19 Types of Outdoor Chairs: Chair Descriptions and Images

Are you looking for the best type of outdoor chair for your patio or outdoor living space? There are way more options than you might think, which means there’s something for just about any style or level of functionality.

Curious to learn more about all of these different types of outdoor chairs? Let’s get started and learn more about them now!

19 Different Types of Outdoor Chairs

While there may be more than 19 different types of outdoor chairs, these 19 are some of our favorites. Let’s dive in with their descriptions and pictures so that you can find one that works best with your outdoor space.

1. Outdoor Chaise Lounge Chair

Outdoor Chaise Lounge Chair

Chaise lounge chairs have to be one of the most popular outdoor chair options nowadays. These chairs double as beds, and are usually fully adjustable so that you can change the back to rest at any angle. This makes them perfect for lounging with a meal or resting by the pool.

Chaise lounge chairs are also made of a wide variety of materials to suit your outdoor style and sensibilities. Some of the most popular chair material options include wood, teak, plastic, wicker, and metal.

This style of outdoor chair is unique in that it usually comes with one long cushion, spanning the length of the lounge. This makes it ideal for homes with multiple guests too- you can lay the lounge flat and create a cushioned bench seat for two or three people to sit on.

2. Recycled Plastic

Recycled Plastic

Also known as high-density polyethylene plastic, recycled plastic outdoor furniture has many benefits and perks. Not only is this material more affordable than traditional metal and wood pieces, it has been manufactured to last longer than traditional materials as well.

Recycled plastic furniture helps reuse plastic that already exists in our world and environment. It resists pests, difficult weather environments, and any other type of erosion or corrosion that you can think of. Having recycled plastic readily available means that many different styles of furniture is made from it.

 You can find basic arm chairs in this material, chaise lounges, Adirondack chairs, and more made out of recycled plastic. This is a great choice if you are sticking to a budget but still want some uniqueness and style in your backyard space.

3. Outdoor Rocking Chairs

Outdoor Rocking Chairs

Who doesn’t love an outdoor rocking chair? Outdoor rocking chairs are nearly the same as indoor rocking chairs except they are going to be made of more weather resistant material. However, you can even get more traditional wooden rocking chairs made to resist an outdoor setting.

No matter the material that outdoor rocking chairs are made out of, they have the ability to rock back and forth. Most outdoor rocking chairs are also equipped with a comfortable cushion, so that you can sit in them as long as you please.

Common outdoor rocking chair materials include wood, plastic, fabric based camp chairs, and metal. They are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes so that you can find exactly what you need to match your porch or outdoor area.

4. Outdoor Recliners

Hanover Ventura Outdoor Patio Recliner with Hand-Woven Wicker, Rust-Resistant Frames, and Thick Vintage Meadow Green Cushions, VENTURAREC

Did you know that they manufacture outdoor recliners? This may be a great lounge or seat option for the elderly in your life, or those of you that simply love to put your feet up at the end of the day.

Outdoor recliners are made a bit differently than traditional living room recliners, because they will have less cushion and fabric involved overall. Outdoor recliners usually have a wood, metal, or wicker base, with weather resistant cushions installed.

These outdoor recliners will either have a traditional flip-up footrest or a separate footrest or ottoman piece. These more mechanical chairs will usually cost more than a simple plastic Adirondack chair, but they can give your outdoor living space some extra comfort.

5. Zero Gravity Lounge Chairs

Best Choice Products Set of 2 Adjustable Steel Mesh Zero Gravity Lounge Chair Recliners w/Pillows and Cup Holder Trays, Brown

Have you ever heard of zero gravity lounge chairs? These chairs combine the best of many different chair features, including weather resistance, comfortability, and the ability to lounge from head to foot at the end of the day.

These chairs are usually made out of waterproof or uv-resistant fabric and sturdy metal frame. You can also usually fold up this style of chair and bring it with you, making it a common chair for camping and other outdoor adventures.

The main benefit of zero gravity lounge chairs is that your body feels as if it is floating, hence the name. You shouldn’t have any amount of unexpected pressure put on any part of your body, making it a very relaxing lounge chair.

6. Outdoor Club Chairs

Outdoor Club Chairs

Outdoor club chairs is how many home furnishing stores describe outdoor armchairs. This means that this variety of outdoor seating comes in a great deal of styles, colors, and finishes- perfect for just about any backyard living space.

You can get your outdoor club chair finished in wood, metal, plastic, and much more. The distinguishing features for an outdoor club chair include arms, cushions, and enough room for one person to sit. That’s it- there aren’t very many rules for outdoor club chairs besides that.

