With fall right around the corner, it’s hard not to look forward to cool evenings spent outdoors, dining on delicious food and enjoying the company of friends. When it comes to fall entertaining (and of course, fall lounging), comfy seating is a must. But not just any seating–seating that can weather the outdoor elements…

Today we spotlight a slew of garden chairs that have captured our attention. We begin with images of gorgeous outdoor spaces filled with inspiring seating to spark the imagination as you prepare your yard for fall. When it’s time to purchase the chair of your dreams, head on down to the second section of the post. We’ve collected a range of seating options with helpful links should you wish to buy one of our featured pieces. Happy fall, and happy browsing!

Garden Seating Options

If you’re sitting at a desk, take a minute to transport yourself to an enticing outdoor space. Is there a lush lawn? A wide assortment of plants? A soft breeze in the air? Now consider the seating… Are there cushions? Is there sturdy wood? What does your ideal garden seating look like? [from Chicago Green Design Inc.]

Perhaps it’s a sculptural piece that grows more interesting as it’s weathered by the elements over time… [from Kettelkamp & Kettelkamp Landscape Architecture]

Or maybe the garden chairs of your dreams are modern creations that celebrate the best of contemporary design. This is the type of seating that gives your yard a museum-like feel, as shown below with the white Panton Chairs on display. [from Interior Marketing Group]

One helpful strategy: Imagine your favorite indoor seating selections. Are there clean lines and sweeping curves? Is the design ornamental or minimalist? Now imagine taking this look outdoors… [from Leteke Ruypers Volpini via Houzz]

Don’t forget that there are many types of chairs for the taking! Chairs that can be easily folded and transported. Chairs for dining. And chairs for lounging, like the comfy yet stylish selections below… [from Wettling Architects]

Premium construction is of the utmost importance, especially if comfort is something you prioritize. There are plenty of stylish pieces that aren’t too user-friendly. Yet others set the bar high. Below we see four Handcrafted Adirondack Westport Chairs in a garden filled with a variety of succulents. To learn more about the seating, check out this video for additional information.

Then there are chairs that celebrate the element of color, which can be essential for creating an enticing outdoor space. These chairs by Paola Lenti are as colorful as they come! [from Axis Mundi]

Cushions add a luxurious feel to your outdoor seating, but it’s important that they are made to handle the outdoors. The seating below from Janus et Cie inspires us to take off our shoes, grab a book, and sit back for an afternoon of lounging… [from Randy Thueme Design via Houzz]

And when it’s time to eat, there are garden chairs for dining! They come in all shapes and styles, but sometimes keeping it simple is what really counts. Good modern design can speak volumes without being flashy. [from Cary Bernstein Architect]

We are very taken with the idea of colorful metal chairs surrounding a wooden dining table. This look is wonderfully eclectic and unforgettably whimsical. Yellow seating makes its mark on the lovely outdoor space below. [from Beccy Smart Photography]

Garden Chairs to Purchase

From admiring to purchasing… We now showcase a range of chairs that are currently for sale at some of our favorite retailers (all of them include online options). Need something that doesn’t take up too much space? This Compact Folding Lounge Chair from CB2 is handy, stylish, and perfect for a variety of outdoor looks. Clean lines are so versatile, aren’t they?!

If substantial and sturdy are two qualities you admire in outdoor seating, you’ll love the Aspen Lounge Chair from Restoration Hardware. Celebrating Scandinavian artisan design by Søren Rose, this piece features French oak timbers that make an unforgettable statement in any outdoor space.

Ready for seating that’s both modern and undeniably charming? Rustproof aluminum is the material of choice for the Catalina Lounge Chair, available at Restoration Hardware. Not to mention, the aluminum is available in three finishes, including white, as shown below:

Didn’t you know–brass is back?! We’ve been waiting for this material to find its way to outdoor furniture design. Thank goodness for the Montecito Collection from Restoration Hardware, with its ’50s Hollywood look, brass frame and hardy Sunbrella straps!

The Casbah Armless Chair from CB2 can be seen in the image below. Yes, this modular piece is actually on the far left end of the seating, and it can be completely separated from the sofa in the image. With a lounge-y look and a rust-resistant aluminum frame, this selection from Italian design team ivdesign, it is hard to beat!

Speaking of lounging, sometimes you just want to put your feet up, sit back with a good drink, and let your troubles melt away under the warm sun. Why not lounge in style with the Regatta Mesh Chaise Lounge from CB2? A teak frame, mesh inserts and a cleverly disguised pullout tray add both comfort and durability to each chair…

From lounging to dining… This Dune Dining Chair with Sunbrella Taupe Cushion from Crate & Barrel features a stainless steel frame, as well as synthetic mesh that resists mold, stains and fading. We’re loving the gray-on-gray look of this seating…

We end with a classic outdoor chair design that you’ve probably spotted at your favorite cafe. It’s the Rex Arm Chair from CB2. It’s stylish. It’s durable (thanks to a faux wicker construction), and it’s affordable. 3 for 3!

When it comes to garden chairs, what are you on the hunt for? Something for lounging? Something for dining? Something that’s compact yet stylish? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below…