Whether your garden is an oasis of calm, a play area for children or a place to socialise, outdoor seating will play a large part in the way you use the space.
For many of us, our gardens are a place to relax, and nothing makes the mind slow down quite like sunbathing on a deck chair.
The deck chair was invented in 1855 by John Cham, who devised a folding chair with a fabric back. They were frequently used along the decks of cruise liners, hence the name ‘deck chair’.
Deck chairs evoke a certain throwback to childhood memories - reminiscent of days spent in the sun, splashing in the sea, then drying off on a deck chair whilst slurping an ice cream cone. They enhance our outdoor experience, whether it’s at the beach or in the back garden.
Regardless of your garden size, deck chairs suit all spaces from large patios to small balconies. They offer an easy additional seating option for visiting guests, and fold up neatly for storage in colder weather. With a wide range of designs to choose from (and even the option to make your own), it’s worth thinking about adding a deck chair to your garden setup to compliment any existing furniture.
We tested a range of deck chairs to see how easy they were to assemble, how they looked in the garden, and how sturdy they felt in action. From luxury to seaside-inspired, we have a deck chair in our round-up to suit your outdoor space.
Shop below
Best football goals for your garden or taking to the park this summer
Best paddling pools 2024: inflatable options for kids and adults
Best outdoor festoon lights to brighten up your garden
Best solar panels in the UK in 2024 for efficient and clean energy
Best budget pop-up gazebos of 2024 to shelter from the elements wherever you go
Adirondack Chair
Despite not having a traditional fabric sling, this wooden chair has all the echoes of a deck chair shape, with its sloped reclining backrest. Assembly of this chair needed two people as the wooden pieces were heavy, but once built this chair felt solid enough to be a long term addition to the garden.
The natural Acacia hardwood has a lovely glossy sheen, that should be maintained with teak oil to prevent weathering. The high backrest is comfortable and supportive, and offers a solid alternative to a fabric deck chair. It is particularly suitable for those who find it difficult to manoeuvre in and out of a low deck chair.
This chair would compliment any existing rattan or wooden furniture, offering you an additional seat for visiting guests. We can see it sitting well beside a chiminea or fire pit, offering a relaxing spot in your garden or balcony on summer nights.
Buy now £99.99, Von Haus
Faro Deckchair
While jetting off to a beach in Barbados might not be possible right now, this intricately woven deck chair will bring tropical island vibes to your garden.
The premium nature of this deckchair means the materials are high quality and carefully chosen. Made from Indian Sheesham wood, the frame marries sturdy practicality and luxury aesthetic in one. The hand-woven sling has an artisan feel, and the plaited cotton seat won’t squeak in the heat.
With three different height adjustments there is plenty of opportunity to sit up with a cool glass of wine and a good book, or lie back for an afternoon doze.
Buy now £137.50, The White Company
John Lewis Acacia Wood Deck Chair Frame & Sling
Part of John Lewis budget-conscious ANYDAY range, this deckchair comes with armrests, making the seat a far more comfortable place to be. The white lining could be a cause for concern though - best to throw a beach towel over it to keep it looking pristine for longer.
Buy now £44.25, John Lewis
La Redoute Veldi Acacia & Gingham Canvas Deck Chair
Cheer up your garden, patio or balcony with a splash of gingham. This deckchair is lined with the print in a fetching lavender shade supported by FSC acacia wood. Everything arrives pre-assembled so there's not much more to do than recycle the packaging and put your feet up.
Buy now £65.00, La Redoute
Bamboo Deckchair
With a bamboo frame and canvas sling, this sturdy deck chair is versatile and would suit any garden, patio or balcony. The natural materials give this chair a simple and rustic look that won’t detract from planted areas in the garden.
The four different reclining positions allow for sitting up or complete sunbathing. Use this chair throughout the summer, then bring inside in colder months.
If you prefer colour in your garden, add a bright cushion to the seat for ultimate comfort. Invite friends around for a summer garden party, hand them a drink and watch as they sink into this chair and relax.
Buy now £48.99, Amazon
Business & Pleasure The Sling fringe-trim woven deck chair
This elegant deck chair has a fancy little addition of fun fringing along the sling footer and header. Featuring timeless black and white stripes with French Riviera vibes and a pillow headrest, this deck chair is the height of lounging luxury.
It has a solid treated hardwood frame, and the sling is made from water and UV resistant cotton canvas. The deck chair can be folded for easy transportation to the beach, or packed away in winter. Equally at home on a beach or in the back garden, this deck chair can be paired with a matching parasol or fringed canopy.
Sip a cold drink, then adjust the chair’s reclining notches for a summer filled with siestas.
Buy now £140.00, Selfridges
Skagerak Between The Lines Deckchair
This stylish low wooden deck chair was designed by Danish designer, Stine Weigelt, and has all the signatures of contemporary Scandinavian craftsmanship.
Clean panels of FSC certified teak are brought together in this modern outdoor chair that would be at home on a sleek patio surrounded by foliage and evergreen planting. Inspired by traditional American Adirondack deck chairs, this piece of outdoor furniture is a talking point in its own right.
The materials have been careful chosen for their sustainability, and it has the style credentials to last the test of time. Add the matching foot stool to complete the set.
Buy now £844.00, Finish Design Shop
La Redoute Amezza Acacia Deck Chair
- Dimensions: 97D x 56.5W cm
Give your garden a much-needed pop of colour with this bright red canvas sun lounger. The can’t-miss-it shade will inject vibrancy into your outdoor retreat, and the acacia wood frame and fabric are both durable and robust. Perfect for any outdoor space, from patios to poolside (if you’re really lucky).
Buy now £65.00, La Redoute
Charles Bentley FSC Eucalyptus Wooden Double Deck Chair
- Dimensions: 112D x 105W x 95H cm
Want some wiggle room or just more space to lounge? This double deckchair has ample space and is designed for two seaters - although we wouldn’t blame you for hogging it all to yourself.
The polyester teal-coloured fabric set on a wooden acacia frame promises to add a splash of colour to your oasis without being overbearing. Choose from three reclining positions, and if the weather turns, it will store flat in your shed, barely taking up any room.
Buy now £99.99, Amazon
Habitat Folding Wooden Garden Deck Chair - Cream & White
Whether you take this easily portable deck chair to the beach, or let it take up residency in your very own back garden, one thing is for sure: this muted deck chair will bring elegance to your summer. The easy-fold chair also features three adjustable positions from upright to recline, so you can soak up the sun all day long (provided you’ve slathered on some SPF).
Buy now £22.00, Argos
Verdict
It’s a close call but the Von Haus Adirondack Chair offers a study and versatile alternative to a fabric seat for all ages. Both will fit seamlessly into any garden and prompt a summer of relaxation, but due to its durability, the Von Haus option takes the crown.
