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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Ali Howard

Best deckchairs for reclining in comfort and style

These relaxed recliners are ideal for summertime lazing in the garden or sunbathing on the beach - (Ali Howard/The Independent)

When it comes to garden seating, there are myriad outdoor furniture shops offering everything from bistro sets and garden sofas to hanging egg chairs. However, for lazing in the sun, you can’t beat the retro charm, versatility and affordability of the best deckchairs on the market.

Whether you’re getting ahead of festival season, looking forward to trips to the beach or park, or you want a more permanent perch in your garden (that doesn’t cost a small fortune), the best deckchairs can add a little extra comfort and style to your outdoor experience.

Speaking of comfort, some designs go the extra mile – a deckchair with a built-in headrest can offer a premium lounging experience, while a sun canopy adds even more versatility.

Indeed, the humble deckchair is going through something of a renaissance – offering a design statement (think quirky prints and modern silhouettes) as well as a functional garden must-have.

If you’re looking to up your lounging game, keep scrolling for my pick of the best deckchairs for the garden and beyond.

Read more: Best garden furniture stores, expert selected for outdoor dining and lounging

The best deckchairs for 2026 are:

  • Best overall – Habitat x Scion folding wooden garden deckchair, kukkia: £43, Habitat.co.uk
  • Best for botanical elegance – Perch & Parrow rest-easy deckchair: £60, Perchandparrow.com
  • Best for design-lovers – Storigraphic limited-edition grafico series 6 deckchair: £170, Storigraphic.com

How I tested

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

I lounged my way through a selection of folding (and the odd non-folding) deckchairs, comparing comfort, portability and materials, and factoring in sustainability and weather-resistance. I 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. You can read more about my testing criteria at the end of this review.

Read more: Best garden sofa sets for all budgets and outdoor spaces

Habitat x Scion folding wooden garden deckchair, kukkia

Rating: 5/5

Best: deckchair 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.

The carry handle at the top of the chair makes this even easier to move around a garden (Ali Howard/The Independent)

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. I 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, too.

Buy now £43, Habitat.co.uk

Perch & Parrow rest-easy deckchair

Rating: 4.5/5

Best: deckchair 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, laidback look – ideal for softening up a patio or balcony space while 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 I 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.

Buy now £60, Perchandparrow.com

Seletti deckchair, lipstick pink

Rating: 4.5/5

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

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, such as ‘scissors’ (£130, Seletti.it) or ‘girl in the sea’ (£130, Seletti.it).

Buy now £130, Seletti.it

Storigraphic limited-edition grafico series 6 deckchair

Rating: 4/5

Best: deckchair 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 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 I tested. However, if you’re after a striking garden seat, it could be worth it.

Buy now £170, Storigraphic.com

The Stripes Company Edwardian deckchair, butterfly

Rating: 4/5

Best: deckchair 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 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 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 I tested.

Buy now £275, Thestripescompany.com

What is the best deckchair?

My 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 print brings unexpected pop-art cool to the back garden. If you’re willing to splurge, I also highly rate The Stripes Company’s Edwardian deckchair for vintage-style glamour.

How I tested deckchairs

While putting the deckchairs to the test in my own garden, I considered the following criteria.

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 the best sofa beds to the best hanging egg chairs and the best floor lamps. 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.

For more garden inspiration, we’ve found the best outdoor furniture stores for the perfect al fresco setup

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