Hanging egg chairs are the best thing you never knew you needed. I spent years trying to convince my partner that we didn’t need an egg chair – that it would be too big. But, one day, I turned up at home and there’s a hanging egg chair in the garden. It’s the single best piece of furniture we own.
In this article, I’ve got all the tips to help you make the most of your hanging chair, and a run-through of the best hanging egg chairs you can buy in Australia right now.
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Hanging Chairs Buying Guide
What are Hanging chairs?
Hanging chairs come in so many shapes and sizes, with different designs to suit different gardens; from free-standing hanging swing chairs to hammock chairs, to garden swings, and swing benches.
Hanging chairs, specially egg chairs, adds comfort and style to your garden with next to no effort. They look great by themselves or I personally prefer with some plant stands, a vertical garden backdrop or tower garden surrounding the chair to help me relax as if I am out in nature.
In the buyers' guide to hanging chairs, we’ll look at the different types of outdoor hanging chairs to help you decide which the best hanging chair is for you.
What to Look for When Buying Hanging Chairs
When you’re looking for a new chair, there really isn’t that much to consider. Hanging chairs are about style and comfort, so as long as it’s got a cushion and it's safe, that’s about everything you need to know.
Do check the weight limits though, as some are designed for kids and won’t last for long with adults swinging around in them. It’s also important to state that most hanging egg chairs are designed for sitting, not swinging, so shouldn’t be used as a plaything.
Different Types of Hanging Chairs
I adore outdoor chairs. There was a time when I was really against them and thought that they were too big and too overpowering to fit subtly in a garden, but now I wouldn’t be without one.
Hanging Egg Chairs
Hanging egg chairs are the most popular types of chairs, typically woven with rattan or plastic, and hanging from an overhead structure that folds away for winter to protect them from the elements.
Hanging egg chairs give a sense of enclosure and privacy, wrapping you in their domed arms as you rock gently in the corner of the garden. Based on the 1960s and 70s egg chairs, they up the game by dangling, rather than simply sitting as static chairs.
Double Egg Chairs
Double egg chairs are great for families as they can usually take the weight of two people and a child so are perfect for snuggling up together in the evenings. They rock less than egg chairs, and typically just gently sway backwards and forwards.
That might seem disappointing to anyone who enjoys the 360 rotation of a hanging egg chair, but the double chains they hang from make them far stronger and help them support the weight of multiple people.
Swing Seats
Swing seats are great for small spaces, and anyone going for a more traditional style. Rather than having the structure of an egg chair, swing seats typically come attached to small arbours, so make a great climbing frame for plants as well as a practical place to sit.
Swing Benches
Swing benches come in so many styles that it’s hard to define just one, but the most common design is free-standing support, with a standard bench seat suspended from above.
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They’re great for traditional garden designs, and some modern designs are incredibly comfortable too.
Hammock Chairs
Hammock chairs are great for informal, relaxed gardens, where you don’t want large structures, and flopping back into a fabric chair is all you need to enjoy your garden.
Hammock chairs are harder to install, as they do need existing patios, or sturdy branches to hang from, but in essence, they are the same as hanging egg chairs and pod chairs.
If you are leaning towards hammock chairs then you will definitely love this list of DIY macrame hammock patterns.
How to Install a Hanging Chair
Most egg chairs are free-standing and come with instructions, but for standalone outdoor egg chairs, or hanging chairs like hammock seats, you will need an existing structure in place to hang from.
Always use sturdy materials to hang from, like steel beams, solid timber rafters or mature branches on tall trees.
When hanging, use the rope or chain provided with the chair to stick to manufacture guidelines, but if none is provided, use good quality rope, sprung mounting hooks, strapping or chain which is tested for strength up to your weight as a minimum.
Installing mounting hooks
To install a hanging swing chair using sprung mounting hooks, you’ll need a few particular materials. The main principle is that you need to use nuts and bolts, not screws, regardless of the material you’re attaching to.
This means the load is spread properly, and not reliant on the wood grain to hold the screws (and you).
- Mark the timber, or metal beams with the holes on the mounting bracket.
- Drill all the way through the timber so your bolts are a tight fit.
