Buying guide for Best hanging egg chairs
A hanging egg chair is a fine option for outdoor or indoor seating that wraps fun and privacy together in one tidy package. You could think of it as a modernized hammock: an egg-shaped chamber, suspended by a chain, attached to a frame that sits on the floor. Hanging egg chairs come in various sizes, colors, and textures.
Before you add an egg chair to your cart, there are some factors you’ll want to keep in mind. For example, the weight capacity of the egg chair is a valid consideration. Will it be used primarily by children or adults? Ease of assembly is another important issue. Style, comfort level, and whether the chair is designed for indoor or outdoor use are further factors to keep in mind.
Key considerations
Designed by Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen, egg chairs came into popularity in the 1960s. With a low seat and upward-curving sides, egg chairs were meant to add some privacy to otherwise public areas. A hanging egg chair takes the privacy concept a bit further: when suspended from a chain or other mechanism, the sides and top of the chair curve together like an egg with an oval opening for a seat in the middle.
Ease of assembly
Some egg chairs are trickier to assemble than others, but more often than not, the chair will include all tools needed for assembly. If an indoor hanging egg chair already includes a stand from which to hang, you won’t need to worry about anchoring it to the ceiling. However, if you must anchor the chair to the ceiling, you’ll need a rope or chain for the chair. You’ll also need hanging hardware and an electric drill. Use a stud finder to find a ceiling joist or internal beam for hanging purposes. Ideally, the joist or beam should be 2 x 6 inches or more for sufficient support.
Weight capacity
Hanging egg chairs without people in them weigh anywhere from 60 to 150 pounds. The chair you select will also have a weight capacity for the occupant. Weight capacity depends on frame material and whether the chair will hang from the ceiling. The majority have a weight limit of 350 pounds or so. An exception is the two-person hanging egg chair, which may cap out at around 550 pounds, but two-person hanging egg chairs are rarely found.
Outdoor vs. indoor
A primary difference between outdoor and indoor hanging egg chairs is the durability of materials. An outdoor egg chair is made to withstand most weather conditions, so the frame will be waterproof. A removable, washable seat cushion is also essential.
An indoor egg chair may have a plastic or wicker frame and a non-weatherproof cushion. If the egg chair doesn't include a stand to hang from, you'll have to hang it from your ceiling.
Body support and comfort
A typical egg chair has a curved back, which may not offer the greatest lumbar support on its own. Consider adding an extra pillow or two if you plan to spend extended time in your chair. However, a hammock-style egg chair, one that you sit in like a swing, will provide little to no back support. It’s best to limit your time in those chairs if you have back problems.
For your safety
For safety, it is imperative that you drill right into the center of the beam or ceiling joist when installing an egg chair. Otherwise, the chair could come crashing down.
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Material
Wicker is by far the most popular material for a hanging egg chair, but notably, the term “wicker” actually refers to the weaving technique used to construct the frame. A wicker egg chair may consist of natural materials like cedar wood or synthetic materials like polyurethane. Modern outdoor furniture is often an amalgamation of synthetic resins and steel.
It’s also possible to find macrame-style hanging egg chairs that are woven from cotton, twine, linen, or even nylon.
Color
Neutral colors such as brown, beige, black, and gray are often seen on hanging egg chair cushions and frames, though you might find a bit more variety in hanging egg chairs made especially for children. Note that you could always buy separate cushions that add a pop of color to your chair.
Accessories
Lumbar Pillow: RelaxSupport Back Support Pillow
The shape of an egg chair, even with a cushion, may not provide enough support for those with lower back problems. A lumbar pillow is an easy fix. The memory foam found in this pillow molds to the contours of the body.
Throw Blankets: Bedsure Flannel Fleece Luxury Blanket
Plan on doing some serious snuggling in your chair? If yes, it’s worth investing in a few soft throw blankets. Bedsure’s flannel fleece blankets are available in over a dozen colors, suitable for any color scheme. The plush microfiber feels amazing against the skin, and the blankets are affordable enough to stock up on.
Hanging egg chair prices
Hanging egg chairs are available in a wide price range, which means they’re a flexible choice for many budgets. You can find hanging egg chairs between $50 and $650. The price depends on chair material, shape, size, design, and the degree of back support the chair offers.
Inexpensive: The majority of egg chairs under $100 are a lot like the typical hammock: woven with twine with little to no back support. There are also some egg-shaped options for kids in this price range. The majority of inexpensive egg chairs cannot support more than 300 pounds.
Mid-range: Between $100 and $300, options are greater. You can find weather-resistant chairs for outdoors along with chairs that hold more weight, possibly up to 400 pounds. You’ll find more stylish options at this rate, both with natural and synthetic materials.
Expensive: Premier egg chairs may cost from $300 to $650 or more. These chairs may offer a bigger weight capacity (often 500 pounds) and possibly room for two people.
Tips
Test the chair with non-human weight first. This matters especially if you’re hanging an egg chair from the ceiling. If the ceiling beams aren’t enough, no one will be injured when it crashes down.
Note the fabric of the cushion. This is especially important if you tend to have skin reactions to certain fabrics. Read the product information to find out more.
Blankets make it better. If you really plan to snuggle in your hanging egg chair, consider finding one with room enough for plenty of blankets.
FAQ
Q. Are hanging egg chairs safe?
A. When hung and/or assembled properly, a quality-made hanging egg chair should be perfectly safe. The risk of injury increases if the chair is hung from the ceiling improperly or if the weight capacity is surpassed.
Q. Can you swing in a hanging egg chair?
A. This depends on the chair type. Hanging egg chairs that are suspended from a ceiling rather than from the chair’s frame allow for more swinging room. We discourage swinging too vigorously, as that could cause the chair to break.
Q. How much space do you need for a hanging egg chair?
A. This is a great question, since you may be swinging and swaying a bit in your chair! A good rule of thumb is to leave 3 feet of space behind the chair and a little over one foot on either side.
