The best outdoor chair lineup has been seriously shaken up by the recession. Chairs are gone, new ones have appeared and prices are in flux. Below are my top picks for the new season with a few nice picks by readers as well. This list SHOULD be longer. Please add your recommendations to the comments.
>> Grasshopper Chair by Weiki Somers (€222) - My current favorite unique design.
>> The Luxembourg Side Chair by Frederic Sofia - $250 - I have a sweet spot for this chair since I saw it first in Paris five years ago, but I get a little scared they're too industrial for a home. The silver color would probably be best.
>> Ipanema Chair from CB2 - $79.95 (on sale now) - This was Sara's first choice on color, quality and price. The chair is comfortable and surprisingly heavy, which means to me that it's well made and should last a long time.
>> Folding Bistro Paris Park Chairs - $141 - This is what we have had for a long time now, and recently refurbished by sanding and polyurethaning. You can find these chairs here: American Country Home Store and Cafe Society.
>> The Rex Chair from CB2 - $70 - I still like this one. It's really comfortable, durable, cheap and light (note: a commenter from last year has said it was problematic for sitting up to a table).
>> The Bellini Chair by Heller - $150 - This chair took us by surprise a few years back because it was so comfortable and indestructible. Used to be $99; it's gone up a bit.
>> Marais Chair - $250 (on sale now for $212) & Tolix Cafe Chair - $225 (On sale now for $199!) - These are also on Sara Kate's top pick list, but they ain't cheap for very low manufacture style. Although the colors draw me in, I like the plain zinc finish best.
>> Blanko Chair from IKEA - $19 - another colorful, simple, pleasing design from the Swedish giant with an insane price.
>> Facto Stacking Side Chair - $340 - These are another new find, with an interesting European MidC Modern shape.
>> Sienna Chair from Smith & Hawken - $141 and up - Gone with the close of S&H unfortunately. If anyone can find these now, please let me know in the comments. They're great.
FROM READERS
And here's one sent in by a reader and friend, Meg H:
"We got these for outside and love them, nice mix of contemporary and teak: Broadway stacking arm chair Broadway stacking arm chair by Sir Robin Day, manufactured by old-time UK teak company Lister. Nice sale price, though still expensive but investment for long-term."
"Check out IKEA TARNO folding chairs. They are very close to the Folding Bistro Paris Park Chairs but much cheaper ($15 apiece)." - posted by manjari
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ikea's urban chair -- for us -- is the perfect combination of price, material (durability) and style.
I love the collection of the French fermob: www.fermob.com
These are also some GREAT outdoor dining chairs - They are Teak or they also have a mesh seat and back.
http://www.adirondackauthority.com/travira-teak-armchairs.html
We also went with the recession-friendly IKEA. We bought several of these to set out on our small deck when entertaining. They are smallish, but very sturdy and fold neatly away when not needed.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40055689
I love Kontastin Gric Chair one by Magis:
http://blueantstudio.blogspot.com/2008/08/ipe-deck-staining.html
They are bullet proof.
Another option would be Bertoia chairs...
joel pirela
Re: The Bellini. An increase in price of 50% shouldn't be considered a "bit" of an increase. More like a whallop.
Nice chair, and I am in the market, but the 5age increase, rather than the dollar amount, would make me wonder if it's worth it. Think I'll go check out Sarah's choice at CB2 first.
If you like the Bellini chair, check out the Maya chair:
http://www.cozydays.com/outdoor-furniture/dining-chairs/maya-dining-chair-white-521.html
They are $99 and I bought 8 for my dining room with free S&H. They are just as comfortable and durable (and I've sat in both). Our guests are always shocked that they can sit around the table for hours comfortably.
This Smith & Hawken "Marlton" dining chair looks very solid and attractive -- available at Amazon.com for $80 each.
http://www.furniturecomplete.com/brands/Smith_Hawken/Outdoor_Patio_Smith_Hawken_reg_Marlton_2009_Wood_Dining_Chair_B001F0OMIA.htm. Also, Crate & Barrel's "Lyle Side Chair" at $199 is almost identical to the Marais & Tolix above for a bit less.
I purchased eight of the cafe chairs from DWR (see link) and while good looking and comfortable, they have begun rusting.
http://www.dwr.com/product/cafe-chair.do
I am looking for a good comfortable dining chair that can stand up to the elements of rain, sun and salt air as I live near the ocean. If you have any suggestions, I'd like to hear them.
I am contemplating having the chairs re-painted to hide the rusting, but at this point i don't know if it is worth the trouble.
I love Woodard, they have many timeless style. If you can wait until the end of the season I've seen these for as little as $99: http://retrorenovation.com/2009/03/01/vintage-style-woodard-patio-furniture-still-available/ ... And there are many other styles, all quite substantial in terms of weight, powder-coating, etc.
Don't always think "online" or "catalog" retailers -- go to your local furniture store for brands like this you might never think of.
I love the Marais chairs, but can't justify the purchase. In the galvanized finish, of course.
The bistro paris folding chairs are by Fermob. They are all over Times Square and Bryant Park in NYC (in metal, and in the metal/plastic variation). I figured if they were durable enough for that traffic, they could handle my balcony just fine. The fact that they, and the matching table, fold, is extra helpful for bad weather days or for winter storage.
Re: the cafe chairs from DWR: I've had mine for a year and just ordered two more. They're going into their second hot and humid summer in the south, and I've never covered them or protected them from the elements. Still in great shape, no rusting or anything.
Mine happen to be vintage. Here's another post on chairs with some interesting alternatives: http://mowerymarsh.blogspot.com/2010/04/beautiful-weather-over-weekend-got-me.html
All of the chairs are beautiful but I do love our favorite, all black iron dining chair that is enhanced with silver and gold. It takes alfresco dining to an all new level!
The Designer Insider
Sold as a pair: http://bit.ly/aSCPLn
Those Ikea chairs are cute, but they have not been available anywhere in So. Cal. I have looked and looked. Maybe I'll go with the Urban....
Elise B had the best suggestion. French Fermob. I wandered into their store near the Bastille in Paris, and was gobsmacked! Such wonderful color and design!
But, on my budget, and living is S. Cal, I opted for some metal motel chairs instead, and love them! I got one Crest blue and one sherbet green chair, and the little white table, and it looks great on my deck! I've heard if you get these unassembled, they're a nightmare. I got mine pre-assembled at a family-owned furniture store in studio city for about $120 for all three pieces. Love them!
http://www.torransmfgco.com/50s_style_metal_furniture.htm
Like redneckmodern, I've also been enjoying IKEA's "Urban" chair. I got a pair in white for my deck on a Googie building. They look great there, are very sturdy, water resistant, and can't beat the price.