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After a hard day’s work, nothing feels better than kicking back in a lounge chair on your patio or next to the pool. A patio lounge chair is slightly different from a regular patio chair because you can lean back and put your feet up at the same time. Depending on the style, a lounge chair can be portable (stowed in the garage or storage shed when not in use) or a permanent fixture in the backyard.
The best lounge chair not only looks great in the yard but also features sturdy weather-resistant materials, and—above all—it’s comfortable. These top picks for best pool and patio lounge chairs score high on comfort, durability, and design. If you’re looking to add a couple of lounge chairs to your yard this year, start with this list of picks.
- BEST OVERALL: Goldsun Outdoor Adjustable Chaise Lounge Chair
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Coleman Converta Folding Cot
- UPGRADE PICK: Best Choice Products Acacia Wood Chaise Lounge Chair
- BEST RECLINER-TYPE: ATR Art to Real Wicker Reclining Lounge Chair
- BEST DAYBED: Foundstone Roni 79-Inch Wide Outdoor Patio Daybed
- BEST HANGING: Best Choice Products Hanging Curved Chaise Lounge
- BEST ZERO-GRAVITY: BalanceFrom Elevon Zero Gravity Lounge Chair
- BEST POOLSIDE: Waroom Outdoor PE Wicker Chaise Lounge Chair Set
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Orren Ellis Cheshire Reclining Chaise Lounge Set
- BEST SET: Devoko Patio Chaise Lounge Set
Types of Lounge Chairs
A good lounge chair is the ticket to thoroughly enjoying patio entertaining or catching some rays by the pool while the kids splash. Instead of upright patio chairs, which are great for things like eating barbecue outdoors, lounge chairs allow the user to recline in comfort or even lie down to tan or nap. Outdoor loungers come in three basic types.
Armless Chairs
Sometimes called “slipper chairs,” these patio loungers are sleek and allow the user to get on and off the chair with ease since no arms are protruding at the sides. They are often portable and will fold for easy storage. They come in vinyl, aluminum, wicker resin, and even some species of wood—all materials designed to withstand the elements without rusting or fading. Choose from a host of cushion options or opt for a noncushioned lounger if swimmers will be using the chairs.
Chaise Lounges
The ultimate in comfort, outdoor chaise lounges often come with thick (3 inches or more) padded or plush cushions that feel more like lying on a sofa than sitting in a chair. Some might feature folding backs or legs for seasonal storage, and they often feature bases made from wood, cast iron, aluminum, or durable wicker resin. Chaise lounges run the gamut in size and weight, and the more massive wood or metal ones may come with wheels on one end to allow for easier relocation. Depending on the model, a lounger also might come with a pullout tray on the side to hold drinks, a book, or a cell phone.
Poolside Loungers
A lounger used near a swimming pool needs to be water-resistant. It may or may not have arms, but if it comes with a cushion, the cushion should be waterproof as well. If a poolside lounger doesn’t come with a cushion, the user can place a beach towel on the seat and back to help dry off between swims. These sun-and-surf loungers often come with attached side tables for holding refreshments or things like car keys and eyeglasses while the user swims.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Lounge Chair
Patio lounge chairs are usually only visible from the backyard, but for the best look, consider style and design in addition to durability and the potential for relaxation when choosing.
Material
Wood, powder-coated aluminum, and wicker resin are all common in patio lounge chairs. If shoppers want a wooden lounger, they might want to spring for a wood species that naturally resists the elements, such as redwood or cedar. For the best results, consider applying a new layer of penetrating sealer each spring before use. Both resin and powder-coated aluminum are affordable options. They resist the elements, but no matter what type of material the chair is made from, it should be stored indoors in cold weather—in a storage shed or a garage—to keep it looking new longer. If storage space is an issue, an outdoor furniture cover is another option to consider.
Color and Style
Choosing the right lounge chair for a backyard is a personal thing, but for the best look, shoppers should consider selecting one that blends with their home’s overall theme. For example, if a home’s siding and trim are white, virtually any color lounger will look good, but if the home’s siding is lime green, a lounger with a bright orange cushion might look out of place. When possible, match the lounge chair’s style to any outdoor dining sets and benches to visually tie the backyard areas together for a uniform look.
Comfort
Above all, a patio lounger should be comfortable so that users can enjoy their time outdoors. Many loungers come with thick cushions for a soft, comfy seat, but if the cushion’s fabric doesn’t breathe, owners could end up sweaty and uncomfortable. Cushions made from a cotton/polyester blend offer both strength and breathability, but they’re not as water-resistant as cushions covered in fabrics coated with plastic, nylon, or other water-resistant products.
