Looking for the best sun loungers? Now that spring is officially underway it won’t be long before the good weather hits, and once the clouds part and the sun starts shining we all want to head straight out into the garden or onto the balcony to soak up some mood-boosting Vitamin D.
So now's the time to get ahead of the game and ensure your outdoor space is fully equipped for relaxation once the temperatures climb.
We’ve rounded up our top choices of design-led sun loungers; from quick-drying options for the poolside to classic wheeled sun loungers, folding and stackable sun loungers for space-saving storage, contemporary reclining chairs for the garden, and decadent outdoor daybeds.
If you’re looking to furnish your whole outdoor space for rest, relaxation and entertaining, then make sure to explore our guide to the best garden furniture of 2021, otherwise, read on to find the best sun loungers for those balmy summer days...
Best sun loungers of 2021
Opt for bright and playful colour or minimal monochrome with one of the best sun loungers for versatile functionality and uplifting design.
Stackable for easy storage and with rear castor wheels for easy manoeuverability, this is a great option for the poolside or garden, with quick-drying polyvinyl fabric that's UV-resistant and designed to stay cool even in direct sun.
Even better, despite streamlined design and lightweight looks, this is one of the most generously proportioned sun loungers on our list. After all, who doesn't want more space for a drowsy daytime nap?
For the ultimate in outdoor relaxation, this teak framed double sun lounger will create an oasis of zen-like calm in the garden.
Adjustable backrests allow you to find the optimal degree of recline for the most restful laidback lounging, whilst the linen canopy offers shade and privacy - great if your outdoor space is overlooked.
Who needs a holiday anyway when you have resort-worthy relaxation in your own backyard.
If you're willing to sacrifice being able to turn onto your front, then the fluid lines of Hay's Palissade sun lounger bring both function and sculptural form to the garden.
Modern, minimalist, and with a carefully-considered and aesthetically-pleasing silhouette, this chaise longue design is an outdoor focal point rather than a lounger to wheel out of view when not in use.
The ergonomic form is far more comfortable than its weather-resistant metal frame might suggest, but you can opt for maximum comfort with the specifically-designed quilted cushion back and padded headrest.
For effortless garden styling, the Palissade collection also offers a wide variety of coordinating outdoor furniture; from lounge and dining chairs to coffee and bar tables.
You just can't beat solid teak wood for a timeless addition to an outdoor space, and this FSC certified wood option from Danish brand Skagerak is one of the best sun loungers for a classic look.
Two wheels for easy manoeuvring and an adjustable backrest ensure you have everything you need for some well-deserved rest and relaxation, whilst the classic design is simplicity at its finest.
Quick-dry upholstered cushions and a clever gas-spring reclining mechanism maximise comfort and relaxation in this stress-free sun lounger from Cane-Line.
The lightweight powder-coated aluminium frame and rear wheels make for easy manoeuvring, so all you have to worry about is laying back and catching the rays.
Inspired by the play of light and shadow through Mediterranean window shutters and the refined aesthetic of Japanese bamboo and wooden slatted architecture, the DNA sun lounger by José A. Gandia-Blasco is a masterclass in minimal simplicity.
Linear teak wood and white aluminium are contrasted by statement teak wheels that make for easy manoeuvring.
Taupe and black are the shades of moment, and on-trend neutrals can continue out into the garden with this muted sun lounger.
Designed to stack for space-saving storage and with hidden wheels that make following the sun that little bit easier, this quick-drying lounger is a great option for poolside or terrace.
Ingeniously designed to offer a reclining chair without any finger-trapping mechanisms, in Houe's Click chair you simply pitch yourself backwards onto the angled rear legs when you're ready for some time spent horizontal.
Of course, you can't turn over and lay on your front as you can with a classic sun lounger, but once you've discovered this ergonomically-friendly legs-slightly-above-heart reclined position, we're not sure you'll want to.
A eucalyptus wood frame and UV-protected woven synthetic-rope seat give this laidback lounger beach-holiday vibes with added weather-resistance.
The perfect garden lounger for settling down with a good book or daydreaming the day away on a warm summer's day, the curvaceous shape will gently cocoon you as you relax.
Simple and minimalist, the August Outdoor collection was designed by architect Vincent Van Duysen to furnish the terrace of the former monastery he had been commissioned to transform into a not-so-monastic hotel.
Reflecting the austere craftsmanship of the monastery's original functional furnishings, the August sun lounger is perfectly formed with minimal fuss.
This clean-lined Scandinavian lounge chair is the perfect spot for a morning cup of coffee, and with the addition of the coordinating footstool, it transforms into a lounger worthy of naptime.
