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How to Choose Outdoor Armchairs for Your Patio
Australian outdoor spaces need outdoor armchairs that combine durability with comfort. The current range covers standalone pieces through to complete outdoor armchair sets, built with weather-resistant materials and UV protection. Style matters, but a well-chosen outdoor armchair with cushions gives you comfort across the seasons. Manufacturers use hardwoods and rust-resistant metals engineered for Australian conditions — your outdoor furniture stays strong against sun, humidity and salt air through every season.
Take time to assess your outdoor space before choosing the right outdoor armchair. A proper assessment gives you a clear picture of how your chosen furniture fits, works, and integrates with your outdoor living area's design.
Assessing Your Available Area
Precise measurements are the foundation of a well-organised outdoor space. Map out the dimensions of your patio, balcony or garden area where you plan to place your outdoor armchairs. You need about 60 cm of table space per person for comfortable dining. The space requirements for movement are:
- At least 91 cm of clearance in high-traffic areas, though 122 cm works better
- 122 cm between a barbecue and furniture keeps everyone safe
- 61 to 91 cm of access space around seating
Your space's shape should guide your furniture choice. Square spaces work better with round arrangements, while long, narrow areas suit rectangular layouts. The footprint needed depends on whether your outdoor armchair stands alone or belongs to a set. Browse the full outdoor armchairs range to compare individual chairs and matched sets side by side.
Considering Sun, Shade and Weather Exposure
Australia's climate creates unique challenges for outdoor furniture placement. Warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters make positioning a vital factor. Place your outdoor armchairs strategically to catch natural shade during peak heat.
UV radiation breaks down fabric fibres faster, fades colours and weakens furniture finishes. Rain and humidity can lead to mould and mildew growth. Here's how to protect your outdoor armchair and cushions:
- Place furniture under existing shade when possible
- Install umbrellas, pergolas or retractable awnings for extra protection
- Choose UV-rated fabrics like solution-dyed acrylic or olefin that block significant UV radiation
- Pick darker coloured fabrics as they block more UV rays than lighter ones
It's worth noting that coastal areas speed up furniture wear due to salt air, which causes rust and surface damage. Smart positioning matters just as much as material choice.
Balancing Function and Aesthetics
Well-designed outdoor spaces blend practicality with visual appeal. Your outdoor area's main purpose — dining, relaxation or entertaining — should guide your decisions.
Zone division can maximise your outdoor space. Your outdoor armchairs help create distinct areas for different activities. Large pots with tall plants make natural room dividers and add greenery. For example, outdoor armchairs around a fire feature create conversation areas or frame a view.
Australian outdoor living benefits from versatile furniture. Look for outdoor armchairs that adapt to different settings — including recliners that work for both dining and relaxation. Adaptable furniture lets your space shift smoothly from morning coffee to evening entertainment.
The most inviting outdoor spaces feel like natural extensions of indoor living areas. Select outdoor armchair Australia options that match your home's style and stand up to local weather. Your outdoor space becomes a functional retreat that meets practical needs while looking well-composed.
Types of Outdoor Armchairs to Consider
Your choice of outdoor seating can reshape the look of your exterior living space. Each chair style brings its own mix of comfort, form and usefulness to your outdoor area.
Lounge armchairs
Outdoor lounge armchairs give you spacious dimensions and deep-seat comfort suited to long periods of relaxation. These chairs come with deep seating and padded, supportive cushions built for extended sitting.
The most comfortable outdoor lounge chairs feature padded seats and backs made from materials that breathe and clean easily. You'll find modern designs with ergonomic curves that support both form and comfort. A wide-fit lounge chair is well suited to lazy afternoons on the patio.
Outdoor armchair with cushion
Cushioned outdoor armchairs put comfort first without giving up durability. Quality options come with long-lasting cushion fillings that hold their comfort over time. Modern designs often include removable covers — you can clean them quickly by giving them a hose down when needed.
Your cushion's quality makes a big difference in how comfortable you'll be. Look for chairs with water-repellent materials that resist fading and last across many seasons. The best-designed outdoor armchairs combine soft cushioning with good support, using carefully shaped cushions built for lasting comfort. Replacement pads and add-ons are available in the outdoor chair cushions range.
Outdoor armchair set options
Matching outdoor armchair sets create unified exterior living spaces. You can typically buy single armchairs or complete lounge sets — this helps you match your space needs exactly.
Position your armchair set around something central — like coffee tables or fire pits. This creates a focused purpose in your outdoor area. Clean frame lines paired with plush cushions strengthen the style while keeping things comfortable.
