Best garden chair 2026: top 10 garden chairs for every terrace

A good garden chair is more than just a place to sit. It's the piece of furniture you use most in the garden — at breakfast, during a long summer afternoon or at an outdoor dinner. Yet many people pay more attention to the table or lounge set than to the chair itself. In this overview, we list the best garden chairs of 2026, divided by type and use, so you make the right choice.

What types of garden chairs are there?

Garden chairs come in many varieties. Which type suits you best depends on how you want to use the chair:

• Dining garden chairs — straight back, higher seat, ideal for at the dining table
• Lounge garden chairs (armchairs) — spacious seat, low height, armrests, for relaxing
• Adjustable garden chairs — backrest adjustable from upright to almost reclined, versatile
• Stackable chairs — space-saving, easy to store, ideal for small terraces
• Hanging chairs — hanging chair on stand or ceiling, for maximum relaxation

Unsure which type is best? Also read buying garden chairs: what to look out for.

Which material suits you?

Best dining garden chairs 2026

A dining garden chair is placed at the dining table. You typically sit in it for 1–2 hours, so comfort is more important than you might think. Choose a chair with a slightly tilted backrest, sufficient seat depth and cushions if you want to sit for a long time.

What to look out for

• Seat height: 44–48 cm for a standard dining table of 72–75 cm
• Armrests: comfortable for long meals, but check if they fit under the table
• Cushions: not always included as standard — check this beforehand
• Stackable: handy if you want to store the chairs after use

At Boender Outdoor you'll find an extensive range of dining garden chairs by Garden Impressions — from sleek aluminium models in carbon black to warm acacia chairs with rope accents. Also check our guide on the best material for garden chairs.

Best lounge garden chairs 2026

A lounge garden chair — also called lounge armchair or lounge chair — is designed for maximum relaxation. Low seat, wide armrests, deep seating and always fitted with a cushion. Ideal as a complement to a chair-bed lounge set or as a loose armchair on the terrace.

What to look out for

• Seat height: 35–45 cm — lower than a dining chair
• Cushion thickness: at least 8 cm for real comfort
• Weather resistance: choose all-weather materials if the chair will stay outside
• Frame: aluminium or steel for durability, rattan or wicker for atmosphere

Check out our range of lounge garden chairs or discover how to set up a complete outdoor living room with a lounge armchair as an anchor point.

Best adjustable garden chairs 2026

The adjustable garden chair is the most versatile choice: upright for the table, semi-reclined for an afternoon nap. Ideal for those who want two types of chairs in one. Popular are adjustable models in aluminium with textilene or wicker covering.

What to look out for

• Number of positions: the more positions, the more flexible
• Locking mechanism: must click firmly in place, not fall back
• Armrests: adjustable or removable is extra comfortable
• Footrest: some models have an extendable footrest

Read more in our guide what is a good adjustable garden chair?

Best stackable chairs for outdoors

Stackable chairs are the practical choice for small terraces or people who want to use the garden flexibly. They stack away easily in a corner or garage, and can be brought out again quickly when the weather is nice.

What to look out for

• Stackable up to: most models stack 6–8 high
• Weight: aluminium stackable chairs are the easiest to move
• Cushions: removable and washable is a must with stackable chairs
• Set of 4: often better value than buying individually — check our sets of 4

Check out our range of stackable chairs.

Best hanging chairs for the garden

A hanging chair is the pinnacle of summer enjoyment. There are two variants: a loose hanging chair that you attach to a tree or balcony, and a hanging chair with a stand that you can place anywhere. The second variant is by far the most popular.

What to look out for

• With or without stand: with stand gives more placement flexibility
• Material: wicker egg chairs give a luxury resort feel; textile hanging chairs are more affordable
• Weight capacity: always check the maximum weight (usually 100–120 kg)
• Cushion: a good cushion completes the hanging chair experience

Check out our hanging chairs by Garden Impressions, available in wicker and textile versions. Also read buying a hanging chair: what to look out for.

What else should you look out for when buying a garden chair?

• Shop smart — choose chairs that match your existing table or lounge set in colour and style
• Weather resistance — if the chair will stay outside, choose aluminium, all-weather wicker or rope. Read which garden furniture is weather-resistant
• Maintenance — aluminium and plastic require the least maintenance. Wood requires seasonal treatment. Read how long garden chairs last
• Budget — expect to spend €80–€200 per chair for good quality. Cheaper is possible, but lifespan is shorter

Conclusion

The best garden chair of 2026 depends on your use: if you mainly want to eat at the table, choose a comfortable dining chair with a cushion. If you want to relax, choose a lounge armchair or adjustable chair. If you want to save space, go for stackable chairs or a hanging chair with a stand.

Check out our complete range of garden chairs at Boender Outdoor, or get in touch via phone, email or WhatsApp for personal advice.