The Best Pool Lounge Chairs Are Retro Rattan, Chic Teak, and Everything in Between

Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.

Stretching out on a luxe lounge chair at the edge of a pool or on a sandy beach is pretty hard to beat. Throw in a book and an ice-cold drink, and we’re really leveling up. Beach towels might be fine for a short stint outside, but the best pool lounge chairs allow you the space to lie in the sun (SPF, please!) for hours. Our favorites are sleek, designed with longevity in mind, and reliable in rain or heat—plus they come in a slew of materials, from honeyed teak to coated metal.

And if you think you need a pool to enjoy a lounger, think again. Whether you live in a climate where you can bask outdoors all year round or are basically outside 24-7 at the first sign of warm weather, these pieces can serve as a home base—in a sunny garden or terrace or on a balcony or pool deck—for morning coffee, workdays, and, of course, a round of spritzes at sunset. So go ahead, kick up your feet on our nine picks. 

Our Favorites

• Best colors: Ames Maraca Lounge Chair
• Best semi-custom: Burke Decor Kinta Chaise
• Best teak: Skagerak Riviera Sunbed
• Best low-profile: CB2 Bizerte Outdoor Chaise Lounge
• Best wicker: Sika Design Josephine Sunbed
• Best compact: Amigo Outdoor Lounge Chair Sun Shield
• Best metal: Hay Palisade Chaise Lounge

Best Colors: Ames Maraca Lounge Chair

Weather-resistant: No |  Base material: Powder-coated steel | Adjustable: No 

Why we chose it: A mood-boosting accent that doubles as seating.

The Ames Maraca lounge chair is positively joy inducing: Just one or a pair can turn your outdoor space into a radiant, inviting retreat. Designed by Sebastian Herkner and inspired by the colorful hammocks of Colombia, these handwoven seats are made from recycled plastic and finished with powder-coated steel arms and legs. If your drab backyard needs a transformation, their color combinations—blush, peach, and crimson; mint, teal, and plum; and black, gold, and periwinkle—are eye-catching without being overwhelming. Lounging in one of these is similar to that sunken-in feeling of a hammock instead of lying flat like the others on this list. Keep in mind that everyone, including this chair, needs a little shade: Too much sun exposure can fade its colors.

Best Semi-Custom: Burke Decor Kinta Chaise

Weather-resistant: No |  Base material: Teak | Adjustable: Yes 

Why we chose it: A dreamy hotel-appropriate piece right in your backyard. 

Splurging on a resort-worthy chair with the power to transport you to your favorite far-off destination is pretty much guilt-free if you know you’ll be getting many years—and compliments—out of it. We love this chaise for its hardy boxed base made of teak and outdoor-friendly cushioning that comes in custom upholstery. Chic neutrals like charcoal and navy complement any poolside or backyard. While its stately profile is alluring, the best thing about this lounger is its ultra-thick cushion; practically an invitation to sprawl out. To keep it in tip-top condition, cover when not in use—designer Erin Fetherston recommends a fitted terry cloth as a nice add-on for pool chairs in need of coverage.

Best Teak: Skagerak Riviera Sunbed

Weather-resistant: Yes |  Base material: Teak | Adjustable: Yes 

Why we chose it: A classic design from a brand that has been around for decades.

Designed by Povl B. Eskildsen in the 1990s, this timeless teak pick gets the seaside design right in every way. The Riviera sunbed, made entirely of hardwood, is durable enough to take on salty sea air, easy to maintain, can withstand the elements, and will continue to look great for years. There’s a reason teak is one of the most popular materials when it comes to outdoor furniture. “I love teak options for oceanfront properties, especially because there is no upkeep,“ says award-winning landscape designer Fernando Wong. And over time, when left to age naturally outdoors, it transforms—thanks to rain and the sun’s UV— from a honey brown to an ever-stunning soft gray patina. Lay a thick terry towel atop this pool chair for added comfort and adjust the slatted teak construction to your length preferences. 

Best Low-Profile: CB2 Bizerte Outdoor Chaise Lounge

Weather-resistant: No |  Base material: Mahogany | Adjustable: No  

Why we chose it: Instant glam and just the right amount of contrast.

With the Bizerte chaise, it’s all in the details. We’re talking a mahogany platform, a matte black aluminum pipe frame, and black and white piping around the exterior of its cushions. Not to mention the soft round edges of its bolster-style pillow, which mellows out the whole cool, mod shape. We’re daydreaming about laying back on this lounger amid bright green shrubbery or palm trees, with a daiquiri in hand, to boot. Should you be after a full set, the collection also includes an armless chair, a sectional sofa, and other shapes all equally as chic. While the line’s upholstery is made for the outdoors, be mindful that it should be covered when not lounged on or stashed away or under an overhang during bad weather.

Best Wicker: Sika Design Josephine Sunbed

Weather-resistant: Yes |  Base material: Artificial wicker | Adjustable: Yes 

Why we chose it: Unexpectedly can withstand the elements with ease.   

This attractive sunbed has so much going for it. First, let’s give it up for the gorgeous and utilitarian wheels, which you’ll be grateful for when you want to effortlessly maneuver it around a deck or terrace. Its wicker look is retro (but not overly campy), and its beautiful braided elements have just enough frilliness. This overachiever is also crafted from a strong, maintenance-free fiber woven onto an aluminum frame, which means you can leave it out in the fresh air, come drizzle or sun, without a cover. 

