11 best sun loungers: relax in style with these affordable recliners

The best sun loungers and most stylish daybeds for enjoying the summer sun; create resort-style relaxation in your own garden

A curved wooden sun lounger on a gravelled patio
(Image credit: Habitat)

The best sun loungers on the market can transform your outdoor space into a resort-style retreat and deliver some serious relaxation when the sun comes out. 

And as we know, sunshine in the UK can often be fleeting, so it can be wise to find the best sun lounger for your garden ahead of time, before the warm weather hits and we just want to be outside with our feet up!

As such we've rounded up the Real Homes team's pick of what, in our opinion, are the best sun loungers available online and in-store this year; whether you're looking for a space-saving folding sun lounger, a luxe daybed to recline on in style, or the cheapest sun loungers about for a quick and affordable garden update. We've also added a list of the retailers who currently have the widest selections of sun loungers in stock.

Don't forget to check out our guide to the best garden furniture to get the rest of your outdoor furniture ready for summer, but if you're ready to kick back and relax, read on to find the best sun lounger for you.


The best sun loungers

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Ready to get shopping? Here's the Real Homes edit of the best sun loungers you can shop today, with options for every budget and outdoor decor style.

A fun sun lounger with lemon print fabric

(Image credit: Habitat)

1. Habitat Folding Metal Sun Lounger

A fun sun lounger on a budget: an affordable option in a range of colours and prints

Specifications

RRP: £38
Size: H24 x W53 x L186cm
Materials: Polyester & metal
Folding: Yes
Colour options: Multiple

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Folding for space-saving storage
+
Three recline positions
+
Lay on your front or back
+
Multiple colourways

Reasons to avoid

-
No wheels

If you're looking for an affordable sun lounger that can easily be packed up and stored away when it's not in use, then this budget option from Habitat is high on our radar.

It offers three reclining positions and comes in a wide array of stylish colours and prints, including a tropical foliage print, quirky illustrated leopard design, and this fun and playful lemon print, as well as more muted black, grey, and monochrome geometric prints.

You will need to make sure it's stored somewhere dry over winter, but the foldable design makes for space-saving storage and at under £40 it's definitely one of the cheapest sun loungers we've come across.


A terracotta red sun lounger

(Image credit: Maisons Du Monde)

2. Maisons Du Monde Hurghada Aluminium Sun Lounger

A great all round sun lounger: style, function and affordability in one

Specifications

Size: H49 x W51 x L174cm
Materials: Epoxy-coated aluminium and plastic-coated canvas
Folding: Yes
Colour options: Black, khaki, terracotta, turquoise

Reasons to buy

+
Good value
+
Folding for space-saving storage
+
Five recline positions
+
Lay on your front or back
+
Rust-resistant and lightweight aluminium frame
+
Four stylish colourways

Reasons to avoid

-
No wheels

For resort-style sunbathing at an affordable price point, this contemporary sun lounger is hard to beat. 

Made from waterproof, UV-resistant polyester with a lightweight rust-resistant aluminium frame, it's perfect for the poolside (or paddling-pool side), or for soaking up some rays in the garden.

The backrest has five adjustable positions to ensure you can find just the right angle for book reading or full-on horizontal lounging, and the folding design makes for easy transportation and space-saving storage. 

Plus, there are four great colour options to choose from; classic black, blend-into-the-foliage khaki green, bright turquoise, and on-trend terracotta. Overall a great option to achieve a high-end look without the accompanying price tag. 


A rattan-effect daybed with cream cushions

(Image credit: Gardenline)

3. Gardenline Rope Effect Snug Seat

A stylish daybed: made for lounging in style

Specifications

RRP: £249.99
Size: H78 x W125 x D137.5cm
Materials: PE-rattan & metal
Folding: No
Colour options: Natural

Reasons to buy

+
Stylish design
+
Comfortable lounging space

Reasons to avoid

-
An investment
-
Bulky to store
-
Not necessarily long enough to lay flat

Although technically this may not be a sun lounger, you can definitely lounge in the sun on it, and look particularly stylish whilst you do so. 

A part of Aldi's super on-trend and relatively affordable garden furniture collection, this decadent daybed blends a natural-look PE-rattan frame with luxurious cream cushioning to create a snug seat we would be more than happy to pile onto.