- Attach the bolts with washers on both sides of the beam, and a sturdy nut on the top.
- Tighten fully.
- Hang your chair.
Hanging Chairs Safety Guide
Hanging chairs are generally safe to use, but do come with some general guidelines to keep you safe while using them:
- Don’t swing
- Don’t exceed the weight limit
- Secure well to overhead structures
- Place freestanding chairs on level ground
- Keep any soft furnishings away from fire or electric heaters
Best Hanging Egg Chairs Australia Reviews
1. Garden Egg Chair Hammock Chair Swing with Steel Stand and Hanging Chain
Garden Egg Chair Hammock Chair Swing
- Frame included: YES
- Cushions included: YES
- Weight limit: 150kg
The Garden hanging outdoor swing chair is the essence of ultimate relaxation. It has an eye-catching exotic vibe that will add style no matter where you place it. Included is a soft cushion for ultimate comfort.
Place this chair indoors or outdoors. It is made from 100% hand-woven, UV-resistant wicker. The frame is made from powder-coated steel for stability and strength.
2. Gardeon Outdoor Egg Chair Patio Hanging Swing
Gardeon Outdoor Egg Chair Patio Hanging Swing
- Frame included: YES
- Cushions included: YES
- Weight limit: 150kg
Get cosy in this pod outdoor swing chair. The design allows for natural gravitational motion that will help calm you. You will be able to enjoy all the views around you since the chair can rotate 360°.
When not in use, the foldable pod can be removed and stored away. However, the fabric is weather and UV-resistant. The frame is made from powder-coated steel, making it strong and sturdy.
Best Outdoor Swing Chair Australia
3. Gardeon Wooden Bench Outdoor Swing Chair
Gardeon Wooden Bench Outdoor Swing Chair
- Frame included: YES
- Cushions included: YES
- Weight limit: 250kg
While this self-assembly timber swing bench might seem like hard work at first glance, it’s actually really simple to put together with just a few bolts and wingnuts.
The chain can hold up to 250kg too making it ideal for families to enjoy together, and the shade cover is completely removable if you want a simpler-looking swing seat through summer.
Best Hammock Chairs
4. Agility Macrame Hammock Swing Chair
Agility Macrame Hammock Swing Chair
- Frame included: NO
- Cushions included: NO
- Weight limit: 150kg
Nothing says relaxed like macramé, and there is no better way to use macramé in a garden than in your seating. Whether it's traditional hammocks or framed hammock seats like this one from Agility, there’s just something magical about the lightness of design in macramé furniture.
As well as its good looks, this chair is easy to install with simple fittings for any sturdy beam.
5. Costcom Portable Hanging Hammock Chair
Costcom Portable Hanging Hammock Chair
- Frame included: NO
- Cushions included: YES
- Weight limit: 150kg
As well as looking good, this simple swinging hammock seat is convenient too, with an entirely machine-washable seat and cushions with removable covers.
These swing seats are designed for camping more than permanence but work really well out in the garden too. The easiest way to install swing hammocks like this is with a set of sailing ropes wrapped around the branch of a tree, but they can just as easily be bolted onto rafters.
6. Vivere Single Cacoon Chair
Vivere Single Cacoon Chair
- Frame included: NO
- Cushions included: NO
- Weight limit: 200kg
Cocoon chairs are great for adults but designed for kids, with a beautiful filtered light that relaxes even the most overactive imagination.
The single hanging point makes them really easy to install, but you will need to buy some extra fittings, or use a really good quality rope to attach to a tree branch.
What’s even better about these hanging pod chairs is that they work just as well in the garden as they do out camping thanks to being so incredibly easy to pack away!
7. Vivere Double Cacoon Chair
Vivere Double Cacoon Chair
- Frame included: NO
- Cushions included: NO
- Weight limit: 200kg
The double cocoon chair is perfect for parents to sit with their kids, or even find a hiding space away from them for a few minutes. The seclusion of cocoon chairs is like nothing else, wrapping you in beautiful filtered light, with a neat window onto the rest of the garden.
