If you want to lie back and bask in the sunshine in your backyard, finding yourself the perfect pool lounge chair is an absolute must. While the more typical options of an outdoor sofa or chair duo might be a comfy way to spend time outside, nothing, and I mean nothing beats getting horizontal and soaking up the rays.
Pool lounge chairs are the best way ‘to easily elevate the overall ambiance of your backyard, giving it a mix of comfort and style,’ says Milly McEwan at RJ Living. ‘An outdoor chaise screams relaxation and luxury,’ adds CEO at Coastal Luxury Outdoors, Rafi Friedman. ‘Whereas outdoor chairs offer functional seating, especially for socializing or eating,’ he continues, ‘chaises are perfect for lounging in the sun by yourself or in quiet companionship with others.’
While outdoor lounge chairs are for relaxing and socialising, pool lounge chairs are for lying back and basking in the sunshine in the comfort of your own backyard. Great as they are in principle, though, not all outdoor chaise lounges are created equal. What sets them apart? Quality, materials, comfort, and above all: style. It’s a tall order, especially if you’re trying to snag yourself a deal. Luckily, doing this is my specialty — I quite literally shop for a living.
I read the reviews. I combed through hundreds of search results, only considering the best outdoor furniture to ensure all of the below stand up to the elements. After much deliberation, I’ve rounded up the most design-forward pool lounge chairs on the market. Kick back and relax — your vacation starts now.
Budget Pool Lounge Chairs
Price: $229.99
Was: $499.95
Material: Eucalyptus Wood & Polyester Fabric
At just about $130 per chair, this chaise lounge set is the best deal on this list. Each lounger is ergonomically designed, perfectly molding to your body to ensure next-level R&R. In some ways, it’s already styled with its different, but complementary red and white colorways. Though, to give it more of an outdoor living feel, consider pairing it with a side table in between, and perhaps a backyard umbrella, too.
Price: $166.99
Was: $270
Material: Resin
Monochromatic designs feel so sleek, so modern, and so relaxing for a backyard. I love how this one upends the usual neutral approach to the trend with yellow, making for the ultimate sun-shiny piece. It’s quite the conversation starter, but perhaps its best attribute is its low-maintenance construction, which is resistant to mildew, water, and UV rays. The favorably reviewed style (4.5/5 stars on Wayfair) is available in other attention-grabbing hues as well, such as wasabi green.
Price: $199.99
Was: $349.99
Material: Acacia Wood, Rubber & Fabric
Completely shocked that this classic beauty doesn't cost several times the price. It’s made with high-quality acacia wood that does wonders at withstanding the toughest of climates — evidenced by stellar ratings on Walmart’s website (4.2/5 stars over 102 reviews). It’s a versatile pick with major vacation vibes. If resort-like is your goal, consider purchasing a second to situate poolside. And if cream isn't your taste, this style is also available in navy.
Striped Pool Lounge Chairs
Price: $371
Was: $530
Material: Eucalyptus, Galvanized Steel & Polyester
Blue stripes can sometimes read nautical — and a bit on the nose for an outdoor chaise lounge, given you often find them at the beach. This lounger's blue, bordering on teal, gives it a different feel, however — more south of France and less deep sea. Its clean-lined frame forms a compelling composition, creating a new-meets-old vibe that is simply irresistible. Pairs best with creams and sandy beige.
Price: $3,072
Was: $3,840
Material: Wicker, Aluminum & Bonded Fiber
While these loungers might blow your budget, there's no denying they'd bring some character to your backyard. With ultra-thick cushions and a sturdy frame, you just know this chaise is comfortable to use. Ideal for naps and long sun-drenched afternoons catching up on a good book. Sure, it’s on the pricier side, but after much searching this does seem to be one of the more well-rounded (not to mention plush) picks on the market. If you have the budget, I think this is a must-consider.
Price: $353.99
Was: $474.99
Material: Wood, Galvanized Steel, and Polyester
This patio furniture from Target might have retro leanings, but it's a decidedly modern piece that will look at home in almost any type of backyard, even if you're considering a more minimalist design style. I’d also like to note the richness of its wood, which is nearly impossible to find at this price point. Style with woven accents, light neutrals, or even pops of red or yellow for a bolder touch.
Colorful Pool Lounge Chairs
Price: $600
Was: $709.98
Material: Plastic
Bright blue and budget-friendly, this pool lounge chair combines sleek sensibilities with a colorful hue mesh for a design that feels young, vibrant, and fun, while ensuring it's comfortable to lie out on, too. I love that it comes in a pair — half the styling work is already done. It seems that I'm not the only one pleased with this bold duo: 4.7/5 reviews on Wayfair.
Price: $731.50
Was: $1,045
Material: Powder-Coated Steel
Modern, minimalist, and with a carefully-considered and aesthetically pleasing silhouette, this chaise lounge design is an outdoor focal point rather than a lounger to wheel out of view when not in use. For a design-forward twist, I recommend pairing this muted tone with something bright and citrusy like orange — perhaps an outdoor cushion for added comfort. Also, I would be remiss not to mention that it's garnered a perfect 5-star rating. Suffice it to say, expect that beauty to last.
