A lounge set isn't something you buy every year. Still, many people pick one based on a nice photo and only discover at home that the sofa is too big, too low to eat from, or needs more maintenance than expected. In this buying guide you'll work through six steps covering everything that matters: how you'll use the set, which shape and size fit your patio, which material suits your maintenance wishes, which cushions are comfortable, and how to manage your budget smartly. For each step we link to an in-depth article if you want to go further, and at the bottom you'll find sample sets per buyer profile, a checklist and a short seating test.
The short version: first decide whether you want to lounge or dine too, then choose the shape that suits your patio. Measure up and keep 60 to 90 cm of walking space along the open sides. Aluminium is the easiest to maintain, wood the warmest. Choose the cushion thickness based on how you sit, and don't buy more seats than you actually use. Unsure about comfort? Take the seating test.
The choice in 6 steps
The order matters. If you start with material or colour, you often end up with a set that doesn't fit or isn't comfortable the way you want. So work from use to details:
Lounging with a drink, or also having breakfast and dinner outside? That determines the seat height and whether you need a low lounge table or a dining table.
Corner sofa, sofa with separate chairs, lounge dining set or loose modules: the shape has to suit the spot on your patio.
Allow 60 to 90 cm of walking space around the set's dimensions, and choose the number of seats based on the people you usually sit with.
Aluminium, rope, wicker or wood: base your choice on the maintenance you're willing to do and the style of your garden.
Seat height, seat depth and cushion thickness determine whether you sink in or sit upright. Also consider where you'll store the cushions.
Know where the price comes from, save on size rather than quality, and check the price chart before you buy.
Step 1: lounging or dining too?
This is the most important choice. A true lounge set is low and deep, with a low table for your drinks. A lounge dining set has a higher seat and a dining table, so it can replace your garden dining set too. A middle option is a corner sofa with a slightly higher seat, where you can both relax and eat at a table.
| What do you want to do? | Choose | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Mainly relaxing | Low lounge set | Seat height around 40 to 42 cm |
| Lounging and occasionally eating | Corner sofa with higher seat | Seat height around 44 to 46 cm |
| Eating outside often | Lounge dining set | Dining table next to the sofa |
| Also a separate dining area | Lounge set plus garden dining set | Space for both |
Not sure you want a lounge set at all, or would rather have a regular garden set? Read lounge set or garden set: what suits you first. If you choose lounging and eating combined, you'll find everything about that type in buying a dining lounge set.
Step 2: which shape suits your patio?
The shape depends on the location. A corner that would otherwise stay empty calls for something different than a narrow strip along the house wall.
- Corner sofa (L-shape): makes use of a corner of the patio, with the table fitting inside the L. Pay attention to left or right: if in doubt, choose a symmetrical sofa or a set with a movable middle element. You can read all about this in buying a corner sofa for the garden and buying a corner lounge set.
- Sofa with separate chairs: flexible on a narrow or irregular patio. Have a look at the sofa and chair lounge sets, for example from 4 Seasons Outdoor and Taste by 4 Seasons.
- Lounge dining set: lounging and eating in one place, handy if there's no room for a separate dining area. See dining lounge sets.
- Modular: loose elements you arrange differently each time. Read buying a modular lounge set.
Not sure which shape fits your patio? The article about space includes a short shape test that guides you to the right shape based on your patio.
Step 3: size and seats
The size in the specifications is the size of the set itself. On your patio you need more, because you also need to be able to walk past it and sit down comfortably. Keep 60 to 90 cm clear along the open sides. For a set in a corner, the rule of thumb is (length + 60 cm) x (depth + 60 cm), then add 90 cm for good measure.
A compact corner set like the Springs at 197 x 197 cm already fits in roughly 2.55 by 2.55 metres. A corner sofa for six, such as the Teramon at 266.5 x 203.5 cm, needs at least roughly 3.25 by 2.65 metres. You'll find a complete calculation table with available lounge sets and measuring steps in how much space do you need for a lounge set.
Choose the number of seats based on the company you usually have outside. Have more guests a few times a year? Then add loose chairs or stools. An oversized set takes up space every day and costs more in frame, woven material and cushions.
Tape out the outer dimensions of the set with masking tape or string, and place a few chairs where the sofa will be. Walk around it one evening. You'll immediately see whether the sliding doors can still open and whether the route to the garden stays clear.
Step 4: material and maintenance
Most lounge sets have an aluminium frame. The difference often lies in the finish: sleek aluminium, rope, wicker, a teak look or real wood. Choose mainly based on the maintenance you're willing to do.
| Material | Maintenance | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Powder-coated aluminium | Soap and water, otherwise little | Sleek and modern |
| Teak look on aluminium | Soap and water, no oil | Wood look without upkeep |
| Rope | Lukewarm water, soft brush | Soft and luxurious |
| Wicker | Rinse off, brush | Classic lounge look |
| Wood, such as acacia | Regular wood oil | Natural and warm |
Torn between woven materials? Read rope or wicker. The strengths and weaknesses of aluminium are covered in aluminium lounge set: pros and cons. For what each material requires per season, read how to maintain your lounge set. If you leave the set outside in winter, also look at can a lounge set stay outside.
