The history of the deckchair

Folding chairs have been used as seating in the Mediterranean since 13th century BC, both in Ancient Egypt and Rome. Armies took chairs with them on their campaigns and in the middles ages Bishops would take an easily transportable version of their official cathedral chair on visits through their diocese.

Folding wooden chairs with woven or cane seats and backs, of the type now known as steamer chairs, began to be used on ocean liner decks from about the 1860s, and were known at the time as "deck chairs".

The deckchair, taking it’s name from the ocean liners, became established in British seaside resorts at the same period, used on piers and promenades, and soon commuted to city parks such as Hyde Park in London bringing a feel of summer holidays to the metropolis. These days deckchairs are often found at informal summer sporting events and outdoor film screening. Today it has the same practical features as its early campaign chair cousins had, but a single strip of fabric forms the backrest and seat.

Malthouse Deck now combines the traditional deckchair with strong beautiful design house fabrics, bringing comfort and style to homes and residences. Easy to transport, whether from the house down to the bottom of the garden or from a car to the beach, a deckchair brings maximum comfort with low effort from a lightweight piece of furniture. Stored easily in a garden shed or hung up on a hook, the space-saving design of a deckchair makes a compact addition to balconies, gardens, roof terraces and courtyards.

The deckchair has stood the test of time. Bring a modern design classic into your home.