The chair comes with all five cushions included so you can easily make yourself comfortable, and although the taller amongst us may not be able to lay completely flat, you can still do a very good job of relaxing on this Scandi-inspired seat.

Just bear in mind that you might need a fairly large shed or garage for over-wintering this number, although personally we'd be happy to give it pride of place indoors for the off-season.


A modern curved wood sun lounger

(Image credit: Habitat)

4. Habitat Rolio Sun Lounger

A contemporary sun lounger to create a sculptural statement

Specifications

RRP: £250
Size: H62 x W72 x D189cm
Materials: Acacia wood & galvanised metal
Folding: No
Colour options: Wood

Reasons to buy

+
Statement design

Reasons to avoid

-
No wheels
-
You can't lay on your front
-
An investment
-
Bulky to store

If you want a sun lounger that you'll be happy to leave out on show at the end of the garden, then this collaboration between David and Harry Rich – past winners of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and presenters of BBC One's Garden Rescue – and Habitat gets our seal of approval. 

Inspired by the rolling hills of the Rich brothers' native Wales, the stylish curved shape is not only ergonomically designed for reclining but also lends a sculptural quality to the patio with its statement design, combining galvanised metal and slatted acacia wood to great effect. 

Will you want to add some cushions for extended sunbathing? Probably. Will you miss being able to roll over onto your front? If you're a dedicated sun worshipper then you may well want a more practical option that's geared towards getting the best angles for the sun, but if aesthetics are your key consideration, then this option definitely delivers.


A black sun lounger with an adjustable headrest and sunshade

(Image credit: Songmic)

5. SONGMICS Foldable Sun Lounger

A folding sun lounger with sunshade: a versatile and affordable option

Specifications

RRP: £59.99
Size: H29.5 x W53 x L193cm
Materials: Polyester & metal
Folding: Yes
Colour options: Black, grey, light grey, taupe

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Folding for space-saving storage
+
Four recline positions
+
Adjustable sunshade
+
Adjustable headrest
+
Lay on your front or back
+
Multiple colourways

Reasons to avoid

-
No wheels

This sun lounger has all the practicality and affordability of the first choice on our list, plus some added extras; namely the adjustable headrest and adjustable sunshade designed to cut out the glare. 

Yes, you can invest in one of the best garden parasols to cut out the sun, but having the option to shade your book as you read, or to combat the full sun on your face without hauling a patio umbrella around scores big on usability for us.

On top of that this design is foldable for easy storage and has four adjustable positions of recline for getting super comfortable. Plus, there are four great neutral colour options to choose from.


A rattan-effect sun lounger with dark grey cushions

(Image credit: Keter)

6. Keter Daytona Rattan Effect Sun Lounger

An affordable rattan-effect sun lounger: cushions included

Specifications

RRP: £175
Size: H26 x W65 x D195cm
Materials: PE-rattan & metal
Folding: No
Colour options: Dark grey

Reasons to buy

+
Relatively affordable rattan sun lounger
+
Four recline positions
+
Padded cushions included
+
Lay on your front or back

Reasons to avoid

-
No wheels

If you want to really get comfortable outdoors then this stylish rattan-effect sun lounger comes with plenty of padding thanks to its three-part full-length cushion.

There are four recline positions to ensure you can create just the right angle for snoozing in the sun, reading a book, or sipping a nice cold drink, and the simple and timeless design will blend easily into a wide range of garden styles.

The PE-rattan upper also makes for a low-maintenance option that requires very little upkeep, although to protect the metal frame it's best to store the lounger under cover over winter. Storage is made easier by the three-part design that allows you to dismantle the sun lounger sections for more space-saving storage.


A black sun lounger with wheels

(Image credit: Maisons Du Monde)

7. Maisons Du Monde Solar Sun Lounger

A modern sun lounger with wheels: practical and stylish design

Specifications

RRP: £150.50
Size: H44.5 x W71.5 x D193cm
Materials: Plastic-coated padded canvas & aluminium
Folding: No
Colour options: Black, white

Reasons to buy

+
Modern design
+
Stackable for space-saving storage
+
Multi-position recline
+
Lay on your front or back
+
Rust-resistant and lightweight aluminium frame
+
Wheels for easier manoeuvre

Reasons to avoid

-
More bulky than a folding option to store

If you're a serious sun worshipper then you need a sun lounger that makes following the rays as easy as possible, and this lightweight, wheeled option is, for us, one of the most practical and stylish you can buy. 