Some cushions come with additional padding at the lumbar area or an attached pillow at the seat’s head. If the lounge chair doesn’t come with a cushion, look for an ergonomically curved seat and backrest for comfortable lounging.
Easy Cleaning
Outdoor furniture seems to get messy more quickly than indoor furniture. Refreshments, sweat, sunblock, or even the bird that flies overhead can leave messes that need cleaning. Selecting a lounge chair (and cushion) that resists stains is essential.
Our Top Picks
To make the cut, a patio lounge chair must be durable, weather-resistant, and comfortable. The following loungers can look good in a variety of outdoor settings and just might be a good fit for your backyard.
Best Overall
Goldsun Outdoor Adjustable Chaise Lounge Chair
With the Goldsun Outdoor Adjustable Chaise Lounge Chair, shoppers can have comfort, function, and style in their backyard. This stylish lounger features high-quality aluminum for durability and weather resistance, and it has a nylon mesh seat and backrest designed to be breathable and comfortable.
The chair comes with a brightly colored cushion that has an attached pillow at the top. The backrest on the 71.6-inch-long by 23.6-inch-wide Goldsun lounge chair adjusts to a slanted sitting position or reclines to nearly horizontal for sunbathing and napping. The chair features a detachable utility tray that can be positioned on the right or left side to hold a coffee mug, a cold beverage glass, or a cell phone. This pick comes with wheels on the back legs for easy relocation.
Product Specs
- Type: Foldable lounger with armrests
- Material: Aluminum frame, mesh seat
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight yet strong and durable
- Convenient detachable side table
- Foldable and easy to transport
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Quite narrow
- Aluminum frame can feel flimsy
Get the Goldsun lounge chair at Amazon, Target, or Overstock.
Best Bang for the Buck
Coleman Converta Folding Cot
Shoppers looking for a budget-friendly way to add comfortable lounge furniture to their outdoor space could consider this folding cot from Coleman. The lightweight frame is easy to tote around, and it folds into a neat square to make storage a breeze. This could be an ideal purchase for those wishing to enjoy a pleasant day in their backyard without it needing to be a permanent fixture, or to take a more comfortable lounge chair with them on a camping trip.
Durability shouldn’t be an issue either because despite its 16.3-pound weight, the powder-coated steel frame still supports up to 225 pounds. It can lie completely flat or be configured into one of its four other back positions for a relaxed lounge position. The built-in footrest also adjusts between two positions for added comfort options.
Product Specs
- Type: Foldable, armless lounger
- Material: Steel frame
- Weight capacity: 225 pounds
Pros
- Affordable
- Light enough to bring on camping trips
- Folds flat for easy storage
Cons
- Fabric can wear out from heavy use
Get the Coleman lounge chair on Amazon or at The Home Depot.
Upgrade Pick
Best Choice Products Acacia Wood Chaise Lounge Chair
When users are in the market for a sophisticated upgrade to a tired-looking lounge chair that’s seen better days, the durability and elegance of a solid-wood-frame recliner is a worthwhile consideration. This chaise lounge from Best Choice Products features a sturdy acacia wood construction with a thick foam cushion to provide users with a comfortable and high-quality place to relax and enjoy the sunshine in their backyard or patio.
It weighs in at a hefty 48.5 pounds, so moving it around would be problematic if it weren’t for the two large wheels attached to the back of the chair, allowing users to easily steer it from place to place. Once situated, owners can enjoy a convenient place to set their drink, book, or device with the slide-out side table.
If the cream cushion color is an issue, fear not, because this chaise lounge is available in three different color combinations. Choose between cream or navy cushions and brown or gray stained wood.
Product Specs
- Type: Chaise lounge with armrests
- Material: Wood frame, foam cushions
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
Pros
- Sturdy solid-wood construction
- Pull-out table is functional and stylish
- Sophisticated design
Cons
- Proper care requires wood maintenance
- Heavy and difficult to move on uneven surfaces
Get the Best Choice Products wood lounge chair at Amazon, Best Choice Products, or Target.
Best Recliner-Type
ATR Art to Real Wicker Reclining Lounge Chair
Shoppers who are looking for a lounge chair that does double duty as a conversational chair might want to check out the ATR Art to Real Wicker Reclining Lounge Chair. Made from handwoven resin wicker for durability and powder-coated aluminum for corrosion resistance, this chair is as comfortable for users sitting in an upright position as it is for when they’re leaning back in traditional recliner fashion for lounging.
