Seats of change

Garden chairs need to work hard. They have to look good, feel comfortable and be tough enough to deal with hard knocks, muck and weather. A comfortable chair with a back or cushion will encourage lingering and may even prevent gardeners from leaping up to pull out a weed, stake a delphinium or dead-head a rose. Some chairs can be reconfigured for dining, working, reading or simply sleeping through a summer afternoon. Here’s a selection, including some that are light enough to be moved easily when the weather dictates.

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Nest

Dedon’s architectural Nestrest literally takes garden seating to new heights. The lightweight aluminium frame can be suspended from a tree, making the most of the chairs’ rocking ability. Also available is a floor stand that rotates 360° and allows you to choose between sun, shade, privacy or company. The fibre is woven in such a way as to offer privacy without obscuring the view from inside.

www.dedon.de , from €6,650

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Multifunctional

Benoit Lienart’s amply proportioned, multifunctional chair is wide enough for drinks or a laptop. Lower the backrest into the frame and the chair becomes a table – ideal for serving or for use as a bench. The lacquered MDF seat and arms are available in more than 50 colours so it can be matched to colour schemes inside or out.

www.outdoorzgallery.com , from €1,640

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Pouf

Fashion house Missoni is renowned for its textured knitwear and now its founders, Rosita and Ottavio Missoni, have developed weatherproof chenilles, Lycras and sheer fabrics for their outdoor range, which includes adventurous floral prints and bold stripes that will not fade in sunlight. The fabric is stuffed with polystyrene beads designed to mould to the sitter’s shape. The range includes canopies, chairs, screens, armchairs and loungers.

www.missonihome.it , from €530

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Swing seat

Owner and designer Lizzie Durrant’s “Idler” is built to last. The foldaway stainless steel frame is portable and tough and the marine grade canvas covers can be hosed down or removed for cleaning. The sprung cushions are surrounded by durable coir for added comfort and the swing seat back has three positions for reclining or to sit more upright. Sides can be detached and the adjustable canopy can provide sun or shade. There is a choice of fabric.

www.wilverly.com , from £1,795

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Portable

This light, foldaway chair is made from hard-wearing polypropylene and comes in eight colours. It is designed to hold a constant weight of up to 250 kilos. Chairs can be assembled or taken down in seconds – ideal for seating extra guests. Good enough for year-round use, if not required, a space-saving wall mount allows for the flat storage of up to six.

www.fluxchairs.com , €129

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Wood

Only oak more than a century old produces the clear knot-free wood suitable for steam bending – the process that allows for the sculptural, arched shapes that have become Gaze Burvill’s signature. Oak is strong, durable and produces a natural fungicide – a quick wipe down once a year is all the maintenance required. This Long Sofa in Gaze Burvill’s Splash range is based on a classic Chesterfield shape. Cushions can be supplied but the sofa is comfortable enough without them.

www.gazeburvill.com , from £4,100

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Luminous

Solid bio-resin has been moulded by Smarin to form atmospheric, luminous seats. By day the finish resembles polished jade or agate and the internal lighting illuminates the raindrop shape after dark. The battery-run lamp requires no wiring and the resin is lightweight so the seats are portable. The chairs are available in different sizes with a low table that doubles as a footstool when not used for drinks.

www.smarin.net , from €2,500