When choosing a material, also consider the style of your garden. Black aluminium and clean lines suit a modern garden, while wood and rope create a softer, more natural look. Browse by material: aluminium, rope, wicker and acacia lounge sets, or see all wooden lounge sets.
Step 5: cushions and seating comfort
In a photo, many lounge sets look alike. The specifications show how they really feel to sit in. Pay attention to three measurements:
- Seat height: around 40 to 42 cm is lounging, around 44 to 46 cm lets you sit more upright and get up more easily. The latter is also the height for eating at a table.
- Seat depth: around 50 cm lets you sit upright, 60 cm or more is truly reclining. The Teramon has 50 cm, the Levanto 61 cm.
- Cushion thickness: among the sets we compare, seat cushions range from 5 cm (Morella) to 25 cm (Levanto). Thicker cushions feel softer, but also sink down more.
Cushion covers on lounge sets are usually polyester with a water-repellent coating. That isn't the same as waterproof: during heavy rain and in winter, store them dry. So plan a spot for the cushions from the start, for example an storage box. You can read more in storing garden cushions and, if your old set needs new cushions, in replacing lounge set cushions.
Test: what kind of seating comfort are you looking for?
Answer four short questions about how you sit and what you do on your lounge set. You'll get the seating profile that suits you, with an example from the range.
What seating comfort are you looking for in a lounge set?
How do you prefer to sit on a summer evening?
- Feet up, half reclining against the cushions
- Leaning back comfortably, but with my feet on the ground
- Upright at the table, with a plate or a game in front of me
What is usually on the table in front of the sofa?
- A drink and a book
- Snacks and drinks to share
- A full lunch or dinner
Who usually sits on the sofa?
- Mostly just us, to really unwind
- A changing group of friends and family
- Older guests too, who want to get up easily
What does an ideal lounge cushion feel like to you?
- Thick and soft, I want to sink into it
- Comfortable, but not too deep
- Firm, so I can sit up straight
Deep lounging Choose a low sofa with a large seat depth and thick cushions. The Levanto has a seat height of 42 cm, a seat depth of 61 cm and cushions 25 cm thick.
The middle ground A corner sofa with a slightly higher seat and cushions around 10 cm thick lets you sit relaxed, but you can get out of it easily. The Teramon has a seat height of 46 cm and a seat depth of 50 cm.
Lounging and dining Choose a lounge dining set with a dining table. The Elati has a seat height of 44 cm, firm 8 cm seat cushions and a table of 160 x 90 cm.
Step 6: budget and the right moment
Lounge set prices vary widely. The difference mainly lies in size, the amount of woven material, the number and thickness of cushions, and the tabletop. A large corner set with rope, thick cushions and a dining table naturally requires more material than a compact aluminium set. You can read how this works in why lounge sets are so expensive.
How to keep your budget under control
- Save on size: one or two fewer seats saves on frame, woven material and cushions
- Not on frame and cushions: those are the parts you notice every day
- Only buy a dining table if you eat outside: a lounge dining set replaces your garden dining set too
- Factor in maintenance: a cover, a storage box and, for wood, wood oil
Before you buy, check the price chart on the product page: it shows the price trend and the lowest price of the past 30 days. If the price is higher right now, set a price alert. Products currently priced below the store's regular price appear under deals. You can read more about the best time to buy in when to buy a garden set.
Six lounge sets per buyer profile
To make the steps concrete, below are six available lounge sets, each suited to a different buyer profile. The specs come from the Garden Impressions product information; you can see the current prices on the cards.
| Your situation | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small corner | Springs | 197 x 197 cm |
| Mainly lounging | Levanto | Seat depth 61 cm |
| Unsure left or right | Teramon | Movable middle element |
| Narrow patio | Decala | Sofa and loose chairs |
| Eating outside often | Elati | Table 160 x 90 cm |
| Prefer real wood | Santos | FSC acacia wood |
Compact in a corner: Springs lounge corner set
A compact corner set of 197 x 197 cm with 5 seats and 9 cushions according to the specifications. The frame is powder-coated aluminium, and the matching lounge table measures 70 x 70 cm with a slatted top. With a seat height of 43 cm you can sit comfortably without sinking too low.
Springs lounge corner set 4-piece
Mainly lounging: Levanto corner sofa
The Levanto consists of a corner element and two sofa sections, together 231.5 x 231.5 cm, for five people. With a seat height of 42 cm, a seat depth of 61 cm and 11 cushions 25 cm thick, this is a true lounging sofa. Because both sides are the same length, it doesn't matter whether you place it left or right.
Levanto corner lounge set 3-piece
Choosing left or right: Teramon corner lounge set
The Teramon has a corner element, two sofa sections and a middle element that you can place to the left or right of the corner. The sofa measures 266.5 x 203.5 cm with 6 seats, backrests and armrests of Qualicord rope, and 11 cushions 10 cm thick. With a seat height of 46 cm, it's suitable for both lounging and sitting at a table.
