If those webbed or metal lawn chairs from the 1950s and 60s conjure up fond memories of picnics and potlucks past, well, you're in luck, because they're officially back in fashion. (Although, for the record, we've loved them all along.) As it seems the world is slowly, surely, coming out of forced hibernation and venturing into warmer temps and safe socially distanced territory, small groups all over—from Bible studies to book clubs—are congregating on front lawns and plopping down old-school lawn chairs before sharing gospel or gossip. In fact, the lawn chair has unseated (heh) both the porch swingand the outdoor rocking chair as the Official Throne of Summer. It makes sense, of course. First, lawn chairs are far more portable—you can easily tote one over to the neighbor's yard for an impromptu chat about the Sweet Magnolias finale (Who. Was. In. The. Car?!). Second, they tend to be more affordable, with some in our roundup below starting at a very reasonable $20, meaning you can create a (safely staggered) semicircle—6 feet apart, y'all!—for friendly banter without breaking the bank. Another check in the lawn chair's favor: The nostalgia these retro relics serve up in these uncertain times can be as comforting as a Tupperware tub full of day-after fried chicken. If you're interested in joining the metal or folding chair fold, sit a spell with one of these porch-perfect picks.
BRIAN WOODCOCK
It's officially the summer of the old-school lawn chair.