Seven outdoor chairs that will make you excited for summer days

While the sun momentarily showed its face last weekend, there’s a definite warmth in the air that’s making us think of weekend afternoons and long, summery evenings spent in the garden. After that winter, who can blame us? We’ll need somewhere to sit, so naturally we’ve been eyeing up some outdoor chairs. From practical dining chairs for barbecues to laid-back lounging, we’ve rounded up our favourite finds below.

Sleek Seats 

Guaranteed to withstand years of whatever an Irish summer can throw at them, these Ikea chairs are made from lightweight, rust-proof aluminium. Their curved design is both stylish and functional, as they can be easily stacked during the colder months. Tunholmen chairs, €60 each and table €79. ikea.com

Playful Pattern

Infinitely cooler than the rickety plastic chairs that populate Irish gardens across the country, the woven geometric design of these Anthropologie chairs will make your patio the envy of all the neighbours. Their low style is relaxed enough for solo afternoon lounging, but still suitable for those warm evenings that turn into impromptu barbecues. Bombatta chairs, around €322 each, Marrakech side table, around €282. anthropologie.com

Retro Relaxing 

A classic for a reason, Habitat have updated the director’s chair with some colourful fabrics, which are also sold separately so you can change up how they look. Their foldable design means that they’re easy to store, and the fabric can be washed to keep them looking fresh. Africa oak director’s chair, around €55 and extra cotton slings, around €9 each. habitat.co.uk

Minimal Mood 

The 13Eighty armchair by Hay is named after the number of tiny holes in its moulded polypropene shell. They not only allow rainwater to drain away, but create interesting effects and shadows in different light. €229. hay.dk

Weave it out

The clever braided design of this chair not only looks beautiful, but is weatherproof, while being softer than many rigid outdoor chairs. Available in black or olive green from KSL Living, it’ll have you looking for any excuse to take five minutes to relax in the garden. Armchair in metal and polyester, €498. ksl-living.fr

Hanging around

Forget inviting friends around, this chair’s only for you. We can’t think of a better way to spend a summer afternoon than gently swaying in this rattan cocoon. Round hanging chair €499. home-lust.com

Garden Graphics

With colours that will remind you of a Mediterranean holiday, add some summer shades to your outdoor space with the Copa garden dining chairs. Made from weatherproof polyethylene woven onto a steel frame, they’re sturdy as well as stylish. Set of two, around €206, and Copa garden dining table, around €344. made.com

Featured image: Tituna Rocking Chair, gandiablasco.com