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I’m happiest when I’m outside, and I know I’m not alone in that. For many of us, a moment of good weather enjoyed in a comfortable outdoor chair is a serene yet simple pleasure. In my rose-colored memory, even those rubber-slated loungers at my childhood town pool seem shiny and new.
But anyone who’s dined al fresco knows that not all seats are designed with comfort in mind. A perfectly good barbecue or rooftop happy hour can be dampened by hot metal chairs or rickety benches that lack support. When it comes to your own outdoor space, you should settle for nothing but the best. After all, if you’re spending your money on something, you want to get real use out of it, and you won’t want to kick back in a chair that you don’t like to sit in.
Best Plastic Chair
Three Posts Hartington Plastic/Resin Folding Adirondack Chair with Ottoman and Table
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So, in anticipation of the glorious spring and summer weather ahead, I dove into all things outdoor furniture to bring you a list of the most comfortable chairs for your patio, pool, or deck. From features and specifications to customer reviews and professional opinions from the Good Housekeeping Institute’s testing lab, these have been thoroughly vetted for your liking. There are even some incredible Amazon finds you won’t want to miss. Read on for my complete list of the 20 most comfortable outdoor chairs.
Pros
- Modular
- Fabric has UV protection
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No customer reviews
I’ll always advocate for modular furniture. Start with just one of these loungers, mix and match, or furnish your entire patio cohesively; the choice is yours.
Colors: Slate, Cream
Dimensions: Length: 30.5 inches; width: 30.5 inches; height: 30.9 inches
Material: Teakwood, fabric, foam, synthetic rattan, powder-coated steel
Pros
- Cushion included (and available in several colors)
- Machine washable cushion cover
- Water- and UV-resistant
- Great reviews
Cons
- Seat itself only comes in black
- Assembly required
I couldn’t help myself; I just had to include some form of swing. This Wayfair find has amazing reviews, too.
Colors: Black, 9 color options for the cushion
Dimensions: Length: 37 inches; width: 40 inches; height: 71 inches
Material: PE rattan, powder-coated steel, polyester
Customer review: “This is absolutely awesome piece! Sooooo comfortable and easy to put together and we all just love sitting in it.”
Best Plastic Chair
Three Posts Hartington Plastic/Resin Folding Adirondack Chair with Ottoman and Table
Pros
- Plenty of color options
- Available individually or as a set with chairs, ottomans, and side table
- Free shipping
- Great reviews
- Folding and adjustable
- Material is made to stay outside year-round with no upkeep, and it’s made with recycled plastic!
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Low to the ground
Revamp your whole deck with this full set, which includes two seats, matching ottomans, and a side table.
Colors: 13 options
Dimensions: Length: 36 inches; width: 29 inches; height: 35 inches
Material: Tangentwood
Customer review: “Good quality, easy to put in the sitting position for use. I live in a wind prone area and was concerned about whether these chairs would get blown around like my old ones but they are so sturdy they stay put even up to 50 mph winds. So pleased. Comfortable, attractive, and sturdy!”
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Pros
- Free shipping
- Reclining
- UV- and water-resistant cushions included
- Cushion ties
Cons
- Assembly required
All I want out of my summer is a hefty chunk of time spent sunning on one of these pool loungers. Is that too much to ask?
Colors: Turquoise, Mocha, White, Peridot, Orange, Red
Dimensions: Length: 78.2 inches; width: 27.5 inches; height: 37.5 inches
Material: Wicker-wrapped aluminum, resin, polyester
Customer review: “Love these lounge chairs, very comfortable and great quality. The color is perfect and everyone compliments them. Highly recommend.”
Pros
- Dual use
- Free shipping
- Cushion included with removable cover
- Weather-resistant
Cons
- Only two color combos to choose from
- Assembly required
- Does not include back pillows
Anything that serves a dual purpose is a win, in my book. This bench doubles as a daybed for lounging or napping.
Colors: Oyster/Natural Brown, Blue Spruce/Weathered Gray
Dimensions: Length: 39 inches; width: 69.5 inches; height: 29.5 inches
Material: Mahogany wood, foam, polyester, weathered steel
Customer review: “Exactly as described. I was able to put this together by myself without much hassle. Very comfy and a great place to take a summer nap!”
