5 Outdoor Chairs That Are Anything but Garden Variety

When it comes to finding outdoor chairs for your backyard, it’s easy to default to a wicker or rattan situation, or to opt for durable (read: heavy) metal frames. And for good reason: a Canadian winter season is enough to put any piece of outdoor furniture to the most rigorous of tests. But who are we if not adventurous? Ahead of the spring season ahead, we’re in the mood for outdoor seating that adds a bit more than comfort to our backyards. For those of us lucky enough to have an outdoor space to furnish, part of the fun is getting creative: think colour, texture, and all-around elevated aesthetics — in other words, we want it all. Read on for five of our favourite eye-catching designer outdoor chairs to lounge in all summer long.

Montana Pantonova by Verner Panton

Denmark’s Verner Panton is considered one of the most influential designers of the 20th century — and thankfully, some of his most famous designs are still being produced to this day. The modular wire Montana Pantonova system was designed in 1971, but it continues to make waves in the design world — and it’s made for both indoor and outdoor use, so you can always change your mind. Its organic, flowing shape makes the chair perfect for brightening a drab outdoor situation — and its stainless steel frame will last for years. $2000 at AVG

Statement Modular Lounge Chair by Jardin de Ville

Modular chairs hold an incredible advantage over their peers — they can reinvent themselves in just a few minutes. This minimal outdoor chair can be incorporated into a larger sofa system — its removable backrest also allows it to become a footstool or ottoman. Available in both white and black, the Sunbrella upholstery material used for the cushion and backrest is specially engineered to withstand the elements — even though it has a luxe feel to it, the lounge chair is more impervious than it looks. $2367 at Jardin de Ville

Sam Son Chair by Magis

Magis‘ outdoor seating line is well-known for its whimsicality — think the playful Spun chair, originally designed by London’s Thomas Heatherwick — as well as its lasting charm. For the Sam Son Chair, which comes in grey, red and yellow, comfort is top of mind: the oversized, rounded upper element offers a supportive armrest and backrest. The seat was designed by industrial design pro Konstantin Grcic in 2015. Its sculptural frame is sure to remain a conversation piece in any backyard setting. $995 at Design Within Reach

Lollygagger Chair by Loll Designs

Modelled after a classic Adirondack chair — a Canadian outdoor favourite — the Lollygagger chair is made entirely of recycled plastic (mainly discarded milk jugs) with a UV-resistant covering. It comes in three neutral colours, for easy integration into any backyard colour scheme. Wearing its name well, the lounge chair’s arms also conceal a fun feature — a hidden bottle opener is integrated under the right arm, in case of a beer emergency. $805 at Hauser

Pavilion Outdoor Lounge Chair by CB2

First introduced as part of designer Paul McCobb’s 1952 Pavilion Collection, the Pavilion Outdoor Lounge chair certainly displays mid-century modern airs. its bold red stripes add a pop of colour, evoking a poolside afternoon in the French Riviera, or at a Palm Springs private club. The CB2 exclusive design is versatile enough to fit into most outdoor spaces, and its reversible cushions are guaranteed to last — even against the occasional ketchup spill. $1200 at CB2