You can find vintage wicker sets of club chairs, or purchase a more modern metal set instead. The sky’s the limit in terms of style, color, and finish combinations. Purchasing something made for all-weather environments is ideal.

7. Outdoor Swivel Rocker Chairs

Signature Design by Ashley Paradise Trail Outdoor Swivel Upholstered Lounge Chair Set, 2 Count, Beige

Commonly used for outdoor dining tables or many other outdoor settings, outdoor swivel rocker chairs combine the best of many of these options. They include the zero gravity chair comfort with the ability to rock, as well as the convenience of a swivel.

Having a chair that swivels makes it ideal for many dining table setups, especially given that many swivel rocker chairs are made of heavy duty metal that is difficult to slide in and out. These chairs are also made of water-resistant or UV resistant material so that you can leave them out season after season.

Most swivel chairs are made of metal, given the technical needs of the swivel and rocking mechanisms. However, you can find these outdoor chairs in a wide variety of fabric colors and cushion designs.

8. Adirondack Chairs

Adirondack Chairs-min

One of the most popular outdoor chairs available on the market today has to be the Adirondack chair. This particular style of outdoor seating is usually recognized immediately, as it bears a signature look of chair combined with a footrest.

Check out our list of the 9 Best Adirondack Chair Brands here!

Adirondack chairs have a heightened back to them, and are usually finished in high-quality outdoor wood or more reasonably priced recycled plastic. They can have cushions, but often don’t, making them a more firm sit than many other outdoor chairs. Check out our 10 best teak Adirondack chairs here. 

This style of chair is often found at resorts or cabins, as they have a very particular look and aesthetic to them. You can find these chairs from luxury furniture dealers as well as your local hardware store, depending on the material you are looking for.

9. Outdoor Wooden Chairs

Outdoor Wooden Chairs

From porch swings to Adirondack chairs, outdoor wooden chairs are extremely popular. Wood is used to manufacture chairs in any style or aesthetic, as it is a readily available material and can be made to resist many weather or outdoor environments.

Whether you’re looking for a more rustic outdoor log chair, a modern teak armchair, or a simple wooden footrest, there is an outdoor wooden chair to suit your needs. You can find wooden chairs at just about any price point as well.

It’s important to note that your wooden chair will need some upkeep and maintenance from time to time, especially if you plan on leaving it outside season after season. Waterproofing or ensuring that your wood is properly oiled is key to these pieces lasting a lifetime.

10. Patio Dining Chairs

Patio Dining Chairs

Many homeowners want to enjoy the option of dining outside on their patio. This is why it’s important to purchase a patio dining chair that fits your outdoor dining table. Patio dining chairs are available in a wide variety of materials and finishes, as well as the aesthetics.

You can often purchase patio dining chairs in a set with a dining table as well, and all of the pieces should match accordingly. Patio dining chairs are also usually made of weather resistant materials and finishes, making them perfect for use season after season

11. Hammock Chairs

Hammock Chairs

Did you know that you can get hammocks in chair form rather than bed form? Hammock chairs are gaining popularity throughout backyard areas and patios, mainly for their comfortability and chic appearance.

While the traditional hammock is also a great and comfortable seat, you may be looking for a hammock chair that is more likely to keep you up right as you interact with guests or eat at a backyard BBQ. Some hammock chairs even come with attached umbrellas or sun shades!

Many hammock chairs require an additional purchase of a hammock stand so that you can easily attach your chair to it. You may have an installation spot in mind for your hammock chair, but know that these fabric chairs should be taken down during the offseason to extend their life.

12. Patio Bar Stools

Patio Bar Stools

If you have a unique and trendy backyard setup that includes a patio bar or tall counter, you may want to keep an eye out for patio bar stools as an outdoor chair for you. These stools will be heightened so that they can reach your patio bar with ease.

Patio bar stools are usually a single seat attached to a pole or sturdy base, with some height to it so that it can reach the height of your bar. It is important to know what height of bar stool you are looking for before you begin shopping.

Just like many other outdoor chair options on this list, patio bar stools are available in a number of finishes, styles, and colors. Some will have removable cushions or fabric attachments. Others will be simple metal or wood stools built to last season after season.

13. Hanging Chairs

Hanging Chairs

Hanging chairs are among some of the most unique outdoor chairs you can purchase nowadays. They are perfect for homes of any size or backyard Living area, including city balconies or small patios. They can come with or without a stand, which is important to keep in mind as you shop.

