Best hanging egg chairs that are the perfect addition to your patio

With self-care at the forefront of our minds these days, and with summer just around the corner, a hanging egg chair is one outdoor furniture investment we won’t regret. Naturally bohemian with design roots in the swinging Sixties (pun fully intended), this is a playful patio piece that adds instant retro charm. It also gives us an idyllic spot in which to curl up and relax, cocooning us as we drift softly in the breeze.

Given that very few of us can boast a mature oak tree to swing from in the back garden , most contemporary designs come with a sturdy metal cantilever stand, typically made from a powder-coated steel or a lightweight aluminium.

The basket can then be suspended via a strong chain and usually a hefty spring, which gives a little bounce, making us feel both comfy and supported. Most designs allow you to adjust the height of the basket, too, which is handy if you prefer your feet touching the ground, or if you tend to struggle to get in and out of particularly deep seats – especially ones on the move.

When it comes to materials, most modern egg chairs are reliably weather-resistant, with polyethylene rattan or wicker weaves. While we often associate faux materials that ape their natural counterparts with cheaper products, this is decidedly not the case here.

Some of the most expensive and luxurious swing seats are crafted from a man-made material that not only looks indecipherable from the real thing, but is no match for heavy showers.

How we tested hanging egg chairs

We tried out a range of egg chairs – including some stationary styles – in our back garden, looking for great design and top craftsmanship. With most requiring minimal assembly, we considered how easy each was to put together. We also looked at how well they stood up to the elements, and most importantly, the comfort factor.

The best hanging egg chair for 2024 are:

• Best hanging egg chair overall – Barker and Stonehouse Castello hanging garden chair with base, grey: £279, Barkerandstonehouse.co.uk
• Best budget hanging egg chair – Habitat Kora rattan effect garden egg chair, black: £200, Argos.co.uk
• Best egg chair for design lovers – John Lewis Dante garden hanging pod chair: 500, Johnlewis.com
• Best rattan hanging egg chair – Anthropologie peacock indoor/outdoor hanging chair: £598, Anthropologie.com

Barker and Stonehouse Castello hanging garden chair with base, grey

Atkin and Thyme Amelie weave egg chair

John Lewis Dante garden hanging pod chair

Habitat Kora rattan effect garden egg chair, black

Anthropologie peacock indoor/outdoor hanging chair

The verdict: Hanging egg chairs