It's made with an aluminium frame which offers rust-resistance, outdoor durability, and lightweight manoeuvrability, combined with a plastic-coated canvas upper that is easy to wipe clean, resists moisture, and has built-in padding for comfort.

A multi-poisition recline function means getting the right angle is easy, and thin armrests are perfect for a little support whilst you read. 

Although this option doesn't fold, the wheels make taking it in and out of storage a cinch, and if you opt for more than one then the loungers are stackable to save space on the patio when they're not in use.


A grey sun lounger with headrest

(Image credit: Outsunny)

8. Outsunny Folding Sun Lounger with Reading Hole

A sun lounger with reading hole: an ingenious practical solution

Specifications

RRP: £48.99
Size: H36 x W58 x L187cm
Materials: Polyester & powder-coated steel
Folding: Yes
Colour options: Black, grey, taupe, brown, green, blue

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Folding for space-saving storage
+
Four recline positions
+
Padded reading hole
+
Lay on your front or back
+
Multiple colourways

Reasons to avoid

-
No wheels

It may not be the most stylish option to look at, but practicality-wise this sun lounger with a padded reading hole is pretty ingenious. Not only does the 'massage table' style design make lying on your front a lot more comfortable, but the cut-out also means there's no need to put down that beach read once you flip over to tan all sides evenly.

On top of that this sun lounger offers four reclining positions, extra padded cushions, and a foldable construction that makes for space-saving storage and allows you to pack it up easily to take on your summer adventures. 

Opt for neutrals black, grey, chocolate brown, or taupe, or add some summer colour with the bright green or blue options.


A wooden sun lounger with wheels

(Image credit: Charles Bentley)

9. Charles Bentley Acacia Wooden Sun Lounger

An affordable wooden sun lounger: classic good looks at a relatively budget price point

Specifications

RRP: £179.99
Size: H85 x W67 x L200cm
Materials: FSC-certified acacia wood
Folding: No
Colour options: Wood

Reasons to buy

+
Classic style
+
Relatively affordable for a wooden design
+
FSC-certified wood
+
Multi-position recline
+
Wheels for easier manoeuvre
+
Lay on your front or back

Reasons to avoid

-
Bulky to store out of season
-
Will need some maintenance with wood preservative to prolong its lifespan

This wooden sun lounger offers classic good looks at what - for a timber build - is a good value price point. 

The solid acacia wood design may not be quite as long-lasting and durable outdoors as a teak option, but you will save a good few hundred pounds by opting for fast-growing and affordable acacia wood.

The lounger itself offers three reclining positions, a handy pull-out tray for resting your book or a drink, and rear wheels for easier manoeuvre into the sunshine.

Just bear in mind that wood will need a little maintenance to prolong its lifespan - a yearly top-up with wood preservative should do it - and acacia wood will last far longer if stored indoors during inclement weather, so you will need a fairly substantial storage space for over-wintering this recliner.


A rocking sun lounger

(Image credit: VonHaus)

10. VonHaus Rocking Sun Lounger

A rocking sun lounger: soothing motion at an affordable price point

Specifications

RRP: £89.99
Size: H102 x W79 x L210
Materials: Textoline & powder-coated metal
Folding: No
Colour options: Grey

Reasons to buy

+
Rocker
+
Affordable price point

Reasons to avoid

-
Bulky to store

This rocking sun lounger adds an extra dimension to outdoor relaxation, allowing you to sway back and forth, rocking gently into a daydream as the sun beats down.

The modern design with a powder-coated metal base and curved shape makes a sleek and sculptural addition to an outdoor space, with the textoline fabric offering a durable, waterproof, and breathable place to lounge.

Price-wise this also a fairly affordable option, although the design will need a little space for storage out of season.


