Choosing the Best Sun Lounger
Let’s be honest, trying to shop online for the perfect sun lounger can be confusing when there are so many options out there. Don’t stress! Our latest blog about choosing the best sun lounger is here to outline the key differentiating aspects of sun loungers and the main things to consider when finding the best sun lounger option for you. Don’t get us wrong, we love online shopping (maybe even a bit too much since the pandemic) but, do you ever spend a lot of time reading every single product description only to still be unsure of what’s the best option to suit your requirements? If so, why not let us do the hard work for you? By the time you finish reading this post, you will have all of the information to choose the perfect sun lounger to buy. So sit back with this easy read and we will have you setting up your ultimate relaxation station in no time!
All the information you need to know when choosing the best sun lounger for you
Types of sun loungers
First things first, when it comes to choosing the best sun lounger for you, you must decide what it is you’re looking for; this means deciding on the type of sun lounger that suits your needs best. I know what you’re thinking… types of sun loungers, aren’t they all just beds for sunbathing? Well yes, technically, but there are fixed loungers, those that have a permanent position; reclining sun loungers, those that have adjustable backrests; sun lounger chairs, those in a seated position but can also be adjusted; and deck chairs (some people consider these a sun lounger), these usually have a wooden frame with a low fabric seat but have no leg support. Choosing the top sun lounger out there won’t just come from deciding on the type you’d like, there are many other factors that can help you make this decision and we are going to look at which other aspects can determine what sun lounger is best for you.
Easy to transport
Many sun loungers are designed with ease of transport in mind. If you are looking for something that is easy to move around with minimal lifting effort - we would suggest that the best sun lounger for you is one with wheels. You can purchase a sun lounger which has wheels attached already or one that gives you the option to attach them. A lot of these sun loungers are also fully foldable, making them easy to store off-season. If easy transportation is a key requirement for you, then take a look at one of our best-selling easy to transport sun loungers - the Palamos 3 Position Sun Lounger by Resol.
If you’re after something that’s truly durable, flexible, and practical, the Resol Palamos Sun Lounger is for you. With a Polyresin construction, and added UV resistance, this sun lounger was manufactured in Europe for European conditions guaranteeing you a reliable and durable construction that will last summer after summer. The great feature of this sun lounger is the built-in wheels making it ever so easy for transporting, whether it be to chase the sun around the garden or dragging out your sun lounger to secure the best place by the pool (at 5am!).
Weather Resistant Sun Loungers
If you want something that can be left outside throughout the year, without worrying about the extremes of British weather, then a weather resistant sun lounger may be the best option for you! Sun loungers with texteline beds not only offer UV protection and water resistance, but provide the ultimate comfort by cradling you like a hammock or a traditional deckchair. The Harbour Houseware range offers all of the above, so if this is the criteria you are looking for, meet the Sussex Garden Sun Lounger by Harbour Houseware - one of our best-sellers for weather-resistance.
Our most sleek and stylish sun lounger is certainly the Sussex Garden Sun Lounger, available in black, white, and grey, the powder-coated steel framework combined sleek contemporary styling with season-long performance. Paired with a texteline canvas bed that’s UV and water resistant, it’s suited to all aspects of British Summer Time (all of them!) so you can lay back and relax. The simple multi-hook system allows multiple reclining angles to seamlessly switch between so you can always lounge with great comfort. Featured as ‘one of the best sun loungers to buy’ in House Beautiful Magazine - you can't argue with that!
Sun Lounger Sets
A sun lounger for you and your partner, friend or family member and perhaps a side table makes for the ultimate summer relaxation station! These sets typically come with 2 sun loungers perfect to pair with a small side table to provide you with the whole works. With a sun lounger set, you can settle down for the day without having to do much moving at all (sounds great right?). The table can be used to hold your book, a bottle of water or even some snacks whilst you drift off under the sun. If this sounds perfect for you then check out our popular Sussex Garden Sun Loungers set of two and our classic garden side tables to go with it.
Materials of sun loungers
Powder-Coated Steel
When you’re choosing the finest sun lounger, you need to consider the durability of a material, as well as the aesthetic, and with powder-coated steel, you have the perfect combination. If used, powder-coated steel will form the framework. Powder-coating is much more resilient, durable, and resistant than liquid paint, and it has a sleek finish that is very stylish. Also, if the right sun lounger for you means considering its environmental impact, powder coating is solvent free so has less disposal damage, thus less environmental damage.
Texteline Canvas
Canvas is a very popular material for the bed of a sun lounger due to its incredible strength and resistance. Canvas is flexible, making it the perfect material to create a comfortable lounger, and whether used poolside or in the back garden, it’s usually UV and water resistant so you can soak up those sun rays anywhere! Canvas is especially easy to maintain; simply wipe clean and you’re all set.
Polypropylene Plastic
Polypropylene plastic is the ideal reliable sun lounger that requires little to no maintenance and will always be timeless. Choosing the prime sun lounger for you means suiting what you want it for – all these loungers require is a soapy wash down when dirty and they’ll do the rest for you. Usually given UV protection, there will be no fading or cracking, and the lightweight build means you can manoeuvre it wherever you please. However, polypropylene plastic can heat up under intense heat – so that’s important to keep in mind.
Wood
Wooden sun loungers are particularly popular for their chic style that never fails to be trendy; the natural tones of wood can make any environment more calming. Wood does usually incur extra maintenance in comparison to other materials, however, if you’re after the more natural/traditional look, a little annual clean here and there is worth the commitment.
Accessories for your sun lounger
Side Tables
When you’re lounging in the sun the last thing you want to be doing is having to keep getting up for something, leaning over the bed to reach your glass, or putting your book down on the wet floor or sweaty sun bed! Therefore, when choosing the best sun lounger this may include choosing the best side table too, and enjoy the whole experience with everything at your fingertips. Looking to create a matching set? We’ve got you covered; our Andorra side tables match our Master loungers, and our Sussex side tables match our Sussex loungers.
Sun Lounger Cushions
To achieve optimum comfort, of course you must grab yourself a sun lounger cushion! These give you an extra personal touch to your relaxation set up because sun lounger cushions can come in a whole array of colours and patterns. For example, add a bright touch to your garden with a vibrant green or opt for a more neutral tone with beige. When choosing the perfect sun lounger cushion, you are best to search for those that are sun and water-resistant and can easily be cleaned, to save you the extra hassle!
Parasols
Just because you want to be enjoying the nice weather doesn’t mean you want to be under the blazing sun 24/7, so when you’re choosing your sun lounger, have a look at parasols or sun shades too. You can opt for wooden garden parasols for a striking centrepiece in the garden, or steel parasols for a more lightweight option, perhaps to take to the beach. Sun shades are a great option to tie above areas – in particular children’s play areas.
Practical Features
A few practical features to consider for your sun lounger may include any built-in extras; would armrests be beneficial? A cup holder? Even a phone holder? Also, the transportability; how easy will it be to move around? Does it have wheels? And finally, storage. Will it be beneficial to have sun loungers that can stack for neat and easy storage or even loungers that can fold away? Consider what you want out of it in order to choose the best sun lounger for complete relaxation.