Designed to be passed from generation to generation, Skagerak's Between The Lines deckchair is crafted from FSC-certified teak wood sourced from sustainably-managed forestry plantations.
Allow the wood to weather gently to a restful silver-grey tone or boost the naturally high oil content of the teak wood with regular weather-proofing to maintain the honeyed colour.
Made in Italy, this rotomoulded polyethylene plastic sun lounger has the benefit of drying quickly, which makes it perfect for the poolside.
The adjustable back also has six different inclines, allowing you to find the perfect angle for reading, napping, or reclining blissfully, cocktail in hand.
If you want one of the best value sun loungers that still offers a good dose of style, then Maisons Du Monde's Hurghada sun lounger is a good affordable option.
Check your measurements as this sun lounger is narrower - and shorter - than most, but the folding design makes for easy storage and is a great option for any outdoor area, like a balcony or urban courtyard, where space is tight.
Available in terracotta, khaki green, black, white and taupe, it also has a great selection of tasteful colour options.
The curved lines of this teak garden lounger are reminiscent of a fluid wave, allowing the mind to relax into Zen-mode before you even lie down.
Sit the sculptural form directly on the ground, or rest it on the metal legs provided; either way the curvaceous lounger offers striking design and optimum relaxation.
This lightweight sun lounger folds away into a super compact rectangle when it's not in use, making it one of the best sun loungers for small outdoor spaces, and for packing up and taking to the beach, lake or park.
This option is on the narrower side to make it easier to transport, but if you want a bit more space then Fiam's well-stocked sun lounger collection offers a range of widths and styles. Plus a never-knew-you-needed selection of sun lounging accessories, including a handy attachable sun visor and adjustable padded headrest for bespoke comfort.
The classic steamer chair is a great option for laidback reclining. An adjustable back offers a wide range of reclining angles and the footrest is ready to whip out as soon as you fancy putting your feet up.
Timeless design and hardwearing FSC certified teak wood ensure this Skgerak garden lounger will stand the test of time.
What are the best sun loungers to buy?
Ensuring you source the best sun loungers for your outdoor space depends a lot on how you plan to use your lounger:
Manoeuvrability: If you want the freedom to move your sun lounger around the pool or garden to follow the sun, then the best sun loungers for you are likely to be lightweight models with wheels for easy manoeuvring.
Storage: Despite being weather-resistant, you'll lengthen a sun lounger's longevity by storing it under cover during inclement weather. A wheeled sun lounger will make getting it to cover much easier, whilst stacking sun loungers can be placed one on top of the other to save on floor space and foldable sun loungers pack away neatly for the ultimate compact storage.
How low will you go: A true sun lounger will recline into a flat position so you can turn onto your front and catch the sun from all angles, but if you're not a sun-worshipper then some of the best reclining chairs on our list can often be more versatile and comfortable for relaxing backwards.
After all, the optimal relaxation posture is suggested to be having your legs raised slightly above your heart, so a curved reclining seat or steamer chair can be an alternative well worth considering.
Poolside or garden: If you'll be using your sun lounger poolside where it's likely to get wet regularly, then the best sun loungers for you are likely to be models with plastic-coated fabric seating which offers the quickest-drying option.
A fabric seat will usually also have enough give in it to make it comfortable to lie on with just a towel rather than cushioned padding.
In the garden anything goes, but with most metal or wooden designs it's best to check if cushioned padding is included or available to buy separately for the maximum comfort.
Transform your outdoor space this summer
With the warmer weather on its way it's time to make the most of whatever outdoor space you have to play with, whether that's sitting pretty on the best garden chairs, cooking up a storm with the best barbecue or a long summer's evening entertaining with the best-in-class firepits.
For more garden inspiration take a look at our modern garden ideas pages and find the hottest design trends and wow-factor landscaping.
And if your outside space is more bijou than bountiful, discover how to maximise a smaller space with these brilliant balcony ideas.
Amy’s eye for colour, form and composition was honed in the design studio, creating prints for the interiors industry whilst studying textile design at Winchester School of Art. Here she developed her knowledge of key design principles and gained a deeper understanding of how a space can influence our sense of wellbeing, the ways we respond to our environment, and what we deem to be of value.
Amy’s own style is considered, contemporary and timeless, with a strong interest in contemporary craft and homewares that champion collaboration between traditional makers and innovative technologies. A belief that design must exist in balance with the natural world fuels her interest in exploring sustainable, circular, and regenerative design processes and underpins her passion for natural materials and responsible craftsmanship.
When she’s not writing about interior design or sourcing the latest homewares for Livingetc, Amy is most often found deliberating over the perfect shade of white paint, adding to her ever-growing plant collection, or printmaking in her home studio.
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