You don't choose a sun lounger based on the photo, but based on yourself and your spot. Someone who gets wet after every dip in the pool needs something different from someone who reads a book on a Sunday afternoon and then takes a nap. And if you have a bad back or knees, you first look at how easily you can get up again. In this guide you choose your sun lounger by user and by place: from poolside to a small balcony, from a long body to stiff knees. With dimensions from the product information, a step-by-step plan for trying it out at home, and a checklist before you order.
In short: if you often get wet or lie by the pool, choose a sun lounger with textileen, such as the Limone. If you're tall, read a lot, or have back or knee problems, choose a higher sun lounger with a cushion and armrests, such as the Levanto. If you're tall, pay attention to the length. And if you have a small balcony, a relax chair is often smarter than a sun lounger of over 2 metres.
Start with five questions about yourself
Most people start with the material or the colour. That's understandable, but you'll find the right sun lounger faster if you first answer these five questions. The material then almost follows on its own.
1. Who will be lying on it?
Think about height and weight. Among the sun loungers in the comparison, the maximum load ranges from 100 kg (Garden Impressions Limone and Levanto) to 140 kg (Lafuma Siesta), and the length is usually between 190 and 208 cm. If several people will be lying on the same sun lounger, choose based on the tallest and heaviest user.
2. Where will it stand?
By the pool, on an open terrace in full sun, under a canopy, or on a balcony? The wetter and sunnier the spot, the more important a lying surface that dries quickly.
3. How long do you lie there at a time?
For half an hour of sunbathing between swims, a firm fabric is perfectly fine. If you lie there reading for a whole afternoon, you'll notice the difference with a thick cushion.
4. How easily do you want to get up?
A low sun lounger lies wonderfully close to the ground, but it demands more of your knees. A higher seat height and armrests make getting up much easier.
5. What happens after summer?
Will the sun lounger stay outside under a cover, or does it need to go in the shed? That determines whether weight and dimensions are a big factor. If you want to store several sun loungers compactly, also read how to buy stackable sun loungers.
Which sun lounger suits which user?
With the answers above, this table quickly shows which type of sun lounger suits you. The examples are sun loungers from Garden Impressions, all with an aluminium frame and a backrest with 6 positions.
| You are | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Swimmer or sun worshipper | Limone taupe | Textileen dries quickly |
| Fan of sleek and dark | Limone carbon black | Textileen, 18.8 kg |
| Reader or afternoon napper | Levanto taupe | 6 cm cushion |
| Bad back or knees | Levanto carbon black | 35 cm seat height, armrests |
| Long body | Levanto | 208 cm long |
| Small balcony | Danzig relax chair | 75 x 93.5 cm |
The swimmer and sun worshipper
If you come out of the pool dripping or the sun lounger sits in the sun all day, you want a lying surface that water can pass through. Textileen is an open-woven, sturdy fabric that is quickly dry again after a dip or a rain shower. The Limone has this kind of fabric and an aluminium frame. You can read more about the fabric in what is textileen.
The reader and afternoon napper
If you lie for hours with a book or like to nap outside, a cushion is more comfortable. The Levanto has a sand-coloured cushion that is 6 cm thick. The downside: a cushion has to go inside or under a cover when it rains. If you occasionally lie on a textileen sun lounger for a long time, you can also use a loose sun lounger cushion (see extras).
Lying together
Almost all sun loungers in the comparison are for one person. One exception is the Montera 2-person sun lounger from 4 Seasons Outdoor, which according to the product information is 141.5 cm wide. If you want to lie together, place two identical sun loungers side by side with a side table between them. That's more flexible than one large bed: you can position them separately if one of you wants shade and the other wants sun.
Still undecided mainly about the material, so aluminium, wood, plastic or wicker? Then the sun lounger materials comparison can help you further.
Bad back or knees
For anyone with stiff knees or a sensitive back, getting up is the moment of truth. The lower the sun lounger, the deeper you have to lower yourself and the more strength you need to get back up. Two things really help:
- A higher seat height. The Levanto has a seat height of 35 cm, the Limone 28 cm. You will feel that difference when getting up.
- Armrests. They let you push yourself up instead of letting your knees do all the work. The Levanto has armrests at 53 cm height.
