Nardi Komodo vs Maximo: Which Modular Outdoor Sofa Is Right for You? (2026)

Choosing a modular outdoor sofa from Nardi usually comes down to two beautiful contenders: the Komodo and the Maximo. Both are Italian-made, weatherproof, endlessly reconfigurable and built to live outside in the Irish climate all year round. But they are designed for two genuinely different ways of relaxing, and picking the wrong one is an expensive mistake to unpick. This guide walks you through every meaningful difference, side by side, so you can order the right system with confidence.

At Custom Wood Designs we supply the full Nardi Komodo and Maximo ranges made to order, in every frame colour and cushion fabric Nardi produces. Below you will find real 2026 dimensions, real pricing and a decisive recommendation for your space.

Komodo and Maximo at a glance

The quickest way to understand the two systems is this: Komodo is the low, deep lounge sofa and Maximo is the tall, roomy, upright sofa. Komodo invites you to sink back and stretch out on a summer evening; Maximo sits you higher and more formally, closer to the feel of an indoor sofa moved outdoors. Neither is better than the other. They simply suit different bodies, different spaces and different moods.

Both are part of Nardi's flagship modular seating philosophy: you buy individual elements — a central seat here, a corner there, an armchair, a pouf — and combine them into exactly the shape your terrace, balcony or garden needs. Add pieces later, split the arrangement for a party, or reshape it entirely next season. That flexibility is the whole point of going modular, and it applies equally to Komodo and Maximo.

Side-by-side comparison table

Feature	Nardi Komodo	Nardi Maximo
Seat feel	Low, deep, loungey — sink-back relaxation	Taller, more upright, roomy and formal
Module depth	780 mm deep	920 mm deep
Central element (W×D)	700 × 780 mm	800 × 920 mm
Terminal / end (W×D)	745 × 780 mm	850 × 920 mm
Corner (W×D)	780 × 780 mm	920 × 920 mm
Armchair (W×D)	775 × 780 mm	900 × 920 mm
Pouf (W×D)	700 × 700 mm	800 × 800 mm
Central element price from	from €367 (ex-VAT)	€650 (ex-VAT)
Corner price from	from €490 (ex-VAT)	€880 (ex-VAT)
Armchair price from	from €450 (ex-VAT)	€710 (ex-VAT)
Pouf price from	from €231 (ex-VAT)	€490 (ex-VAT)
Frame colours	Bianco, Antracite, Tortora, Agave	Terra, Gesso, Cactus, Basalto
Cushion range	Sunbrella: Rosa Quarzo, Grigio, Adriatic, Ghiaccio, Avocado, Giungla, Canvas + TECH Panama	Sunbrella: Timo, Perla, Lava, Cannella
Pricing model	Varies by fabric (Rosa Quarzo entry, Sunbrella colours, TECH dearest)	Single price per element, any fabric
Best for	Loungers, sun-soakers, smaller and mid budgets, relaxed layouts	Roomy comfort, taller sitters, formal terraces, statement gardens

All prices correct as of January 2026, ex-VAT — add 23% VAT at checkout.

Look and comfort: low lounge versus upright room

This is the single biggest difference, and it is worth getting right because it dictates how you will actually use the sofa.

Komodo — the low, deep lounge

The Komodo sits lower to the ground with a generous, deep seat and a relaxed, reclined backrest angle. The moment you sit down you feel it: this is a sofa that wants you to lean back, put your feet up on a pouf and lose an afternoon. The 780 mm module depth combined with the lower seat height creates that classic resort-lounger posture — think poolside, long summer evenings, a glass of wine and no intention of moving.

Because it is lower and more compact from front to back than Maximo, Komodo also tends to look lighter and less bulky in a space. It is the more casual, laid-back of the two aesthetically, and it photographs beautifully in the softer Sunbrella tones like Rosa Quarzo and Ghiaccio.

Maximo — the tall, roomy, upright sofa

Maximo is the more substantial, more upright system. The seat sits higher and the 920 mm module depth gives you a noticeably roomier seating platform — there is simply more sofa underneath and behind you. The upright back angle makes it easier to get in and out of, easier to sit and chat or dine near, and more comfortable for anyone who finds very low, deep sofas a struggle to rise from.

