12 Different Types of Patio Chairs

The very first model of patio chairs was the iconic metal lawn chair also known by many nicknames such as Shellback, the Tulip chair, the Clamshell, the Motel Chair, and the Bouncer. You’ve probably seen one in your grandma’s house, near pools, beaches, and backyards, in driveways, and in other outdoor settings.

In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software.

The metal lawn chair was just a basic flat metal chair in a metal frame that first appeared in the 1930s. After the Second World War, the lawn chair became popular with the growth of suburbs. Ed Warmack, an Arkansas manufacturer and sheet metal fabricator saw an opportunity and turned The Warmack Company into the largest metal outdoor furniture manufacturer in the USA.

In 1954, Flanders Industries bought the Warmack Company and continued the production of steel chairs until 1996 when the demand for outdoor casual furniture shifted toward lightweight and stackable plastic or resin chairs as well as large, comfortable, upholstered patio furniture.

Then in 2002, the Torrans Manufacturing Company brought back the iconic metal lawn furniture with minor modifications for improvement such as an exterior-grade UV-resistant powder-coated finish.

1. Plastic Patio Chairs

Plastic patio chairs aren’t necessarily the most popular types of patio chairs on the market, but they do have their uses. If you need to buy patio furniture, and you don’t have much money to spend, then it will be beneficial to pick up some plastic patio chairs.

They are very affordable, and you should be able to get several of them without having to spend too much money. This is great when you need to provide seating for several people, but don’t have a lot of money to invest in the patio.

You might think that plastic patio chairs would be somewhat of a less-than-desirable option. This isn’t always the case, as plastic patio chairs can be fairly durable. Modern hard plastic furniture is pretty rugged overall, and it doesn’t break quite as easily as you might think. It will also be simple to find chairs in various different colors and styles that will appeal to you.

It’s actually really easy to find a nice set of plastic patio chairs that will work well in your yard. You’ll be able to find a set that suits your style great, and you won’t have to spend a lot of money. The set being shown here is a very good example of this. You can buy them in packs of one or two, and they are a very cost-effective way to get the patio chairs that you need.

2. Wooden Patio Chairs

Wooden patio chairs are definitely going to come across as a classier option when compared to the plastic ones mentioned above. You will have to pay a little bit more money to get some nice wooden patio chairs, but the overall durability and style of the chairs may well be worth it. There are several styles of patio chairs that are made out of wood, so you might want to get several different types of wooden chairs for your patio.

You’ll also find a mix of light-colored wood patio chairs and dark-colored ones. The chairs that are being shown here are light-colored. They have been made out of solid acacia wood and definitely stand out from a visual perspective. This set comes with four different pieces of furniture for your patio.

If you are in need of an entire patio set, then buying something like this is highly recommended. You will be getting two chairs, one patio sofa, and a coffee table on this set. This will allow your patio area to feel truly complete, and you’ll be ready to host a party.

There are plenty of other beautiful wooden patio chair options on the market, too, so peruse the available chairs, and purchase what appeals to you the most.

3. Metal Patio Chairs

There are many people who make the decision to go with metal patio chairs, too. Chairs made out of metal are great when you want to make sure that they will last for a long time.

If you buy durable and rugged metal patio chairs, you should be able to count on them for many years. This option is going to be similar to the wooden chairs mentioned above in that there are many different styles to pick from.

You’ll find metal lounge chairs, dining chairs, and everything in between. Metal chairs are usually fairly reasonably priced, too. There are some more expensive options that are very ornate, but you’ll be able to find affordable metal patio chairs as long as you take the time to look. They will look really nice and can stand up to regular use without having any problems.

The patio dining chair that is being shown here is a perfect example of a simple and durable patio chair. You can get chairs like this without having to pay too much money, and they will be reliable.

The chairs may lack the visual flair of some of the more ornate options, but they certainly are charming in their own right. This is a great option when you are on a budget and need some patio chairs that you can count on.

4. Wicker Patio Chairs

Wicker is a material that is really appealing to many people. It has a unique look to it that really draws the attention of the eye. There are all sorts of wicker patio sets available for you to consider. If you want to go with a theme for your patio, then thinking about going with wicker is a good idea.

Some people worry about whether wicker chairs are going to be able to stand the test of time. It is true that some wicker furniture is more delicate than others. If you make sure that you are buying a sturdy set of wicker furniture, then you shouldn’t have to worry. It can actually be made to be quite strong, so you shouldn’t have to feel concerned about it breaking down on you.

