Now that fall 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. When it comes to cushion materials, this means looking 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.
So, from compact sectionals and loveseats to cozy accent chairs, hammocks and pool lounges, here are 15 of the most comfortable patio furniture pieces money can buy (plus a guide at the bottom of this article on what to look for).