A Different Kind of Banana Hammock, Plus Four More Minimalist Sun Loungers
Sleek and minimalist, these loungers bring modern furniture design out into the yard, by the pool, to the beach, and anywhere else you might go to relax in the sun this summer. Whether you love the comfort of a bean bag chair or prefer looks that would fit into a luxury resort, these five outdoor designs will have you itching to plan warm-weather outings— and one even doubles as a soccer net.
1. “Banana Hammock” Lounger Doubles as a Soccer Net
The name is definitely funny, given the connotation of a skimpy swimsuit for men, but the “Panama Banana Hammock” by designer Agota Rimsaite is no joke. First of all, it’s a beautiful piece of modern furniture design consisting of a minimalist curved wooden frame and neon pink straps woven into an airy, comfortable surface for seating. Its ergonomic shape allows you to lie back to varying degrees depending on where you place your center of gravity, and you can rock back and forth, too. But flip it over, and you’ve got a soccer net! The best part is the flat-pack design that makes it more portable than it looks, simply by removing the two wooden support beams.
“The sound of ocean. Fresh summer breeze. Football on the beach… no it’s not a summer dream—it is ‘panama banana’ hammock and football—2-in-1,” says the designer. “This furniture is designed for active relaxation on the beach or in your own garden. The shape reminds a surf board or a ship, that’s why it integrates so well with beach environment.”
2. Kwila Sun Lounger
Dreamed up by New Zealand-based furniture maker Lujo Living, the Kwila Sun Lounger takes high-end outdoor furniture and removes all the unnecessary components, creating a simple, S-shaped luxury lounger offering multiple customizable positions. A comfy, quick-drying padded foam cushion covered in soft Sunbrella fabrics softens the handcrafted kwila hardwood frame, and you can either lock it into place in your preferred upright position or rock yourself into a sunny afternoon nap.
3. FEDRO Floor Rocker
Another take on the minimalist floor rocker offers a high back for neck support, a colorful waterproof surface, and a lightweight, stackable design. The FEDRO, designed by Milan-based Lorenza Bozzoli for outdoor furniture company DEDON, boasts a cushion to rest your head on and a handle on the back for easy carrying. Bozzoli took inspiration from Latin American tropical birds for each of the three color schemes: flamingo, colibri, and quetzal.
4. Outdoor Bean Bag Lounger
Want something a little cozier? This chair will remind you of the bean bags of your childhood bedrooms and college dorms, but Lujo Living’s version is all grown up. Made of highly durable, Sunbrella marine-grade canvas and a waterproof inner lining, it’s designed to stand up to the elements and can be cleaned with a hose — so leaving it out in the rain is no problem. The cover can also be removed for machine washing, and it comes in nine colors.
5. The Shallow Swing “Potato Chip Chair”
Accurately dubbed “the potato chip chair,” this “Shallow Swing” design by Gisbert Baarmann features mesh fabric stretched across a sculpted wooden frame shaped like a curved discus so you can lounge in a variety of positions. Lay on top of it for a hammock effect, or use it as a sun shade when you need a break from direct exposure.
