Guide: How to choose the right garden chairs

Garden chairs, often alongside a great garden table, are an essential part of enjoying the outdoors. Whether your outdoor space consists of a small balcony, a sizeable patio, or a grand garden, outdoor chairs allow us to spend time with friends and family for dinners, celebrations, and cosy, joyful moments.

Are you looking for garden dining chairs, garden lounge chairs, or perhaps more unique ones such as hanging chairs or sun loungers? No matter which kind, choosing the perfect chairs for your wants and needs can be a difficult decision to make. Luckily, this guide can help you navigate some of the considerations that may be worth for you to think about in order to make the right choice. Read on to learn what you need to know about choosing the right garden chairs. 

There are several factors to consider before deciding on the garden chair, or garden chairs, you want to purchase. Garden chairs come in various types, with some designed for outdoor dining and others for outdoor lounging and relaxation. Each type of chair has different properties, making some more suitable for your specific needs than others. So, how can you ensure you select the right choice from the get-go? In the following sections, you will learn more about the relevant factors you should consider. 

There are many different types of garden chairs, each designed for its own intended purpose. Some are perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or cold beverage by a bistro table in the sun, while others are perfect for relaxing during warm summer afternoons. In the sections below, you will find a broader selection of outdoor chairs, ranging from dining to lounge chairs, offering something for every outdoor setting and activity. 

Garden dining chairs 

Arguably the most widely used type of garden chairs, the garden dining chair is – alongside a garden table – perfect for spending time in the great outdoors. Perfect for al fresco dining, enjoying a cold beverage in company, or hosting a large dinner party or celebration, the garden table and garden dining chairs are great additions to your balcony, patio, or garden. If you want to learn more about matching your garden chairs with a suitable table, check out our guide to choosing the perfect garden table. 

Garden lounge chairs 

Garden lounge chairs are designed for comfort, lounging, and relaxation, offering luxurious seating options for unwinding during lazy afternoons or hosting get-togethers in the evening. These chairs are generally larger than garden dining chairs, allowing you to fully recline and enjoy versatile activities such as reading a favourite book, sunbathing, napping, or simply basking in the outdoors with loved ones. With stylish designs, they serve as great visual additions to your balcony, patio, or garden and may even serve as eye-catching statement pieces. 

Hanging chairs, garden benches, and sun loungers

Beyond the typical garden chairs, there are other types that offer unique and special experiences. Garden benches, for example, are versatile alternatives to traditional garden dining chairs, suitable for use at the garden table or for providing seating in secluded, sunlit areas of the garden. Additionally, hanging chairs and sun loungers offer an elevated level of comfort and relaxation. Sun loungers in particular are perfect for sunbathing, while hanging chairs, with their gentle swaying, provide ultimate comfort. Check out our guide to hanging chairs for more inspiration. 

Garden chairs come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, and their visual expression and appeal can significantly change the overall atmosphere of your outdoor space. The selection of chairs shown above is just one example of what your new chairs may look like.  

Different garden chairs often have distinct properties making them suitable for different needs. Are you looking for chairs for a small balcony or a large patio? Most garden chairs have a width that ranges from around 40 to 70 cm. For compact areas such as small balconies or patios, narrower chairs may be more suitable to make the most of your space. If your space is open and less restricted, you have more freedom to choose wider and larger garden chairs. In addition to considering the height and width of a garden chair, there are various other factors to keep in mind:

• Stacking garden chairs
  When choosing garden chairs, consider where you plan to store them when not in use. Do you have a shed or other storage space to shelter them from the elements? Stackable chairs are an excellent choice for this purpose, as they take up minimal space. To make the most of your space, smaller chairs – especially ones that are stackable – are ideal for compact spaces. They are perfect for creating a cosy nook on your balcony or for easy movement and storage when not in use.
• Folding garden chairs
  Just like stackable ones, foldable garden chairs are also easily stored, and they take up even less space when not in use. Their highly convenient design and portability make them perfect for providing spontaneous seating for visiting guests or for a small balcony where maximising free space is essential.
• Recliner garden chairs
  Recliner chairs for the garden offer several benefits for enjoying the outdoors. With adjustable reclining positions, they are perfect for dining in an upright position or lounging in a reclined position. The ability to adjust the reclining level provides enhanced ergonomic support, promoting proper posture and making reclining chairs ideal for spending a full day or evening in the garden.
• Backrest support
  When choosing garden chairs, your preference for a high or low backrest can significantly impact your experience. If you enjoy long outdoor dinners with loved ones, comfort naturally becomes a priority. A high backrest not only provides full back support but also shields you and your guests from chilly evening draughts. Many garden chairs, particularly recliners, can be enhanced with garden cushions for the seat and backrest, and through these, you can adjust the chair to your preferred level of comfort and support.  
• Armrests
  You may want to consider whether you prefer chairs with or without armrests. Garden chairs with armrests offer added support for your arms and can enhance comfort during extended periods of use. On the other hand, garden chairs without armrests offer more flexibility in movement and can be easier to manoeuvre and store in smaller spaces.

When looking for new garden chairs, consider adding garden cushions to enhance the comfort, support, and style of the chairs. Garden cushions, from seat pads to high backrest cushions, provide extra padding, making extended periods of sitting more comfortable, especially for chairs made from harder materials. Additionally, cushions can be used to add a pattern, pop of colour, or different aesthetic to your outdoor space, allowing you to customise the appearance of your furniture. 

Before deciding on which new garden chairs to get, you should also take into consideration which kind of material you prefer. The materials used in the making of a garden chair naturally have great impact on the final result, most obvious through its visual appearance and overall vibe. However, the material naturally also affects the required maintenance level of the chair. A garden chair made from hardwood will require occasional cleaning and protection through a sealant like hardwood oil, while a garden chair made from aluminium and polyrattan will be virtually maintenance free. Learn more about the different materials that garden furniture is most commonly made from in our comprehensive guide to garden furniture materials. 

With the consideration outlined in this guide in mind, you should be well equipped to make an informed decision and find the ideal garden chairs that are perfect for your unique needs and preferences. Our wide selection of garden chairs includes a diverse array of options to suit your preferences. If you have any questions or would like more information about garden chairs, you are naturally always welcome to visit your local JYSK store and ask our staff for more guidance.

Protect your chairs with a garden furniture cover

If you are unable to bring your new garden chairs into a shed or covered space for storage, it may be worth for you to consider protecting them with a garden furniture cover. This will make the chairs more resistant to the elements and thus increase their durability. It also reduces the amount of time that you will have to spend cleaning and maintaining them, which is another great benefit.  

Garden sets with garden table and chairs 

Many of our garden chairs are also available in garden sets that include four identical chairs and a matching garden table.