The Most Comfortable Outdoor Chair? What 600+ Owners Say
Owner review roundup · Published by Outdoor Nook, which makes and sells the recliners shown
Every outdoor chair says it is comfortable. So we stopped writing the word ourselves and counted how often our customers use it. Of 635 product and company reviews we analyzed in October 2026, 51% mention comfort, more than any other topic. Ninety percent are five-star.
A number like that only helps if you know what people mean by it. So we read what owners actually praise: the cushions, the high back, the recline, the swivel and glide, and how easy the chair is to get out of. We also kept the honest counterpoints, because one person's comfortable is another person's too deep.
“The most comfortable outdoor chair we have ever owned”
1. Cushions that hold their shape
Owners talk about cushions more than any other comfort detail. Ours use high-resilience foam in outdoor-rated, quick-dry fabric, and the seat cushion clips on so the wind can't take it. What owners notice is that the cushions are thick and don't flatten when you sit down:
“The cushions are very sturdy and do not crush down when you sit on them like so many cheap ones.”
That support has a flip side. A handful of owners found the cushions firmer than they expected in the first weeks, and a few hope they will soften. All foam softens a little with use, which is normal. If you want a softer, sink-in feel from day one, know that these lean supportive.
2. A high back that doubles as a headrest
Many patio chairs stop at your shoulder blades. Ours are about 43 inches tall, so the back cushion reaches your head whether you sit upright or recline. For many owners that is the difference between sitting outside for twenty minutes and sitting out all afternoon:
“The high backs make a great head rest and the fact that they recline is my favorite aspect.”
3. A real recline, plus the in-between
Lean back and the footrest rises. That full recline is what turns a patio chair into the spot people read and nap in. One owner singled out being able to raise your feet and still sit up to talk or eat. One honest limit: there is a single full-recline position rather than several stops.
4. Swivel and glide
Every model swivels 360 degrees and glides front to back. The swivel turns you toward the view, the fire or the person talking without dragging the chair. The glide is the gentle motion many owners call rocking. For a lot of buyers, the combination is what they were hunting for:
“These are the MOST comfortable chairs. I was looking for some nice swivel chairs,, and happened upon these chairs. Swivel+Recliner is such an upgrade!”
5. Easy to sit down in, easy to stand up from
Comfort includes the last ten seconds. The seat is about 20 inches from the floor on every model where we publish it, about the height of a dining chair, so you are not climbing out of a low sling. Some owners say the return to sitting takes little effort. Others, mostly petite owners, say closing the footrest takes a firm push with the legs at first. That is worth testing in your first days, while you are inside the 14-day return window.
The honest counterpoints: seat depth and size
The most common comfort complaint is not about softness. It is about depth. Our aluminum models (Huntington, Shoreline and Kiesta) have deeper seats, 22 to 22.8 inches, which tall owners love and shorter owners sometimes don't:
“However, this chair seems to be made for a taller person. My wife is 5'6" and she cannot put her feet on the ground when she sits down.”
Our wicker models with a published seat depth, Keywest and Malibu II, are 18.9 inches deep, which suits shorter sitters better. Some owners add a lumbar pillow or simply keep the footrest up. If you are under about 5'6" or over 6', read Will it fit you? Seat depth, footrest and height before you choose.
What comfortable means, model by model
| Model | Seat depth | Seat width (between arms) | Seat height | Tends to suit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keywest · wicker | 18.9 in | 22.04 in | 20.1 in | Shorter sitters, smaller spaces |
| Newport · wicker | See product page | 22.04 in | 20.1 in | Mid-sized, most heights |
| Malibu II · wicker | 18.9 in | 24.4 in | 20.1 in | Anyone who wants a roomy seat |
| Huntington · aluminum | 22 in | 24 in | 20.5 in | Taller sitters |
| Shoreline · aluminum | 22 in | 24 in | 20.4 in | Taller sitters |
| Kiesta · aluminum | 22.8 in | 24.2 in | See product page | Taller sitters |
From the size charts on our product pages. Every model is about 43 inches tall, holds 300 lb and has the same swivel, glide and recline.
Comfort is also about where the chair lives. See real customer setups on screened porches, lanais and sunrooms, or read why owners nap in a recliner rather than a hammock. When you are ready to compare details, 7 things to check before you buy an outdoor recliner gives you a checklist. All of our recliner guides are on the Recline & Relax hub.
Good to know before you order
- Delivery is free. We ship by FedEx to the 48 contiguous states, typically within 7 to 10 days. FedEx leaves each box at your door or curbside (the driver decides; it is not a white-glove service), and each box weighs about 90 to 100 lb, so plan on two people to move it. Assembly needs no tools: the back slides onto the base in under 5 minutes.
- You get a 14-day return window. Return an undamaged item in its original condition within 14 days of delivery for a full refund, with free FedEx pickup. After that, returns are accepted up to 90 days with a 20% restocking fee. See our returns policy.
- The frame carries a 5-year limited warranty and the cushions 2 years, against defects in materials and workmanship, for the original buyer. Read the full warranty.
Choose your recliner
Pick the seat depth that fits your height, then the finish that fits your house.
Questions before you order? Call 1-800-296-0232 or email cs@outdoornook.com.
Quick answers
What makes an outdoor recliner comfortable?
Are the cushions soft or firm?
Which model is best for a shorter person?
What if it isn't comfortable for me?
Sources. Reviews: our own analysis of 635 Outdoor Nook product and company reviews on Reviews.io, October 2026, quoted as written; excerpts are marked. Dimensions are from the size charts on our product pages. Prices are as of October 2026 and can change.