For complete outdoor entertaining, think about sets that include matching side tables. These well-designed groups keep your outdoor living area looking balanced while providing comfortable seating for family and guests. Pair them with the outdoor side tables range to complete the setup.
Choosing the Right Materials
Your outdoor armchair's lifespan and performance depend heavily on the materials you choose. The right materials look considered, last long and stay easy to maintain in your local climate.
Aluminium vs timber vs wicker
Aluminium makes a strong choice for outdoor armchairs because it's light, corrosion-resistant and needs very little maintenance. It works particularly well near the coast where salty air usually degrades furniture quickly. You just need some soap and water now and then to keep aluminium looking good. Powder-coated aluminium resists scratches well and comes in many colours to match your outdoor space. For the full range, browse outdoor aluminium armchairs.
Timber adds natural warmth and classic character to outdoor areas. Hardwoods like teak have natural oils that resist moisture, rot and pests. Timber needs more care than aluminium — you'll need to oil or seal it regularly to keep it looking its best. Many people prefer the silver-grey patina that untreated teak develops over time. See the outdoor timber armchairs range for teak and hardwood options.
Synthetic wicker gives you the woven look of natural wicker but stands up much better to weather. Natural wicker isn't suited for outdoors, but synthetic versions handle sun, rain and temperature changes well. This makes it a solid pick for outdoor furniture sets, especially where you have lots of rain or humidity. The outdoor wicker armchairs range covers a variety of weave and colour options.
Low-maintenance vs natural finishes
Think about how much time you want to spend on maintenance when picking materials. Aluminium, synthetic wicker or concrete are strong choices if you want something easy to care for. These materials just need a quick clean every now and then. Rope frames are another low-maintenance option — see the outdoor rope armchairs range.
Natural materials look distinctive but need more regular attention. Wooden outdoor armchairs need treatment to slow weather damage, and teak needs oil occasionally to hold its honey-brown colour. Without this care, teak slowly develops a silver-grey patina.
The key to a good outdoor armchair choice is finding the right balance between look and upkeep. That way you'll enjoy your furniture instead of feeling burdened by maintenance.
Comfort and Ergonomics Matter
Comfort is central to choosing your outdoor armchair. Even the most attractive pieces become useless if you find yourself shifting uncomfortably after sitting for just a few minutes. Your outdoor seating's ergonomic design determines how much you'll actually use it.
Seat depth and back support
Most outdoor armchairs work best with a seat depth of 51 to 56 cm. This lets people of different heights sit comfortably upright. A depth of 58 to 61 cm gives you a more enveloping feel if you prefer to lounge. Back support makes a real difference — look for backrests that measure 30 to 41 cm above the seat level. Ergonomically designed outdoor furniture supports your natural posture and reduces strain when you relax for long periods.
Armrest design and usability
Well-designed armrests boost comfort and make chairs more useful. A good height for armrests is 18 to 23 cm above the seat level — this gives your elbows natural support. Wide, padded armrests add extra support and make relaxing easier, especially if you spend hours in your outdoor space.
How to test for long-term comfort
The best way to know if a chair will stay comfortable is to try it yourself. When checking out outdoor armchairs in Australia, sit in them for at least five minutes. Pay attention to:
- Your feet should rest flat on the ground with comfortable knee angles
- Your back should naturally touch the backrest
- The seat depth should let you sit back while keeping a slight knee bend
Chairs should be at least 56 cm wide if you're tall or broad. Your chair needs to support good posture while letting you relax. Well-designed ergonomic outdoor furniture helps improve your posture, reduces back pain and puts less stress on your joints.
Styling and Matching with Your Outdoor Décor
Your outdoor space needs a considered blend of armchairs that suit the surroundings. A well-composed exterior space brings individual elements together rather than just grouping matching pieces.
Coordinating with existing furniture
Exact matches aren't necessary to create a well-put-together outdoor space. You can unite different pieces through a shared element — a colour, material or style. For example, white cushions can tie mismatched furniture together, while similar wood tones work well with furniture of many styles. A coat of spray paint can help existing pieces match your current outdoor armchairs.
Creating a cohesive outdoor lounge area
Good outdoor spaces feel like part of your home. You can achieve this by using similar colours, tones and materials both inside and out. Outdoor rugs, planters or a single step down help create distinct zones. These subtle boundaries let you mix different outdoor armchair styles while keeping the overall look unified.
Positioning around tables or fire pits
Fire pit seating works best when armchairs mirror the pit's shape, creating an inviting conversation area. Place chairs about 120 to 150 cm from the fire to stay safe and comfortable. Tables need at least 1 metre of clearance around them so people can pull out chairs and move freely.
