outdoor vibe to your patio and some boutique chic into your backyard, so think about how this would work best for your patio. Most sets consist of a sofa and two armchairs for a lounge look, but many sofas are available to buy separately, so think whether a pair of two-seater sofas facing each other would be better for you, perhaps with an outdoor fireplace or water feature as a focus.
What are curved garden sofas made from?
These curvy seat designs are made possible thanks to the very latest outdoor materials.
The recent development of synthetic rattan and polypropylene rope has revolutionised garden furniture and made new shapes possible, with durable strands woven around a rigid steel or aluminium frame. The strength allows for more intricate, open weaves, a far cry from the dense, plasticky rattan furniture of old.
Read next: Garden furniture covers to protect your tables and chairs
The look and feel of synthetic rattan or resin wicker, as it’s also known, is now much nearer to the natural material and is easy to keep dirt-free with a soft bristle brush and non-foaming cleaner. And synthetic rope, repeatedly looped under tension around the frame, is a huge trend this season. With just a nod to the current interior craze for mid-century design, it’s available in a wide range of thicknesses and colours, from vibrant ombres to sophisticated black and pewter grey.
Best curved garden sofas
1. Wilko Steel Rattan Effect 4 Seater Sofa Set
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Bold looks and a striking lattice weave give this set Insta-ready charm. A robust steel frame teamed with unusual flat PE rattan works well alongside the glass-top table. The chunky flat weave looks great!
Dimensions: Chairs: D73 x W70 x H70cm, Sofa: D73 x W146 x H70cm, Coffee Table: D89.5 x W53 x H35.5cm
Weatherproof: Weather-resistant, however, we recommend covering with a waterproof protective cover when not in use to prolong your furniture set
Review: "Ordered this online, it’s perfect, well made, good quality, and stylish, ideal for inside or outside, different from your average patio style furniture."
2. John Lewis & Partners Corsica 4-Seater Garden Table & Chairs Lounging Set
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Prefer substantial seating but don’t want to compromise on style? Then this closely woven design is for you. Made from synthetic all-weather rattan with softly rounded edges, it channels serious vintage vibes without appearing twee. Plus, the layering up of neutral tones in the rattan and cushions gives a luxe, designer feel.
Dimensions: Table: H41.5 x W90 x D62.5cm, Sofa: H82.5 x W140.5 x D75cm, Chairs: H82 x W75 x D74.8cm
Weatherproof: Yes, though make sure you bring in the cushions which are resistant to light rain showers only
Review: "Excellent little suite for my small garden/patio. Easy to put together, looks lovely and very comfortable to relax in and is actually bigger than the picture looks online. Highly recommend."
3. GoodHome Apolima Grey 4 Seater Coffee Set
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Exaggerated curves and a dark moody finish give this sofa set bags of impact. The wraparound shape and comfy foam cushions encourage you to sink back, and the cushion covers are machine washable. With a lightweight frame, this set will be easy to move around your garden to suit the occasion.
Dimensions: Table: H38 x W110 x D60cm, Sofa: H92 x W150 x D85cm, Chairs: H92 x W76 x D85cm
Weatherproof: Water-repellent and weather-resistant
Review: "Recently bought this set and although it was a bit of a struggle to put it together, took two of us a fair bit of time and a few scrapped knuckles! It was so worth it, looks fabulous and unbelievably comfortable. Looks far more expensive than it was".
4. Richmond 4 Seater Garden Furniture Set with Cushions
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With a contemporary rope weave and consisting of a two-seater sofa, two armchairs, a coffee table, padded grey seat cushions and four scatter cushions, the Richmond 4 Seater Set has everything you need to transform your patio. We love that you can convert the sofa into a daybed by adding the tabletop cushion to create a footstool.
Dimensions: Table: H30 x W135 x D62cm, Sofa: H86 x W152 x D70cm, Chairs: H86 x W71 x D70cm
Weatherproof: Yes, however, we recommend covering with a waterproof protective cover when not in use to prolong your furniture set
5. Capri Garden Sofa
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Beautifully rounded with a synthetic wicker seat and solid natural teak frame, this durable and reliable sofa can be enjoyed for many summers to come. Style with some floral, water-resistant cushions to bring the rustic charm to life or opt for the navy alternative for something a little more striking.
Dimensions: H76.5 x W145 x D72cm
Weatherproof: Store over winter to prolong the life of the sofa
Review: "I’ve had this sofa just over a year now and it looks just as good as it did when new. Very tasteful and stylish- teak wood legs and a waterproof rattan effect seat. Admired by our visitors - buying the Capri chair this week - thank you M&S."
