A good beach chair earns its place in the boot
By Graeme Longmuir
A good beach chair earns its place in the boot. But comfort means different things to different people. Before choosing yours, think about the walk from the car, how you like to sit, and how easily you want to get up again.
There’s something reassuring about unfolding a chair on the sand. Your spot for the afternoon is sorted. A book, a sandwich, a conversation that doesn’t need to go anywhere.
To choose a beach chair well, start with how you’ll use it. Colour can come next.
I try every chair before we buy it for Boatshed7. For me, portability and weight matter: it needs to be easy to carry from the car to the beach. A shoulder sling or backpack straps? All the better.
First, think about the walk
A chair that feels manageable beside the car can feel quite different when you’re carrying shade, a bag and lunch down the beach track.
Check the chair’s weight, its folded dimensions and how you carry it. A shoulder strap may leave a hand free; a carry bag may keep loose parts together. Neither tells you everything about comfort on a longer walk.
If you can try the chair, carry it folded as well as sitting in it. If you’re buying online, compare the listed measurements with the space in your boot and the load you’re happy to carry.
Then, think about sitting—and standing
A low chair puts you close to the sand. A higher seat may be easier to get out of, depending on its design and what suits your body. Seat height alone doesn’t settle it: depth, back angle and armrests also change the feel.
Ask yourself:
- Will I mostly sit upright, or want to recline?
- Do I want support for my head while I read?
- Is the seat wide and deep enough for me?
- Can I get in and out comfortably?
If getting up is the main concern, trying a chair before buying is particularly useful. Don’t choose solely from a photograph.
Compare what matters to your afternoon
| Your priority | What to check |
|---|---|
| A longer walk to the sand | Weight, folded size and carrying method |
| Reading or sitting upright | Backrest angle, seat depth and arm support |
| Stretching out | Actual reclining positions and head support |
| Getting up comfortably | Seat height, depth and usable armrests |
| Keeping it for future summers | Care instructions, frame condition and fabric construction |
Three brands, your own priorities
Whether you’re considering Sunday Supply Co., Sabulo or SunnyLife, put the same questions to each chair: how heavy is it, how high is the seat, how does it fold and how do you carry it?
A familiar brand name is a useful place to begin. The particular chair still has to suit you. Features and weight capacities vary by model, so compare the individual details in our beach chair range.
The extras should earn their place, too
A drinks holder, pocket or adjustable backrest can be useful. Decide which you’ll actually use before letting a long feature list make the choice for you.
Beach gear still needs care. Metal frames, including aluminium, need attention after salt and sand exposure. Follow the model’s instructions and store it dry rather than leaving it outside between visits.
Make a comfortable corner of the beach
Once you’ve found the chair, think about the rest of your spot. Look at Sunday Supply Co. or SunnyLife when considering an umbrella, and keep a towel and water within reach. Check the size and setup details in our beach shade collection. A comfortable seat makes more sense when you can enjoy the space around it.
Choose for the way you spend a beach day. The right chair should make settling in feel easy—and packing up manageable when it’s time to go.
Find your next beach chair at Boatshed7, or explore the full summer picture on our homepage.