The 40-inch-high (upright position) by 31-inch-wide chair comes with an overstuffed seat and back cushion in a couple of complementary colors. The cushion is both water-resistant and UV-resistant, but for the longest-lasting results, owners should take it indoors when they’re not using the chair.
Product Specs
- Type: Recliner with armrests
- Material: Aluminum frame, rattan exterior, fabric cushion
- Weight capacity: 330 pounds
Pros
- Removable cushion covers are easy to clean
- Classic wicker look
- Multiple cushion colors available
Cons
- Cushion covers can fade in harsh sunlight
Get the ATR Art to Real lounge chair on Amazon.
Best Daybed
Foundstone Roni 79-Inch Wide Outdoor Patio Daybed
For a spacious and luxury piece of patio furniture with comfortable upholstered seating, this daybed from Foundstone might be just the thing. Users hoping to stretch out and take a nap can also rejoice in this daybed’s ability to fold down its side arms to extend the length of the bed. Folded back up, it comfortably seats four people.
Built with sustainability in mind, the acacia wood frame is a high-quality and durable material that, when properly maintained, can see users through multiple summer seasons. This daybed also comes with a single long seat cushion, two side cushions, and four back cushions. The polyester fabric is water-resistant but not waterproof, so consider storing the cushions during wet weather to ensure they stay in their best condition.
Product Specs
- Type: Daybed with foldable armrests
- Material: Acacia wood frame, foam cushions with polyester covers
- Weight capacity: 550 pounds
Pros
- Removable cushion covers are easily washed
- Solid construction; seats up to 4 people
- Elegantly folds into an extended bed
Cons
- Heavy to move around
- Loose back cushions can be troublesome
- Pricey
Get the Foundstone lounge chair on Wayfair.
Best Hanging
Best Choice Products Hanging Curved Chaise Lounge
Those who enjoy gently swinging back and forth as they relax outdoors will love this hanging chaise lounge from Best Choice Products. The sleek, curved design of the support and the chair itself provide a chic contemporary focal point while its user enjoys a zero-gravity experience. The 2-inch foam cushions provide an additional layer of comfort and are available in multiple bold and fun color options.
For those extra-sunny days, create some shade with the removable canopy that attaches to the top of the stand to provide some protection to the face and upper body. It’s not large enough to keep the entire chair out of the sunshine, though, so keep that in mind.
Product Specs
- Type: Hanging lounger with armrests
- Material: Powder-coated steel frame, foam cushions with polyester covers
- Weight capacity: 265 pounds
Pros
- Interesting contemporary design
- Includes removable canopy for shade
- Relaxing weightless experience
Cons
- Difficult to get in and out of, especially for larger individuals
Get the Best Choice Products hanging lounge chair at Amazon, Best Choice Products, or Target.
Best Zero-Gravity
BalanceFrom Elevon Zero Gravity Lounge Chair
For portability and on-the-spot relaxation, it’s tough to beat the versatility of a zero-gravity lounger such as the BalanceFrom Elevon Zero Gravity Lounge Chair. Featuring a powder-coated steel frame and a woven polyethylene wicker-look seat and back in attractive rich beige, the adjustable lounge chair is perfect for kicking back next to the pool or for nighttime stargazing.
When open and fully reclined, the chair is 43.5 inches long, and it measures 25.5 inches wide. By leaning back and pushing forward on the armrest, users can tilt the lounge chair back—seemingly defying gravity—as the footrest comes up. Locking devices on both arms help to fix it in the desired position. The zero-gravity lounger folds up for easy storage in a garage or for transporting in a trunk or pickup bed.
Product Specs
- Type: Zero-gravity recliner with armrests
- Material: Steel frame, Textilene fabric mesh
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Pros
- Highly adjustable
- Relatively affordable
- Durable and breathable mesh
- Comes in a 2-pack
Cons
- Locking mechanism can fail under heavier weights
Get the BalanceFrom lounge chairs on Amazon.
Best Poolside
Waroom Outdoor PE Wicker Chaise Lounge Chair Set
Soak up the sun next to the pool on the Waroom Outdoor PE Wicker Chaise Lounge Chair Set. The rust-resistant steel frames and all-weather polyethylene wicker on these two matching lounge chairs make them a perfect poolside choice. The padded sponge cushions come with waterproof polyester covers (available in royal blue or turquoise) that are removable and washable.
The chair backrests fully recline to a horizontal position for sunbathing or napping and adjust to a sitting position. The rectangular lounge-chair frames measure 78 inches long by 25.6 inches wide. Both chairs feature pullout tables for holding drinks or magazines.
