Adirondack chairs have been around for over a century, but their timeless design is still as popular as ever among those of us looking for comfortable and relaxing outdoor furniture. The original Adirondack chair was invented in 1903 by a man called Thomas Lee, whilst vacationing with his family in Westport, New York. The simple but sturdy design, incorporating the characteristic slanted back and wide armrests, was patented by Harry Bunnel, who named this new style of outdoor chair after the nearby Adirondack region. He went on to successfully sell his Adirondack chairs made from hemlock to summer residents of the resort of Westport for the next 20 years. And the classic design continues to be a favorite to this day.
The enduring appeal of Adirondack furniture lies in the fact that not only does it look great in almost any recreational setting, from porches to lawns, decks to patios, it is also incredibly comfortable to sit in. Adirondack chairs are made from different types of wood, including cedar, teak and mahogany. The wood can be left to weather naturally, stained to preserve its natural color, or painted in any shade you choose. Modern alternatives that are virtually maintenance free are recycled plastic chairs, which do look amazingly like real wood.
These days, the original design has been adapted to create various different styles of furniture, including Adirondack rocking chairs and porch swings. Reclining chairs with cushions for extra comfort are a favorite, as are all-in-one styles that come with a retractable ottoman. For a totally coordinated new look, there are all kinds of Adirondack sets to choose from, such as those with matching side tables, footrests and ottomans. The wide armrests are perfect for holding drinks or books, and it's really no wonder that this traditional type of outdoor furniture is still so sought after today. An Adirondack chair is the ideal place to relax and unwind on a long sunny day!