Price: $496.79
Was: $599.99
Material: Acacia & Poly Fabric
If you're going to embrace color in your backyard, you can't go wrong with orange. It's bright but has a natural quality, too, which will ensure it doesn't feel too alien. This burnt orange cushion is in a particularly stylish shade to try. And comfortable too, thanks to its plush foam filling. Given this price point, I can't say this is the highest quality option on this list, but with a 4.3/5-star rating, it is most definitely a good budget buy.
Bohemian Style Pool Lounge Chairs
Price: $197
Material: Eucalyptus Wood & Polyester
Eucalyptus is a go-to wood for outdoor furniture with character, and while it's often reserved for high-end backyards, this chaise lounge from Walmart means you can embrace this material even if you're on a budget. Notice its small top cut-out, which makes moving your lounger around almost as breezy as this summery construction. If you’re into a minimalist look, leave this lounger be, but if you’re after something a little more complex, pair it with prints in oceanic shades of blue.
Price: $479.40
Was: $799
Material: Teak Wood & Polyester
This teak chaise lounge may look like it has a stylish linen finish, but it's a clever polyester mesh that's quick to dry and breathable, helping you keep cooler when out in the sun — priceless. And a fun fact about teak: it develops a gorgeous silvery patina over time, which is what will happen if you leave this beauty untreated. I’m personally a fan of that slightly weathered look, but if you feel differently then bear that in mind upon purchasing.
Price: $850
Was: $960
Material: Acacia Wood & Olefin
Like teak, untreated timber will usually gray over time anyway, but this chaise lounge from Joss & Main has been white-washed already to tone down the orange tone that acacia can often have — feels more boho, in my humble opinion. Pair with natural motifs, woven accents, and bonus points if it's sitting pretty in a garden area, surrounded by greenery — the picture of tranquility. If you're skeptical about its price point, then perhaps this will ease your mind: 4.5/5 stars.
How can I choose the best pool lounge chairs?
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Ensuring you source the best lounge chairs for your outdoor space depends a lot on how you plan to use your lounger:
Maneuverability: If you want the freedom to move your pool lounge chair around the pool or garden to follow the sun, then the best loungers for you are likely to be lightweight models with wheels for easy maneuvering.
Storage: Despite being weather-resistant, you'll lengthen a pool lounge chair's longevity by storing it under cover during inclement weather. A wheeled chaise lounge will make getting it to cover much easier, whilst stacking pool lounger chairs can be placed one on top of the other to save on floor space and foldable pool loungers pack away neatly for the ultimate compact storage.
How Low Will You Go?: A true pool lounge chair 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 a curved reclining seat or steamer chair can be an alternative well worth considering.
Poolside or Garden: If you'll be using your chaise lounge poolside, where it's likely to get wet regularly, then the best pool lounge chairs for you are likely to be models with plastic-coated fabric seating which offer the quickest-drying option. 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 maximum comfort.
What are the best pool lounge chair materials?
The key when dealing with any outdoor furniture is durability — your backyard pieces are exposed to the elements, after all, and keeping their looks intact is essential. Naturally, choosing the right material is paramount.
‘With almost any piece of outdoor furniture, you’re best to look for durable materials like teak or aluminum,’ explains Milly McEwan at RJ Living.
‘Teak is an excellent choice due to its natural resistance to weather and insects,’ she continues, not to mention its unparalleled natural beauty. Aluminum, on the other hand, is another durable option. It tends to be more affordable than teak, with the bonus of being ‘lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to maintain.’
Rafi Friedman at Coastal Luxury Outdoors is partial to polyurethane for its balanced combination of durability, washability, and sun resistance. ‘This material can come in a huge variety of colors and styles, it's antimicrobial and easy to hose off, and it'll last for years and years, even in bright sunlight, he explains.
Teak, aluminum, and polyurethane — these aren’t the only durable materials out there, but they are a good place to start. If you’re ever unsure about a material, do your research! A little bit of homework to help inform your decision ‘will ensure that your furniture lasts as long as possible!’ exclaims Milly.
How should I style my pool lounge chairs?
Pool lounge chairs feel like a vacation. So, when trying to lean into that resort-like look, consider the 5-star experience. What does luxury look like, and how does it feel?
It all starts with comfort. ‘If you want maximum comfort with a resort vibe, you can use your lounger to facilitate this aesthetic,’ says Milly McEwan at RJ Living. Make it plush with chic ‘water resistant cushions and pull up a side table for snacks and drinks.’ The goal here is to ensure that everything is at arm’s reach.
Milly's number one tip? 'Use neutral colors to blend in with the surrounding nature,’ suggests the outdoor expert. And ‘If you want to go the extra mile,’ she continues, ‘you can also install a beach umbrella to protect you from the sun and make you feel like you’re in the Hamptons’ — not essential, but highly recommended.
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