Best Compact: Amigo Outdoor Lounge Chair Sun Shield

Weather-resistant: Yes |  Base material: Aluminum | Adjustable: Yes 

Why we chose it: A nearly weightless frame means it can go with you everywhere.

Enlist this stylish pool lounge chair with a built-in sun shield for those extra sunny days and quit squinting once and for all. This number has an adjustable shade panel to block rays of the sun from your face and upper body, and a backrest with three-position levels to prevent that afternoon sunburn often courtesy of a quick catnap. We really love the chair’s flexible, breathable fabric, which is also both weatherproof and UV-resistant. Fold it up to take on the go to the beach or park (with its handy handles) or to store away in colder months.

Best Metal: Hay Palisade Chaise Lounge

Weather-resistant: Yes |  Base material: Steel | Adjustable: No 

Why we chose it: Our Nordic friends at Hay prove hygge is for the outdoors, too.

For small spaces and low-maintenance backyard owners, lean into the Scandi life with the Palisade chaise lounge from Danish design brand Hay, a favorite of Domino’s style editor, Julia Stevens. She loves this collection, designed by French duo Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, and its color run, especially the mossy green hue that can lend Secret Garden vibes to your yard. Bonus points for the fact that you won’t be running out to cover it ahead of rain: Its powder-coated steel is totally weatherproof.

We Also Like These Shapely Picks 

• If you’re up for a splurge, Pottery Barn’s Tilly Woven Chaise Lounge is like lying on an art silhouette. Inspired by a 1970s design, it makes for an excellent conversation starter. 
• Aiming for something sculptural? We’re eyeing the curves on Crate & Barrel’s Grotta Outdoor Wicker Chaise Lounge—made of all-weather resin wicker. Due to its high demand, keep in mind that it goes in and out of stock. 

How We Chose These Products

There are a dizzying amount of pool lounge chairs available on the market. So we first slimmed down our list of favorites by tapping Domino’s style director, Naomi deMañana, for her input on outdoor furniture brands. From there we went into research overdrive to hit a variety of price points, designs, and options for different priorities: durable water-resistant materials for year-round use; lightweight bases for easy maneuvering; comfortable cushioning for poolside z’s; and so on. 

Our Shopping Checklist

Style

From whimsical to cottagecore to modern, clean lines, there’s really a pool lounger for every style out there. “I like to take into consideration the visual language of the backyard space first, as the lounger should have continuity with the architectural and landscape elements already in play,” says Fetherston. “I favor rattan for more bohemian settings, and I would work with something sleeker like aluminum or teak for more modern aesthetics.” Rattan, powder-coated steel, wicker, wood: The options do not disappoint. 

Size

Most lounge chairs have an average length of between 73 and 80 inches and a height of 13 to 18 inches off the ground. The size of your space should be the first thing you think about when shopping for a pool lounge chair. If you’re blessed with a palatial backyard with a lot of space to fill, you can go with loungers with wider structures and bases. Should you have a doll-size yard (hello, city dwellers), it’s only right to find furniture similar in scope, which really just means slim options that can squeeze into awkward nooks you want to make the most of. 

Weather-Resistant

“I tend to first look for chairs that you do not have to cover, because covers tend to be ugly to look at, and no one wants to take the covers on and off each time they use them,” says Wong. Chairs without the need for a cover are made with weather-resistant materials, like aluminum, synthetic rattan, and teak, to name a few. Not only can they stand up to the elements, but they are typically easy to clean and tend to. 

Ask Domino

Q: I don’t love having to regularly scrub or spot-clean furniture. Do I have to clean my pool lounge chair? 

While this depends on the material of your chairs, Wong says that, for starters, teak doesn’t require you to lift a finger. “If they are powder-coated aluminum, you have to do almost nothing, too, except wipe them down every few weeks,” he says. Should you go for a lounger that has upholstery (which naturally may require a little more care), Fetherston advises using a brush and soapy water to refresh your upholstery on occasion, but always be sure to read the care label for best cleaning practices. 

Q: I’m torn on styles. Do my pool lounge chairs have to match?

Fetherston typically likes styling pool lounge chairs in pairs with a side table and umbrella in between. On the other hand, while Wong typically recommends symmetry and balance (aka buying in pairs), he also says that when it comes to outdoor furniture, it’s okay to mix and match different collections and get creative. A few examples: Layer materials, such as metal and wicker, or go monochromatic with the same hue. 

Q: Pool loungers are locked and loaded. Now how do I style them?

So you have your loungers and you’re looking to complete the look. Fetherston loves layering in accessories like baskets and lanterns. “When we give thought to make the space practical, it will stay more beautiful when it’s in use, such as providing a styling hamper and an outdoor trash can in reach of your lounger.”

Q: Should a pool lounge chair always be reclining?

Not exactly. If you like to adjust your chair into different positions for activities (reading versus sitting up to chat), a recliner can come in handy—but it’s not always needed. Some models’ silhouettes (looking at you, Hay) are built to fit the contour of the body.

The Last Word

Retro rattan, coastal teak, sporty aluminum—you name it, the best pool lounge chairs have the ability to take your outside design up a notch and last for years. If you’d always rather be on vacation, bring the escape to your backyard with a place to leisurely sip a morning espresso or enjoy the ultimate respite between dips in the water.