6. Chania Lounge Set
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Made from PE wicker and PE rope, the Chania Lounge Set has a soft straw-coloured finish and a delicate diamond weave. Teamed with black hairpin legs and a glass-topped table, it radiates Ibiza sunshine and sundowners. It's worth noting that this set needs to be protected in the winter with a waterproof but breathable cover.
Dimensions: Table: H43 x W110 x D45cm, Sofa: H77 x W143 x D82cm, Chairs: H78 x W74 x D80cm
Weatherproof: Store cushions indoors during periods of wet weather and cover lounge set to prolong its life
7. John Lewis & Partners Chunky Weave 5-Seater Garden Corner Sofa Set
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With a swooping curve to the table and the five-seater sofa, this set will sweep you off your feet. The chunky contemporary weave makes sure this rope-like-strung sofa is still a real head-turner. Sturdy and weather-resistant, it’ll create a gorgeous lounge corner on your patio with plenty of cushions to keep you comfortable all-year round.
Dimensions: H83 x W144/W228 x D84cm
Weatherproof: Yes, though recommended to cover during adverse weather
Review: "We love this garden sofa. It is so comfortable and spacious to lounge out on, and it is wearing well. I highly recommend!"
8. Swara Garden 2 Seater Sofa
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Super sophisticated with a gorgeous double weave, the Swara Garden 2 Seater Sofa will no doubt create a statement on your patio with the dramatic curves. Made of poly rattan and with a polyester seat cushion, this number is the perfect combo for style, price, and comfort.
Dimensions: H80 x W141 x D64cm
Weatherproof: Cover or store away when not in use
Review: "A lovely, neat and stylish sofa suitable for garden or conservatory."
9. John Lewis & Partners Basket Rope Woven 2-Seat Garden Sofa
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Available in a blue or natural weave, this Basket Rope Woven 2-Seat Garden Sofa oozes class with a shapely rope-strung upper atop a sturdy straight-legged aluminium frame and squishy shower-resistant cushions. There’s a matching range of garden furniture so you can mix and match to suit.
Dimensions: H69.5 x W136 x D74cm
Weatherproof: Yes, however, we recommend you cover the furniture during adverse weather.
Review: "Excellent quality, very stylish. Delivery was really well organised and friendly."
10. San Marino 4 Seater Conversation Set
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This compact garden sofa set is perfect for afternoons spent lounging in the summer sun. Made of a unique rattan structure atop a steel powder coated frame and with comfortable padded cushioning, it's also a great shout if you're limited on outdoor space. Being lightweight, it'll be easy to move around the garden if you have a change of heart in our garden design or are simply chasing the sun.
Dimensions: Sofa chairs: H73 x W80 x D73cm, Double sofa: H73 x W155 x D73cm, Tables: Dia. 70 x 35cm and Dia. 50 x 45cm
Weatherproof: Weather-resistant, but recommended to store under a cover/ indoors during the winter and adverse weather conditions
Review: "Really lovely garden furniture and super comfy to sit on."
11. Gardenline Rope Effect Furniture Set
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Clean lines and a light brown frame make this stylish rope effect furniture set a timeless buy. With deep curving seats and matching cushions, you won’t want to leave your patio and the round side table only adds to the effect.
Dimensions: Sofa: H78.5 x W145.5 x D78.5cm, Chairs: H78.5 x W80.5 x D78.5cm, Tabletop: 60 x 40cm
Weatherproof: It's recommended to cover your furniture to protect it from adverse weather conditions - UV resistant up to 300 hours (approx.)
Review: "Stunning set such good quality! Arrived earlier than expected too. Super comfy and it’s bigger than you think."
What about the extras?
Every curved garden sofa needs a curvy coffee table, and designs vary from barely-there glass and faux rattan combos to sleek and sturdy metal numbers with a matte and sometimes coloured, powder-coated finish. If you’re after a lounge look then go for a table with a handy storage shelf underneath and, if in heavy use, opt for easy-to-clean toughened glass.
Do read the small print on the outdoor cushions before you buy as they vary hugely as to whether they can cope with being left out in the rain. While some must be brought inside at the slightest glimpse of a shower, others can remain in place in all but the heaviest winter downpours. This is particularly important for these curvy sofas as the cushions aren’t as square and easy to store. You will pay more for all-weather or shower-resistant cushions, but your investment will save you from those stressy it’s-raining dashes.
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