Aesthetically Maximo reads as more architectural and more formal. It has real presence, and in the earthy 2026 frame palette — Terra, Gesso, Cactus and Basalto — it looks tailored and contemporary, more like premium indoor furniture that happens to live outside. If your terrace is a proper outdoor room rather than a sun-lounging spot, Maximo usually wins on feel.

Pro tip: If more than one household member has a bad back or a dodgy knee, sit-test the principle before you decide. A lower, deeper Komodo is heavenly to lounge in but harder to stand up from; a taller, upright Maximo is far kinder to hips and knees. Comfort is personal — match the sofa to the people using it most.

How they feel through the day

Think about when you will use the sofa most. Komodo is a morning-coffee-and-late-evening piece: it rewards the slow moments, the reading, the dozing, the long conversations that drift past sunset. Because you sit lower, you also sit closer to a low coffee table, which makes it a natural fit for grazing plates and drinks rather than full meals. Maximo, sitting higher and more upright, feels more sociable and more practical for hosting — it is easier to perch on the edge, easier to lean forward to a table, and easier for guests of all ages to use without a second thought. If your outdoor space doubles as a dining-adjacent lounge where people come and go, Maximo's posture earns its keep every single time.

Sizing and space: which fits your terrace?

Depth is where these two systems diverge most on the tape measure. Every Komodo module is 780 mm deep; every Maximo module is 920 mm deep. That 140 mm difference per module sounds small, but across a full corner arrangement it adds up quickly — a Maximo layout will project noticeably further into your space than the equivalent Komodo layout.

Width tells the same story. A Komodo central element is 700 mm wide against Maximo's 800 mm; the corner is 780 mm versus 920 mm. Element for element, Maximo is the bigger, more space-hungry system. If you are working with a compact courtyard, a balcony or a tight terrace, Komodo's smaller footprint gives you more configuration options and leaves more room to walk around the furniture.

To plan a real layout for a tight space, our dedicated balcony guides are the fastest way to see what actually fits: the most popular Nardi Komodo balcony set-ups and the most popular Nardi Maximo balcony set-ups both include small-space plans you can copy.

A simple way to size up before you order: measure the run of wall or the corner you want to fill, then subtract at least 700–800 mm of clear walking space in front of the sofa. Remember to add the depth of your chosen coffee table to the module depth when you work out how far the arrangement reaches into the room. For an L-shaped layout, the corner element sets the outer footprint — 780 mm each way for Komodo, a full 920 mm each way for Maximo — so mark that square on the ground with masking tape and live with it for a day before committing. It is the cheapest mistake-proofing you will ever do.

Modularity: build exactly the sofa you want

Both systems are true modular platforms, and this is where they shine. You are not buying a fixed three-seater — you are buying the pieces to build any shape you like and to change it whenever you want.

Komodo elements we supply

• Komodo Central Module — the 700 × 780 mm building block for the middle of any run, from €367 ex-VAT.
• Komodo Terminal (End) Module — the 745 × 780 mm left/right end with an armrest, from €405 ex-VAT.
• Komodo Corner Module — the 780 × 780 mm piece that turns a straight sofa into an L or U, from €490 ex-VAT.
• Komodo Pouf — a 700 × 700 mm footstool or extra seat, from €231 ex-VAT.
• Komodo Tavolino Coffee Table and the Tavolino Vetro glass-top table to complete the set.
• Finishing accessories: the Komodo Armrest (Bracciolo), Backrest (Schienale), spare back cushions and the clever Ombra sunshade that clips into the frame.

Maximo elements we supply

• Maximo Centre Module — the 800 × 920 mm middle seat, €650 ex-VAT.
• Maximo End Module (Left/Right) — the 850 × 920 mm terminal with armrest, €680 ex-VAT.
• Maximo Corner Module — the big 920 × 920 mm corner, €880 ex-VAT.
• Maximo Armchair (Poltrona) — a standalone 900 × 920 mm chair, €710 ex-VAT.
• Maximo Pouf — the 800 × 800 mm footstool, €490 ex-VAT.
• Complete the look with the Tavolino 80 coffee table, backrest and armrest components, and corner back cushions.

