Outdoor Sofa Purchase Guide: 5 Things You Need to Consider

The process of choosing an outdoor sofa can be daunting. There are just too many styles, designs, and materials available. As such, sifting through the options can be a big task. Whether you’re considering an outdoor wicker sofa, an outdoor sofa set, or anything in between, this purchase guide will help you make the right choice.

5 Things to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Sofa

When you’re browsing for any kind of outdoor furniture, there are a few boxes that you need to tick. If you’re on the hunt for an outdoor sofa, here are the 6 main things to consider:

Outdoor Sofa Craftmanship

The number one thing you should consider is craftsmanship. An outdoor sofa needs to be high-quality and built well. It will have a lot of traffic, so the more wear and tear it can withstand, the better. This factor is worth every penny because it will save you the trouble of having to find a new outdoor sofa a few months down the road.

For example, if you’re set on getting an outdoor wicker sofa, make sure that it’s made with high-quality materials. Otherwise, it won’t be as sturdy as you’d like it to be. If possible, consider handwoven pieces, which are often made to last. For another example, if you’re interested in a white outdoor sofa, make sure the material won’t fade or become yellow.

Good Durability

Speaking of pieces that are made to last, you need your outdoor sofa to be durable. This should be one of your top priorities because you’re investing in a piece of furniture. That investment should provide the value you need. Plus, you deserve good quality! So, when you’re browsing for outdoor sofa options, make sure that the piece is actually made for outdoor use.

It’s not uncommon for people to accidentally get regular sofas, which don’t do well when they’re exposed to the elements. Take the time to read the description of the sofa to make sure the piece is sturdy. More importantly, you need to make sure it suits your needs. To do that, consider features such as rust-proof, rot-proof, waterproof, and more, depending on the material you prefer.

Note: If you like a particular outdoor sofa style or design, but it doesn’t have all the product details you need, know that you can get an outdoor sofa cover. It will protect the furniture when it’s not in use or when it’s in storage due to extreme weather. It’s an additional expense, but well worth it to expand the life span of your outdoor sofa.

Comfort Level

Of course, an outdoor sofa should offer a high level of comfort. Part of that is choosing the right size for your needs. Choosing between a 2 seater outdoor sofa and a 3 seater outdoor spa is a big decision. You need to make sure the sofa offers enough room for however many people will be using it regularly. Of course, there’s also the option of an outdoor sofa set, which provides additional pieces. Such as ottomans, loveseats, or armchairs, among others.

Another important element that adds to the comfort level your outdoor sofa can provide is the fabric. The fabric you choose should be soft, but also resistant to weather, easy to clean, and match the aesthetic you’re going for. Also, the type of cushion makes a big difference. For example, multi-layer memory foam is one of the most popular types of cushion. Low-density and high-density foam are also quite popular. These types of cushions all offer a lot of comfort, so consider all available options and compare them.

Easy and Low Maintenance

There’s no way to go around the fact that furniture will get dirty. The more you try to avoid it, the more it will happen. What you can control instead is how low maintenance and easy to clean the furniture is. It’s very easy for sofas to get dirty because accidents like spills happen. Additionally, outdoor sofas are exposed to the elements and the wind can carry dirt, leaves, and more.

Also, if you have children or pets, they can contribute to dirtied outdoor sofas. Now, a sofa is meant to be enjoyed, so you shouldn’t stress yourself about keeping it pristine. However, it should be easy to clean. Consider investing in fabrics that don’t fade, that are waterproof, resistant to tears, and, above all, easy to clean. That includes fabrics such as polyester, microfiber, leather, linen, and more.

Outdoor Sofa Style and Design

Outdoor sofa style and design are easily one of the most important factors to consider. Sofas are a central piece, so they can define the ambiance of the entire space. Plus, if you’re investing in a high-quality outdoor sofa, you want it to look good! The drawback is that there are too many styles and designs to sift through. To make things easier for yourself, determine the kind of ambiance you want to create.

Do you want your outdoor space to be relaxing or do you want it to be for entertainment? If you want it to be relaxing, you should go with simple designs, such as modern, romantic, or Hamptons-style pieces. The color palette could be nice and neutral to keep the space light. If you want the space to be bold, you can go with dark or vibrant colors and fun patterns. When it comes to styles, you can choose among options like boho chic, art deco, and more.

Outdoor Sofa Purchase Guide

As you can see, there are many different things to consider to find the perfect outdoor sofa. At the end of the day, this is a personal decision that will depend a lot on your needs and your preferences.

We recommend you think about the kind of space you want to create and boil it down to essential elements. Such as color scheme, style, and more. This will help you sift through the options more effectively. If you need ideas, browse our shop to find high-quality outdoor sofa pieces to suit your taste.