For an object that is synonymous with relaxation, the Adirondack chair has a tense backstory. Between 1900 and 1903, Massachusetts heir Thomas Lee prototyped the deeply slanted wood outdoor lounge chair for his vacation compound in Westport, New York, relying on the opinions of 22 family members before arriving on a final scheme. Yet by 1904, Lee's summertime hunting companion Harry Bunnell had filed a patent for the now-highly-collectible Westport Chair without telling his friend, and he sold the design in droves for the next quarter century.
The original chair and its two-timing successor are distinguishable by number of parts: Lee's prototypes were constructed of whole planks of high-quality lumber, whereas Bunnell opted for multiple slats, which were cheaper to source.
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The Adirondack chair received another update in 1938, when Irving Wolpin patented a model sporting a crescent-topped backrest and more ergonomic seat. Iterations of the Adirondack chair have abounded since then, and today you can choose from supremely affordable styles constructed from recycled materials to Lucite icons that are simply stunning.
Whether you need porch seating to ride out quarantine or want to furnish a backyard scene to enjoy for generations, these outdoor lounge chairs are a solid investment. No matter the style, the best Adirondack chairs beckon you to sit back, exhale and — historic reality be damned — wax nostalgic for a simpler time.
Safavieh Mopani Adirondack Arm ChairSafavieh Home has built a devoted following in the New York Tri-State area for its luxe, European-influenced designs at surprisingly low prices. The company's riff on the Adirondack chair, available to all online, employs acacia wood to achieve that affordability. Here the durable material wraps behind your knees to improve comfort, too.
Safavieh San Juan Adirondack ChairTeak is the traditional ne plus ultra of outdoor materials, which makes this pricier Safavieh model worth the investment. The slow-growing tropical hardwood has a tight grain and high natural oil content that fends off both weather and pests. But even this super-material can develop mildew, so don't leave it under the cover of shade for too long. (And clean only by hand if you do.) A semiannual application of teak sealant will help the chair retain its original honey tones.
Longshore Tides Camacho Plastic Folding Adirondack Chair With TableAs if work didn't already bleed into everyday life, research has shown that Americans' current average workday lasts three hours longer than it did before quarantine. For those of you who are now multitasking constantly (read: all of us), slide this model's proprietary laptop table over its arms and log on out of doors. You'll look like you've got your act together on Zoom calls.
Polywood Classic Folding Adirondack ChairAs some communities approach the final phases of reopening, you may very well be planning your first trip back to the beach, campground, or pool. This spitting image of Irving Wolpin's 1938 design, made from recycled plastic by Indiana manufacturer Polywood, includes a barely-there hinge that allows the chair to fold flat — and to come along for the ride. If you're less interested in toting your chair along, Polywood also has a classic version that can live more permanently on the porch or deck.
Sol 72 Outdoor Colworth Plastic Adirondack ChairIt would be difficult to recreate this Adirondack chair's fan-shaped backrest and tightly spaced slats in wood, unless you were willing to foot an artisan's steep bill. Colworth's version is made from 27,000 recycled bottle caps molded into faux bois elements, which feature a rustic grain pattern.
RealComfort Outdoor Resin Adirondack ChairSay you're renting a quarantine pad for the summer or need seating for a (socially distant) lawn party. Just throw a stack of these lightweight chairs in your trunk and go. The resin construction not only keeps the price down, but also makes possible features like molded lumbar support and sturdy pad-like feet.
West Elm Modern Adirondack Lounge ChairIf you lay its backrest slats horizontally, the rustic Adirondack chair suddenly assumes a low-slung appearance befitting the waterfront. In this design for West Elm, Polywood rendered the arms in a combination of recycled plastic and tubular metal that evokes a dock ladder or classic ocean liner.
Loll Designs Adirondack ChairDuluth, Minnesota–based Loll was founded in 2006 to redirect waste from custom skate-park ramps into outdoor furniture. Today the company transforms post-consumer milk jugs and detergent bottles into sturdy plastic pieces that include this exclusive Adirondack design for Design Within Reach. Expansive plastic slats and a galloping profile give this chair a look that is as modern as its manufacturing method.
Room & Board Emmet Rocker with CushionFirmly planted in the ground and pointing in the direction of the best vista, the traditional Adirondack chair was made for loafing. For those of us who can't completely sit still, this Loll exclusive for Room & Board features two gently curved rockers. A small gap in the backrest, as well as a Sunbrella-wrapped cushion, prevent your spine from feeling smushed against the recycled-plastic surfaces.
Outermost ChairAfter pouncing on an Adirondack chair at a flea market, designer and builder Chris Nagle was so fascinated by the purchase that he conceived his own homage to Thomas Lee. The result employs notched sapele mahogany to recreate the solid boards of Lee's 1903 prototype. It also bears a strong resemblance to the furniture of pioneering modernist architect Gerrit Rietveld.
Polywood Classic Adirondack Glider ChairThe difference between a rocking chair and glider has to do with movement. Whereas a rocker sways in an arcing motion, a glider moves back and forth on a fixed path. A glider's smooth ride requires a mechanism, which explains why this second Polywood entry seems a bit bottom-heavy. To make it disappear, choose a color that blends into the immediate surroundings. Irrespective of color, Polywood's surfaces are fade-resistant and backed by a 20-year warranty.
Restoration Hardware Olema Teak Lounge ChairIn this sleek reinterpretation of the classic Adirondack, a teak backrest joins to the seat instead of touching the ground — this thing looks as if it could slink into the nearest pool. Left untreated, the sustainably harvested teak will weather to a silver color that softens David Sutherland's laser-sharp design.
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