Because both ranges are made to order, you can start with a compact two- or three-seat run and add corners, armchairs and poufs later as your budget and needs grow. Nothing you buy now is wasted — it all keeps working together. A popular starting point for either system is one corner plus two central or end modules to form a compact L, then a matching pouf that doubles as a footrest or overflow seat when friends arrive. From there you simply keep adding modules along the wall until the run is as long as you want it.

Colour worlds: two very different palettes

Nardi has given each system its own frame and fabric identity, and they do not overlap — another reason the choice matters.

Komodo frames come in Bianco (white), Antracite (charcoal), Tortora (taupe grey) and Agave (soft green). Its cushion range is the broader of the two: seven Sunbrella colours — Rosa Quarzo, Grigio, Adriatic, Ghiaccio, Avocado, Giungla and Canvas — plus the premium TECH Panama fabric. That gives you the widest scope to create a specific mood, from soft blush and ice tones to deep botanical greens.

Maximo frames use the newer, earthier 2026 palette: Terra, Gesso, Cactus and Basalto. Its Sunbrella cushions come in four coordinated shades — Timo, Perla, Lava and Cannella — chosen to work as a tailored, contemporary collection rather than a pick-and-mix.

Whichever way you lean, it pays to understand how Sunbrella performs outdoors before you commit to a colour. Our complete guide to Nardi Sunbrella colours and care covers fade resistance, cleaning and which shades hide everyday use best.

Price comparison: what you actually pay

There is a clear budget gap between the two systems, and it is one of the most practical deciding factors.

Komodo is the more affordable system, and its pricing varies by fabric. The entry point is Rosa Quarzo, then the wider Sunbrella colours, with TECH Panama at the top. A Komodo central element starts from €367 ex-VAT in Rosa Quarzo, around €450 in the other Sunbrella colours and about €550 in TECH. Terminals start from €405, corners from €490, the armchair from €450 and the pouf from €231 — all ex-VAT.

Maximo is priced as a single figure per element, whatever fabric you choose, which makes budgeting refreshingly simple: central €650, terminal €680, corner €880, armchair €710 and pouf €490 — all ex-VAT. You are paying more per module, but every module is larger and the price never changes with your fabric choice.

As a rough rule, a like-for-like Maximo arrangement will cost meaningfully more than the same shape in Komodo — you are buying a bigger, taller, roomier sofa. All prices here are correct as of January 2026, ex-VAT; add 23% VAT at checkout.

Care and weather: both built for Ireland

Good news here: both Komodo and Maximo are engineered for permanent outdoor use in the Irish and UK climate. The frames are Nardi's fibreglass-reinforced resin, which does not rust, rot or need repainting, and shrugs off rain, salt air and UV. The cushions use Sunbrella and TECH acrylic fabrics that are fade-resistant, quick-drying and easy to wipe clean.

For year-round life we always recommend a cover through the wettest months to keep cushions dry and pristine — we supply tailored Nardi Maximo covers in S, M and L for exactly this. Bring cushions indoors over a hard winter if you can, give the fabric an occasional brush and a mild soapy wash, and either sofa will look superb for many years.

One practical note on the frames themselves: Nardi's resin is completely happy to be left out through Irish rain and wind, and the modules are heavy enough to stay put in normal weather without being so heavy that you cannot reshape the layout on a whim. That combination — weatherproof but movable — is a big part of why these two systems have become the default choice for Irish and UK gardens, terraces and hospitality spaces alike.

Real-world scenarios

To make the choice concrete, here is how the two systems tend to land in typical Irish homes. A young couple with a sunny second-floor balcony almost always ends up with Komodo — the shallower depth frees up floor space, the lower profile keeps sight lines open, and the softer cushion colours suit a relaxed, sun-trap feel. A family with a generous patio who host regularly usually leans Maximo — the upright seat suits grandparents and children alike, the roomier platform seats more people comfortably, and the earthy frames anchor a larger space without looking lost. A design-led courtyard where the sofa is the centrepiece can go either way, and here the decision often comes down to palette: reach for Komodo if you want a specific, moody cushion colour, or Maximo if you want that tailored, architectural, indoor-outdoor look.

