The Adirondack chair has long been synonymous with summer vacations, family campgrounds, and waterfront living. Named after New York’s Adirondack Mountains, the classic silhouette is instantly recognizable with its tall slatted back, sloped seat, wide armrests, and relaxed recline.
Perfect for bucolic B&Bs or mountainside cabins, the traditional Adirondack design is rustic and charming. But what about urban spaces or homes with contemporary architecture? Enter the modern Adirondack chair. Chic and sleek, it takes shape in cleaner lines and crisper angles.
We built an entire product line around this iconic design, including loungers, dining chairs, and even kids’ furniture. Here are our ideas on how to style the POLYWOOD Modern Adirondack Collection in your outdoor space—plus some extra inspiration from our customers.
Modern Adirondack Chairs’ Design Details
Examine the features of each seat more thoroughly.
POLYWOOD Modern Adirondack Lumber Finishes & Colors
Many of the sleek modern patio furniture designs are available in all of our lumber finishes and a range of shades that practically spans the color spectrum.
Try Before You Buy
Order POLYWOOD lumber samples and swatches to see which colors and finishes look best in your outdoor spaces.
How to Accessorize POLYWOOD Modern Adirondack Chairs
Elevate your outdoor aesthetic with weather-resistant patio chair cushions, umbrellas, and other comfort touches.
Consider Contrast
Soften the angles of a black POLYWOOD Modern Folding Adirondack Chair with a light and creamy knitted throw, creating a cozy and inviting reading nook. Or enhance your home’s curb appeal with bright red Adirondack rockers.
Give Texture a Try
Mix different materials to add tactile interest to a space. Think woven rugs over smooth decking or soft seat cushions on sturdy dining chairs.
Explore Prints and Patterns
Fun fabrics add variety and enhance visual interest. If your seating area has earthy colors, bold geometric-patterned pillows can boost personality and focal points.
How to Style the POLYWOOD Modern Adirondack Collection by Space Type
1. Poolside Panache
Not only is this conversation area perfect for post-swim refreshments, but it also allows you to utilize the space near your pool during the off-season. Add an accent table to keep your craft cocktails or charcuterie board front and center.
2. Chic Campground Scene
Want to bring the magic of camping to the comfort of your backyard? Try a fire pit table encircled by coordinating modern POLYWOOD Adirondacks. Let nature do its thing by opting for furniture in coordinating colors like brown or dark green.
3. Tranquil Rocking Chair Retreat
With these Adirondack rocking chairs, paradise is always around the corner. A statement table shines with its metallic gold finish, echoing the chair’s modernity without overpowering the lush landscaping.
Featured: Modern Adirondack Rocking Chair in Black
4. Rainbow Palette
Adirondacks are versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched with wild abandon. Try coloring your seating area with weather-resistant outdoor chairs in a rainbow of colors and opting for several silhouettes (both classic and modern) to create an undeniably eclectic look.
5. Cozy Hideaway
If you’re outfitting a secluded space on your property, modern black Adirondack chairs are a natural choice. Strike a balance between rustic and refined by keeping the rest of the area informal with rough-hewn wood accents and minimal landscaping.
Photo credit: Melissa Gayle | Featured: Modern Adirondack Chair in Black
6. Waterfront Dining
Modern Adirondacks need not be only reserved for lounging—they work great for dining alfresco too. We love how Eva Shockey, TV personality and owner of Eva & Co., styled her dining set from the POLYWOOD Modern Adirondack Collection on her lakefront dock.
Photo credit: Eva Shockey
7. Happy Hour Hangout
The coolest entertaining space, bar none. Whether you have a tall bistro table or a built-in serving space, bar-height Modern Curveback Adirondack Chairs transform your patio into the hottest destination for a cold drink. Piña coladas, anyone?
Featured: Modern Curveback Adirondack Swivel Bar Chair in Black
Modern Adirondack Chairs in the Wild
Did you know some of our most-loved designs come from this collection? Here are some shots from real customers who brought these best sellers home.
Elevated Outdoor Appeal
This Sooner State customer masterfully mixed textures and calm neutrals to enhance their fire pit area’s visual appeal.
Photo credit: POLYWOOD customer David S. | Featured: Modern Curveback Adirondack Chair in Slate Grey
“We bought four Adirondack chairs about four years ago and just bought two more. You can't tell the new from the old. They have held up so well through Oklahoma heat, snow, ice, wind, hail, and wind ... and still look new. You won't be disappointed.”
Commercial Complement
Businesses love POLYWOOD too! Across the country and beyond, our furniture is put to work in rooftop bars, restaurant patios, and private employee lounges.
Photo credit: POLYWOOD customer Liane C. | Featured: Modern Adirondack Chair in Aruba and Pacific Blue
“We are a Silicon Valley-based tech company, and we just installed these at our new rooftop lounge! Our employees love them, and they express our company colors as well. Very durable and comfortable.”
Easy Elegance
Sometimes, the simplest answer is the best one. Add a few throw pillows or a complementing side table to take your outdoor look to a whole new level.
Photo credit: POLYWOOD customer Sally | Modern Curveback Adirondack Chair in Black
“We love our new chairs. The Modern Curveback Adirondack style has a casual elegance to it. They are so comfortable and we have received so many compliments.”
Big and Bright
Light colors typically make spaces appear larger. Pick pieces in white or sandy hues to create an aesthetic that looks roomy and relaxing.
Photo credit: POLYWOOD customer Jennifer W. | Modern Curveback Adirondack 6-Piece Farmhouse Dining Set with Trestle Legs and Bench in Sand
“I never liked Adirondack chairs until now. These dining chairs are so comfortable! The set lives up to the reviews of being sturdy and beautiful.”
Monochrome Moment
Let your home’s architecture inform your decor and color palette, like this customer did. They chose modern black Adirondack chairs and striped pillows that perfectly complemented their stone hardscape and white house.
Photo credit: POLYWOOD customer Mark S. | Featured: Modern Adirondack Chair in Black
“Here in Minnesota, the weather can go from 105° to -40°. Good to have chairs that aren't afraid of that!”
Poolside Style
Lofty, lovely, and low maintenance. Line your outdoor bar with tall POLYWOOD modern chairs as this customer did. They’re comfortable, easy to clean, and can handle a season after season of splish-spashes.
Photo credit: POLYWOOD customer Rose H. | Featured: Modern Adirondack Bar Chair in Slate Grey
“Absolutely love these bar stools. They’re super easy to put together, heavy-duty, sturdy, modern, and look fabulous at our outdoor bar! …”
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Caitlin Evans
Cait is an Indiana-based creative content writer who has been with POLYWOOD since 2020. She’s a Purdue alumna, a proud logophile (word nerd), and an advocate of the Oxford comma. In her free time, Cait loves gardening, cooking, running, camping, and spending time with her husband and four fur children.