Swimming pool owners know all too well that the first warm afternoon of the year is practically a holiday. Having a selection of pool loungers included in your patio set up ensures a comfortable place where friends and family can bask in the sun, safely out of the splash zone. After all, your pool may be the main character, but a well-designed collection of supporting furniture and decor will make sure the water feature really shines.
There are a few key lounging criteria to look out for as you’re shopping. For one, consider the chair’s design: do you want something with an extra-plush headrest? Fancy a cup holder, armrests, or an adjustable back? Those who are easily sunburned may want to consider built-in shade (a real game-changer for days when the UV hits double digits!). You’ll also want to decide between a poolside design or something made to sit on a sun shelf (a shallow, in-water ledge that’s also referred to as a tanning ledge or a ledge lounger). And while plenty of inexpensive options exist—great if you’re renting your home—if you focus on finding a lounge chair made of durable materials like aluminum or teak, it’ll last a lifetime. So take a deep dive with us into the world of summer seating with this curated list of outdoor chaise lounge chairs designed for the pool deck.
There are a few things to look out for as you’re shopping. For one, consider the design; do you want something with an extra-plush headrest? Fancy a cup holder, armrests, or an adjustable back? Those who are easily sunburned may want to consider built-in shade (a real game-changer!). You’ll also want to decide between a poolside design or something made to sit on a sun shelf (a shallow, in-water ledge that’s also referred to as a tanning ledge or a ledge lounger). In this particular round-up, we took a deep dive into outdoor chaise lounge chairs that are meant to be used on the pool deck.
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An AD100 Designer-Approved Pick
Designer and AD100 alum Jake Arnold was inspired by old Hollywood glamour and hairpin furniture legs when creating the curves of this lounger’s sage-green base. The slight armrests offer a whisper of support (the perfect amount to get up and down, which is really all you need), and there are five recline positions.
A Side Table Design
Snacks, beach reads, cocktail glass, laptop—the narrow side table is one of those details you didn’t think you needed (until now, of course). There are four recline positions—a notable design detail since other similar styles usually only offer three.
For French Riviera Vibes
The frame of this chaise—aluminum covered in matte black powder coating—is lightweight enough to pick up and move around as the sun travels through the sky (i.e. great for sunbathing). Each piece in Lulu & Georgia’s Leni collection is covered with chic, striped cushions. If you’re looking to channel French Riviera vibes, this is a one-way ticket.
A Japanese-Inspired Pick
The stained teak base of this chaise lounger is a piece of art in itself. The slatted design is inspired by Japanese joinery, an especially thoughtful element you won’t find in most pool lounge chairs. It’s adjustable to three different positions, and the fade-resistant Sunbrella cushions will still look great at the end of the season, making it a great investment for any space. Plus, there’s a matching lounge chair and a loveseat if you’re looking to complete your backyard set.
For Small Spaces
Here’s something fun: These chairs stack seamlessly on top of each other. If you dream of having a chaise lounge set—or even a whole crew of them—these won’t let minimal square footage get you down since the built-in storage is a big perk. To top it all off, the monochromatic taupe color palette will likely get you the nod of approval from design enthusiast buddies.
Best for Sunbathing
The slight curve of this chair makes it ultra-comfortable for long lounging sessions. The polyethylene rattan (also known as PE rattan) will hold up well under a rainstorm, and it has five recline angles, unlike others we saw with a similar design.
More AD-Approved Lounge Chairs
This is all of your “seaside in Mykonos” daydreams rolled into a single chair. Made of Grade-A teak, the finish of the wood was hand-applied with a wire brush for a perfectly distressed look. We also like the rounded top cushion, which gives the design a softer look.
This lounge chair set comes in a ton of colors—all weather-resistant fabrics, of course—and is perfect for the backyard in desperate need of a splash. The FSC-certified eucalyptus wood base is dressed with antique brass hardware and can be set in three positions for different levels of laid-back relaxation.
Fast-drying, weather-resistant foam cushions are the silent hero here, but we also love how this chair turned the wheels into part of the silhouette instead of hiding them away. It comes with the usual three-position backrest and offers plenty of space for sprawling out.
Designer Sarah Sherman Samuel is the queen of unexpected details and sweet silhouettes, and this pool furniture is just further proof. The iron base manages to keep an airy attitude, thanks to its squiggly shape. But staying true to her restrained and edited style, Samuel keeps the fun in balance and tops it all with quick-dry cushions in a neutral hue.
A lot of pool loungers are made of teak, but the others don’t have a hidden little side table like this one does. It slides right out of the frame, so you can tuck it away when not in use and avoid any bumps or bruises as you make the pool-to-nap transition. The kiln-dried wood (which adds to its durability) will soften to a beautiful silver-gray patina as time goes on.
If you’re looking for a bit of a project, this solid Douglas wood frame is just asking to be stained or painted. It doesn’t come with a cushion, but that’s just another opportunity for customization. Just make sure you add a waterproof coat of paint to the base and opt for a cushion made of weather- and fade-resistant material.
Wicker is incredibly weather-resistant, making this a good pick if you’ve got frequent and spontaneous rain showers on the forecast. Available in three colors and patterns, this seat doesn’t offer multiple recline positions as it’s already set at an ergonomic angle with a bit of a lift under the legs.
If you take your poolside lounging super seriously, this canopy-style cabana is a downright treat. There are two daybeds tucked behind curtains and underneath a tent, so you can choose between keeping the sun out, or letting it stream in as much as you want. The cushions come in two different performance fabrics and offer an extensive color selection to build around your existing palette. A tiny side table nestled between the loungers is the cherry on top.
If you don’t have enough room for a full-out chaise lounge, consider a shorter, rocking chair style. This set is made of acacia wood and would look just as good set up in the corner of a patio or balcony space as it would next to a pool. And don’t worry—the anti-tipping stoppers will keep you from going overboard.
This acacia wood lounger is working overtime—it can be set in five different positions, a notable design feature given how budget-friendly the price tag is. It has a classic slatted design, one that blends right into many different design styles, and you can customize it with a few seat cushions or an outdoor throw pillow for added comfort.