This set of wicker chairs here is going to be very appealing to those who want something that stands out. The chairs have rounded frames, and they come in many different colors. You’ll be able to go with the traditional white wicker option, or you can choose something a bit different, such as turquoise.

Whatever option you decide to go with will be convenient, as these chairs are lightweight and easy to use. They will still be sturdy enough to allow you to use them on your patio without fretting, and moving them around will always be a breeze.

5. Patio Chair Swings

Buying a swing for your new patio is going to be a really appealing option. Most people think of swings as something that should go on a porch, but many people like to make use of them in their patio areas.

You will be able to have a nice hanging chair swing even if your patio doesn’t have a roof over the top it. There are patio chair swings on the market that come with their own roof and support system.

Options such as this really make it simple for you to enjoy a porch swing no matter where you want to put it. This makes it perfect for a patio environment that is placed quite far away from your main house. It will work in any space where you decide to use it. The look of this swing is fantastic, too, as it is made out of beautiful teak wood.

This swing here will allow you to seat two people comfortably. It has a weight capacity of two hundred pounds, so it should work out well for most couples. The frame is incredibly strong, and you shouldn’t encounter any issues if you decide to purchase this patio chair swing. It’s a nice chair that will let you swing and relax during a nice summer day.

6. Patio Lounge Chairs

Lounge chairs are among the most popular types of patio chairs on the market. These chairs are a little bit longer than normal chairs, making them perfect for stretching out a little bit. Many people use these types of patio chairs to get a little sun during the summer months. They can make for a perfect seat while you are trying to work on your tan.

As you might expect, there are many types of patio lounge chairs for you to peruse. You can find patio lounge chairs that are made out of a variety of different materials.

Real wooden patio lounge chairs are quite popular, and they typically come with ornate cushions to make things really comfortable. The patio lounge chairs being shown here are made out of a durable wicker that is made to withstand all types of weather conditions.

These rugged patio lounge chairs will be perfect for those who want to be able to leave their furniture out during all times of the year. The material is capable of withstanding extreme weather without being negatively impacted.

If you want to have chairs that look great and will work well in any type of outdoor setting, then look no further. These are comfortable chairs that will please just about anyone who is looking for quality patio furniture.

7. Patio Benches

Patio benches may not be considered to be pure chairs by many people, but they are certainly a prevalent type of patio furniture. Bench seating can be very convenient for a number of reasons.

When you have a nice set of patio benches, it will allow you to seat many more people than you would be able to with most traditional chairs. If you regularly host large groups of people on your patio, then it is a good idea to look into getting some patio benches.

There are a number of people who use patio benches to help accentuate other patio chairs, as well. You should be able to find plenty of patio furniture sets that will contain patio chairs and benches that will match each other. You can also find patio benches that are made out of the same or similar materials to your chairs. Whatever route you decide to go should work out just fine.

You should also note that there are two different styles of patio benches to consider. There are patio benches that look like chairs and are simply longer. These are more akin to the park benches that you will see at most national parks throughout North America. Then, there are table benches that are rectangular and long.

Rectangular patio benches are excellent for seating multiple people. If you are going to be hosting many parties on your patio, then you may want to consider buying a bench like the one shown here. This patio table bench is going to work perfectly to provide table seating for your guests. It will feel both comfortable and spacious, making it worth your consideration.

8. Patio Rocking Chairs

Rocking chairs are actually quite popular for patio areas too. If you like the classic vibe that rocking chairs give off, then you will be able to find plenty of good options for your patio.

There are classic-looking wooden rocking chairs that look like something your grandmother would own, as well as more modern rocking chairs. The modern options will come in a variety of different colors and styles.

Wicker is quickly becoming one of the preferred materials for these patio rocking chairs. It helps to make the chairs feel very welcoming and can be paired with many different cushion colors. The rocking chair shown here is one of the wicker models, and it has some variations for you to consider. Depending on your desires, you will be able to pick from several types of cushions.

A good rocking chair is going to be able to help your patio area feel cozier than ever. These chairs do an excellent job of making your patio seem welcoming and familiar.

If you want to add a touch of down-home charm to your patio, then buying a good rocking chair is highly recommended. You’ll be able to buy one at a good price, and it will certainly look great on your patio.

9. Patio Dining Chairs

Patio dining chairs are generally meant to be used around a patio table. These are the types of chairs that people use for dinner parties. They are very nice, and you should be able to fit many of them around a table setting. These chairs can often be bought in large sets and sometimes may even come with a patio table included.