Choosing the right outdoor armchair depends on several factors. Your outdoor space needs furniture that's both durable and comfortable while matching your home's style. A good understanding of your space, sun exposure and practical needs will help you make smart buying decisions.
The type of armchair you pick can substantially improve how you enjoy your outdoor living — you might want lounge chairs, casual seating, cushioned options or hanging designs. Your choice of materials will determine how long the furniture lasts. Aluminium needs little upkeep, timber adds natural warmth, and synthetic wicker brings both classic looks and modern durability.
Never compromise on comfort. Look for the right seat depth, back support, quality cushions and well-designed armrests that will keep you comfortable for hours. It's best to try out chairs before buying to make sure they'll stay comfortable.
Your outdoor space should hold together nicely through coordinated colours, textures and smart furniture placement. Everything doesn't need to match exactly, but some common elements will create a harmonious look across your outdoor areas.
More About Our Outdoor Armchair Collection
Explore Remarkable Outdoor Living's outdoor armchair collection. The range offers comfortable outdoor chairs across a variety of materials, engineered for Australian conditions. Choose from a range of colours and sizes. Visit one of our showrooms across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast to see the pieces in person.
A versatile set of outdoor armchairs is central to creating usable outdoor spaces. Our outdoor armchairs suit solo relaxation, giving you a spot to unwind and enjoy quiet moments alone. The comfortable armrests provide good support, making it easy to settle in with a book or take in the surroundings. At Remarkable, the range includes occasional chairs, outdoor dining chairs and more, all built for durability.
Choose from a variety of materials, including aluminium, rope, timber and wicker. Our outdoor armchairs work well across a wide range of settings — by the pool, on the patio, on a balcony, in the garden, on your deck, lawn or backyard. For compact balconies specifically, browse the outdoor balcony chairs range.
Explore the full outdoor armchair range and match it with the outdoor furniture that fits your space.
Available Colours: Anthracite, Beige, Bianco, Charcoal, Corallo, Light-Brown, Light-Grey, Mustard, Natural, Red, Salice, Salice Green, Senape, Taupe, Tortora, White, Wood-Look
Note: Available colours may vary with removals and additions of new furniture.
Wide Applications: Poolside, Patio, Balcony, Garden, Deck, Lawn, Beach, Backyard, and more.
Visit Our Showrooms
Ordering our outdoor furniture is simple with our secure online purchasing system. If you prefer to see the quality firsthand, visit any of our 7 outdoor furniture showrooms across NSW, VIC and QLD. Showrooms are located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. At each location, our team members are ready to help with your outdoor furniture needs.
At Remarkable Outdoor Living, we offer more than just outdoor armchairs — we showcase a comprehensive range of outdoor furniture for your outdoor living spaces. The selection includes Outdoor Lounges, Outdoor Chairs & Benches, Outdoor Tables, Outdoor Dining Sets, Outdoor Bar & Balcony Furniture, Outdoor Daybeds & Sun Lounges, Outdoor Umbrellas, and Outdoor Cushions & Accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an outdoor armchair last?
A well-built outdoor armchair delivers extended service life, depending on the materials used and the care it receives. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and applying protective coatings, helps extend its lifespan.
What makes an outdoor armchair comfortable?
Comfort in an outdoor armchair comes from the right combination of materials, cushioning and ergonomic design. Look for chairs with weather-resistant cushions, supportive armrests and a design that promotes good posture. Adjustable or reclining features can also add to the comfort level.
How to choose the right outdoor armchair for your space?
When choosing an outdoor armchair, consider the chair's material, size and style in relation to your outdoor space. Materials like teak, aluminium and synthetic wicker are durable options. Also, think about how the chair will complement your existing outdoor furniture and décor.
What's the best material for outdoor armchairs?
Teak, aluminium and synthetic wicker are popular due to their weather resistance, durability and minimal maintenance requirements.
Do outdoor armchairs need maintenance?
Yes, depending on the material. Timber needs oiling, wicker needs cleaning, and metal may require rust prevention (although our lightweight yet strong aluminium delivers durability and resistance to corrosion and weather damage). Whatever material you choose, regular care will extend its lifespan. For detailed instructions, including recommended methods and tips, visit our Expert Care Guide. There you'll find cleaning methods and maintenance advice to keep your furniture in top condition.
Are outdoor armchairs suitable for coastal areas?
Yes, but opt for rust-resistant materials like aluminium or treated timber. Regular maintenance helps protect against salt and moisture damage.