The sunny weather and hosting Clara’s outdoor party have us focused again on outdoor updates. Picture me in overalls and a striped hat, bleary-eyed from newborn nights, enjoying the fresh air while we make the most of the renovated sunroom. Over the past year we removed the old carpet, replaced broken doors, raised the ceiling, had electrical work done, installed a plank ceiling, added two fans, and tiled the floor. Right now the space features an indoor daybed (temporarily outside), an old IKEA coffee table, and two dining chairs that haven’t made it back inside since the party.
We borrowed two dining chairs plus four outdoor chairs from the dining room to create extra seating for the party. Seeing the space filled with mismatched, temporary furniture made us eager to invest in more permanent pieces. That kicked off our search for an outdoor sofa.
We decided that buying the largest piece first would help define the rest of the layout. With a dining table and umbrella already on the deck, we wanted a cozy lounge area under the shade of the sunroom-turned-veranda. We preferred a woven wicker look over wood or metal and wanted durable Sunbrella fabric for longevity. Here are the options we considered:
1. We liked a sofa from Crate & Barrel for its aesthetic and included Sunbrella fabric. It was on sale but remained pricey, and friends warned that multi-piece bases can separate, so we preferred a one-piece frame.
2. A Pottery Barn couch looked incredibly luxe and plush. Initially listed around $2,000, upgrading to Sunbrella added several hundred dollars, and it eventually sold out.
3. Another Pottery Barn option came in two sizes. The smaller version would have been too compact for our space and neither size included Sunbrella without an extra charge of several hundred dollars.
4. We found an affordable wicker sofa on Amazon with promising reviews and a low price. However, some one-star reviews reported that the wicker deteriorated after a single season, which ruled it out for us.
5. Restoration Hardware offered a beautiful frame, but it was sold separately from cushions. The cost of the frame plus Sunbrella cushions made it a less appealing option.
6. We were impressed by a Home Depot offering from Brown Jordan. It included Sunbrella fabric, came with a generous frame warranty, and offered white-glove delivery. The $1,399 price felt reasonable for the quality and support.
Beyond these retailers we checked Craigslist, flash sales, Overstock, Hayneedle, and Wayfair but didn’t find anything that matched what we wanted in person. Being able to sit on floor models mattered—comfort, seat height, and fabric texture were all important. When we found a floor model of the Home Depot/Brown Jordan chair, it sealed the deal: the scale and comfort were exactly right. So we ordered it, and it’s headed our way.
While the price is significant, we’re hoping this sofa will be durable and long-lasting—the kind of investment that completes the sunroom once and for all. Its arrival will jump-start other planned updates: a coffee table, wall sconces for ambiance, an outdoor-friendly table to balance the opposite side of the room, and finishing touches like potted plants and side tables.
Until then, you’ll find me in the driveway, holding an adorable baby and waiting for the delivery truck. I might need to take a few deep breaths, but I’m excited to see the space come together.