A Chilean lounger or a sun lounger: choosing the right seat for your garden naps

Categories : Garden , Garden furniture , Practical Guides

The sunny days are back, and with them comes that irresistible urge to lie outside, a book in hand or with your eyes closed in the sunshine. But with so many options – from the Chilean lounger to the sun lounger and the classic deckchair – it’s hard to know which model really suits your outdoor space and how you like to relax. At Habitat et Jardin, we’re here to help you sort through the options so you can choose the perfect seat for your afternoon naps, with no nasty surprises on delivery.

Chilienne, sun lounger, deckchair: what are the practical differences?

These three terms are often used interchangeably, yet each type of seat is designed for a slightly different purpose.

A deckchair is a folding lounger, usually without armrests, with a canvas seat stretched over a wooden or metal frame. Its angle is either fixed or adjustable to between 2 and 4 positions, depending on the model. It is the most compact seat and the easiest to carry from a shady spot to a sunny one.

A sun lounger, on the other hand, refers to a long, wide seat designed for lying completely flat or at a very reclined angle. It is often made from exotic wood or woven resin, and sometimes features castors for easy movement to the edge of a swimming pool.

The deckchair, on the other hand, is similar to the Chilean chair but usually has armrests and a slightly more padded seat, sometimes with a removable headrest.

In summary: if your priority is storage and portability, the ‘chilienne’ is the better choice. If you’re looking for the comfort of a proper outdoor lounger to sunbathe for hours on end, the sun lounger is more suitable.

Things to check before buying

1. The space available in your home

A 4 m² balcony and a 200 m² garden require different types of furniture. When folded away, a deckchair can easily be tucked against a wall or stored in a bike shed. A sun lounger, which is often longer (around 190 to 200 cm) and, in the case of some wooden models, cannot be folded away, requires a dedicated storage space, especially in winter.

2. The number of reclining positions

For reading, a semi-upright position is more comfortable than lying completely flat. For sunbathing or having a proper nap, a low or even flat recline is preferable. Multi-position models (often with 3 to 5 settings) offer the greatest versatility if you switch between different uses throughout the day.

3. The frame material

Wood (teak, eucalyptus, acacia): a warm, inviting look; good weather resistance if the wood is treated, but requires annual maintenance (oil or wood sealer).
Aluminium: lightweight, rust-proof, ideal if you move your seating around frequently.
Woven resin: a good balance between appearance and low maintenance, with good resistance to damp.

4. The fabric or seat

Opt for a UV-protected, water-repellent polyester fabric, or Textilene, which is breathable and dries quickly after a shower. Models with removable, washable covers are a real bonus for day-to-day maintenance.

5. Maximum weight capacity

An often-overlooked point: always check the maximum weight specified by the manufacturer, particularly for deck chairs with a slender frame.

Quick comparison table

Criterion	Sun lounger	Sun lounger
Dimensions when folded	Very small	Low to medium
Ease of transport	Excellent	Good (sometimes with wheels)
Comfort when flat	Fair	Excellent
Ideal for	Balcony, small terrace	Poolside, large garden
Maintenance	Simple	Varies depending on the material
Initial budget	Generally more affordable	Often slightly higher

Our advice on use and care

To extend the life of your outdoor seating, a few simple habits are all it takes:

Bring your furniture indoors or cover it in the event of prolonged rain, even if the fabric is advertised as water-repellent.
Clean the fabric with soapy water at least once a season to prevent mould from developing.
For wooden furniture, apply a wood sealer in spring and autumn to preserve its colour and durability.
Store the frame flat or folded away during the winter, away from frost if possible.

How to combine a deckchair and a sun lounger in your outdoor space

There’s no need to stick to just one type of seating. Many of our customers combine a deckchair – which is lighter and easier to move around for reading or enjoying a drink – with a fixed sun lounger set up by the pool for long afternoons’ naps. This combination allows you to create a versatile relaxation area without cluttering the space, whilst adapting to everyone’s preferences depending on the time of day.

When it comes to style, focus on consistency in materials: a light-coloured wooden deckchair blends naturally with a sun lounger in the same shade, whilst a striped or coloured canvas adds a summery touch to a more understated ensemble.

FAQ: your most frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Chilean chair and a sun lounger?

‘Chaise longue’ is a generic term that encompasses the Chilean chair, the deckchair and the sun lounger. The Chilean chair is distinguished by its lack of armrests and its lightness.

Can a Chilean chair be left outside all year round?

It depends on the material. An aluminium frame with water-repellent fabric can be left outside with a protective cover, but it is recommended that untreated wooden models be brought indoors during the winter.

What size sun lounger should you choose for a small terrace?

Opt for a compact model, around 180 cm long, or a foldable version that can be easily stored away when not in use.

Chilienne or deckchair: which is more comfortable for your back?

The deckchair, thanks to its armrests and sometimes padded seat, generally offers better support for prolonged use. The Chilean lounger, however, remains very comfortable for the occasional nap.

Fancy finding the perfect seat for your outdoor space? Discover our selection of deckchairs, sun loungers and recliners at Habitat et Jardin, and filter by material, budget and colour to find the model that suits you best.