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Best deckchairs for reclining in comfort and style this summer

Nothing beats relaxing al fresco, so make sure you’ve got your perfect pew sorted

Ali Howard
Thursday 19 June 2025 12:11 BST
These relaxed recliners are perfect for summertime lazing in the garden or sunbathing on the beach
These relaxed recliners are perfect for summertime lazing in the garden or sunbathing on the beach (The Independent )
Our Top Picks

When it comes to outdoor seating, a bistro set can bring elegance to a patio or balcony, while an outdoor sofa is ideal for hosting. But does anything beat the retro charm, versatility and affordability of a deckchair?

Whether you're after a portable perch to pack for a festival or a more permanent seating solution for your garden (that doesn’t cost a small fortune), the best deckchair can significantly enhance your outdoor experience, boasting comfort as well as style.

Speaking of comfort, for a premium lounging experience, consider opting for a built-in headrest, a sun canopy and lots of adjustability. And as for style, thanks to the humble deckchair going through something of a renaissance, they're now a style statement as well as a practical garden essential. Think graphic and quirky prints and modern silhouettes.

How we tested

Looking for comfort, portability and weather resistance, we’ve tried and tested dozens of deckchairs to find the best
Looking for comfort, portability and weather resistance, we’ve tried and tested dozens of deckchairs to find the best (Ali Howard)

We lounged our way through a selection of folding (and the odd non-folding) deckchairs, comparing comfort, portability and materials, and factoring in sustainability and weather resistance. We weighed up affordability with great design, and considered each deckchair for its practicality, wrestling with the occasional tricky folding frame to help you find the perfect seat for summer relaxation.

Why you can trust IndyBest reviews

Ali Howard is a writer and interiors editor with an eye for excellent home and garden finds. Having tested products for IndyBest since 2019, Ali has written about everything from dining tables and wardrobes to hanging egg chairs and chimineas. Lesser-known names and the latest trends are always on her radar, and you can rest assured every piece in her final edits has been used and approved by her.

The best deckchairs for 2025 are:

  • Best overall – Habitat x Scion folding wooden garden deckchair, kukkia: £43, Habitat.co.uk
  • Best budget buy – George 2-pack zero gravity chairs, green: £59, Asda.com
  • Best for design lovers – Storigraphic limited-edition grafico series 6 deckchair: £170, Storigraphic.com

1
Habitat x Scion folding wooden garden deckchair, kukkia

Habitat best deckchairs review indybest
  • Best: Overall
  • Dimensions: 92.7cm x 59cm x 113cm
  • Materials: FSC-certified eucalyptus wood, polyester canvas
  • Why we love it
    • Bold, colourful print
    • Folds easily
    • Lightweight

This one brings all the fun. Part of Habitat’s vibrant collaboration with homeware brand Scion, the kukkia deckchair makes a bold statement with its zingy botanical print in orange, green and blue, which is ideal if your outdoor setup is crying out for colour.

Habitat testing best deckchairs review indybest
The carry handle at the top of the chair makes this even easier to move around a garden (Ali Howard )

The frame is made from FSC-certified eucalyptus, which offers a balance of sturdiness and sustainability, and it folds neatly away for easy storage, complete with a nifty integrated handle at the top for added portability. We liked the three reclining positions, which are smooth to adjust, and the sling itself feels surprisingly supportive. At just under 6kg, it’s light and easy to move around.

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2
George 2-pack zero gravity chairs, green

Asda best deckchairs review indybest
  • Best: Budget buy
  • Dimensions: 64cm x 160cm x 109cm
  • Materials: Powder-coated steel, polyester
  • Why we love it
    • Affordable set of two chairs
    • Adjustable reclining positions
    • Includes removable headrests
  • Take note
    • Bulkier when folded than classic deckchair designs

If traditional deckchairs leave you feeling a bit too close to the ground, these zero-gravity garden seats from Asda are a game-changer. The elevated seat height and (optional) upright positioning make them much easier to get in and out of, which is especially helpful if you have limited mobility.

How we tested the best deck chairs indybest
They prove much more plush and comfy than your typical polyester sling (Ali Howard )

The reclining mechanism is smooth and adjustable with a lock-in mechanism, so you can settle into just the right position. The breathable fabric keeps things cool on hot days, and the headrests are surprisingly supportive. Plus, they are much more plush and comfy than your typical polyester sling. They fold away for easy storage, and at this price for two, they’re hard to beat.