An adjustable backrest is also useful for changing position now and then: sitting upright to read, then leaning back again. The Limone and Levanto from Garden Impressions have a backrest with 6 positions, the Alice Lounger High from Hartman has 5. You'll find more sun loungers with these extras under sun loungers with armrests. You can also read how seat height and getting up are related in which garden chair is the most comfortable to sit in.
Not sure about the seat height? Measure a sofa or chair at home that you can get out of effortlessly. If that measurement is closer to 35 than to 28 cm, you know which direction to go.
Length, width and seat height
There are many dimensions on the product pages. These three determine whether a sun lounger fits you and your spot.
| Model | Length x width | Seat height |
|---|---|---|
| Limone (both colours) | 203 x 70 cm | 28 cm |
| Levanto (both colours) | 208 x 89.5 cm | 35 cm |
| Danzig relax chair | 93.5 x 75 cm | 36 cm |
Length: important for tall people
If you like to lie completely flat, the sun lounger needs to be longer than you are. Please note: the length on the product page is usually the outer dimension of the frame, and the lying surface itself is slightly shorter. If you're tall, choose the longest model and check how long the lying surface is. If you mainly lie half upright, with the backrest raised, length is less critical.
Width: more room to lie or more space taken up
The Levanto is almost 20 cm wider than the Limone. That gives more room and your arms have support, but it also takes up more terrace space and needs a larger cover. On a narrow terrace or next to a pool edge, the narrower Limone is often more practical.
Seat height: how close to the ground?
A low seat height feels like lying on the beach, a higher seat height makes getting in and out easier. There is no right or wrong, only what suits your body.
Trying it out in your own spot in 4 steps
Trying a sun lounger in the shop says little about how it will look on your terrace. With these four steps, you'll know before you order.
Use painter's tape or lay out a rectangle with string where the sun lounger will go: 203 x 70 cm for a narrow model, 208 x 89.5 cm for a wide model with armrests.
On a sunny day, check at different times where the sun and shade fall. If your rectangle is in the shade at the most pleasant time, move it or consider a sun lounger with wheels.
Walk around your rectangle and imagine getting in and out. Is there still a walkway left to the door, the garden or the pool? As a rule of thumb, about 60 cm of walking space is comfortable.
Consider where the sun lounger goes after summer: under a cover on the terrace or in the shed. Does it fit there at its full length?
If you often want to move the sun lounger with the sun, read how to buy a sun lounger with wheels.
The available sun loungers by type
Below are four sun loungers from Garden Impressions: two with textileen and two with a cushion. The specs come from the manufacturer's product information. None of the four are listed as stackable in the product information, and their specifications show them as non-foldable. If you're looking for a sun lounger that folds, check the foldable sun loungers, such as the Siesta from Lafuma and the Alice Lounger High from Hartman. You can read a more detailed review in best sun lounger 2026.
For swimmers and sun worshippers: Limone
The Limone is a sleek aluminium sun lounger with a textileen covering. The carbon black version weighs 18.8 kg, is all-weather and holds a maximum of 100 kg. The taupe version has the same design with a taupe covering, which looks lovely with a light terrace or wooden deck around the pool. Both are 203 cm long, 70 cm wide and have a seat height of 28 cm.
Limone aluminium sun lounger taupe
Limone sun lounger carbon black / anthracite
Please note: the retailer's specifications for the Limone also mention a sun lounger cushion. Check when ordering whether that comes with your version; then you won't need a separate cushion.
For readers and anyone who wants to get up easily: Levanto
The Levanto has a 6 cm thick cushion, armrests at 53 cm height and a seat height of 35 cm. The aluminium frame is 208 cm long and 89.5 cm wide and, according to the product information, has wheels. For the taupe version, the manufacturer describes the polyester cushion as water-repellent, but do bring it in when it rains.
Levanto sun lounger with wheels taupe / valley sand
Levanto sun lounger carbon black / valley sand
Aluminium sun loungers
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View all →Small balcony: choose a relax chair
A sun lounger of over 2 metres long quickly takes up one and a half square metres, and you still have no room to walk. On a small balcony, a relax chair is often the better choice. You sit reclined, with your feet on a pouf or stool if you like, and you have room left for a small table.
