There’s a moment on a mild afternoon when an upright chair just isn’t enough. You want to tip back, put your feet up and let the paper slide onto your lap. That’s what garden recliner chairs are for. A good rattan one gives you the comfort of a lounger in the footprint of an armchair, so it fits on a small patio, a balcony or a corner of the lawn where a full sun lounger would be in the way.
They’re also one of the easier pieces of outdoor furniture to get wrong. Recline mechanisms vary a lot, some chairs are far heavier than they look, and thin cushions can turn a lovely idea into a sore back. This guide walks through what matters, so you can pick a chair you’ll actually use from spring right through to the first frosts.
What is a rattan reclining chair?
A rattan reclining chair is an outdoor armchair with a backrest that tilts back, usually through several fixed positions. Most have a woven PE rattan body over a metal frame, a seat cushion and a back cushion. Some add a matching footstool, a pull-out footrest, a padded headrest or a small flip-up side table for your drink.
The idea sits somewhere between a dining chair and a sun lounger. You can sit upright to chat or eat, then lean right back to read or nap. That flexibility is why a pair of them makes such a good alternative to a full lounge set if you’re short on space.
Types of reclining garden chair
Not every reclining garden chair works the same way, and the mechanism affects how easy it is to use day to day.
| Type | How it reclines | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-position backrest | Lever, pull strap or ratchet with 4 to 7 set angles | Everyday lounging and reading |
| Push-back recliner | Lean back and the chair tilts with you, then locks | Quick, easy adjustments without getting up |
| Recliner with footstool | Adjustable back plus a separate ottoman | Feet-up comfort that still packs neatly |
| Recliner lounger | Back drops almost flat with a built-in leg rest | Sunbathing and afternoon naps |
Lever and strap systems are the most common on rattan chairs and tend to be the most reliable, because there’s less to go wrong. Push-back styles are lovely to use but check the reviews for comments on how well they hold their position after a season or two. If you want to lie completely flat, a proper rattan sun lounger will be more comfortable than a recliner pushed to its limit.
How to choose garden recliner chairs
Before you look at colours, sit down (even if only in your head) and think about how you’ll use the chair. These are the points that make the biggest difference.
Recline angles and headrest
More positions isn’t always better, but three to five good ones gives you upright, relaxed and properly laid back. A padded or adjustable headrest matters more than people expect. Without one, your neck takes the strain the moment you lean back.
Seat height and depth
A deeper seat feels luxurious, but a very low, deep chair can be a struggle to get out of, which is worth thinking about for older family members. Check the seat height in the dimensions and compare it with a chair you find easy indoors.
Footrest or footstool
Your feet need somewhere to go when you recline. A built-in footrest is neat; a separate footstool is more flexible and can double as an extra seat or a perch for a tray.
Arms and side table
Wide, flat arms are handy for a mug. A flip-up side table is a nice extra, though it adds a moving part. Wobbly fold-out tables are a common complaint in reviews, so read a few before you decide.
Frame, weave and weight
For a chair that lives outdoors, look for a powder-coated aluminium frame and UV-stable PE rattan. Aluminium won’t rust and keeps the chair light enough to move around the garden to follow the sun. Steel frames are cheaper and feel solid, but they’re heavier and can rust where the coating chips. That matters more on a recliner than on a fixed chair, because the hinges and brackets take a lot of stress.
Check the maximum user weight too. Most rattan recliners list it in the product details, and a chair rated comfortably above the heaviest person who’ll use it will last longer and feel steadier when fully reclined. Wide-set legs or a sled base help stop the chair tipping back on soft lawn.
Weave style is mostly about looks. Flat weave in grey or charcoal feels modern and clean, while round weave in brown or natural tones suits a cottage garden or a conservatory. Our grey rattan guide covers how the different shades age outside.
Comfort: cushions make or break it
On any rattan recliner, the cushions do most of the work. Aim for a seat pad of at least 8 to 10cm. Thinner ones flatten quickly, and on a reclined chair you’ll feel the weave through your back. Look for covers that zip off for washing and quick-dry foam that won’t hold water after a shower.
Remember that showerproof isn’t waterproof. Bring cushions in overnight or keep them in a storage box. If the chair itself is sound but the pads are tired, replacement garden cushions are an easy way to bring it back to life.
As the evenings draw in, a recliner is one of the cosiest spots in the garden. Add a throw, a lantern on the table and a patio heater nearby and you’ll stretch the season well into November. If you have a rattan fire pit table, keep reclined chairs and cushions a sensible distance from the flame and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Gas fire pits are for outdoor use only and should never go under a low canopy.
Single chairs, pairs and sets
Most garden recliner chairs are sold singly or in pairs, sometimes with a small table between them. A pair facing the view is hard to beat on a patio or decking. If you’re also thinking about a hanging seat, compare them with our egg chair guide, since the two suit quite different spaces.
Recliners also work well indoors. A rattan reclining chair in a conservatory gives you somewhere to read on a bright winter morning, and our conservatory furniture ideas show how to mix it with a sofa or bistro set. Prices for good rattan recliners run from around £180 for a single chair to around £600 for a well-specified pair with a table.
The honest downsides? Recliners take up more depth than a normal armchair when tilted back, so allow at least a metre and a half front to back. The moving parts need an occasional check, and you’ll want to fold or upright them before covering for winter.
Looking after a rattan recliner
Brush off leaves and dust, then wash the frame and weave with warm soapy water a few times a year. Our rattan cleaning guide has the full routine. Every so often, check that bolts and hinges are tight and wipe the recline mechanism so grit doesn’t build up.
Over winter, store cushions somewhere dry and use a fitted waterproof cover with a vent so condensation can escape. Our garden furniture covers guide explains how to measure and what fabric to choose, or browse protective covers directly.
Garden recliner chair FAQs
Can rattan recliners stay outside all year?
PE rattan on an aluminium frame can, as long as you bring the cushions in and use a breathable cover through the wettest months. Steel-framed chairs are better stored in a shed or garage.
Are reclining garden chairs comfortable for sleeping?
They’re great for a doze, but most don’t lie fully flat. For a proper nap in the sun, a lounger or day bed is more comfortable.
How much space does a reclining chair need?
Allow roughly 1.5m front to back when it’s fully reclined, plus room to walk past. Measure before you order, especially on a balcony.
Do I need a footstool?
Not always, but your legs will thank you. If the chair has no built-in footrest, a matching footstool makes reclining far more comfortable.
Ready to put your feet up? Browse our hand-picked rattan garden recliner chairs to compare styles, colours and recline options side by side.
