The best outdoor sofas and loungers to relax in style – It’s Going Viral in 2026

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Sophia Reyes
Sophia Reyes is a passionate makeup enthusiast and freelance beauty writer based in New York City. With over 8 years of experience testing products, creating looks,...
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Gregory Khan for NYT Wirecutter

Best choice

This luxurious, sculptural chair gently warms the body with radiant heating. This makes it perfect for a brisk evening or after you’ve toweled off after a swim.

Why is this great

It’s part patio heater, part lounge chair. The Galanter & Jones Kosmos Lounge is an elegant concrete two-seater with built-in heating. The six-position dial on its side adjusts the temperature from 80 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike the grill-lamp feel of a typical patio heater, the entire concrete surface of the Kosmos Lounge heats evenly and emits a gentle warmth—similar to what you might feel when lounging on a sun-warmed rock. And on bright days, the stone absorbs and retains the sun’s heat, so it provides more subtle warmth even without turning on the heating element.

You won’t miss the pillows too much. At first I thought that sitting on a hard surface would bring back memories of being stuck in an airport terminal. But the concrete shell has a smooth texture, matte finish, and curves that support the body without feeling rigid. You can order a material sample kit to see the finish first.

It is easy to maintain. Dirt and dust do appear on the Cosmos, but you can simply spray it with a hose (there are two small drain holes on the seat) and wipe it dry. Over several weeks of testing, we didn’t notice any scratches or chips, just scuff marks on the surface that can be wiped off with a damp cloth. The legs are powder coated to resist rust, and the concrete is coated with a weatherproof coating.

A small thermostat dial regulates the temperature. It takes a few minutes to feel the heat, but once heated, the concrete maintains an even temperature. Gregory Khan for NYT Wirecutter

Disadvantages, but not deal breakers

Moving is a job for at least two people. The Cosmos weighs 190 pounds and is heavy. Worse, an arched back and slender legs make it difficult to find a grip. Even with a friend, it took careful coordination to move the living room from the drop-off point to our yard. Luckily, white glove delivery may be available from select retailers such as Design Within Reach.

There should be an outlet nearby. The cord is only 10 feet long, so you’ll need to think about placement (or call an electrician). The most ideal spot in our yard required an extension cord – not pretty.

It’s not for everyone. At nearly $4,000, the Kosmos is an expensive, dedicated heating solution that only provides warmth for two people. And like marble, concrete can become stained if spills are not wiped up immediately.

Expect microcracks. Although we haven’t observed them yet, they can occur naturally as concrete expands and contracts. And Galanter and Jones note that over time, microcracks will definitely appear on the Cosmos. This shouldn’t affect the bench’s ability to heat, and the company sells a resealing kit so you can keep the surface sealed.

Key Features

  • Colors: graphite (seat); matte black or stromboli (frame)
  • Materials: glass fiber reinforced concrete (seat); powder coated steel (legs)
  • White glove service: depends on the seller
  • Return Policy and Warranty: Return policy varies by seller. Three-year warranty for home use and one year warranty for commercial use.
  • Seating options: chair, living room

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Sophia Reyes is a passionate makeup enthusiast and freelance beauty writer based in New York City. With over 8 years of experience testing products, creating looks, and following industry trends, she specializes in everyday wearable makeup, clean beauty, and inclusive skincare routines. When she's not swatching the latest lip glosses, you'll find her exploring art galleries or trying new coffee spots. Follow her for honest reviews and beginner-friendly tutorials!
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