A padded rattan-effect sun lounger

(Image credit: Homebase)

11. Homebase Folding Rattan Sun Lounger in Grey

A comfortable rattan sun lounger that offers space saving storage

Specifications

RRP: £300
Size: H40 x W60 x D200 cm
Materials: PE-rattan & powder-coated steel
Folding: Yes
Colour options: Grey

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable padding
+
Offers space-saving storage
+
Adjustable backrest

Reasons to avoid

-
No wheels
-
You can't lay on your front
-
An investment

Although you can't fully recline on this sun lounger, the wave-shaped form is designed to offer ergonomic comfort when laying on your back, and thanks to the concertina padding we certainly found it a comfortable spot to lay back and relax. To enable you to get a better angle for reading or sipping that cocktail the backrest also adjusts to allow you to sit up a little straighter.

Rattan garden furniture is always a popular outdoor aesthetic, and this option will make a timeless addition to a wide range of outdoor spaces. Plus, when it comes time to pack away the summer garden furniture then the two-part design, which stacks neatly one section on top of the other, makes for space-saving storage in the garage or shed.


What to consider when shopping for the best sun lounger for your outside space

It's easy to get carried away by the desire to get outside and get comfortable when the sun starts to shine, but considering a few key points before you shop for a sun lounger will likely mean you make a wiser investment. 

First up, storage

Unless you're blessed with a super large outside space, it's unlikely you'll have room to leave your sun lounger set up all year round, and besides, most sun loungers, other than those made of more expensive rust-resistant aluminium or weather-resistant teak wood will need storing indoors during the worst of the winter weather to prolong their lifespan. As such storage requirements are likely to factor into your purchase. 

A folding sun lounger is a great option if storage space – whether in the garage, shed, or indoor in your apartment – is at a premium. And the added benefit of a foldable sun lounger is the ease with which you can pack it up, pick it up, and take it with you to the beach, park, or just easily transport it from storage to your balcony or patio space.

Investing in a (generally more expensive) aluminium-framed option will make a foldable sun lounger yet easier to move thanks to its super lightweight stucure in comparison to powder-coated steel or havier metals.

If you go for a solid sun lounger then it can be worth looking for stackable options to save on storage space, or recliners that dismantle into parts. 

Wheels will also make a solid sun lounger much easier to manoeuvre, whether that's to the shed for storage, or just to follow the rays around the garden.

Next up there are materials to consider. 

A wooden sun lounger makes for a classic look, whether you invest in super durable (and super expensive) teak wood, or a faster growing and therefore more affordable option like acacia wood or eucalyptus. Just bear in mind there will be some maintenance needed to prolong wooden garden furniture's lifespan, so factor in topping up with a wood preservative about once a year.

Most budget sun loungers are made with metal frames, with the cheapest options generally offering a powder-coated steel construction, and more expensive choices built from rust- and weather-resistant aluminium. Aluminium is generally the most durable choice, and benefits from being the much more lightweight metal, whereas more affordable steel will need careful storage to prevent rusting, but usually offers a more budget solution.

Then there's PE-rattan. Rattan garden furniture is always a timeless option for the garden, and the same can be said for a rattan sun lounger. As a plastic, PE-rattan, just like metal, is a low-maintenance solution that doesn't require any upkeep other than a quick brush down or soapy wash occasionally to clean off any dirt. In terms of longevity, its lifespan is largely determined by the metal used to construct the frame; aluminium providing the most outdoor durability, and steel likely to need more protection and storage away from the worst of the elements.

Want more outdoor inspiration? Don't forget to check out our garden ideas page.


How we chose the products for this guide

To find the best sun loungers for this list we lay down on the job to try out some of the most popular designs, dived into the small print to uncover materials and specifications, grilled the Real Homes team for their expert knowledge, asked friends and family for their top-rated products, and took into account third party reviews on retailer websites. Click here to find out more about how we review products on Real Homes.


Amy Lockwood
Decor Editor

After completing a major house renovation, Amy discovered what she had always suspected; that decorating is the best part. She joined the Real Homes team to share her love for all things interior, finally putting all those hours spent agonizing over the best white paint to good use in Real Homes’ carefully researched buying guides, and helping readers to find the best furniture, decor, and furnishings to create the home they've always dreamed of. 

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