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3
Seletti deckchair, lipstick pink

Seletti best deckchairs review indybest
  • Best: Design-led deckchair
  • Dimensions: 57cm x 97cm x 104cm
  • Materials: FSC-certified beechwood, polyester canvas
  • Why we love it
    • Iconic pop art design
    • Solid beechwood frame
    • Folds flat for storage
  • Take note
    • Better for gardens than travel

Seletti’s collaboration with the unfortunately-named design house Toilet Paper brings this lipstick pink deckchair. It’s perfect for bringing bold character to a garden furniture lineup – think retro pop art meets functional lounging. The iconic lipstick motif is instantly recognisable from the brand’s cheeky design archive, while the frame is built from responsibly sourced beechwood.

Seletti deckchair, lipstick pink
Several fun designs are available (Ali Howard)

Despite its playful print, it doesn’t skimp on structure – the wood feels solid and there’s a satisfying smoothness to its folding mechanism. The sling is made from outdoor-friendly canvas that feels perfectly durable without being too stiff, although you wouldn’t want to keep this designer beauty out in the rain. Pair it with the brand’s equally attention-grabbing designs, like ‘scissors’ (£130, Seletti.it) or ‘girl in the sea’ (£130, Seletti.it).

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4
Perch & Parrow rest-easy deckchair, sage flora

perch and parrow best deckchairs review indybest
  • Best: For botanical elegance
  • Dimensions: 88cm x 102cm x 63cm
  • Materials: Acacia, polyester
  • Why we love it
    • Botanical print
    • Sturdy acacia frame
    • Folds flat for storage

This one’s as pretty as it is practical. The rest-easy deckchair features a delicate floral print that gives it a lovely, laid-back look – ideal for softening up a patio or balcony space whilst elevating the traditional deckchair design. That said, the brand also offers a striped version in the same colourways, which is ideal for mixing and matching. The beechwood frame has a charmingly aged and weatherworn finish and feels solid and supportive, and we especially liked the armrests, which make a real difference when you’re sitting for a while (or trying to stand up gracefully with a drink in hand). It’s an ideal choice for extended lounging sessions.

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5
Storigraphic limited-edition grafico series 6 deckchair

Storigraphic best deckchairs review indybest
  • Best: For design lovers
  • Dimensions: H97cm x W57cm x D104cm
  • Materials: FSC-certified beechwood, canvas
  • Why we love it
    • Eye-catching graphic print
    • Sustainably made in the UK
    • Folds flat for easy storage
  • Take note
    • Made to order and arrives within 15 days

This limited-edition number from Storigraphic is one for those who appreciate a bold print. The beechwood frame is responsibly sourced and beautifully finished, supporting a graphic-printed sling that looks as good as it feels. It’s made in the UK, folds flat for convenience, and even comes with a sustainability bonus – the company claims that one tree is planted for every order. The canvas feels soft but durable, and the stitched hem gives it a crafted edge. It’s not an impulse buy – delivery takes a couple of weeks, and it’s one of the most expensive chairs we tested. However, if you’re after a striking garden seat, it could be worth it.

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6
The Stripes Company Edwardian deckchair, butterfly

The Stripes Company best deckchairs review indybest
  • Best: For vintage luxury
  • Dimensions: Not specified
  • Materials: Grade A teak frame, cotton canvas sling
  • Why we love it
    • Matching canopy and footstool
    • Customisable pompom fringe
    • Handmade to order in the UK
  • Take note
    • Not weatherproof – store indoors

This Edwardian-style deckchair from The Stripes Company mixes vintage elegance with modern comfort. Crafted from Grade A teak, it features a mustard yellow canvas sling with rainbow stripes, complemented by a matching canopy and footstool for shade and full-body relaxation. The canopy includes a customisable pompom fringe, adding a playful touch. Handmade to order, each deckchair is a unique piece, though this does mean a lead time of around 7-14 working days. While it's perfect for sunny days, the cotton canvas isn't weatherproof, so it's best stored indoors. It’s also the most expensive deckchair we tested - the best part of £300 is a lot to spend on a lounger.

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The verdict: Deckchairs

Our top pick is Habitat x Scion’s kukkia – a bold, lightweight and affordable all-rounder that’s easy to fold and seriously cheerful. For something with extra flair, Seletti’s lipstick pink brings unexpected pop-art cool to the back garden. We also highly rate George at Asda’s zero gravity pair budget, comfort, and accessibility, and The Stripes Company’s Edwardian deckchair if you’re after vintage garden glamour.

For more garden inspiration, we’ve found all the best outdoor furniture for the perfect garden set-up, from dining sets to wooden chairs

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