8. 2 Seats Hammock Chair Outdoor Patio Furniture
2 Seats Hammock Chair Outdoor Patio Furniture
- Frame included: NO
- Cushions included: NO
- Weight limit: 200kg
Use this swing chair indoors or outdoors. It is beautifully built with a sturdy structure wrapped in polyester and cotton fabric. The swing chair is adorned with lovely, handcrafted tassels.
The Gardeon hammock outdoor swing chair was designed to cup you comfortably and provide a relaxing experience. The chair will hold up to 2 people. It is easy to clean, soft to the touch, and well ventilated.
9. Hammock Sky XXL Hammock Chair Swing
Hammock Sky XXL Hammock Chair Swing
- Frame included: NO
- Cushions included: NO
- Weight limit: 149kg
Lay back and relax in this soft and extra-comfortable hammock chair. The XXL size provides plenty of room to stretch out and unwind. The hammock chair has a solid fabric bed that is suitable for adults, kids, and pets. Included is the hanging hardware and a free hammock drink holder.
10. Soho Hammock Hanging Chair
Soho Hammock Hanging Chair
- Frame included: NO
- Cushions included: NO
- Weight limit: 120kg
Create a relaxing space under a tree or on the verandah with this two-toned hammock chair. The provincial style hammock is handcrafted from hand woven cotton in a heavy duty weave.
Included are the hammock, wooden rod, and top rope detail. Hang it anywhere that will support your weight with its O ring.
11. Salvador Macrame Hanging Hammock Chair
Salvador Macrame Hanging Hammock Chair
- Frame included: NO
- Cushions included: NO
- Weight limit: 120kg
Create a relaxing space, indoors or outdoors, with this boho chic macrame hammock chair. Hang the handmade hammock in your bedroom, or choose a tree or the verandah.
Setup is super easy. Simply install a screw hook into a wooden beam or strong tree branch.
12. Sorbus Hanging Rope Hammock Chair
Sorbus Hanging Rope Hammock Chair
- Frame included: NO
- Cushions included: YES
- Weight limit: 120kg
Find comfort with the Sorbus Hanging Rope Hammock Chair. This colourful, trendy hammock is the perfect addition to any indoor or outdoor space. The hammock swing has back support and two seat cushions.
It is made from sturdy cotton and polyester fabric which makes it machine washable.
13. Keezi Kids Nest Swing Hammock Chair
Keezi Kids Nest Swing Hammock Chair
- Frame included: NO
- Cushions included: NO
- Weight limit: 120kg
Children and adults alike will love swinging on Keezi hammock chairs. They were designed to keep kids happy and adults relaxed. The hammock chairs are strong and sturdy. They have double rings and durable hanging ropes.
You can hand the chair in your garden, on the verandah, or in your child’s bedroom.
Hanging Chairs Frequently Asked Questions
What are hanging chairs called?
Hanging chairs have all sorts of different names, and are often called swing chairs, hanging chairs, basket chairs, outdoor swing seats, hammock seats and pod chairs.
All have slightly different designs, but all come under the same umbrella of hanging chairs.
Are hanging chairs comfortable?
They are comfortable. No matter how much you think you don’t want one or that it will get in the way of the garden, just step back, maybe find a hanging chair on display at Bunnings, and enjoy it.
Can you hang a hanging chair from the ceiling?
As long as they are supported by joists or solid beams they are safe to hang from the ceiling. Plaster or roofing battens are not strong enough to support hanging chairs, so always be absolutely sure to bolt hanging chairs right through ceiling joists.
How much weight can a hanging chair take?
They can take up to 300lbs (130kg) but every chair will have its own weight limits, with some hanging chairs only capable of a max weight of 75kg.
Check the manufacturer's instructions before purchasing or installing a hanging chair.
To boost your outdoor design, be sure to check out our list of outdoor decor buying guides below:
Choose from Best Hanging Egg Chairs, Benches, and Hammock Chairs for 2024
Hanging egg chairs, hanging chairs, pod chairs. Whatever you call them, they’re worth buying because they’ll coax you out into the garden more, and you’ll be able to sit in secluded, private comfort.
Published on September 24, 2022 by Gary Clarke
Last Updated on October 4, 2024