If you want everything to look as nice as possible, then it is recommended to purchase a set. This will ensure that all of your patio chairs and the table itself are going to match. Ensuring that the aesthetic appeal of your patio is as high as possible is good. People care about the look of the patio just as much as they care about comfort.

The set being shown here will do a good job of providing you with a comfortable place to eat on your patio. It is a durable set that will stand up to use, and it looks really nice overall. This is a bistro-inspired set that would not look out of place in a patio cafe outside of Paris. It can provide your patio area with the charm that you have been looking for and is worth taking a look at if you’re in need of a full patio dining set.

If you simply want a couple of patio dining chairs, and you already own a table, then it shouldn’t be too tough to find matching chairs. Just do your best to match the material of your table with the patio chairs.

If you own a patio table that is made of teak wood, then you will want to look for chairs that are made out of teak wood. Things will look better when they match, so it is worthwhile to take the time to find the right chairs to fit your setting.

10. Patio Stacking Chairs

Patio stacking chairs are made in a very particular fashion. They can be stacked on top of each other to make things more convenient. You will find that some people don’t have as much patio space as they would like. It may not be convenient to leave all of the patio chairs out at all times when you have limited space.

When you aren’t using your patio chairs, you will be able to stack them up neatly. The chairs can be stacked fairly high, and you can place them up against a wall. Your chairs should look very neat and orderly when they are stacked in this fashion. It will make it so that you will have more space when you need it, while still having available seating when you have company over.

The convenient nature of patio stacking chairs has made them quite popular. These will be among the most common types of patio chairs that people purchase. The chairs are usually rather low in price, making them an affordable purchase for just about anyone. They will fit within your budget and can still look quite nice.

This set of patio stacking chairs being shown here is no exception. This is a set of four patio stacking chairs that actually looks quite stunning. Wicker chairs such as this will definitely add to the visual appeal of your patio set, and they come with really comfortable cushions that will please all of your guests. Stacking the chairs will always be simple, and you’ll have the proper patio chair solution that you have been looking for.

11. Hammock Chairs

Hammock chairs used to be a bit of an oddity several years ago. In recent years, hammock chairs have really begun to surge in popularity. There is a general rise in interest when it comes to hammocks in general. The hammock chairs that are on the market are very interesting looking, and they can provide you with a unique seating arrangement on your patio.

There are several types of hammock chairs on the market that will work well outdoors. These chairs can differ wildly in the way that they look, too. There are chairs that are suspended from patio roofs, chairs with their own suspension base, and even variances in the materials used to make these things. You’ll definitely have plenty to think about if you want to buy a hammock chair for your patio.

The hammock chair that is being shown here is going to require you to hang it from a roof or a very sturdy awning. If you do not have anything like this over the top of your patio, then you will want to seek out a hammock chair that comes with its own base.

This option here is very appealing for the people who can make use of it, though. It will be a great place for you to get a nap on a sunny and breezy day if you are so inclined.

Be sure to check the recommended weight limits of these hammock chairs before moving forward with your purchase. These chairs are generally very safe, but you do not want to exceed the weight limit of the hammock chair.

This could lead to breaking the chair and potentially injuring yourself. It is worthwhile to buy a chair that is going to work right for your specific size requirements, so do be mindful of your purchase.

12. Adirondack Chairs

Adirondack chairs are pretty much just wooden chairs that have a distinct visual design. These chairs slope downwards, so you going to be sitting in them pretty deeply. Many people like the look of these chairs, with their legs going backward to create what looks like a ramp. A chair like this can make for a perfect accent chair if you are in need.

Sometimes people like to buy these chairs with extra features, as well. You can find Adirondack chairs on the market that have cup holders included with them. There are also chairs that are designed to seat two people instead of just one. They’re pretty versatile overall, and you’ll like the look of the chairs if you are in the mood for something unique.

The chair that is being shown here is available in several different colors. The standard color is dark brown, but it will also be available in red, white, green, blue, walnut, gray, and navy blue. It strikes an impressive figure when placed in the right patio setting. These chairs are definitely unique, so if you need a chair that stands out, this one will fit the bill.

Keep in mind that these chairs may not be comfortable for certain types of people. Adirondack chairs sit pretty low to the ground, and they can be a bit difficult to get into and to get up from. They may not be suitable for elderly individuals who have certain difficulties.

Those who weigh a little bit more than average may also find these chairs to be difficult to use, so keep this in mind when you are weighing your options.