Teramon corner lounge set 4-piece
Flexible on a narrow patio: Decala
The Decala consists of a three-seater sofa measuring 201 x 80.5 cm, two lounge chairs of 80.5 x 74 cm and a coffee table of 125 x 66.5 cm: 5 seats in total. The aluminium frame has a light teak look, the armrests are made of TPU rope and the cushions are 12 cm thick. Because everything is freestanding, you can adjust the arrangement to your patio.
Decala lounge set 4-piece
Lounging and eating: Elati lounge-dining corner set
The Elati is a lounge dining set with a corner sofa of 281 x 216 cm for 6 people and a table of 160 x 90 cm. The backrests and armrests feature a teak look print on aluminium. With a seat height of 44 cm and firm 8 cm seat cushions, you sit upright enough to eat comfortably. It comes with 13 cushions.
Elati lounge-dining corner set 5-piece
Real wood: Santos lounge dining set
The Santos is made of FSC-certified acacia wood with a white wash finish and taupe rope. Two sofa sections together form a corner, with an acacia wood table of 154 x 90 cm and two stools. It comes with 15 cushions, 11 cm thick. Keep in mind that the wood needs oiling regularly.
Santos lounge dining set 5-piece right
Also worth a look:
Morella: compact for 4
View set →
Bahama: wicker and seat height 50 cm
View set →All corner lounge sets
View range →More recommendations by situation can be found in the best lounge sets of 2026 and the best lounge set for a small garden.
Checklist before you order
Tick these points off before you click order:
- I know whether I want to lounge, eat, or both
- The shape suits the spot on my patio
- Patio measured, with 60 to 90 cm of walking space along the open sides
- The number of seats suits the people I usually have over
- I know what maintenance the material requires
- Seat height, seat depth and cushion thickness suit how I like to sit
- There's a dry spot for the cushions and a lounge set cover
- Checked the price chart or set a price alert
Not sure yet which type of garden furniture suits you? The buying guide will help you along in a few steps.
Common mistakes
Choosing based on the photo
A set always looks spacious in a photo. Check the dimensions, seat height and seat depth in the specifications, and factor in walking space.
Buying a lounge sofa to eat on
Eating on a low sofa with thick cushions is uncomfortable. If you eat outside often, choose a seat height of around 44 to 46 cm or a lounge dining set.
Buying for the biggest party of the year
A set for eight that is mostly used by two takes up your patio every day. Choose based on the people you usually have over, and add loose chairs for a party.
Forgetting about maintenance
Wood needs oil, rope and wicker occasionally need a brush, and cushions must be stored dry. Choose a material that suits the time you're willing to spend on it.
The wrong side of the corner sofa
Left and right don't mean the same thing for every brand. Check the photo or dimension drawing to see which side the long side is on, or choose a symmetrical sofa.
Think about protection
A breathable cover keeps leaves, bird droppings and moisture off your set. Choose a cover shaped to your set and slightly larger than its outer dimensions. You'll find them under lounge set covers and protective covers.
Finish it off with cushions
Extra decorative or back cushions instantly make a simple set cosier, and you can easily swap them out each season. Take a look at the lounge cushions.
Frequently asked questions
Where should you start when buying a lounge set?
Start with how you plan to use the set: mainly for lounging, or also for eating at the table? That decides the seat height and the type of table. Next, choose the shape that suits your terrace, measure the space, and only then look at material, cushions and price.
How many seats does your lounge set need?
Base it on the people you regularly sit with, not the biggest party of the year. If you're usually outside with two to four people, a compact set will do. For visitors, add loose chairs or stools. A corner sofa for six takes up space on your terrace every day, even when only two of you are sitting on it.
What seat height is good for a lounge set?
Around 40 to 42 cm puts you low and relaxed, like the Levanto (42 cm, seat depth 61 cm). Around 44 to 46 cm sits you more upright and makes it easier to stand up. That is also the height for eating at the table, as with the Elati (44 cm) and the Teramon (46 cm).
Which lounge set material needs the least maintenance?
Aluminium with a powder coating: it doesn't rust and only needs a wipe with mild soapy water. Clean rope with lukewarm water and a soft brush, and rinse wicker with a hose. A wooden set, such as one in acacia, looks warm but needs regular teak oil treatment.
How thick should the cushions on a lounge set be?
That depends on how you like to sit. Among the sets we compare, seat cushion thickness ranges from 5 cm (Morella) to 25 cm (Levanto). Thin cushions feel firm and keep you upright, while thick cushions let you sink in. Thick cushions do need more storage space and take longer to dry.
Can a lounge set stay outside all year round?
An aluminium frame can stay outdoors, preferably under a breathable cover. Store the cushions dry when it rains and over winter: the polyester covers are water-repellent, not waterproof. A wooden set needs more maintenance outdoors.
