Best recliner garden chairs for sunbathing

The summer months are when we get to enjoy using our garden furniture. What could be better than relaxing on your decking, listening to birdsong, with the sun beating down? Whether you're snoozing in your summerhouse or sun worshipping in your garden, the best recliner garden chairs are designed for your comfort.

Recliners or sun loungers are larger than garden deckchairs and less portable, although they do offer more manoeuvrability than a garden armchair. This portability makes them beneficial if you have more than one spot in your garden that gets good sun. Plus, they tend to have adjustable tilt positions, whereby you can switch between upright and multiple angles of decline until you're horizontal. More versatile than a lounger or a daybed, a recliner can also be upright for reading a book and enjoying a drink and a natter.

Black Friday deals on recliner garden chairs

We interrupt the regularly scheduled content to let you know that although Black Friday is over, there's still time to grab some last chance Black Friday deals on recliner garden chairs. These are the retailers that still have deals available or keep scrolling to continue reading our buyer’s guide.

Shop the best recliner garden chair Black Friday deals: The Range | Homebase | Rattan Direct | Amazon UK | Very | Debenhams

42% off: VonHaus Zero Gravity Chairs Set of 2, WAS £129.99, NOW £74.99
26% off: 2 Folding Aluminium Garden Chairs, WAS £268, NOW £98.99
38% off: Folding Reclining Garden Deck Chair Sun Lounger Zero Gravity WAS £64.99, NOW £39.99
Save £30: Grey Reclining Sun Lounger WAS £55, NOW £25
34% off: Outsunny 2 in 1 Outdoor Folding Sun Lounger WAS £76.99, NOW £50.99

While deckchairs and sun loungers are designed for outdoor relaxation, there are some key differences between the two. Deckchairs are typically smaller and more lightweight, making them easy to move around your garden or patio. They usually feature a simple, foldable frame and a single adjustable backrest position.

There's always a good balance to be found between value and quality. We've made sure to include the best recliners - from luxury to great value - in a range of materials and varying weights and levels of flexibility.

Best recliner garden chairs at a glance

• Best all-round recliners set: VonHaus Zero Gravity Chairs
• Best value garden recliner set: Outsunny 3PC Zero Gravity Chairs Sun Lounger Table Set W/ Cup Holders
• Best garden recliners for ergonomic support: SUNMER Sun Lounger Padded Garden Chairs With Cup And Phone Holder, Set of 2

Best recliner garden chairs

FAQs

What to look for:

Before you can get your sunbathing on, there are a few points to consider. First, the price of a garden recliner can be an indication of the quality and materials it's made from. However, a high-quality wooden recliner is going to be a lot less moveable than a lightweight aluminium lounger. Assess how you'll be using the chair and whether you want it to be static or portable.

British weather is changeable, so a lightweight and foldable recliner is a good option if you're frequently taking it in and out. On the other hand, you can buy heavier, sturdy recliner chairs that are weatherproof and can stay outside all year round. Just remember to bring the garden cushions in.

A type of recliner worth looking out for is the zero-gravity recliner. Their ergonomic design that can stay sturdy at any angle - supporting your body - is ideal if you want to fully repose and take a nap in the sunshine. Additionally, some have extra features which can include footrests, side tables or built-in shade canopies that you may consider valuable in your purchase.

As with all furniture, but especially with seating, it's worth trying before you buy by visiting a showroom or a garden centre. There's nothing worse than parting with money only to find that you're disappointed with the level of comfort or that the frame is too big or small for your body.

Do I need to assemble my garden recliner?

It depends on the chair. Some deckchairs come fully assembled, while others require some basic assembly. Check the product description before you buy to know what to expect.

Can I adjust the position of my garden recliner?

Some deckchairs have adjustable reclining positions or footrests, while others are fixed in place. Look for a chair with the necessary features to ensure you're at your most comfortable when relaxing in the garden.

Can I leave my garden recliner outside in all weather conditions?

It depends on the material of the chair. Look for chairs made from weather-resistant materials if you plan to leave them outside year-round. Wooden garden chairs should be treated with a protective coating to help prevent weather damage.

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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.