Comfort is one of the most significant factors that needs to be checked when picking what outdoor furniture to buy. No one wants to be sitting in the sun, trying to enjoy a glass of iced tea or lemonade, and then feel the telltale back pain that comes with poor posture and a rough seat. Even if it is a stylish modern seat! A simple solution to this problem is to buy the right, comfortable patio furniture for your needs. So what is the most comfortable outdoor furniture?
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Most Comfortable Outdoor Furniture
In this article, we’ll look at what makes for comfortable outdoor furniture, and the potential drawbacks of these sorts of pieces. We’ll pick a few of our favorite sets or models to give you some sense of what brands and designs are best. For those who need a little more cushion and support in their outdoor furniture, this article is for you!
We’ll look at the following types of furniture in this article:
- Outdoor Chairs
- Outdoor Sofas and Couches
- Porch Swings
- Porch Rockers and Gliders
- Chaise Lounge Chairs
Most Comfortable Outdoor Chairs
In this section, we’ll look at a few different types of comfortable outdoor chairs.
1. Zero Gravity Chairs
If you’re looking for a comfortable reclining outdoor chair, a Zero Gravity Reclining Lawn Chair may be a perfect choice for you. These chairs are typically made of sling fabric attached to a frame with a woven bungee cord material. They are super comfortable and are designed to recline fully, to the point where the feet are positioned as high as the head (or perhaps even higher!).
These chairs have all the advantages of sling chairs but are perhaps even more comfortable. However, those who have difficulty getting out of reclining chairs, or even bringing themselves upright from a recline position, may not like the extreme amount of recline on these chairs.
That said, most of the Zero-G Chairs can be locked at any level of recline.
Most Comfortable Lawn Chair
KingCamp has a great XL Zero Gravity chair and is a solid place to start exploring these interesting pieces of folding indoor/outdoor furniture. For more details, see our review of this chair here.
Last update on 2022-07-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Slingback Chairs
Slingback patio chairs sound slightly complicated, but these chairs are really pretty simple. This piece of furniture takes to basic frame of a chair but, instead of having a straight back made of plastic or wood, there is a piece of fabric stretched from the front of the seat to the top of the back. This is the “sling” part of the name.
Advantages
Comfort
Slingback chairs are exceptionally comfortable because they put no pressure on the user’s back while sitting down. Instead, the fabric contours to the body, and allows an individual to adjust themselves and not have the hard back of a regular chair digging into their flesh. People can also get more creative with these chairs since the fabric used for the sling comes in all kinds of materials and patterns.
Cleaning
Slingback chairs don’t have cushions, and the sling fabric is waterproof. Sure, it’s a good idea to cover them to protect them from getting dirty, but if they get rained on, the sling material won’t get damaged, nor will it get waterlogged. And they will dry very quickly, as you’re not waiting for a soaked foam core to dry out.
And finally, they’re much easier to care for than most other types of patio furniture on the market, which is a big plus!
Disadvantages
There are only two potential downsides to the slingback. One, if someone is heavier than normal, the sling might not support their weight. Two, someone who struggles to get up and down might need assistance getting out of such a relaxed chair. Depending on the design of the sling, users may feel that they are sinking down too deeply, and may find it challenging to extract themselves from the chairs.
Most Comfortable Patio Chairs
If you’re looking for just chairs and not a table, the Giantex’ set of folding outdoor sling chairs is an excellent choice, and are extremely comfortable outdoor chairs.
If you want a table-and-chairs set, consider the Brigantine 7 piece dining set. It is a great example of a patio furniture set featuring comfortable, simple slingback designs.
Last update on 2022-08-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Most Comfortable Sofas and Outdoor Living Sets
We are huge fans of outdoor living spaces, and generally, we prefer them to the more commonly found outdoor dining spaces. An outdoor sofa set feels more warm and comfortable than the outdoor dining sets commonly seen, and if you have to choose just one, we suggest you start with the living sets and sofas!
You can always eat a meal seated around a sofa/coffee table, but often sitting for a long while around a patio table gets pretty uncomfortable.
These outdoor sofa sets typically have a wicker or wooden frame and cushions designed to survive the outdoors. Sofas are one of the most comfortable forms of outdoor furniture because they come with padding and cushions to suit a person’s back and bum.
While some outdoor fabric materials like Sunbrella are quite able to withstand the stresses of the outdoors, it’s almost always wise to store your cushions in a deck box or cover them when not in use. While the comfort of having good quality cushions is ideal for those seeking comfortable outdoor furniture, there is certainly greater hassle involved when having to constantly place and remove outdoor cushions.
Those who are concerned with this may want to stick with sling-style furniture unless you want to dive into very expensive outdoor seating like La-Fete’s outdoor furniture sets.
Classic Outdoor Living Room Furniture Sets
Outdoor Sofa Sets come in a wide variety of price ranges, from inexpensive and well made U-Max outdoor furniture to stunning Ohana sofa sets that cost well into the thousands.
Last update on 2022-08-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Modern Sectional Set Designs
The classic modern look of a PE-wicker modern conversation set typically consists of a low seat, and low back, chair design. Many find these types of sofa to be hard to get into and out of, and not very comfortable on the back, due to the low back design. For this reason, those who are shopping with comfort as a priority may want to stay away from the modern patio furniture brands like Ohana and Harmonia Living, and instead choose a set that has a different chair shape.
