The Ultimate Guide to Patio Chairs: How to Choose the Best Outdoor Seating
There’s nothing quite like relaxing in your backyard, sipping a cold drink, and soaking up the sunshine. But to make the most of your outdoor space, you need the right seating. The perfect patio chairs don’t just provide a place to sit—they add comfort, style, and function to your patio, balcony, or backyard retreat. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or curling up with a good book, the right patio furniture chairs make all the difference.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the best outdoor chairs for your space.
1. Consider Your Space
Before diving into styles and materials, start by evaluating your outdoor area. Is it a spacious deck, a compact balcony, or a cozy garden corner? The amount of space you have will help determine the size and number of patio chairs that will work best.
For small spaces, look for stackable or folding options. These can be tucked away when not in use.
Our Echo Chairs feature a sleek, contemporary design made from 100% new polypropylene that’s fade-resistant, easy to clean, and stackable for effortless storage—available in a range of stylish colours that match the Echo stool. The Echo Stool is a true multitasker—use it as extra seating, a side table, a plant stand, or whatever you need. Lightweight and stackable, it's as versatile as it is stylish.
If you have a larger patio, you might consider a mix of seating—such as lounge chairs, dining chairs, or even a pair of swivel rockers—to create a versatile, welcoming setting.
2. Comfort Comes First
The best outdoor chairs don’t just look great—they feel great too. Look for ergonomically designed options with wide seats, supportive backs, and armrests.
The Carlo Patio Armchair features a weather-resistant sling, rust-resistant aluminum frame, and a supportive high back—all in a classic design that’s stackable, easy to clean, and perfectly coordinated with the rest of the Carlo collection.
Cushioned chairs offer an added layer of comfort and are ideal for long, leisurely afternoons outside.
The Axis Spring Club Chair combines a smooth, gentle rocking motion with deep, high-density cushions and a rust-resistant aluminum frame—offering contemporary comfort that coordinates beautifully with the Axis collection in both Brushed Taupe and black.
When it comes to patio chair cushions, choose high-quality, weather-resistant materials like DotBella or Sunbrella® fabrics. These are designed to withstand sun, rain, and the occasional backyard spill, all while maintaining their shape and colour.
3. Pick the Right Materials
Outdoor furniture needs to stand up to the elements, so durability matters. Here are a few popular choices:
Aluminum: Lightweight, rust-resistant, and low-maintenance, aluminum is a top choice for patio furniture chairs that are easy to move and clean.
The Essex Patio Dining Armchair features a durable, rust-resistant aluminum frame with elegant, rolled arms and solid cast components—offering timeless style and lasting comfort that coordinates perfectly with other black framed items.
The Blanca Patio Dining Armchair features a rust-free cast aluminum frame, classic rolled arms, and a sleek black tippet finish—designed to stack easily and coordinate seamlessly with other Black Tippet collections for effortless outdoor dining.
The Belvedere Patio Dining Armchair blends refined style with everyday comfort, featuring a rust-resistant aluminum frame, solid cast components, and a sleek scoop-track arm design—stackable and built to coordinate effortlessly with the full Belvedere collection.
Resin wicker: A stylish and weather-resistant alternative to natural rattan. It offers a cozy look and is built to handle the outdoors.
The Emery Patio Dining Armchair features all-weather resin wicker over a rust-resistant aluminum frame, paired with a plush high-density cushion—stackable, stylish, and designed to coordinate beautifully with the Emery collection and other black frame pieces.
The Metro Patio Armchair combines a sleek curved-arm design with durable all-weather resin wicker and a comfy high-density cushion—perfect for contemporary outdoor spaces. Its the perfect chair for dining or smaller relaxed seating spots and is available in three wicker colours.
Sling: A sling patio chair features flexible mesh fabric attached to an aluminum frame, which forms a simple seat. In some designs, a single piece of material supports the body, while others stretch fabric separately across the back and seat. Some sling chairs also include built-in padding for additional comfort.
The Holiday Patio Dining Armchair features a sleek, weather-resistant sling and rust-resistant aluminum frame with cast components—stackable, easy to clean, and ideal for contemporary dining spaces in any outdoor setting.
The Manhattan Patio Dining Armchair offers sleek, contemporary style with a weather-resistant sling, quick-dry foam, and a rust-resistant aluminum frame—stackable, low-maintenance, and perfect for modern outdoor dining spaces.
The Holland Patio Dining Armchair features a sleek, contemporary design with a weather-resistant sling, rust-resistant aluminum frame, and stainless steel accents—stackable, easy to maintain, and perfect for pairing with Black or Taupe frame collections.
4. Mix Style with Function
Patio chairs should reflect your personal taste while also meeting your needs. Are you creating an outdoor dining area? Look for supportive upright chairs that match your table height. Want a spot to unwind? Lounge chairs, club chairs, and recliners offer deep, relaxed seating.
The Cole Cushioned Patio Club Chair combines a rust-resistant aluminum frame with high-density cushions for added comfort and support—featuring a sleek, contemporary design that pairs perfectly with the Cole collection and other black frame items.
The Denver Cushioned Patio Club Chair features a rust-resistant aluminum frame with unique inset black inner-frame arms, high-density cushions, and a contemporary design—providing both style and comfort that complements the Denver collection.
The Troy Cushioned Patio Club Chair features all-weather resin wicker, a rust-resistant aluminum frame, and high-density cushions, offering a sleek, contemporary design and trendy colours that perfectly coordinates with the Troy collection and other black frame items.
And don’t forget the extras! Swivel bases, gliders, and rockers add a little movement, while accent pillows and throws let you bring in pops of colour and texture.
5. Don’t Forget About Maintenance
Even the best patio furniture chairs need a little TLC. Look for low-maintenance options that are easy to clean with just soap and water. Removable cushion covers are a big plus, especially when they’re machine washable. During the off-season, cover your furniture or store it indoors to extend its life.
The Reel Weave Deep Seating Club Chair features a rust-free cast aluminum frame with rolled arms and a sleek Black Tippet finish, providing both durability and contemporary style. With its high back and wide seating, this chair offers exceptional comfort and coordinates seamlessly with the Reel Weave collection, making it a perfect addition to any outdoor space.
The DotBella Deep Seating Cushions are designed with three layers of high-density foam wrapped in polyester fiber, providing exceptional comfort and support for your outdoor seating. Available in five stylish colors, these cushions are UV, mold, and mildew resistant, with a 5-year limited warranty, making them the perfect addition to enhance both the comfort and appearance of your patio.
Finding the right patio chairs is all about balancing comfort, style, and durability. At Dot Furniture, we offer a wide range of outdoor chairs—from cozy deep seating club chairs to sleek dining styles—all designed with quality materials and thoughtful details. Pair your new seating with plush, weather-friendly patio chair cushions, and your outdoor space is ready for anything—from morning coffee to late-night chats under the stars.
Ready to upgrade your patio? Browse our collection of patio furniture chairs and discover your new favourite seat today!
