Modular
Modular sofas for an outdoor living which can change in time. You start from a standard unit, the footstool, and then add backrest or armrests. Butterfly by B&B is padded and upholstered in a special outdoor fabric.

Of any size
The right size is out there: armchair, two or three seater sofa or even a maxi-sofa for parties. DNA by Gandia Blasco comes in over twelve different designs. Frame in anodized or thermo lacquered aluminium.

Frame + cushions
Load-bearing frame with detachable padding is a staple for the outdoors. Docks is made from modular aluminium benches, also lightweight and portable, and cushions in sail canvas. Practical and informal.

Romantic in filigree
Appealing also in wintertime, when just like bare branches it blends with its surroundings. In summertime, you can add a lightweight cover and cushions, just like tiny petals. Hervé sofa in painted steel by Driade. 

Single-piece 
Various ways of sitting down using delicate folds, hollowed seat and recesses; this is a visually strong monolithic piece. Gran Plié sofa by Driade is entirely made from polyethylene. Matching armchair and coffee table available. 

With canopy 
There are a variety of different lines which include sofas with elongated backs and armrests or supports for sunshades. InOut by Paola Navone for Gervasoni, shown here in teak.

Hi-tech materials  
Increasingly more hi-tech materials are used to stand the test of time outdoors. Erica by B&B has a frame made from extruded and die-cast aluminium and woven backrest in synthetic fibre. 

In and Out
Refined materials for a metropolitan style, also perfect indoors. Indiana by Minotti has a seat in solid iroko wood, woven backrest in polypropylene straps.

Iconic
For the delight of design buffs, the forbearer of designer sofas is also available in a version for the outdoors, yet updated so it can resist being outside. LC3 by Le Corbusier, part of the I Maestri collection by Cassina.

Classy
In Chinese, Jian means “between”, and it’s one of two symbols which make up the words space, time and people: so what better term for a sofa which is suitable anywhere. Designed by Neri and Hu for Gandia Blasco.