(Credit: Simon Whitbread)
With the warmer weather seemingly going nowhere anytime soon, it’s time to embrace and bask in the golden sunshine. And you should do it in style, of course, not in the rickety, splintering old deck chairs you’ve been hanging on to for a while.
Outdoor chairs have come a long way, too, now sporting styles equally as fashionable as indoor furniture. Plus, many are made of almost indestructible materials. Ready to invest in some fancy-pants new outdoor furniture? To get you started, we rounded up our favourite outdoor chairs on the market right now. And, psst, some are on sale. Oh, it was nothing!
2024’s BEST OUTDOOR CHAIRS
- LINCOLN armchair, $400 (usually $800), Freedom (here’s why)
- Rome teak outdoor dining chair, $1244, Olan Living (here’s why)
- Natural Malawi style PE rattan outdoor cushioned dining chair, $399, Temple & Webster (here’s why)
Best outdoor chairs to buy in Australia 2024
01
LINCOLN armchair
$400 (usually $800) at Freedom
Imagine you’re gazing over an African savannah while sitting in this cosy-but-sturdy armchair, crafted from eucalyptus timber, even if it’s just a Hill’s hoist or your veggie patch. We love the plush cushions in timeless charcoal.
Key features:
- Fibre-filled cushions
- Crafted from sustainable FSC teak timber
- Removable cushions, made from Olefin Fabric with 2000hv hours of durability
- UV and water resistance
- Resistance to mildew, insects and chemicals
02
Rome Teak Outdoor Dining Chair
$1244, Olan Living
Chic, simple and timeless – these durable teak dining chairs take your outdoor decor to the next level. Crafted for durability, their rounded shape seamlessly blends into outdoor settings while adding an elegant touch to any al fresco dining space.
Key features:
- Made from weather-resistant teak wood
- Durable fabric Sunbrella materials on pillows
- Five-year warranty
03
Furnicon Waikiki Line armchair (set of 4)
$1029 at Temple & Webster
Available in several colourways, such as white, black or grey, this retro-inspired lounge chair isn’t just a place to perch. It’s a beautiful piece that will look good even when the weather precludes you from heading outdoors with a G&T. Our pick is this bright lime hue.
Key features:
- Aluminium tube frame and a powder coating finish
- The back and seat are made from weather-resistant flexible textilene rope
04
Natural Malawi style PE rattan outdoor cushioned dining chair
$269 (usually $399) at Temple & Webster
If the Hamptons aesthetic is your passion, this classic outdoor chair will fill the brief. Handwoven to perfection using PE rattan, it’s bound to survive many, many years of outdoor aperitifs and morning cuppas.
Key features:
- Hand-woven PE rattan construction
- Constructed using weatherproof materials
- Welded aluminium frame
05
Branzie fabric outdoor armchair
$1054 (usually $1240) at Interior Secrets
Comfortable and chic, the Branzie features hand-woven rope, robust hairpin legs and a nice deep seat for all-day lounging. Because of its earthy, organic colours, this armchair will look right at home in almost any outdoor setting.
Key features:
- Plush back and seat rest in foam and fibre insert
- Includes 2x cushion pads and removable cushion cover
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
06
Serena Outdoor Chair
$429, Olan Living
A minimalist’s dream, this highly durable PVC rattan chair stands up against the elements and expertly blends into your outdoor space with style.
Key features:
- UV resistant to avoid drying and cracking
- Stackable design for space-saving
07
Havana outdoor armchair
$499 (use TAKE30 to take 30% off) at Lounge Lovers
Durable and statement-making, the Havana is crafted from solid acacia wood and polyester strapping — it’s UV-resistant, waterproof and colourfast. So whether you pop it by the pool or on the patio you know it’s going to serve you well. If only it served martinis, too.
Key features:
- Solid Acacia wood
- Handwoven polyesters strapping
- UV-resistant and waterproof
08
Koa outdoor wicker armchair with cushion
$769 at One World Collection
Wicker is a timeless look for outdoor furniture (and indoor furniture, come to think of it) and the Koa’s natural colour will complement any garden setting. At this price, you can buy two and add a sweet side table so snacks/a book/a giant pitcher of Arnold Palmer is never far away.
Key features:
- Wicker construction
- Comfortable cushioned seat
09
Sierra outdoor lounge chair
$899 (usually $999) at Castlery
Looking for an outdoor chair you can truly curl up in? Cue the Sierra, which features cloud-like cushions and a sleek, durable aluminium frame. You can also order a cover for extra protection from the elements, for the odd (very odd) occasion when it’s not in use.
Key features:
- Aluminum and PE rattan frame
- Foam and fibre-filled seat
- Removable cushions and covers
10
Avon lounge chair
$2709 at SLH Furniture
Houe furniture is made with sustainability in mind and the Avon outdoor lounge chair was also created to look light and unimposing in your garden, balcony or courtyard setting. Although designed in Denmark, the dark green works seamlessly with the Australian landscape.
Key features:
- Water-repellent, stain-proof and easy to maintain
- Cushions made from 50% recycled acrylic
11
Slim lounge chair in Moss
$800 at Fenton & Fenton
Green is good! You can stack Fenton & Fenton’s powder-coated aluminium outdoor chairs when not in use, but then why would you? Leave them on display in your backyard, on the balcony or by the pool for an extra pop of subtle colour.
Key features:
- Powder-coated aluminium
- Stackable design
What are the best materials for outdoor furniture in Australia?
When choosing indoor furniture, you have carte blanche. When choosing outdoor armchairs on the other hand, you should look for fabrics and materials that can withstand Australia’s varied weather conditions: sun, heat, rain, humidity, wind and frost. If you’re lucky enough to live near the ocean, salty air may be a concern.
Here are some of the best, most durable materials for outdoor chairs:
- Aluminium: this lightweight, rust-resistant metal provides a good base for outdoor chairs; look for powder-coated versions for added durability and colour.
- Stainless steel: also rust-resistant and extremely strong, this metal alloy is basically indestructible. However, it can become very hot if left out in the sun.
- Teak: used in shipbuilding, this timber is ideal for outdoor use and over time develops into a beautiful silvery grey colour that never goes out of style.
- Resin wicker: designed to mimic natural wicker, this version is made from polyethylene resin fibres that can better stand up to weather and UV exposure.
- Rattan: this natural vine is woven into strong but lightweight pieces of furniture; rattan is best for undercover patios and balconies.
- Canvas: comprised of natural cotton and commonly used for tents, this sturdy fabric both feels nice and is made to last.
- Synthetic fabrics: materials such as Sunbrella and Olefin are human-made textiles that are tough, water-resistant and colourfast, meaning they won’t fade.