Product Specs
- Type: Armless poolside lounger
- Material: Steel frame with rattan covering, foam cushions with polyester covers
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
Pros
- Rattan surface is durable and easy to clean
- Water-repellant cover great around pools
- Handy slide-out table
Cons
- Assembly is quite involved
- Cushion covers can fade in the sun
Get the Waroom lounge chairs on Amazon.
Best Heavy-Duty
Orren Ellis Cheshire Reclining Chaise Lounge Set
It can be difficult to truly relax on an outdoor lounge chair if it looks like it will collapse from underneath. Fortunately, there can be no doubt of the stability of this chaise-lounge set from Orren Ellis. Made from aluminum, these modern chairs are sturdy while remaining relatively lightweight compared to other materials. The powder coating also adds water- and rust-resistance to the chairs, an ideal feature for any outdoor furniture.
Sweat and other stains are also minimized with this set, which features a mesh surface instead of the typical fabric cushions, which can be prone to mildew and staining over time. The breathable mesh provides enough give to feel comfortable while still being able to support weights of up to 300 pounds. These loungers are sure to be a chic addition to a backyard pool or patio.
Product Specs
- Type: Armless poolside lounger
- Material: Aluminum frame, mesh seat
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Pros
- Stylish modern look
- Water-resistant finish
- Extra-long size ideal for taller users
Cons
- Pricey
Get the Orren Ellis lounge chairs on Wayfair.
Best Set
Devoko Patio Chaise Lounge Set
Lounging is more fun with a companion. The Devoko Patio Chaise Lounge Chair Set offers the perfect solution for a couple of friends or family members who want to kick back and share good times. The Devoko set features two matching lounge chairs crafted from powder-coated steel for durability and two full-length sponge-padded cushions in a stylish beige tone.
The gently curved backrests on these chic lounge chairs recline to a near-horizontal position or adjust to a sitting position. When fully reclined, the chairs measure 77 inches long by 24 inches wide. The woven rattan-look seat and backrest are made from weather-resistant polyethylene and come in sleek black. The set includes a collapsible square table for holding drinks and food.
Product Specs
- Type: Armless poolside loungers
- Material: Steel frame, rattan covering, sponge padding with polyester cover
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
Pros
- Folds easily for storage or transportation
- Elegant curved shape
- Little to no assembly required
Cons
- Quite low to the ground
Get the Devoko lounge chairs on Amazon.
Our Verdict
The Goldsun lounge chair is an easy favorite with highly adjustable upper and lower sections, all in a foldable and lightweight design with a choice of four colors that fit most outdoor decor styles. Alternatively, consider the budget-friendly Coleman lounge chair, a folding cot-style lounger that fits neatly into a trunk for a camping or beach trip.
How We Chose the Best Lounge Chairs
To aid shoppers in their search for the perfect lounge chair, we scoured the market to find our top recommendations across a wide range of categories. We looked at armless lounge chairs, chaise lounges, and poolside loungers to curate a list of our top picks. These options range in price point to satisfy both high-end upgrades to an outdoor space to more budget-friendly options for those looking to try new things out.
We also made sure to include a range of materials and styles in our list, with wood, steel, aluminum. and rattan frames, as well as mesh, foam, and sponge seat cushions all being showcased. Many of these options are also available in a range of colors to suit various outdoor decor styles. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, we were careful to ensure that all our top picks featured some level of weather protection, so shoppers can feel confident that their new purchase won’t fade in the sun or rust in the rain.
FAQs
Choosing the right patio lounge chair is an investment in your outdoor enjoyment, so it pays to ask some questions before you pull out that credit card.
Q. Which type of lounge chair do I need?
Consider how much room you have available for the chair(s) and how and when you plan to use them. You might want the type that sits upright for conversation and then reclines if you plan on entertaining guests, and you’ll want to choose a chair that’s waterproof if it’s going to be near the pool.
Q. What material is the best for a lounge chair?
That depends on your style and budget. Redwood, teak, and cedar loungers are classy but can be pricey, while aluminum and resin loungers won’t give you a natural look, but they can be just as attractive and they come at a more affordable price point.
Q. How do I clean sweat stains from my lounge chair?
Try mixing 1 teaspoon of Borax (in the laundry soap aisle) and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap in 1 quart of warm water and stir until the Borax dissolves. Use a clean rag to dab the solution on the stain and let it remain for 10 minutes before wiping off with a clean, damp rag. The sooner you clean a sweat stain, the better the chance you can get rid of it.
