While rattan feels rustic and relaxed, and aluminium oozes chic contemporary vibes, there's something oh-so elegant (and vaguely Parisian) about powder-coated steel garden seating. Typically complete with traditional curved metalwork and styled with deep-set cushions, steel outdoor sofa sets are already proving popular in 2026 —particularly for those of us who like to make our outdoor living spaces feel like a sophisticated extension of our homes.
So, it's no surprise to me that this gorgeous John Lewis Solara Metal 2-Seater Garden Sofa is already trending — despite only recently being released, and the weather still proving far from spring. With its robust, weather-resistant powder-coated steel frame, smooth, refined metalwork, and deeply comfortable seat and backrest cushions, it's a piece that's clearly been created with indoor-outdoor living in mind, and looks like something you'd easily find at high-end garden furniture brands or the likes of Soho Home.
