Getting your pool or patio furniture right can make a big difference to both the comfort level and style / feel of your backyard. In this helpful guide we'll explain what to look for when it comes to choosing the right sunloungers, pool chairs and furniture to make your pool and patio spaces more comfortable to relax in and around. Our goal is to give you everything you need to know to transform your patio or pool area in to a stylish and comfortable space you. your family and your friends will want to spend as much time as possible enjoying.
Understanding the different types of pool furniture
There are several different options to choose from when selecting pool furniture. Some of the most popular options that the market has to offer include:
Sunloungers
A sunlounger allows you to recline with an adjustable, cushioned backrest; you should be able to go from sitting upright or laying down flat. They’re a great choice if you want to read a book or sunbathe next to the pool alike.
This year we are already seeing strong sales of slim sunloungers, such as this slim sunlounger from European brand Siesta. These feature a more modern, streamlined and minimalist shape and are lighter and narrower than a standard sunlounger. They also cannot be adjusted or folded up, and are usually designed to be stacked together for easy storage.
Pool Chairs & Lounges
Pool chairs & outdoor lounges come in many different forms from stackable plastic models to cushioned and adjustable designs. They provide a comfortable seating solution and can be easily moved around, although most can’t be made so you can lay down flat like a sunlounger can. Some chairs can be left outside in any weather, others are designed to be used under the cover of a pergola or gazebo.
This year Adirondack chairs seem to be popular, along with durable resin chairs and stylish wicker lounge type options. Stackable plastic designs are popular for commercial chair projects.
Daybeds and Cabanas
Daybeds and cabanas provide a luxurious lounging experience. A daybed is simply a large piece of cushioned furniture that can accommodate two or more people, while cabanas are daybeds that are semi-enclosed to provide privacy and shade. Either one will add a resort-like atmosphere to your backyard & make you feel like you are on holiday every time you step in to the garden!
Remember, regardless of what kind of pool furniture you go with, there are certain qualities and considerations you’ll want to keep in mind before you buy
Considerations when selecting pool furniture
Here are the top factors you’ll want to keep in mind before buying pool furniture.
How much space do you have available?
The amount of space you have available in your backyard or by your pool will largely dictate the type of pool furniture that you can buy. A pool chair, for instance, will take up less space than a sunlounger and a lot less space than a daybed or cabana.
What activities will the furniture be used for?
How you use your outdoor space and pool will also dictate the type of furniture that would be best suited to your space. If you often use your pool for large gatherings of friends and family, for instance, investing in stackable pool chairs might make more sense. However if you normally use your pool so you can relax, a few sunloungers would probably be a more suitable option for you.
Do you prefer to sit down next to your pool so you can eat, or do you enjoy lying down to sunbathe? If space is limited, would you rather have fewer sunloungers or daybeds for relaxation, or more chairs for socialising with guests? These are the kinds of questions you’ll want to ask yourself.
What materials are your furniture made of?
Regardless of its type, all pool furniture needs to be built out of materials that can easily withstand the outdoor elements. Three of the best options are:
Aluminum
Aluminum is lightweight, durable, rust-resistant & usually affordable. Pool chairs and commercial sunloungers made out of aluminum tend to have a contemporary looking appearance and can be easily adjusted so you can position yourself comfortably. Their ease of maintenance is one of their biggest pros, because aluminum doesn’t need to be sealed on a regular basis (unlike wood).
Plastic or Resin
While you might still associate plastic furniture with the cheap sunbeds you get a lower-end resorts while on holiday, this is often no-longer the case. There are some very modern, stylish and comfortable plastic or resin outdoor furniture options which can rival any high-end design.
Wood
Wood is very natural and beautiful, but it requires more care than aluminum does. A wooden sunlounger or chair will need to be washed with soap and then treated with wood sealer on a regular basis. This will help to keep the gorgeous colour of the wood and keep it protected from the environment. In short, many people highly value the character of wood furniture, but others don’t appreciate the ongoing maintenance they intrinsically require.
Rattan
Rattan will give your outdoor patio a tropical vibe to it. Synthetic rattan is waterproof and built to resist ongoing UV light, and like aluminum, they require minimal upkeep. Examples of synthetic rattan include resin and polyethylene.
How comfortable is the furniture?
The last big thing you’ll want to look for in your pool furniture is comfort. Make sure that the sunlounger, chair, or daybed you invest in comes with weather-resistant cushions (such as acrylic or polyester fabric) that offer good support and will resist the UV rays of the sun.
Adjustable chairs and sunloungers will naturally offer you more flexibility when it comes to comfort, so that’s something to think about as well.
Conclusion
You have no shortage of choices when it comes to outdoor pool furniture. Just make sure you keep the above considerations in mind, and you’ll completely transform your outdoor patio or pool area into a luxurious haven in no time. We can't wait to see what you come up with!
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