The best garden day beds to buy in 2023

For maximum comfort and relaxation outside, try a garden day bed. With adjustable backrests, plush cushions and shaded canopies, the best models are perfect for recuperating on sunny days.

In the summer months, one of the best ways to soak up the warm weather is to stretch out on a sun lounger, outdoor sofa or picnic blanket. But if you want to take your relaxation to the next level, why not invest in a stylish garden day bed?

Unlike sofas and steamer chairs, most outdoor day beds are completely flat, so you can recline fully to read, sunbathe or even take an afternoon nap.

Best garden day beds for 2023

We’ve rounded up our favourite garden day beds, from modern and industrial-style options to more rustic models and Indian-inspired designs.

Outsunny Garden Day Rocking Bed

Best rocking day bed

We’ve all heard of a rocking chair… but how about a rocking bed? This one comes with a curved wooden base, allowing you to tilt gently as you relax in the garden.

Thanks to the minimal arched rockers, warm wood tones and neutral upper, this garden day bed would be a stylish option for both modern and period homes.

The base is made from high-quality Russian larch wood to cope with everyday use, while the taut fabric is 100 per cent cotton. Featuring two plush pillows, this outdoor day bed should be comfortable to use for extended sunbathing sessions.

KETTLER Elba 2-Seater Garden Day Bed

Best day bed for modern and industrial homes

With a history spanning three decades, Worcestershire-based brand Kettler is known for its range of high-quality garden furniture. In this design, it combines clean, simple looks with all the practical elements you need in an outdoor day bed, including foam-core cushioning and a canopy for shade.

You can either lie flat or choose from several different reclining angles, and use the handy wooden ledge running along the length of each bed to store refreshing drinks.

The aluminium frame has a weatherproof and rust-resistant coating, so you can leave it out all year round.

4 Seasons Outdoor Valentine 2-Seater Sunbed

Best day bed for period homes and mature gardens

In contrast to the many minimalist and modern outdoor day beds available, this wicker-style sunbed is perfect for countryside homes and mature gardens.

It has neutral colouring, so it’ll still look smart in any outdoor space, and the clever use of durable materials should help it stay looking fresh for years to come.

The woven base has a 100% synthetic construction, yet it’s free from hazardous materials and completely recyclable when it comes to the end of its life. It’ll stand up to UV rays, salt water, lotions and alcohol, while the cushions are shower-proof and fungus-resistant. Like the base, they’re also recyclable and maintain their colour after UV exposure.

Extreme Lounging Outdoor Bean Bag

Best bean bag day bed

Garden day beds come in all forms, and some of the comfiest are bean bag loungers filled with polybeads to mould to your shape when you lie down.

Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, this day bed can withstand the odd rain shower, but it’ll look its best if you drag it back indoors for the cooler months. The cover is also UV-resistant, so it shouldn’t fade after sun exposure.

Choose from a range of sweet pastel colours, including green, blue and orange.

Cannes Canopied Daybed

Best circular day bed

• Buy now from Cox & Cox (£2,850.00)

Circular options like these are one of the most popular designs for garden day beds. This one comes with cosy cushions and a retractable canopy for shade and privacy. You can also push the footstool back into the base to quickly turn it into a sofa.

As for the materials, the frame is aluminium and the faux wicker is made from durable PE, so it should stand up to general wear and tear over the years.

The cushions are a practical addition; they’re made from recycled plastic bottles and come with removable covers for easy cleaning. Plus, they’re UV-resistant and water repellent, so they’ll survive light rain showers.

Kutumba Mango Day Bed

Best day bed for small gardens and terraces

• Buy now from Nkuku (£595.00)

Nkuku crafts its Kutumba lounger in India, taking inspiration from the traditional day beds found there. The seat is hand woven from jute, but the standout feature is undoubtedly the mango wood frame with carved legs.

The ethical brand suggests you move this garden day bed out of the rain, and you can treat the wood with an edible oil to keep it looking its best.

Skyline Rattan Strips Cabana Day Bed

Best modern day bed

• Buy now from First Furniture (£3611.62)

With its unusual shape and striking look, this garden day bed is sure to make a statement in any outdoor space. The frame is woven from weather-protected fibres made from non-toxic materials, and comes with a selection of matching cushions.

The Skyline brand has been designing and crafting all-weather furniture for over three decades now, so it’s got plenty of expertise when it comes to creating high-quality garden day beds.

Deuba Poly Rattan Day Bed

Most versatile day bed

Adjustable head and footrests make this garden day bed a practical choice. Each end has five different reclining angles, so you can lie in either direction without having to move the entire structure. Plus, there’s enough room to fit two people on top.

The durable materials include a powder-coated metal base and weather-proof outer to lengthen its lifespan. In the base, you’ll also find two fold-up tabletops to store drinks and any other items you want to keep close at hand.

The Daybed Company

Best traditional Indian day bed

• Buy now from The Daybed Company

For a handcrafted piece to treasure for years to come, take a look at The Day Bed Company. It creates traditional Iroko wood loungers featuring an ancient North Indian Charpoy weave made with 220 metres of rope.

The company makes each bed to order in up to three weeks, and you can choose your preferred fabric for the topper.

Either keep your day bed under cover to preserve the dark wood finish or leave it out in all weathers to let it silver naturally.