The Danzig relax chair is 75 cm wide, 93.5 cm deep and 78 cm high, with a seat height of 36 cm. It has a powder-coated aluminium frame, a textileen seat and a thick, water-repellent cushion. The backrest is not adjustable, so lying completely flat isn't possible. According to the manufacturer, it is suitable for garden, terrace and balcony.
Danzig relax chair taupe / valley sand
You'll find more chairs in this style under lounge garden chairs. If you're torn between a sun lounger and a lounge chair, read what to look for when buying a lounger for the garden. Ideas for the rest of your balcony can be found in balcony styling tips.
Extras that make the difference
Extras worth having
- Loose sun lounger cushion: makes a textileen sun lounger softer for long afternoons
- Protective cover: keeps the sun lounger clean during prolonged bad weather
- Side table: keeps your drink, book and phone within reach
- Shade: a parasol next to the sun lounger, so you don't have to keep moving
- Wheels: handy if you often move along with the sun
Softer lying on textileen
If textileen eventually feels too firm, place a loose cushion on it when you want to lie for a long time, and remove it when you go for a swim. The Madison Outdoor+ sun lounger cushion is approx. 200 x 65 cm, approx. 6 cm thick and water-repellent. Always compare the size with your sun lounger. You'll find more choice under sun lounger cushions.
Madison sun lounger cushion 200x65 cm Outdoor+ Elisa natural
You'll find a suitable cover under protective covers. You can read how to keep the frame, fabric and cushion in good condition in how to maintain a sun lounger.
Checklist before you order
Go through these points before you click order.
- I know whether I mainly lie wet (textileen) or lie for long periods (cushion)
- The sun lounger is longer than the tallest user
- The seat height suits how easily I get up
- The size is marked with tape in my spot and a walkway remains
- I know where the sun lounger will be stored in winter
- The maximum weight is right for everyone who will lie on it
- I've checked whether a cushion is included or whether I want to buy a loose one
Not sure yet which type of garden furniture suits you? Then try our selection tool.
Common mistakes
Choosing based on the photo instead of your spot
A product photo always shows a sun lounger with plenty of room on a large terrace. Mark the size on your own spot first; then you'll see straight away whether a walkway is left.
Choosing a low sun lounger with stiff knees
A seat height of 28 cm is lovely to lie on, but getting up takes effort. If you have back or knee problems, choose a higher model with armrests.
Choosing a cushion for by the pool
If you often lie down wet, a cushion stays damp for a long time. Textileen dries faster. If you still want a soft surface, choose a loose cushion that you take off when you go swimming.
Counting on stacking or folding
None of the available sun loungers are listed as stackable in the product information. If you have little storage space, first check where the sun lounger can spend the winter at its full length.
Two sun loungers? Choose the same model
Two identical sun loungers side by side look calm, sit at the same height and fit the same type of cover. Allow for the width of two sun loungers plus a side table.
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when choosing a sun lounger?
Start with yourself and your space, not the photo. Consider how tall you are, how long you lie down at a time, whether getting up should be easy, and how much room you really have. Then choose the lounging surface (textilene or cushion), the seat height and extras such as armrests or wheels.
Which sun lounger is comfortable if you have back or knee problems?
Choose a sun lounger with a higher seat height and armrests, so you don't have to get up from a low position. The Levanto has a seat height of 35 cm and armrests at 53 cm. An adjustable backrest helps you change position in between.
How long should a sun lounger be?
If you like to lie fully flat, the sun lounger needs to be longer than you are. The Garden Impressions sun loungers in this article are 203 cm (Limone) and 208 cm (Levanto) long. That is the outer dimension of the frame. If you are tall, choose the longest model and check or measure the lounging surface length.
Is there a sun lounger for two people?
Yes. The Montera 2-person sun lounger from 4 Seasons Outdoor is 168.5 x 141.5 cm according to the product information and can bear up to 240 kg. Most other sun loungers are designed for one person, so you can place two side by side with a side table in between. Allow for the width of two sun loungers plus the table.
How much space do you need for a sun lounger?
Allow for the frame itself, just over 2 metres long and 70 to 89.5 cm wide for the models in this article, plus room to walk alongside it and to get in and out. As a rule of thumb, a walkway of around 60 cm is comfortable. Lay out the dimensions with a tape measure on the ground to see how it feels.