Hanging chairs are usually rounded and complete with some amount of cushion to keep you comfortable as you sit in them. They can either be hung from a sturdy wood or concrete location, or you should consider purchasing one with a heavy duty metal stand.

The chair itself is usually made of a lighter material, such as wicker or rattan. And they are usually rounded or egg-shaped, to make you feel as if you are resting and floating in a nest. If you are looking to make a statement, definitely check out some hanging chairs!

14. Glider Chair

Outsunny Outdoor Glider Chairs with Coffee Table, Patio 2-Seat Rocking Chair Swing Loveseat with Breathable Sling for Backyard, Garden and Porch, Grey

Similar to rocking chairs, glider chairs can be a perfect addition to your patio or outdoor area. They have more complicated mechanics than other chairs on this list, but they have the ability to always be in motion, much like a rocking chair.

You can purchase glider chairs as individual seats or as part of a bench, making them a great alternative to swinging bench seating. They can rock or glide back and forth, and some individual chairs even swivel, depending on the brand or style.

These are often made of metal and finished with high quality weather resistant cushions to keep you comfortable. If you like to spend a long amount of time on your deck or patio, check these chairs out.

15. Poolside Chairs

PURPLE LEAF Patio Chaise Lounge Set of 3 Outdoor Lounge Chair Beach Pool Sunbathing Lawn Lounger Recliner Chiar Outside Tanning Chairs with Arm for All Weather, Side Table Included, Grey

Poolside chairs can be found in a wide variety of styles, materials, and finishes. The most important part of purchasing a poolside chair is to make sure that it is water-resistant if not fully waterproof.

This makes some of the most common materials used in poolside chairs easy to figure out. Vinyl, plastic, and metal with waterproof cushioning are some materials, just to name a few. A chaise style of lounge chair is also more often than not seen by the pool.

Poolside chairs shouldn’t be rough or dangerous in any way, as people will likely be sitting in them with very little clothing on. Having the ability to lay flat and tan is another common need in many poolside chairs.

16. Firepit Chairs

All-Weather Outdoor Adirondack Chair Set of 4 for Fire Pit Garden Porch Deck, Oversized Poly Lumber Classic Patio Chairs, Brown

The most important thing to consider in a fire pit chair is how comfy it is. Many of us who own fire pits spend a lot of time gazing at it with our family and friends. If you’re spending that time in an uncomfortable chair, you’ll be the first to notice!

Fire pit chairs can be made out of a variety of materials and finishes. Having a chair that can withstand the nearby heat of your fire pit is a good idea, though most outdoor chairs can accomplish this for you. You should consider a chair that is comfortable, with cushions and other accessories.

17. Egg and Teardrop Chairs

 

Egg and Teardrop Chairs

Much like the hanging chairs on this list, egg and teardrop chairs are uniquely shaped and all the rage. These chairs are often hung, just like the hanging chairs listed above. However, many egg and teardrop chairs can come with legs installed, whether it be for indoor or outdoor use.

These outdoor chairs are often made out of wicker or a weather resistant wood, making them timeless staples for your outdoor patio. They are shaped as the name implies, with unique egg or teardrop finish to them.

Their rounded shape makes them comfortable and cozy, while still making a statement. These chairs are also great for conversing in large groups, should you be expecting company in your outdoor area.

18. Outdoor Bench

Outdoor Bench

Sometimes, all you really need is a simple outdoor bench. Outdoor benches have been a common occurrence in outdoor areas for the entirety of humanity, dating as far back as marble or stone benches used in ancient times.

You may still consider a stone bench for your outdoor area, though they will most likely be more expensive than many other options. Outdoor benches come in just about any material you can think of, with optional cushions either coming with the bench or added on by you after the fact.

You can get stationary outdoor benches or ones that swing, and you can even get outdoor sectional or couches that still technically count as an outdoor bench. Whether you just need a simple park bench look or want a classy cushioned bench, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.

19. Outdoor Bean Bag Chair

Outdoor Bean Bag Chair

Did you know that they make outdoor bean bag chairs? These unique and versatile cushioned chairs are perfect if you are looking for an extremely comfortable chair to keep outside. These are also ideal for families with young children, as there are no sharp or hard edges involved.

Outdoor bean bag chairs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, but most importantly, the fabric has some level of water resistance. This allows you to leave your bean bag chair outside during inclement weather, though many manufacturers suggest bringing your chairs under cover during storms.

Final Thoughts

Finding an outdoor chair to suit your backyard style is easier than you might think. You’ll no doubt find something to suit your budget and aesthetics by looking at any of the options on this list- get comfortable!

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