Holiday at home: How to make a sunlounger work in your garden

Add a stylish sunlounger to your garden and enjoy a luxury staycation every night of the week. 

Fancy a summer getaway? Who needs to travel overseas for a holiday when you can create your own luxury poolside retreat (with or without an actual pool) in the comfort of your own home!

If you ask us, an outdoor sunlounger is the ultimate garden accessory, inviting you to sink in, stretch out and relax. With a daybed, you can create your very own secret outdoor oasis and have a summer staycation every single day of the week. 

Interested? In this style guide, we’ll share our favourite garden sunloungers to help you achieve a staycation aesthetic in your outdoor space, covering key considerations such as colours, materials, and styles. We’ll also dish out our expert design tips on seamlessly integrating your sunlounger into the rest of your garden. 

Why sunloungers are for every garden

Not sure whether a garden sunlounger is for you? We say they’re for everyone. Whether you’re a sun-worshipper looking to spend all summer long soaking up the sunshine or prefer to stretch out in a shady spot with a book, there are plenty of ways to tailor your outdoor daybed to exactly your liking.

Are sunloungers okay for unpredictable British weather?

In a word, yes. All of Atkin and Thyme’s contemporary sunloungers and daybeds come with season-proof cushions that are resistant to water and UV, and are quick to dry after a classic British downpour - so you can leave them outside all summer long. Many of our sunloungers are also crafted from sturdy, long-lasting aluminium frames, making them super low-maintenance and simple to keep looking newer for longer.

Top tip: If you’re experiencing a particularly rainy British summer, it’s a good idea to store your outdoor sunlounger in a shed or garage to keep it looking in pristine condition. 

How to choose the right sunlounger for your garden

The key considerations you need to keep in mind when choosing the right outdoor sunlounger are:

• Size and shape: Firstly, it’d be a good idea to measure your outdoor space. Make sure to leave enough room around your sunlounger for easy access, and so it doesn’t take up the whole garden. 

• Materials and style: Different materials suit different gardens. If you’re looking for a rustic aesthetic in your garden, we’d recommend something like our Karla Rattan Sunlounger to naturally slot in. Alternatively, if you want something a little more hardwearing, but still modern, our metal Emilia Sunlounger is just the ticket. 

• One or two-seater: Make sure to consider how many people will be lounging (or fighting for a seat) on your daybed. A single sunlounger is perfect for solo unwinding, whilst a daybed for two (like our Lauren Daybed) is perfect for summer evening snuggles with family or friends. 

Sunlounger garden design ideas

Ready to create a luxury retreat in your garden with a sunlounger? Here are our expert design tips… 

1. Add a pop of colour

Just like your interiors, it’s important to consider colour palettes when designing your outdoor space. Whilst it’s a good idea to choose a neutral-toned sunlounger, you can use accessories to bring a pop of colour to your garden palette. For instance, we’ve styled our Emilia Sunlounger with a bright orange scatter cushion that’s reminiscent of a European sunset. Blankets and cushions are ideal for accessorising your sunbed with, as they add personality, as well as extra comfort and warmth for those colder summer evenings. 

Get the look: Emilia Sunlounger.

2. Experiment with preppy patterns

Patterns are an excellent design tool for bringing character to your garden. To create a luxury pool club vibe in your home, we’d recommend experimenting with a preppy striped print. Our elegant Karla Rattan Sunlounger, with its striped grey-and-white seat cushion, is a perfect choice for replicating a resort-style sunlounger setup. All that’s missing is a monogrammed towel with your initials and an iced rosé to hand….  

Get the look: Karla Rattan Sunlounger in Striped. 

3. Coordinate with a matching side table

You’re going to need somewhere to rest your newspaper and coffee on those slow Sunday mornings. That’s why we’d recommend choosing a sunlounger that has a matching side table, like our Karla Rattan Sunlounger. The handy Karla Rattan Side Table offers the perfect perch for keeping drinks, snacks and sun cream all within easy reach - so once you’ve settled in for the day, you don’t need to move a muscle. Plus, our Karla collection is available in a gorgeous sandy-toned shade with wicker detailing, which looks stunning in any garden. After all, coordination is key. 

Get the look: Karla Rattan Sunlounger and Karla Rattan Side Table. 

4. Bring an indoor-outdoor feel with an outdoor rug 

Another way to ensure your outdoor daybed blends effortlessly into your garden is by creating an indoor-outdoor ambience. Introduce homey textures through garden accessories, like an outdoor rug. We love a jute rug positioned under a sunlounger, as it adds an extra layer of cosiness for your feet, and helps to create a connection between your interior and exterior style. 

Get the look: Round Outdoor Rug 250cm in Grey.

5. Create an outdoor jungle with potted plants

No garden would be complete without some gorgeous greenery. If you’re working with a patio or terrace that’s full of hard concrete or stone, it’s a good idea to invest in some potted plants to create a sense of softness. By positioning your plants around your outdoor daybed, you’ll also help to blend it in and make it look like it’s always been there. 

Get the look: Lauren Daybed. 

6. Add a luxury serving tray 

Finally, don’t forget about romanticising the little things. For a true summer staycation in your garden, treat yourself to a luxury serving tray for carrying snacks and cold drinks out to your sunlounger. We’ve done this here with our Lauren Daybed in Green. Not only does the tray add some sophistication, but it’s genuinely useful for lazy days in the garden. Success!

Get the look: Lauren Daybed in Green. 

Feeling inspired? Shop Atkin and Thyme’s full collection of luxury sunloungers and outdoor daybeds for UK gardens:

Available in a range of shapes and sizes, choose from sleek, single sunloungers to double daybeds made for two, these are our favourite patio daybeds for your outdoor space…