Mad Men may have cajoled some of us into waxing nostalgic for the ’60s, but there are a few things we just can’t abide, like those blazing-hot aluminum folding chairs with crisscross straps. Remember those? And although the lawn chairs of yesteryear might inspire a certain vintage verve, the choices in today’s outdoor perches run the gamut from posh to rustic, laid-back to city-chic, bohemian to ooh-la-la. We asked a few designers to share their favorites, chairs that will keep you sitting pretty all summer long.
Janus et Cie Amari Low Back Lounge Chair
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Castle Design, 7707 Clayton, 314-727-6622, emilycastle.com.
“This is my absolute favorite outdoor chair,” says interior designer Emily Castle. “It’s so comfortable on its own, it doesn’t even need a cushion. I love its sculptural shape. And the woven material, available in bronze or bamboo green, requires very little maintenance.”
HP01 Tafel Table Bench
Centro Modern Furnishings, 4727 McPherson, 314-454-0111, centro-inc.com.
“This table bench does quadruple duty as utilitarian furniture and artistic sculpture for both indoors and out,” says interior designer Renée Céleste Flanders (reneecelesteflanders.com). “Make it the beginning or an addition to your art collection, as it is represented in several museums. Crafted in solid oak or aluminum, it will last forever. A smaller version can be ordered for children.”
KnollStudio Topiary Collection Lounge Chair
Centro Modern Furnishings
“My favorite outdoor furniture line is the Topiary collection by designer Richard Schultz,” says Joni Spear (jonispear.com). “I adore this entire collection because it was handcrafted by the designer to ‘look like shrubs pruned to look like furniture.’ When sunlight shines through the chair’s flowery texture, it makes glorious shadows. It’s like a part of nature.”
Pelican Reef Barbados Patio Orbital Daybed
Gigi Lombrano Interiors, 314-707-7291.
“I love the fun and whimsy of this daybed,” says interior designer Gigi Lombrano. “It’s perfect for a small or large patio, and it creates an instant oasis in which to lounge, nestled up with the latest must-have summer read and be protected from the St. Louis elements. It also adds a great architectural element and is roomy enough for two!”
Hugonet Paris Victoria Collection Armchair
Jacob Laws Interior Design, 314-814-243, jacoblaws.com.
“Since the 1950s, Hugonet Paris has been offering beautiful, architectural, and distinct outdoor and garden furnishings designed by renowned French designers,” says interior designer JACOB LAWS. This armchair is the perfect example of the juxtaposition of a modern take on a classic Chippendale chair. Part accent chair, part dining chair, it’s handsome and versatile, and with more than 24 finish options, it will be a standout.