Pros
- Rocks
- Free shipping
- Extra-wide seat
- UV- and weather-resistant
Cons
- Assembly required
Here’s a good, old-fashioned rocking chair—like the kind outside Cracker Barrel!
Colors: Driftwood Grey, Ash Brown, Brown
Dimensions: Length: 38 inches; width: 24 inches; height: 40 inches
Material: Eucalyptus, HDPE wicker
Customer review: “I LOVE these rockers. I have a total of 6 of them. Be careful not to let the eucalyptus wood dry out—keep it conditioned with teak oil or some equivalent, and they will last for a long time. They are a great complement to my front porch.”
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Pros
- Stacking
- Free shipping
- Sold as a set of 2
- Arrives assembled
- Indoor/Outdoor
Cons
For those who are more design-centric and don’t want anything less than interesting, these look cool, feel good, and stack for easy storage.
Colors: 7 options
Dimensions: Length: 23 inches; width: 19.7 inches; height: 33.5 inches
Material: Marine-grade resin
Customer review: “They are sturdy, very comfortable, provide back support and very stylish, and all who have sat on them say they feel at ease.”
Pros
- Sold as a set
- Includes water-resistant cushions
Cons
- Assembly required
- Only 2 color combos to choose from
Need a little backyard inspiration? Just scroll through the customer review photos for these chairs. You’ll be ready to put in a pool in no time flat.
Colors: Teak/White, Grey/Dark Grey
Dimensions: Length: 34.5 inches; width: 32.5 inches; height: 24.5 inches
Material: Acacia wood, polyester, foam
Customer review: “This set is so gorgeous! Pictures do not do it justice. It’s very sturdy. Fits the space perfectly! Would definitely recommend!”
Best Lawn Chair
Best Choice Products Set of 2 Adjustable Steel Mesh Zero Gravity Lounge Chair Recliners
Now 23% Off
Pros
- Great value
- Cup holders
- Folds and reclines
- Great reviews
Cons
- Lacks style (but plenty of colors to choose from)
Are they the prettiest? No. But Do they do the job well? You know it.
Colors: 26 options
Dimensions: Length: 61 inches; width: 25 inches; height: 44 inches
Material: Alloy steel, vinyl
Customer review: “I love them. Look very nice and are comfy. Easy to sit back up. On the heavy side for older person to carry but they are very well made. So happy with the purchase.”
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Pros
- Swivels
- Includes cushions
Cons
- No customer reviews
If you’re looking to bring the comfort of your favorite living room armchair to the great outdoors, this Pottery Barn option doesn’t skip on comfort in the slightest.
Colors: Natural, Grey
Dimensions: Length: 36.5 inches; width: 34 inches; height: 31 inches
Material: Aluminum, weather-resistant wicker, polyester, polyurethane foam
Pros
- Stackable
- Easy to wipe clean
- Great value; sold in sets of 2 or 4
- Floor glides under foot
- Arrives assembled
Cons
- Some customers say they are small
These minimal, low-profile chairs are no fuss. You can add your own outdoor pillows for added comfort, but they’re just as nice without.
Colors: Beige, Black, Brown, Grey
Dimensions: Length: 23.5 inches; width: 21.75 inches; height: 28.5 inches
Material: Alloy steel, rattan
Customer review: “I love these chairs! They came fully assembled, well-packaged, and beautiful right out of the box. They are sturdy enough for my husband to feel comfortable in and look very nice. They aren’t huge, will be easy to stack and store in winter, and are a great way to have extra seating on our back patio. We’re considering buying a second pack of two we like them so much.”
Pros
- Wipes clean
- Folding
- Cup holders
- Made in USA
- 95% recycled materials
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Assembly required
First of all, this chair comes approved by the Good Housekeeping Institute. Second, and more importantly, the cup holder is designed to accommodate a stemmed wine glass. They understood the mission when they made this chair.
