garden loungers

Ditch mildewed old deckchairs and treat yourself to new garden seating this summer

Treat yourself to some hot new garden seating

Nothing recharges the batteries like a sunny day spent relaxing in the garden. Whether you like to sit and chat, curl up with a book, or stretch out for a snooze, if you’re looking for a new lounger, here’s what to consider.

Choose your spot

If you like to follow the sun around the garden, go for a lightweight model or folding lounger that’s easy to carry, or one on wheels that can be moved without lifting. Sofa-style seating tends to be quite hefty so will need a more permanent set-up, but opting for a modular system will give you the flexibility to re-jig the layout. Make sure you have a firm, level lawn, concrete paving or decking so your furniture won’t tip or sink.

Get comfortable

Make sure the cushions are detachable so you can store them away overnight or in bad weather, with zip-off covers that are easy to wash. For poolside loungers, avoid cushions altogether and opt for Textilene, a PVC mesh sling that’s waterproof and dries off quickly – the surface is springy, making it ultra-comfy.

Think about storage

Before you buy anything too bulky, consider where you’ll keep it out of season. Folding loungers take up less shed-space than fixed designs, although the latter can often be stacked vertically. Modular units are easy to take apart and can be stacked on top of each other in a shed or garage. Hammocks and hanging chairs are bulky, but their tubular metal frames can usually be dismantled.