Best metal garden chairs that look good and last

Decorative and functional leisure seating that will delight and 'ore'.

A lady pours tea at a contemporary metal garden chair and table set.

by Natalie Knowles |
Updated

We can all relate to having a favourite chair, but there's a reason why metal garden chairs are this season's hot seat. The industrial aesthetic of steel furniture, developed in the post-war Mid-Century modern era, just had a 21st Century update. From folding and stackable chairs to dining sets and sun loungers, metal garden furniture has undergone some ergonomic refinement that makes metal seating a lot more comfortable.

Metal garden chairs may never be as comfy as an armchair in the garden, but there are benefits to choosing metal when you go al fresco.

Best metal garden chairs at a glance

• Best designer metal garden chair: 1966 Outdoor Lounge Chair in White - View offer on Mohd
• Best aluminium garden chair: Emma - View offer on Lazy Susan Furniture
• Best stackable metal chairs: PHIVILLA Metal Garden Chairs Outdoor Patio Stackable Chairs for Dining Set 2 Pack Black - View offer on Amazon UK

Firstly, it's an all-weather material; unlike wood or wicker, metal is resilient. And metal doesn't have to mean heavy either. Lightweight furniture - made of steel tubing - first appeared in the late 19th Century as hospital furniture and seats in cars and aircraft. Not to mention, the Bauhaus aesthetic of simple and functional design is epitomised by the sleek forms of steel tubing chairs. Marcel Breuer's Wassily Kandinsky chair is an example of metal furniture being mass-produced as a durable and comfortable seat for the home.

Metal garden chairs create interesting and photogenic shapes that contrast with lush leafy foliage. They're bang on garden trends, especially if you opt for hairpin-style furniture. But if all that metal feels a bit stark, you can simply soften the look with cushions to reflect your taste and comfort. Also, if your taste isn't quite for Scandinavian functionalism - fear not - we've found some dreamy continental, floral and industrial options too. And if a more traditional style is your thing, then pull up a chair and relax as we take the weight off looking for your new place to perch.

Best metal garden chairs

Best for maneuvering around the garden

On Sale

Oblice Metal Garden Chairs
Price: £150 (was £250)

www.laredoute.co.uk

Description

What's not to like? This set of two stackable Oblice Metal Garden Chairs are designed entirely

Pros

  • Great quality
  • Stackable
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Only available in one colour

Best designer metal garden chair

1966 Outdoor Lounge Chair in White
Price: £1,481.26

shop.mohd.it

Description

We have to begin with a piece of design history. Knoll is an iconic chair manufacturer that's been

Pros

  • Epitome of mid-century style
  • Historical significance

Cons

  • Designer price

Best stackable metal chairs

PHI VILLA Wrought Iron Outdoor Chairs
Price: £129

Description

These attractive aluminium garden chairs feature a broad back for comfort. A sturdy mid-price

Pros

  • Lightweight frame
  • Four back designs to choose from
  • Stackable

Cons

  • Some found it could have been better quality

4. Emma

Best aluminium garden chair

Description

This lightweight Emma metal garden chair is only 6.15kg. Featuring a wide curved back and

Pros

  • Elegant
  • Lightweight
  • Well reviewed

Cons

  • Not specified if the chairs are stackable

Best for low maintenance

Description

For a sturdy option that still has elegant details, try these garden armchairs from KETTLER. Made

Pros

  • Classic yet decorative design
  • Durable and hard-wearing
  • Renowned brand

Cons

  • Heavy

Best vintage-style metal chairs

Maribelle Floral Folding Outdoor Chairs
Price: £62.99

Description

For lovers of the countryside, this charming pair of floral folding chairs will bring cottage-core

Pros

  • Fully assembled
  • Sturdy

Cons

  • Not suitable to stay outdoors in bad weather

Best Mediterranean style metal chairs

Woodside Blue Mosaic Garden Table And Folding Chair Set
Price: £119.99

Description

You may not be going on a Roman holiday this year, but you can still do as the Romans do and let

Pros

  • Beautiful hand-crafted mosaic design
  • Reasonable price

Cons

  • Some of the reviews comment that their table arrived with cracks in the mosaic
  • Not suitable for all weathers

FAQs

How do I look after my metal garden furniture?

Firstly, know what type of metal your furniture is. For example, untreated iron will rust and corrode, whereas powder-coated steel will be weather-resistant. Aluminium is an excellent option for garden furniture because it's lightweight and requires no maintenance.

According to the British Ironwork Centre, when you receive your new furniture it's a good idea to paint it with a protective paint, such as Hammerite. Also, a spray of clear waterproof lacquer, such as Rust-Oleum, can help combat air pollution's effects. Joints are the weak points, so pay close attention to any bolts or screws that are rusting.

Finally, during winter months, it's best to store metal garden furniture indoors if you want to preserve it. Alternatively, a waterproof cover is a good investment if you're tight on storage space and want to protect your furniture from bird soiling as well as water damage.

Gallery

Hammerite Direct to Rust Metal Paint1 of 2

Hammerite Direct to Rust Metal Paint

Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear Gloss2 of 2

Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear Gloss

What do I need to know about the metal that's used to make garden furniture?

Wrought iron

This is a malleable form of iron that is worked with tools. Wrought is actually an archaic word for 'worked' so the literal meaning is worked iron. Because this process is done by hand, you get a hammered finish and is mostly associated with traditional metal furniture. It requires regular maintenance and will patina over time.

Steel

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon that is stronger and more durable as a result of the smelting and oxidisation process. It's the strongest metal used in furniture making, but it's also heavier and more expensive. Untreated steel can be susceptible to rust.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a unique metal that's non-magnetic and widely used in everyday items. It's the ideal material for outdoor furniture because it's lightweight, sturdy and won't corrode. Aluminium is a lot lighter than steel or iron because it's a less dense material. When cleaning aluminium garden furniture, use warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth.

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Description

Discover everything you need to know to make your outside space look fantastic, quickly and

Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in garden trends. When she's not flexing her mow-how, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.

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