Colors: 18 options
Dimensions: Length: 35.5 inches; width: 30.25 inches; height: 37.5 inches
Material: Poly lumber
Customer review: “The chairs have convenient pull-outs on the arms for holding drinks, wine glasses, and even phones, and easily push back into the arms, out of sight and out of the way, when not needed. The chairs fold for winter storage. They aren’t purely wood, but they feel just like wood. They’ll last and last and won’t ever rot or fall apart...Beautifully made chairs. Highly recommended.”
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Pros
- Good value
Cons
- No cushions
- Some reviewers say the construction is poor
- Difficult assembly
As far as a simple but stylish chair goes, I think this is one of your best options. It’s a good value that you can shop directly from Amazon, and the Good Housekeeping Institute even agrees that these are a solid choice.
Colors: Brown, Dark Brown, Grey, White Wash
Dimensions: Length: 19.5 inches; width: 20.6 inches; height: 34.6 inches
Material: Acacia and teak wood
Customer review: “These look great on my small balcony. They’re simple and beautiful—very classy. Took some muscle to put them together, but on the flip side of that, they’re very sturdy. Very happy with this purchase.”
Pros
- Attached side table
- Modular
- Cushions included
Cons
- Assembly required
- No straps or ties to secure cushions
Here’s another recommendation from GHI—and another modular design. Get this lounger with or without the side table on the right or left, or buy multiple to form a couch.
Colors: Lily White, Whale Grey
Dimensions: Length: 32 inches; width: 40 inches; height: 31 inches
Material: Aluminum, acacia wood, polyester
Customer review: “Love the piece. Can’t wait for the matching sofa to arrive. I can barely use a screwdriver and was able to put it together. There’s only one thing to screw in. So beautiful and comfy.”
Pros
- Weather-resistant
- No assembly required
Cons
- Might be hard to get out of
- Not waterproof
If I plop down in one of these with a book and a co*cktail, don’t expect me to get up anytime soon.
Colors: Whisper Grey, Met Black, Saffron Red
Dimensions: Length: 65 inches; width: 35 inches; height: 26 inches
Material: Olefin, polyester, polystyrene beads
Customer review: “These are definitely large, well-shaped bean bags. With that being said, I love them! They are incredibly comfortable and supportive. They’ve already elevated the look of things! They also don’t get too hot in the sun and dry quickly here! Easy to move around as well! ”
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Pros
- Includes cushions and throw pillow
- Responsibly made
- Washable slipcovers included
Cons
- Needs weatherproof covers for storage
- No customer reviews
This Crate & Barrel chair brings the feeling of your cloud couch into your outdoor space.
Colors: Linen
Dimensions: Length: 35.4 inches; width: 33.9 inches; height: 26.4 inches
Material: Polyester, aluminum
Pros
- Rocking chair
- Made with sustainable eucalyptus
- Sold individually or as a set
- White glove delivery available
Cons
- Cushions sold separately
- No customer reviews (but it is a bestseller)
Is anything lovelier than sitting in a rocking chair on a beautiful day?
Colors: Biscotti, Weathered Grey
Dimensions: Length: 29 inches; width: 27.5 inches; height: 37 inches
Material: Eucalyptus wood
Pros
- White glove delivery
- Weather resistant
Cons
- No assembly required
This unique lounger is so comfortable and sure to garner compliments from any guests.
Colors: Green
Dimensions: Length: 38.2 inches; width: 30 inches; height: 28 inches
Material: Metal, foam, fiber
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Pros
- Matching dining set available
Cons
- Only for use at high tops or bar counter
- No reviews
If you have an outdoor bar, I’m waiting for my invitation. Just say the word, and I’m there.
Colors: Natural Beige
Dimensions: Length: 22.8 inches; width: 18.5 inches; height: 44.5 inches
Material: Teak, Olefin, PU foam
Pros
- Quick-drying cushion fabrication
- Includes seat cushion
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Lacks lumbar support
- No reviews
This teak chair is like a piece of art, except you can sit on it (and it’s exceptionally comfy when you do).
Colors: Mocha, Off-White, Natural
Dimensions: Length: 21.5 inches; width: 20 inches; height: 30 inches
Material: Teak