9 glorious sun loungers: wooden, rattan and metal designs

Sun loungers might just be the ultimate furniture piece when it comes to relaxing outdoors. On a warm day, there’s little better than putting your feet up and stretching out on a cushioned recliner - whether you’re unwinding after a tough stint of gardening or just making the most of the sunny weather.

There’s a huge selection of sun loungers out there, ranging from inexpensive seating to exquisitely crafted luxury recliners. We’ve gathered together the best sun loungers we’ve found so far this year, including wooden, rattan and chic metal designs.

Whatever your style, you’ll almost certainly find the sun lounger to suit you here.

The best sun loungers to buy for summer

Maze Bali Rope Weave Double Sunlounger Set

Part-armchair, part-daybed, these loungers are a great choice for relaxing in the sun. They combine a light aluminium frame with waterproof and UV-resistant rope detailing, as well as neutral, showerproof cushions, so they should fit in with any outdoor design scheme.

Fontelina Double Lounger

Giving you the option to relax alongside a loved one - or much-loved pet - this smart lounger from Oka is double the standard width. It has adjustable headrests at both ends, so you can choose how you want to set it up, and it's made with all-weather rattan and showerproof cushions.

Plant Theatre Reclining Hardwood Steamer Chair

Traditional design, golden colouring and foldable for easy storage; steamer chairs like this one are a great option if you’re in need of a new sun lounger.

Their carefully crafted wooden design means they can be expensive - especially if you need a couple - but we’ve scoured the internet to find the best steamer chairs available. While cheaper options usually sacrifice design flourishes like subtly curved armrests, this one balances elegant style with a budget-friendly price tag. It’s our top cost-effective choice for this summer.

As part of the package, you’ll get a pre-assembled acacia frame, complete with three reclining positions, a removable footrest and galvanised hardware.

Add the fitted cushion with a head pillow, and mix and match with Plant Theatre’s other furniture, like the Adirondack chair and rocking chair.

Cox & Cox Capri Chaise

Buy from Cox & Cox (£650.00)

Whether for style inspiration or potential purchases, Cox & Cox is always worth checking when you’re buying new garden seating. Its outdoor furniture collection includes dozens of beautiful designs with a traditional, elegant look.

For this piece, the makers have combined the traditional chaise longue with the garden lounger, creating this comfy daybed with two corner cushions for extra back support. All the seat pads are water-repellent and UV-resistant, which should keep them looking smart for longer.

Meanwhile, the frame is made from powder-coated aluminium, durable polyester rope and acacia wood with a water repellent coating.

If you’re in the market for new patio seating too, you could opt for the matching lounge set or corner set.

Sage Green Lounger

Buy from Dunelm (£79.00)

If modern and minimalist is what you’re after, try this sleek lounger, available for under £80. The sage green colouring gives it a laid-back feel and should mean it blends in beautifully with garden plants and foliage.

One of the best sun loungers for durability and easy cleaning, this recliner is made from powder-coated steel. It’s also got an adjustable backrest, so you can get the perfect angle, whether you’re reading, sipping a cool drink or having a quiet nap.

Maze Ascot Rattan Sun Lounger Set

If you need a couple of sun loungers, why not go for this smart set from Maze? It includes a glass-topped table for your books, drinks and crossword puzzles, as well as matching water-resistant cushions.

The set has a powder-coated aluminium frame and features UV- and frost-resistant faux rattan. It includes recycled materials for sustainability and comes with an adjustable mechanism to change the angle of the headrest.

VidaXL Bamboo Sun Lounger

For something a little different, consider this unusual recliner from VidaXL. It’s made from solid bamboo and has three backrest positions.

Thanks to the bamboo construction, it’s also lightweight, so you can move it around the garden or patio fairly easily.

Reminiscent of warm, tropical locations, this bamboo sun lounger could look great nestled amongst exotic planting displays and relaxed garden features like a garden bar or outdoor bean bags.

LG Outdoor St Tropez Sunlounger

This elegant lounger offers the classic rattan look in a modern neutral colourway, and the unusual curved design details would look particularly good in period homes and cottage gardens.

The frame is made from tough aluminium, while the cushions are water-repellent in light rain and UV-resistant to reduce fading in the sun. This one gets a big tick from us.

Everyday Hamilton Sun Lounger

Clean and stylish with understated grey colouring, this sun lounger is a smart choice for modern homes. It keeps things simple with its slim legs and armrests, all made from faux rattan.

According to the makers, the frame is completely weather-proof and resistant to UV rays, so it should stay looking smart for years to come.

The sun lounger also comes with an adjustable backrest and a 5cm-thick cushion for extra comfort.