For many of us a garden is far more than a strip of green behind the house. It is a retreat, an outdoor room and the centre of sociable summer evenings. As the days grow longer and the sun warms the terrace, life moves outdoors. And a central question soon comes up that is often underestimated when laying out a garden: which chairs suit the dining table outside?
The choice between garden chairs with or without armrests seems trivial at first sight, yet it strongly influences how you use your outdoor space, how long your guests stay and how harmonious your terrace looks as a whole. Both versions have their own charm and practical advantages. In this article you will read what really matters, so that you make the choice that suits you best.
What is the essential difference between the two?
Before turning to specific uses, it helps to understand the fundamental differences. A garden chair without armrests, often called a side chair, convinces through its clean silhouette. It looks lighter and takes up less room. The focus is clearly on the seat and the back. These chairs are designed for maximum freedom of movement. You can turn to the side or leave the chair more easily, without having to step over a barrier at the side or push the chair far back.
A garden chair with armrests, by contrast, defines a fixed space for the person seated. The armrests are not only a support for the elbows and forearms; they also give the piece a certain presence. Where the chair without arms looks functional and dynamic, the model with armrests radiates an inviting calm. It is more like an armchair, one that asks you to settle in and forget the time. At Souren Furniture you will find models in solid teak in particular, where these differences come across both to the eye and to the hand.
When should you choose garden chairs with armrests?
Choosing armrests is first and foremost choosing comfort for staying put. If you like to host long dinners that carry on late into the night over a glass of wine, chairs with armrests are all but indispensable. The armrests noticeably relieve the shoulder and neck muscles, because the weight of the arms is taken off them. That stops you shifting restlessly in your chair after a while.
Another important aspect is ergonomics for older people or those with physical limitations. Here the armrests serve as a valuable aid to standing up. You can push off with your hands and so have more stability when sitting down and getting up. These chairs also give a greater sense of security, because you are "enclosed" at the sides. There are aesthetic advantages too: on a large terrace, slender chairs without arms can look lost. A robust teak armchair from Souren Furniture, on the other hand, makes a statement and gives the space a luxurious, almost stately air.
When are garden chairs without armrests the practical choice?
There are situations where less really is more. Garden chairs without armrests are the undisputed champions of flexibility. Their greatest advantage shows above all where space is limited. Because they are narrower, you can usually seat more people at a standard table than with the armrest version. That is an advantage at large family gatherings or with unexpected visitors, when another seat has to be found quickly.
Another practical point is handling at the table. Chairs without armrests can usually be pushed fully under the table top, provided no frame is in the way. That keeps things tidy when the table is not in use and leaves walkways on the terrace clear. If you have children, the armless version can be more practical as well. Children move about a lot, often slide sideways off the chair or want to sit close to the table, which is easier without side pieces getting in the way. These models also score aesthetically through their lightness. In a small garden or on a balcony they look less bulky and make the space seem more open.
Comfort, space and ease of use compared directly
When it comes to comfort, the chair with armrests usually wins the contest for sitting in comfort. But comfort is subjective. Some people find armrests confining, particularly if they are of a heavier build or like to sit cross-legged or with their knees drawn up. Here the chair without arms offers a freedom the alternative cannot.
On space, you need to measure strictly. A chair with armrests needs on average 10 to 15 centimetres more width than its counterpart without. Across a table two metres long, that can decide whether three or four people sit side by side. You also need to watch the height of the armrests. Nothing is more annoying than finding the arms hit the edge of the table so the chair cannot be pulled in. On the handmade teak furniture from Souren Furniture this dimension is judged well, but always measure the underside of your table before buying.
Ease of use also shows in storage. Many models without armrests stack, which makes storing them over winter considerably easier. Chairs with armrests are less often stackable because of how they are built, and so need more room in the garage or shed.
Which garden chair suits your garden and table best?
The right chair depends strongly on the nature of your table and the general style of your garden. A solid, rustic refectory table in teak, of the kind you will often find at Souren Furniture, can carry powerful companions. Chairs with armrests sit very well here, because they echo the robustness of the table. If you have a delicate table with a metal frame, however, heavy armchairs can look out of place. In that case slender models without arms are often the better choice, to preserve the lightness of the design.
A popular compromise many garden owners choose is to combine the two. Put chairs without armrests along the sides of the table, to save space and keep flexibility. At each end of the table, place a matching chair with armrests. That gives a visual frame, offers the hosts or guests of honour particular comfort, and unites the advantages of both.
Lastly, the setting plays a part. In a natural, richly planted garden the warm tones of teak fit beautifully. Whether you then choose chairs with or without arms is a matter of personal lifestyle. If your garden is a place for a quick coffee, simple chairs are enough. But if it is your summer dining room, invest in the comfort of armrests.
Garden chairs with or without armrests: a choice about how you live
There is no universally right or wrong answer to the question of armrests. It is a balance between wanting maximum comfort and needing efficiency and flexibility. If you have the space and value long, relaxed evenings, a garden chair with armrests will give you a great deal of pleasure. It offers that little extra ease that turns a mere seat into a place to unwind.
If, on the other hand, you often entertain a lot of guests, have a smaller outdoor space or prefer a minimalist aesthetic, garden chairs without armrests are the sensible, practical choice. They are easier to group and to store, and they bring an uncomplicated energy. When planning your outdoor space, do look at the range on sourenfurniture.com. There you will find good-quality teak furniture that, whatever you decide about arms, has one thing in common: timeless quality that will enrich your garden for many years. Trust your instinct and think about how you most like to spend your time outdoors. The answer to the chair question then follows almost by itself.
