What if I told you that, for less than the cost of an entrée in NYC, you could sit on one of the most quietly cool outdoor design trends of 2026 – right in your own backyard? Never mind outdoors; even inside, revivals of the Acapulco chair (the Mexican lounge icon of the 1950s) are everywhere right now. And no, I didn’t discover this one on a resale site or at one of my favorite under-the-radar city boutiques, but at ALDI.
For just $50, the unassuming retailer's outdoor string chair captures that endlessly airy silhouette many of us – having likely earmarked it in a glossy architectural monograph – were otherwise prepared to pay many times the price for. In fact, I could easily see it fitting into the al fresco living room setups I spotted across Mexico one winter ago, where Costa Careyes villa decks were dotted with pairs of these cord chairs, waiting for sun-drunk guests to sink into them between swims.
Admittedly, the barely-there construction of this style of outdoor furniture doesn’t exactly scream 'nap time,' but having lounged in similar styles myself, I can confirm they’re surprisingly comfortable, operating a bit like an optical illusion.
This ALDI iteration is made from rows of whisper-thin UV-resistant wickerwork that barely obstructs the view from afar. If anything – especially in this soft neutral shade – it’s quite possible you won’t clock it at all, which in a small backyard (or a larger one you prefer to keep in a minimalist cadence) is a very welcome side effect.
I see a lot of Acapulco-style imitators, and I have to say that for the price, ALDI’s silhouette here is unusually good. It’s not quite circular and not a perfect oval either, but something slightly off-kilter in a way that reads design magazine from the jump – which is important, as anything overly familiar is shorthand for big box, and nothing cheapens a backyard faster.
Of course, a bare-bones construction like this doesn’t demand much in the way of styling. Buy two, add an outdoor cushion if you feel so inclined, maybe a side table, and call it a day. If it’s particularly sunny, fine: throw in a patio umbrella.
I can’t promise a $50 chair will turn your backyard into a resort. But if you want something that tips its hat to that easy Mexican aesthetic – while keeping your outdoor space light, airy, and unfussy – this feels like a very chic place to start.
Discover More Outdoor 'String' Chairs
It’s hard to beat the $50 price tag on this ALDI gem, but if you’re after something a little more substantial to carry you through many seasons, these Acapulco-style outdoor seats are worth a closer look.
Organically inspired isn’t code for achromatic – you can absolutely add color to the equation. In this case, twice. This sunny pair does all the brightening needed to wake up a dull patio corner, even on overcast days. Also available in a rainbow of punchy hues.
The aforementioned ALDI chair is an easy toe-dip into this resort-style seating trend, but if you’re ready to make it a fixture, CB2’s rendition is built for a longer love affair. Handwoven from black PVC cords over a powder-coated steel tube frame, it boasts a stellar 4.4-star rating across more than 80 reviews.
Avid review-readers will appreciate the absolute fanfare happening in the ratings section for this Wade Logan chair pair on Wayfair. Each one is slender, light, and easy to move – ideal if you’re shifting things around for entertaining – yet, according to reviewers, far sturdier than expected. In fact, many report they’d happily buy them again.
Real curators know the chicest finds often come from the least assuming places. Discover more backyard ideas on a budget – done right, and no guest will be the wiser.
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