Lounge elements: Modular Outdoor furniture for your garden
With modular lounge elements , you can put together your ‘ Outdoor ’ seating arrangement to suit your patio, garden or balcony perfectly. At Möbel Ehrmann, you’ll find corner, centre, end and footstool modules from various brands that can be freely combined and scaled over time. This allows you to create an outdoor seating arrangement from individual building blocks that adapts to your available space – rather than the other way round.
What sets lounge elements apart
Lounge elements are the modular alternative to classic Outdoor sofas. Instead of a fixed seating arrangement, you receive individual modules that you can combine as required to create a corner arrangement, a straight bench or a spacious lounge area. The system is particularly well-suited to spaces that do not conform to standard shapes: a winding courtyard, a narrow terrace with a parapet, or a conservatory with a landing.
Key features include the low seat height of around 35–42 cm and the deep seats, which are approximately 75–90 cm deep. These dimensions ensure a relaxed, slightly reclined posture – a marked difference from traditional garden dining sets. The cushions are generally much more voluminous than those on standard chairs and are available in weather-resistant fabrics.
Select lounge elements by module type
To help you find the right configuration for you, it’s worth taking a quick look at the main types of modules. Each element fulfils a different function within the seating arrangement, and when combined, they create the layout that suits your outdoor space.
Corner elements and end elements
The corner unit forms the centrepiece of any corner configuration. It connects two rows of seating at a 90-degree angle and ensures a continuous seating area with no visible gaps. An end element for the lounge section closes off one side of a row and has an armrest on only one side. If you are planning an open seating arrangement with a seamless transition, omit the end element and combine several centre elements instead.
Centre elements, seating elements and lounger elements
Centre elements are the most flexible building blocks: no armrests, a straight shape, and can be extended as required. A single lounge seat element is equivalent to an armchair and is well suited to smaller balconies or as an addition next to an existing garden sofa. A lounge recliner – also known as a chaise longue for the ‘ Outdoor ’ range – adds a footrest to the seating set and creates a comfortable lounging area, perfect for sunny afternoons.
Footstools and side tables
A lounge stool for the Outdoor area serves several purposes: it acts as a footrest, as an extra seat for guests and – with a matching top – as a side table. Models with removable cushions often feature an integrated table surface, which can be an advantage in confined spaces. The garden lounge stool is also the simplest way to expand an existing set without altering its basic shape.
Materials: a comparison of weatherproof lounge elements
The choice of material plays a key role in determining how easy your outdoor seating area is to maintain and how long it will last. At Möbel Ehrmann, we stock lounge furniture in the most common material categories for outdoor use – each with its own unique character.
Wicker, poly rattan and Outdoor fabric
Poly rattan lounge furniture consists of a weather-resistant plastic weave stretched over an aluminium frame. The material is UV-stable, easy to wipe clean and available in a wide range of colours, from light grey to anthracite. Lounge units with fabric covers use ‘ Outdoor ’ fabrics such as olefin or solution-dyed acrylic. These covers are water-repellent, mould-resistant and, on many models, can be removed and machine-washed. Anyone seeking an exceptionally soft seat would be well advised to choose a fabric-upholstered module.
Aluminium, wood and metal frames
Powder-coated aluminium is the most common choice for metal lounge furniture: it is lightweight, corrosion-resistant and available in anthracite, white or black. Stainless steel frames look more upmarket, but are significantly heavier. Wooden lounge furniture – made from teak or eucalyptus, for example – brings a warm, natural look to the garden. It is suitable for year-round outdoor use, but should be re-oiled every one to two years if you wish to preserve its original colour. If left untreated, the wood will develop a silver-grey patina over time.
Configure lounge elements: Which layout suits your outdoor space?
Before assembling individual modules, it’s worth measuring the available space. Allow for a width of around 80–90 cm per seat, plus at least 60 cm of space in front of the seating area for movement. For a classic L-shape comprising a corner unit and two centre units, you’ll need a floor space of approximately 220 × 220 cm. A U-shaped lounge arrangement with two corners and a central section requires 260 × 320 cm, depending on the width of the modules.
On a small balcony, even just three modules of small lounge furniture can create the desired effect: a seating unit, a footstool and a matching side table. On a spacious terrace or when using lounge elements for the garden, however, multiple rows can be combined – complemented by a Outdoor rug, which visually ties the seating area together. Anyone planning to scale their lounge setup incrementally should verify the inventory of additional modules within the same series at the initial checkout. Some manufacturers carry particular Outdoor lounge collections for several years, while others refresh their assortments more frequently.
Care and weather protection
Weatherproof lounge elements are designed for long-term outdoor use. The covers are resistant to rain, UV radiation and dirt, but they are not entirely maintenance-free. During prolonged periods of rain, it is best to place the cushions under a canopy or cover them with a protective cover. This helps the fabric’s fibre structure retain its shape for longer. For regular cleaning, lukewarm water and a mild washing-up liquid are sufficient. Harsh cleaning products or high-pressure washers can damage the cover.
Before winter sets in, it is advisable to store removable cushions in a dry indoor space, such as a garage or cellar. The aluminium or stainless steel frames can usually be left outdoors, provided a breathable protective cover is used. Wooden elements are more sensitive to ground moisture – raising them off the ground using small felt glides or wooden slats will noticeably extend their lifespan.
High-quality lounge furniture and a selection of brands
Our range includes both high-quality lounge furniture from established Outdoor specialists and affordable options for beginners and those on a tighter budget. In the premium segment, manufacturers impress with intricate connections between modules, precisely finished welded seams and durable upholstery fabrics. Designer lounge furniture for the garden often features minimalist designs and distinctive colour schemes. In the mid-price range, you’ll find numerous modular garden furniture pieces that take their cue from premium models in terms of design and craftsmanship, whilst remaining attractive to price-conscious buyers. Our interior design consultants will help you find the model that’s right for you within this range.
You’ll find a complementary selection of ready-made seating sets in the category of pre-configured lounge sets. If you’d like to add further seating to your outdoor space, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our range of garden sofas and in our lounge furniture overview. If you’re planning to redesign your entire outdoor area, it’s well worth taking a look at our garden furniture showroom.
Personal advice in your area
Möbel Ehrmann is a family-run business with over 30 years’ experience in the furniture trade. At several locations in the Palatinate, Baden and Trier, you can try out selected lounge furniture directly in our showrooms and receive advice from our team. Our interior design consultants will help you choose modules, decide on materials and plan your layout. Our in-house assembly teams are also part of the service – assembly and delivery are carried out by our own staff, not by external contractors. Affordable financing options are available for larger purchases.
Be inspired by our selection or visit one of our showrooms for a personal consultation. You can find an overview of all our homes on our page listing all our locations. We’d be happy to advise you on putting together your modular Outdoor seating area.