24 best garden chairs to deck out your alfresco space

April 3, 2025 admin No Comment 8 Views

We’ve selected the loveliest garden chairs available to buy now

Rudyard Kipling once remarked, ‘gardens are not made by singing “oh how beautiful” and sitting in the shade.’ He was not wrong. Yet, he was ignoring one of the most pleasurable aspects of gardening: the moment when everything is in full bloom, you down tools and simply appreciate the beauty of it all. Though this doesn’t benefit the garden in any way, it does benefit the gardener. Perhaps, if Mr Kipling had owned a lovely set of reclining garden chairs, a garden sofa or a garden bench, he may have felt the due importance of sitting under a tree and shouting exaltations of beauty. Many of us will have felt, with pressing urgency over the past few years, just how special it is to own a garden during troubling times. So why not make a few purchases that’ll allow you to sit back and truly be thankful for your lot? We’ve scoured, scanned and perused the best garden furniture stores to bring you a lovely edit of the best garden chairs for your outdoor space.

How to choose a garden chair?

Before making any decisions about what the best garden chair is, make sure you consider what will be best for your space. Smaller spaces, like balconies, will benefit from folding chairs and multi-purpose chairs (think cushioned dining chairs that can double up as comfortable seating). Those who only have access to a small front garden might want to opt for all-weather seating that can stay outside year round. You don’t want to have to find storage for your garden chairs comes winter. Finally, lucky ones with large gardens have plenty of freedom. You simply need to consider what chair will best suit your purpose.

The best garden chairs, at a glance:

Don’t have time to read the full guide? We’ve compiled a quick-fire list.

May we suggest: The best garden furniture stores to help you spruce up your outdoor space

Gorgeous garden chairs to buy 2025

Best garden chair for relaxing

A lounge chair is good for those who want to read, drink or spend leisurely time alfresco. They are perfect for sitting around a fire pit in, but tend to be lower than dining chairs, so do bear that in mind if you’re hoping for the armchair to double up in a dining set.

Zeda Adirondack Style Acacia Garden Armchair, terracotta

Best folding garden chair

A few foldable garden chairs are a great thing to have on hand if you have a balcony, small garden or the potential to receive unexpected guests. They collapse neatly and can be tucked away in a shed or some other storage facility when not in use to maximise space. The same applies for bistro chairs, which often come as part of a bistro set (though if you’re after one of those you’d be better off heading to our guide to the best bistro sets).

Set of 2 Ozevan Folding Metal Chairs

Best armless garden chair

Perfect for relaxing and cosying up around fire pits.

Rametto Garden Dining Chair, ebony/brown

Kodo Outdoor Lounge Chair by Vincent Sheppard

Best garden dining chair

Opt for something comfortable that can be brought inside as extra seating in emergencies, and something that encourages long, relaxed lunches in the sun.

Talenti Frame Dining Armchair, indian red

Best wooden garden chair

A classic for a reason, wooden garden chairs suit most spaces and look attractive year round. Just be sure to keep up with your maintenance as some chairs will require varnishing and resealing.

BK10 Dining Chair, oil teak

Best synthetic rattan garden chair

A rattan garden chair looks lovely, though make sure you check whether it is synthetic rattan or real, as real rattan can’t be left out in the rain for too long, so you’ll need somewhere to store it in winter months.

Coastal Rattan Bistro Counter Stool Chair

Aluminum and Synthetic Rattan Armchair Emba Studio

Best garden armchair

Those looking to create a comfortable spot to relax in with a book should look no further than a garden armchair.

Skala XL Armchair, light rattan

Lounge Arm-Strong Luxurious Beanbag Chair, beige

Best all-weather garden chair

The low maintenance garden chair option is plastic. It’s wipe-clean, comfortable and will last you through years of use. Plus, you can always add a smart, striped outdoor cushion for a more inviting look.