And if you genuinely cannot decide, remember that neither choice locks you in forever — because both are modular and made to order, most customers begin with a modest arrangement, live with it for a season, and extend the exact same system the following year. The only irreversible decision is Komodo versus Maximo itself, which is precisely why it is worth taking the time to get it right.

Choose Komodo if… / Choose Maximo if…

Choose Nardi Komodo if…

• You want to lounge and sink back — long evenings, feet up, resort-style relaxation.
• Your space is compact — a balcony, courtyard or tight terrace where the 780 mm depth and smaller footprint matter.
• You want the widest choice of cushion colours, including soft blush, ice and botanical greens plus premium TECH.
• You are working to a keener budget and want the flexibility to enter at the Rosa Quarzo price point.
• You prefer a lighter, more casual look that does not dominate the space.

Choose Nardi Maximo if…

• You want a taller, more upright, roomier sit that is easy to get in and out of.
• Someone using it regularly finds low, deep sofas hard on the back, hips or knees.
• You have the space for a larger, deeper 920 mm system and want it to make a statement.
• You love the earthy 2026 palette — Terra, Gesso, Cactus, Basalto — and a tailored, architectural look.
• You want simple, fabric-independent pricing and a sofa that feels like an indoor piece moved outdoors.

Frequently asked questions

Is Komodo or Maximo more comfortable?

Neither is objectively more comfortable — it depends on how you like to sit. Komodo is more comfortable for lounging and reclining because it is lower and deeper, so you sink back into it. Maximo is more comfortable for upright sitting, chatting and getting up easily because it is taller with a more supportive back angle. If you love to stretch out, choose Komodo; if you prefer to sit up or struggle with very low seats, choose Maximo.

What is the difference between Nardi Komodo and Maximo?

The core difference is posture and size. Komodo is a low, deep, loungey modular sofa with 780 mm-deep modules; Maximo is a taller, more upright, roomier modular sofa with 920 mm-deep modules. Komodo is the more affordable, fabric-priced system in the Bianco/Antracite/Tortora/Agave frame palette, while Maximo is the larger, single-priced system in the earthier Terra/Gesso/Cactus/Basalto palette. Both are fully modular and weatherproof.

Which is bigger, Komodo or Maximo?

Maximo is bigger in every dimension. Its modules are 920 mm deep versus Komodo's 780 mm, and each element is wider too — for example a Maximo corner is 920 × 920 mm against Komodo's 780 × 780 mm. A Maximo arrangement will project further into your space and offer a roomier seat, so it needs more floor area than the equivalent Komodo layout.

Which is better for a small space or balcony?

Komodo is the better choice for small spaces and balconies. Its shallower 780 mm depth and smaller element widths take up less floor area and leave more room to move around the furniture, so you get more layout options in a tight footprint. Our Komodo and Maximo balcony set-up guides show real small-space plans for both if you want to compare exact layouts before deciding.

How much does a Komodo or Maximo sofa cost?

Komodo pricing varies by fabric: a central element starts from €367 ex-VAT in Rosa Quarzo, rising to around €450 in other Sunbrella colours and about €550 in TECH; corners start from €490, the armchair from €450 and the pouf from €231. Maximo is a single price per element regardless of fabric: central €650, terminal €680, corner €880, armchair €710 and pouf €490. All prices are correct as of January 2026, ex-VAT — add 23% VAT at checkout. A full multi-seat arrangement is simply the sum of the modules you choose, and because both ranges are made to order you can build up gradually.

The verdict

If you want to lounge, love a broad colour palette and are watching the budget or the floor space, go for Komodo. If you want a taller, roomier, more upright sofa with real presence and simple pricing — and you have the room for it — go for Maximo. Both are superb, both will last, and both are made to order in every finish Nardi offers.

Still deciding? Explore the full range in our Nardi outdoor furniture collection, or get in touch and we will help you plan the perfect layout for your space, right down to the last module.