Garden chairs need to do more than look good in everyday use. They should be sturdy, suit the space you have and, depending on how you plan to use them, be easy to move or store away. But there are clear differences between a simple outdoor chair, a folding chair, a sun lounger and a lounge chair.
If you focus only on colour and price, you can easily overlook important details. Three common buying mistakes are worth bearing in mind:
When it comes to wooden garden furniture, the type of wood, its finish and the care instructions are all important. Acacia and eucalyptus wood are often sold with an oiled finish. This can help protect the surface from moisture and dirt, but it doesn’t replace regular care. Depending on the product, applying another coat of oil before or after the season may be a good idea. If you won’t be using it for a while, store it indoors in a dry place or use a suitable cover.
Metal frames should have a suitable coating. For Textilene, Oxford fabric or polyester, check whether the material is simply wipe-clean or specifically designed for outdoor use. “Water-repellent” doesn’t necessarily mean a product should be left out in the rain.
On a balcony, it’s not just the chair’s width and depth that matter; you’ll also need room to move around in front of it. A folding garden chair can be useful if you can store it upright when it’s not in use. Check its folded dimensions and weight, too.
A low seat can feel comfortable in a deep seat, but it won’t suit everyone. A seat height of around 40 to 45 cm is common for many traditional garden chairs. Sun loungers and garden recliners need considerably more space. A garden swing or hanging chair also requires safety clearance and a surface that can support the weight.
Look for a clearly stated maximum load. Make sure all the legs of a folding chair are fully extended and standing on firm, level ground. With a sun lounger or ergonomic recliner, avoid putting concentrated weight on the headrest or footrest.
For swing seats and other moving products, there are extra things to consider. A garden swing needs enough clearance from walls and other furniture. A hanging chair needs a fixing that’s suitable for the load. Check the joints, hinges and locks on folding garden chairs regularly for damage.
Why this product suits this profile: This compact steel chair measures 44 × 45 × 79 cm and weighs 2,95 kg. It’s a handy extra seat for a balcony, patio or when you have guests.
The folding design takes up less room when stored away. For cleaning, use a soft, damp cloth; avoid abrasive products and getting it too wet.
Steel frame, lightweight design and no assembly required, according to the product details.
Why this product suits this profile: The set includes two folding garden chairs made from oiled acacia wood, each with a stated weight limit of 120 kg.
The product details specifically recommend protecting the chairs from the weather when not in use and storing them indoors where possible. This helps set realistic expectations about leaving them outside permanently.
Set of two chairs, folding design, acacia wood and no assembly required.
Why this product suits this profile: This adjustable folding chair is designed for balconies, camping, picnics or the garden, and packs down to around 24 × 23 × 93 cm.
The product details specify three seating positions, a static load capacity of around 110 kg, and clear guidance on using level ground and storing it in a dry place.
Oxford fabric, steel frame, removable head cushion and side pocket.
Why this product suits this profile: At 170 cm wide, this garden swing seats two and is suitable for a patio, garden, poolside or veranda.
The product details state a maximum load of 220 kg and say that the safety belts must be fastened during use. The steel frame needs to be placed on firm, level ground.
Canopy, wipe-clean Textilene seat and two seats across a width of 173 cm.
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.
Even weather-resistant garden furniture shouldn’t be left unprotected all the time. Keep these points in mind:
A garden bench can be a good option for seating several people, but it takes up more space. A lounge chair or garden recliner gives you a deeper seat, while a sun lounger is designed for stretching out. For small outdoor spaces, folding chairs and other space-saving seating are usually easier to fit in.
Narrow folding chairs or stackable plastic chairs are practical choices for a small balcony. Check the folded or stacked dimensions, and leave enough room to move between the seat, railings and balcony door.
How long they last depends on the material, build quality, how often they’re used and how well they’re cared for. Oiled wood needs regular treatment. Metal and plastic can be affected by prolonged damp, frost or strong sunlight. Using a cover and storing chairs somewhere dry when they’re not in use can reduce wear on the materials.
Check the maximum load, lounging area, adjustment options and stability. For folding models, secure joints, low weight for transport and clear guidance on the surface they should be used on are also important. An adjustable backrest gives you more choice of sitting and reclining positions, but it can’t make up for a lounger that’s the wrong size.