Outdoor chairs

Sitting outside in good weather is a small luxury that requires good seating. But choosing the right outdoor chairs is not that easy. A wide selection of materials, designs and functions guarantees that there is something for every taste, but makes the choice more difficult. Common colours like brown, beige, grey, anthracite and black are ubiquitous, but are they always the right choice? What is important for outdoor chairs is weather resistance. For outdoor use, chairs should withstand the elements, whether wind, rain or sun. Weather resistance guarantees the longevity of outdoor chairs, which is necessary so that they do not have to be constantly replaced. Away from the classic outdoor conditions, seating comfort should be the decisive factor. No one wants to spend a long time on uncomfortable chairs, which is especially unfavourable when guests or you yourself would like to spend time outside. Outdoor furniture is exposed to the weather most of the time. As a result, it can quickly become dirty. Easy-care materials are the right choice here, because they save time and ensure that the chairs look good again in no time. Factors such as weight should also be considered. Do the chairs need to be repositioned frequently and are they often transported? Then you should go for lightweight materials. Are your chairs at the mercy of the wind? Then particularly heavy garden chairs would be good to prevent them from being knocked over. Stackable or foldable chairs are suitable for small balconies and terraces. These can be easily stowed away when needed and can also be stored indoors to save space in colder seasons. For larger events, the number of seats can be quickly increased.

Areas of use for outdoor chairs

Different outdoor areas have different demands on a chair. The location and the desired function should be decisive for the right choice of garden chair. If you like to eat in your outdoor area, you should choose chairs on which you can sit upright and not sink too much. General seating comfort should always be taken into account when choosing the right garden chairs and the like. A cosy seating area also calls for cosy chairs. If the furniture is to be kept outside for a long time and is relatively unprotected, heavy and robust furniture is the right choice. It is unlikely to be knocked over by the wind and weathering is not a major problem. Furniture that can stand sheltered does not necessarily have to be heavy and robust. If you want to furnish your outdoor area, you can take your cue from the design that already exists. Do you want to furnish a modern and minimalist-looking outdoor area? Then seating made of clean materials such as aluminium is suitable. If you prefer something rustic and cosy, chairs made of wood are a good choice. For a harmonious overall look, chairs and table in particular should match each other and have similar designs, colours or materials. Muted colours such as grey, brown, beige, anthracite and black are classic. These colours are simple and go with many things, which is why they are often found in combination with each other.

What material are outdoor chairs made of?

The material is not only decisive for the appearance, but also for the durability, weather resistance and the required care. We have put together a small selection of possible materials for you.

Furniture made of wood is robust and spreads a rustic flair. Wood can be shaped into many forms and is a versatile material. Wood can be individually prepared, sanded and painted. The storage of wooden furniture should be adapted to the weather. Heavy rain, wind and temperature fluctuations are not good for wood in the long term. Chairs should therefore be protected from constant wetness with a roof or tarpaulin. In winter, it is not advisable to store them outside. Otherwise, wood is very easy to care for, as it can simply be wiped clean. For longevity, it is advisable to treat wooden chairs with a specific wood care product.

Plastics such as polypropylene are durable and robust. Plastics are particularly resistant to weather and environmental influences. Wind and moisture cannot harm plastic chairs. Only frost can quickly make plastic brittle, so plastic chairs should not be stored outside in winter. Strong sunlight can cause colours to fade, so a shade is a good addition to the garden, balcony or terrace. Plastic is easy to wipe down or clean with mild soap. This makes this material particularly easy to care for.

Metal is another classic among the typical outdoor furniture materials. There is a wide selection of different metals, which have different properties. Furniture made of aluminium is light and durable. Aluminium does not corrode, which makes chairs made of this material especially good for outdoor use. Steel is a heavy alternative for aluminium. This is particularly practical if the chairs are left unprotected and can easily be blown away by gusts of wind. Metal furniture is easy to wipe clean and can be treated with a little polish if necessary.

Chairs made of artificial wicker offer a high level of seating comfort and are characterised by high flexibility and tear resistance. The fibres are dyed through, so the furniture remains colourfast even when exposed to sunlight. Artificial wickerwork is made of synthetic fibres and is very easy to care for. The material hardly absorbs any moisture and dries again quickly.

Want an alternative?

There are many alternatives to the classic garden chair that look great outdoors. For more comfortable seating, armchairs or sofas are a good choice. Smaller seating groups can be easily put together in this way. If you want to sit particularly comfortably, you can make do with lounge furniture. Lounge chairs, armchairs and sofas are characterised above all by a low and large seating area, which is therefore particularly comfortable.

If you want to accommodate a lot of people at the table in a space-saving way, benches are a good choice. Depending on their size, they offer space for many people and are often foldable. If you want to lie down in the garden, you can use garden loungers. This furniture is perfect for sunbathing, relaxing and so on. Most garden loungers have an adjustable backrest, which makes it easy to get into a sitting position. If there are bar tables or other high tables in the outdoor area, bar stools are a good choice to create additional seating.