Most Comfortable Outdoor Sofa
One such set that buyers may want to start their search with is the La-Z-Boy Sawyer Outdoor Sofa Set. The look isn’t a crisp and modern as many of the other sectional sets, but it is easier to get in and out of, and still features high-quality Sunbrella cushions as well as the La-Z-Boy name.
Another option is to pick up some Sunbrella lumbar pillows to give more support to your and your guests’ backs!
No products found.
Porch Swings
A porch swing is one of the quintessential pieces of outdoor furniture. Most have wooden, plastic, or metal frames with chains holding up a swing. People can choose whether or not they want the swing to be cushioned, and can then pick what print or color they want on the pillows. There are modern teak porch swings, Amish style classic porch swings, and loads of CPVC Polywood style outdoor swings.
One of the reasons swings are comfortable is that they often have a slight tilt to them so the user doesn’t need to sit completely upright. Individuals can also rock back and forth in them so they aren’t forced to stay still while resting.
Since by their nature, these swings are covered over (they’re attached to a ceiling!), they tend to work a little better with cushions than other pieces of outdoor furniture. The cushions are less likely to get soaked and faded, as they are at least partly sheltered.
Most Comfortable Porch Swings
Wholesale Teak’s porch benches are great options for those who love the look of natural teak wood. Cafe’s Amish heavy duty bench is an excellent comfortable outdoor bench with some great features, and Polywood’s gorgeous Vineyard porch swing is a great choice for an indestructible, maintenance-free outdoor bench.
![WholesaleTeakFurniture New Grade A Teak Porch Garden 6 feet Swing Chair only (Swing & Sunbrella Cushions Sold Separately) [Model:Giva] #WFSWGV6](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41z0Km8Hz9L._SL160_.jpg)
Last update on 2022-07-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Porch Rockers and Gliders
Porch Rockers and Patio Glider Chairs are great options for those who don’t have a roof to suspend a swing from, but still want the sense of movement and calm that comes from sitting in a moving chair. To start with, it may be best to focus on slingback gliders and rockers, as these tend to require the least maintenance and provide the most comfort without the hassle of packing and unpacking cushions.
Most Comfortable Porch Rockers
Lifetime’s CPVC porch glider is a great option, featuring a comfortable seat, an easy gliding motion, and loads of charm. Sunlife’s Glider Swing With Canopy provides a great deal of quality, comfort, and easy shade, and is another great choice for an outdoor glider!
Last update on 2022-08-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Chaise Lounge Chairs
No products found.Similar to the slingback chair, there is the patio chaise lounge. A chaise lounge is a piece of furniture that reclines for comfort, and for ease of sunbathing.
You see these chairs by pools in resorts all the time. They have one long section for the lower half of the body and then a tilted back that an individual can lean against. Many of these are cushioned for added comfort.
As with other cushioned options, there is a lot of customization available for this type of furniture. The only major downside is that someone who has difficulty sitting down and standing up might not be able to use one. Similar to the Zero Gravity chair, these can be a challenge to get out of. One tip if you’re looking for comfort is to be sure to pick a chaise lounge that has multiple angle options.
The Most Comfortable Lounge Chairs
Keter’s Pacific all-weather chaise lounge is a great option and is extremely comfortable even without a cushion. If you’re sure you want a cushion, the Waveland Outdoor Chaise Lounge is certainly a good choice as well. Finally, if you like the idea of a sling chaise lounge, the Art to Real Folding Chaise Lounge is a great design focused around comfort and ease of use.
Last update on 2022-08-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Avoid in Picking Furniture
- It should go without saying that upright chairs are some of the least comfortable options for the outdoors – or in general. These chairs have stiff, straight backs without any give, sort of like the Victorian era people. Using these outdoors is a great way to chase guests away, since they irritate the spine and joints.
- Pieces made entirely of wood or metal. They have no give and can irritate the joints, spine, and squishy flesh.
- Furniture not suited to the climate of the yard. People who live in hot, sunny places should not have metal furniture, while someone in a cold, wet environment should avoid too much fabric.
- Dark colors may get hot if left in the sun. This is especially common for CPVC and dark wood furniture. Cover your furniture to keep it cool.
- Low quality. The cheaper something is, the more likely it is that the materials will wear down or break. People want something comfortable or long-lasting should consider spending a little extra money at the outset.
Furniture Sets vs Individual Pieces
The easiest way to buy outdoor furniture is to find a set that is comfortable, and build out from there. A set includes multiple pieces of furniture, usually some chairs and a table, that all have the same appearance. Once someone finds an outdoor furniture brand, model, or style they find comfortable, a set is the way to go.
Once you have the basics of the set down, you can then expand with some chaise lounges, Acapulco chairs, a beautiful crochet or macrame hammocks, etc. Your creativity and decor can be boundless, and if you choose a plain color and material for your basic set, often accessorizing in bright colors will really make the whole environment pop.
Conclusion: Most Comfortable Patio Furniture
Honestly, this entire article can be summed up with one key piece of advice: Watch your back. We recommend getting options that put as little strain on the body as possible because that it the best way to be comfortable.
Often modern style furniture can look beautiful but isn’t always very comfortable. Be patient, and keep these ideas in mind as you shop for your furniture, and you can find a great outdoor furniture group that is super comfortable, beautiful, and perfect for your outdoor space.
Please advise us where we can get information about the hemispherical wicker-looking covered conversation set on the first page of your site on September 17, 2018. Most Comfortable Outdoor Furniture.
Can I send you picture of my patio in NC and we work together on how to furnish it? How would that work?