Outdoor Sofas & Lounges

Some spots in the home just pull you in, and a good outdoor sofa is easily one of them. Early Settler outdoor sofas pair weatherproof frames with soft, easy-care cushions, so your backyard becomes the comfy place everyone drifts to for slow mornings, long lunches and lazy afternoons.

Outdoor Sofas for Long, Easy Afternoons at Home

An outdoor sofa is where your day slows down. It is the comfy spot to sit back and watch the afternoon drift by.

For 40 years, we have helped Australian families find pieces that fit how they really live. Our outdoor sofas are built for the weather and easy to care for. They are ready for the long, easy afternoons you never want to end.

How outdoor sofas differ from indoor ones

An outdoor sofa is built to live outside, with frames, foams and fabrics made for the weather. An indoor sofa is not.

Put one outdoors, and it soon struggles. Damp works into the cushions, and the sun fades the fabric. The frame is not made for the swing between hot days and cold nights.

A sofa made for outside holds its shape and colour through an Australian summer. That is why our Melbourne design studio treats outdoor pieces as their own project. We choose weather-resistant materials from the start, instead of dressing up an indoor sofa in tougher fabric.

How to pick an outdoor sofa for your space

The right outdoor sofa comes down to your space, your seating needs and how you like to unwind outside. Get those right, and the rest is easy.

A handful of things will steer you to the one that fits:

  • Your space – Measure the area first so the sofa fits with room to move around it.
  • Seating size – A 2 seater suits a balcony or courtyard, while a larger patio or deck can take a bigger lounge or a daybed.
  • How you use it – Quiet afternoons need only a two- or three-seater, while hosting calls for extra lounge chairs.
  • Flexibility – A modular sofa rearranges as your family grows or your plans change.
  • Sun and shade – Note where the light falls so your spot stays comfy through the day.

Once you have a shortlist, come and sit on your favourites in one of our stores across Australia, or shop the range online. To sort the whole look at once, an outdoor lounge set or our outdoor sofa sets pair a sofa with matching pieces.

Which outdoor sofa materials suit the Australian climate?

The best outdoor sofa materials are the ones built to handle whatever the weather throws at them. Our range leans on a handful that earn their place outside.

A few materials do the hard yards in our outdoor range:

  • Powder-coated aluminium is lightweight and resists rust, so it stays easy to live with.
  • Timber and acacia add natural warmth and weather to a soft, lived-in look.
  • All-weather wicker is woven from synthetic fibre that resists fading and moisture.
  • All-weather synthetic rope adds texture and holds firm through sun and rain.
  • Weather-resistant fabric cushions shed water and keep their colour season after season.

For coastal homes and full sun, powder-coated aluminium, all-weather wicker, and synthetic rope take the weather in their stride. Timber and acacia feel warmest in covered or shaded spots.

Keeping your outdoor sofa comfortable and easy to care for

A good outdoor sofa asks very little of you. Most of ours are made to live outside, so day-to-day care is simple.

Comfort comes first. Deep seats and weatherproof outdoor cushions give you somewhere soft to sink into, and they hold their shape after a lazy Sunday or a long lunch with friends.

Keeping it fresh is easy, too. Wipe the frame with mild soapy water, then let it dry. A soft brush lifts everyday dust from the cushions.

Our outdoor furniture is built for the weather, so a shower will not worry it. In heavy rain or over winter, a set of waterproof and breathable protective covers keeps everything clean and dry. Breathability matters, since a cover that traps moisture can invite mould and mildew.

Bring the cushions inside if you would rather, and your outdoor couch will look after you for years.

How to style an outdoor sofa you will want to sit in

Good styling turns an outdoor sofa into a spot you never want to leave. A few easy layers do most of the work, and none of it takes long.

Small touches make the biggest difference outside:

  • Cushions in soft white, grey and brown tones keep things calm, while blue, green and pink add a little life.
  • An outdoor rug grounds the setting and marks out your space.
  • Keep your morning cuppa and a book close with an outdoor coffee table or side table.
  • A pair of lounge chairs gives guests somewhere comfy to sit when you love to host.

Matching your sofa to outdoor tables, outdoor dining furniture and outdoor accessories makes the whole space feel like one.

Because our range covers every room, the pieces sit well together, whether your look is coastal or contemporary. Style your corner of the garden with care, and it becomes your favourite outdoor living space.

Let's make the outdoors your favourite room

Your outdoor space is ready to become the spot everyone heads for first. A comfy outdoor sofa is the easy place to start.

See the full range online, or come and sit on your favourites at your nearest store. Join Home Club while you are here for member offers and a first look at new outdoor pieces.

 

FAQs

How much should you spend on an outdoor sofa?

Most outdoor sofas in Australia sit between about $300 and $2,500, and full sets cost more. Price mostly reflects the frame and the cushion fabric. Spend where it counts, on weather-resistant materials that last, so you are not replacing them in a season or two.

How long do outdoor sofas last?

A well-made outdoor sofa lasts around 5 to 10 years, sometimes longer. Lifespan comes down to the materials and how you care for it. Powder-coated aluminium and all-weather wicker hold up for years, and storing cushions out of harsh weather buys you even more time.

Is rattan good for an outdoor sofa?

Natural rattan is not ideal outdoors, since it fades and weakens in the sun and rain. All-weather wicker is the outdoor version, woven from synthetic fibre that shrugs off the weather. For a sofa that stays outside, choose all-weather wicker over natural rattan.

Do outdoor sofas rust?

Only some outdoor sofas rust, and it comes down to the frame. Steel and other metal frames can rust if the coating chips, while powder-coated aluminium resists rust and handles damp air. Timber like teak does not rust at all. For coastal spots, aluminium or wood is the safer pick.

What colour outdoor sofa should you choose?

Choose a colour that suits your space and hides everyday life. Neutral tones like grey, white and taupe stay easy to style and show less dust. Black and charcoal hide marks but feel warmer in full sun. Lighter beige tones keep things cool and calm.