Take hot summer lounging to the next level with these five vintage and contemporary seating designs. There’s no shame in drooling.
1. Erik Nyberg’s and Gustav Strom’s Wave for Royal Botania is a luxurious hybrid, a dreamy cross between a hammock, sun chair, and umbrella that leaves little to the imagination. Sun protection? Got it. The canopy’s perforated fabric is semi-transparent yet blocks 86 percent of the sun’s rays. Durability? Check. Its electro-polished stainless steel frame can hold multiple people and coastal winds. Flexible? Of course. If desired, rocking back and forth creates a gentle swing, the base pivots if you’d like to switch sun angles, or you can simply lie back in utter stillness. And let’s not forget the shape. It’s at once reminiscent of lying under a palm tree, floating in a pool, or catching a giant wave. We dig it. Royal Botania, 32-3-411-22-85; http://www.royalbotania.com/.
2. Nils Ole Zib’s 1988 Nozib chaise lounge chair achieves an elegant, cantilevered silhouette via its gently curved teak slats, punctuated by a padded headrest upholstered in black leather that adjusts in height. Produced by Berga Form in Sweden, the subtle design remains in excellent condition, devoid of any noticeable dents, scratches, or marks. Through VandM.com dealer Vintage Views Consignment & Consulting, 201-232-4280; http://vandm.com/VintageViews
3. California dreaming inspired Alexander Purcell’s oversized Unbeweavable wingback chair, suggestive of the so-called threshold living that takes place in warmer climates and straddles indoors and outdoors. Similarly, Unbeweavable can go either way. A bent stainless steel frame lends its classic Victorian shape a contemporary edge, while hand-knit polypropylene rope suggests the chill style of a hammock. The seat is woven to the frame, created a feeling of suspension. It’s large enough to hold two, but if you’re lucky enough to score one we won’t blame you if you don’t want to share. Through VandM.com dealer Material [ENVIRONMENT], 310-272-4912; http://vandm.com/MaterialEnvironment
4. Quite simply a showstopper, this Anglo-Indian swing is ornate enough to make your garden or patio pass for a movie set yet there’s also something very understated about it. The frame has been hand carved and hand painted in India and measures 90 inches high by 108 wide by 36 deep. Suspended on brass chains, the seat appears to be in very good condition. Ask about dates and how much weight its seat can hold. Through VandM.com dealer Mosaik Interiors, 323-525-0337, http://vandm.com/Mosaik
5. Despite its name, there’s nothing laughable about the Calvin & Hobbes outdoor wicker chair by Locsin International for Neoteric Luxury. The durable steel frame is wrapped with ash-colored woven synthetic wicker that can withstand the elements, rain or shine, and its two sections can be pushed together to create a daybed or pulled apart for two smaller lounge chairs. Measuring 98″ long, 52″ wide and 56″ high, the arching faux wicker pod-shaped backs allows filtered sunlight to play off foam cushions upholstered in durable Sunbrella fabric. Grab and friend, or a good book, prop yourself up on the eight included throw pillows, and you’ll be two peas in a pod. Through Home Infatuation, 877-224-8925; http://www.homeinfatuation.com/.
