Beliani ROVIGO Sofa Set Review
Let’s face it, outdoor furniture is generally flawed. Often made from steel components which, to say the least, aren’t best suited to outdoor environments due to rusting, generally using fabrics which are only just water resistant and, putting it politely, they are basically ugly. Beliani are trying to address all these very concerning issues by utilising insightful design language in terms of functionality and usability within outdoor and indoor spaces. This is the case with the set we have been using for many weeks: the (£1,829) Beliani ROVIGO Sofa Set.
Design
Understandably, upon first impression this furniture may look like it’s supposed to be used within an indoor living environment. With the Beliani ROVIGO Sofa Set’s clean lines, sleek soft fabric silhouette and subtle curves, it has no similarity with the outdoor furniture with which we are generally familiar. Even our more refined aluminium framed outdoor furniture would look out of place indoors, but this is where the ROVIGO Sofa Set has certainly become a harmonious edition, taking up its residence within our open plan studio environment. The warm beige finish of this set adds a touch of modernity, making it versatile enough to complement various decor styles. The total configuration comes with a 3 seater sofa (186x84x68 cm), 2 armchairs (105x84x68 cm) and an ottoman (83x83x38cm). Available in three colour options; beige, grey and light grey. All can be configured with either white or black frames.
Beliani has struck the perfect balance between contemporary style and timeless sophistication with the ROVIGO Sofa Set. Crafted from high-quality materials which abolish the need for maintenance and stress, including ‘QuickDry Foam® Guarantees Dry Pillows’, and also showcasing a durable water resistant synthetic polyester weave that replicates the aesthetic appeal of natural cotton. Reassuringly, there is no steel involved, which we know from experience begins rusting within a few months here in the UK, but instead powder coated aluminium has been used for the frame and legs, so rust will never be an issue. The legs are the only thing required to be assembled onto the frame when the set arrives. All screws and hex-key tools supplied.
Comfort
ROVIGO offers an identically firm yet sumptuous posture in all pieces of furniture. The plush, generously padded cushioning provides both an exceptional lounging experience and the perfect base from which to work for hours on end. The seat cushioning is evidently thick, offering excellent support while remaining cosy and inviting. Wide armrests provide additional comfort and can even serve as convenient surfaces for holding beverages, plates and smaller items like phones. Furthermore, the ottoman proves a handy table to serve food and drinks from, as well as making a great leg rest or seat. Whether you're enjoying a lazy afternoon or hosting a social gathering, we’ve found the ROVIGO set ensures comfort remains a top priority for everyone. In particular, the sofa seating for three is generous, with room between each person, and is pleasingly not in any way a squeeze. The armchairs are generously wide, providing ample space to fully stretch out or snuggle with a blanket to watch the sunset.
Hybrid outdoor/indoor usability
Our studio space boasts bifold doors that effortlessly open onto a circular decking area, seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoors. Recognising the need for furniture that could be utilised in both spaces, we embarked on a quest to find the perfect solution. However, we were met with a plethora of repetitive rattan and aluminium-styled offerings that failed to meet our requirements. That was until we stumbled across Beliani. Initially considering an L-shaped sofa as a viable option, we soon realised that opting for the more modular ROVIGO furniture would be the most astute decision. This way, we could freely arrange the pieces and allow individuals to easily manoeuvre an armchair outdoors for their personal use, with the sofa being the only item that benefits from an extra pair of hands during the transition from indoors to the outdoor studio decking, or the return indoors, of course.
It’s true to say that the UK is a truly unforgiving terrain for outdoor furniture, due to the volatility of weather, with a sunny day often transitioning itself into showers and just as quickly reverting back to sunshine. This is where the serious water resilience becomes a standout feature of the Beliani ROVIGO Sofa Set, as the polyester fabric repels water and the QuickDry Foam does just what it says. This mitigates the unfortunately all too familiar scenario of having to wait for outdoor furniture to dry before using again, or worse still, the rapid dash to take cushions into shelter. Longer term, the set's durability is evident even in the face of intense UV exposure during recent persistent heatwaves. The UV-resistant polyester fabric has so far prevented fading or discolouration, maintaining its lovely vibrant appearance. Of course, it also features an aluminium frame that can’t rust and the set remains stable even in moderate winds, eliminating worries about it blowing about. Although in the event of very powerful gusts, due to our high altitude location, we take the furniture indoors as the decking area faces the bifold doors.
When we navigate indoors, where we actually make the most use of the Beliani ROVIGO Sofa Set within our studio space, the comfortable seating provided by the set makes it easy to get work done, promoting what we’d like to call ‘lounged productivity’, that is actually preferable to an office chair when working with an iPad or MacBook. Moreover, the materials used in its construction offer a pleasant tactile experience, adding a touch of luxury to our studio. The soft and smooth fabric invites us to sink into the cushions, creating an environment that feels cosy and inviting. Not only does the sofa set provide functionality and comfort, but it also enhances the aesthetic appeal of our studio interior. Its clean design effortlessly integrates into our existing decor, elevating the overall visual appeal of our workspace. The clean lines, contemporary shape, and neutral colours contribute to a professional and stylish atmosphere, making our studio a more inspiring place to work in.
Verdict
Returning to ‘ordinary' outdoor furniture would be a significant step backward after experiencing the exceptional benefits of the Beliani ROVIGO Sofa Set. This furniture set not only offers unparalleled comfort and style within your garden, normally reserved for indoor furniture only, but its comprehensive adaptability to all weather conditions ensures usability throughout the year. With its ability to seamlessly transition between indoor and outdoor environments, the ROVIGO Sofa Set is the perfect choice for those like us who seek furniture that effortlessly blends the boundaries between the two spaces. As a 5-seater option, it provides ample seating for gatherings while promoting the highest standards of comfort and versatility we’ve seen from any outdoor furniture.