Now that spring is on the horizon, the seasonal itch to give the backyard a makeover seems to be back with a vengeance. That said, while string lights and pool floats are great to have on hand for summer, there’s one thing that’ll never disappoint guests when they come over for cozy s’mores by the fire pit: comfortable seating.
But what really makes a seat comfortable? When it comes to cushion materials, look for sinkable foams that offer support without absorbing water. And for durability, “Performance fabrics are the closest thing to ‘magic’ that you’re going to find in the design industry. These fabrics are stain-resistant, odor-resistant, fade-resistant and environmentally friendly,” says designer Karen B. Wolf of K + Co. Living.
Essentially, you want to mimic the feel of a cushy reading chair with weather-resistant materials that keep it looking fresh season after season. That’s why I’ve rounded up the most comfortable, internet-viral patio furniture pieces of the year—all of which have been either PureWow editor-, reader- or TikTok reviewer-approved. From the teak lounge chairs that went viral for being a luxury designer dupe to the modular Outer sectional that practically cleans itself, here are 10 of the most comfortable patio furniture pieces to invest in this season—plus a guide at the bottom of this article on what to look for.