Outdoor Lounge Chairs: Relax and Unwind in Style and Comfort
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of relaxing and unwinding at your outdoor place after a long day at work. The truth is that unwinding whenever you want in a nice and comfy lounge chair can make all the difference in the world; those who have them know this. So, if your goal for the upcoming year is to create your outdoor oasis, don’t forget about adding comfortable outdoor lounge chairs.
They are perfect for enhancing up any of your outdoor areas, whether this would be sprucing up the deck, your patio, garden or backyard seating area. The good news is that they come in a selection of types and materials, so finding the right ones for you would be a piece of cake. All it takes is to go over the offered options on the market and pick the best ones for your needs.
Common Materials for Outdoor Chairs
Before stepping into the lounge chairs type section, first you should consider their material. In the end, not all materials are suitable for the Australian climate, so it would be great if you first pick a material and then a type.
Rattan
First things first, a comfortable rattan outdoor lounge chair is lightweight and durable. Moreover, the material itself is breathable and able to withstand wind and rain without cracking or warping. Depending on the type and model of chair you choose, the chair’s frame/base is mainly made from wood, rattan or even aluminium, around which rattan is wrapped. This makes the chair more secure, long-lasting and weather-resistant.
Usually, these chairs are made with the help of the wicker weave method which is one of the most popular designs and styles since the past. Even though nowadays rattan furniture pieces (especially chairs) are mainly made from synthetic rattan, there’s still a chance for you to find a store that sells rattan lounge chairs made from natural rattan. The natural origin of these chairs comes from several plants from the palm family, including cane.
All of these plants used for the production of rattan chairs and furniture in general grow in specific tropical climates in the areas of Australasia, Asia and Africa which explains their durability and resistance to hot and tropical-like climates. Chairs made from natural rattan are resilient and they can withstand almost anything, which explains its weather-resistance property.
In terms of sitting, this material is extremely comfortable to sit on. It’s neither too rigid nor too brittle. Chairs made from this material can mould to the shape of your body, and as time goes by the fibre of rattan may loosen more to provide you with more comfort. The greatest thing of all is that even looser, these chairs won’t compromise on support and comfiness.
This stylish and sustainable material can come in a selection of colours and shades which gives you the chance to pick just the right one. While the materials play a major role in terms of comfiness, you should also pay attention to the cushions (if there are any). These accessories need to be made sturdy and supportive in order to withstand daily use.
Synthetic Resin Wicker
This is the second most important material after natural rattan. In fact, it’s known as synthetic rattan and is mainly used for furniture designed for outdoor use. It’s a strong and durable choice, and it is usually weaved over aluminium base furniture.
Even though chairs made from this material are stated as low-maintenance, lightweight and extremely durable, given the fact that this is a man-made material, it goes without saying that it can still be prone to damage. It’s more susceptible to scratching, fading, denting and tearing, so if planning on exposing it to direct sunlight and daily use, be prepared to face some of these (if not all) things.
Teak
Teak is another popular material used for outdoor chairs and furniture. Just like rattan, teak is a natural material that can withstand the elements, but unlike this lightweight counterpart, teak is quite heavy. This makes it a bit difficult to move around. Teak is an all-weather type of material used for the production of furniture, and it produces natural oil which protects it from drying out and cracking.
It’s a hardwood that can last long, up to 50 years, in comparison to some other less durable woods used for the purpose. Even though using teak chairs on their own is acceptable, quite often manufacturers add cushions for improved comfort. Speaking of which, you should choose cushions that are water and weather-resistant. This will prolong their use regardless of the weather conditions.
Common Types of Outdoor Lounge Chairs
Lounge
Well, a lounge chair, especially rattan outdoor lounge chair, is among the most popular choices for outdoor areas. Whether choosing lounges for the patio, deck or backyard, they are the first choice people make. They are comfortable, stylish and easier to move around in comparison to some other chair models. As already mentioned, they are available in a selection of materials and styles which gives you the freedom to pick the one that will best meet your needs for the surrounding area.
Chair and a Half
This unique-looking chair is perfect for outdoor use. It’s comfy, spacious and stylish, the only downside being its size. It’s quite bulky in comparison to the lounge type of chairs which is why only those with a lot of free space can use it.
The most characteristic thing about this design is that it’s wider than traditional chairs, making it ideal for unwinding and curling up while enjoying the fresh air and warm sun. Depending on the model you choose, some of them can come with an additional cup holder or built-in pockets and footrest. Just keep in mind that the more features a model has, the pricier it will get.
Chaise Lounge
Chaise lounge chairs are a popular option for relaxing outdoors. Quite often, they are placed near a pool or further from the seating area so that you can relax and unwind without anyone disturbing you. Practice shows they are also great to be positioned on a patio, in the garden or backyard.