Buying an Outdoor Swing Chair? Shop These Editor-Backed Picks (Some Are Even on Sale)

Is it a hammock? Is it an accent chair? It’s both — it’s an outdoor swing chair! Talk about the best of both worlds...

hanging egg chairs on a colorful background
(Image credit: Wayfair, Amazon, Anthropologie)

The trendiest girl you know probably has an outdoor swing chair in some form. The egg chair, both freestanding and hanging, is reminiscent of the early 2000s but far more refined, while the hanging double-seater is a masterclass in vacation-like relaxation at home. If you love keeping things fresh, fun, and design-forward on your front porch, an outdoor swing chair could be your next move (and especially with Amazon Prime Day on the horizon).

As a style editor, I’m well-attuned to all the best outdoor furniture and outdoor furniture brands. And today, we’re using that knowledge to take a deep dive into a few dependable luxurious swing chair options, all of which will, as always, be sourced with an emphasis on style above all.

You may be wondering — what qualifies me to make these selections? Well, in addition to spending hours and hours each day shopping the internet for the best buys (which include these 12 pieces of actually chic Amazon home decor), I’ve interviewed hundreds of interior design experts, work closely with incredible and dedicated curators and writers, and deep dive into customer reviews every chance I get. I promise there is no product recommended here that I wouldn’t try myself.

Swing Chairs with Stands

Hanging Egg Swing Chairs

Two-Seat Swing Chairs

Can you hang an outdoor swing chair from a pergola?

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Most pergolas should be able to support the weight of a swing. Pergolas are often made from metal and should be strong enough to take the weight of one or two people. A wood pergola should also work but check the wood is in good condition — rotting wood runs the risk of breaking.

If you have joists or beams, it is as simple as tying the chair's chain in place. The stronger the chain, the better supported your swing will be. Ropes won't cut it, but you can also buy heavy-duty swing hanger sets made of durable iron material that keeps your swing attached to a beam.

It's also about the strength of the chair itself. Metal swing seats don't look as comfortable and relaxing, owing to the hardness of the material, but wrapped in outdoor-appropriate rattan can soften the metal and give you a pleasant outdoor retreat.

What is the best height for an outdoor swing chair?

You don't want your swing chair to be so high off the ground that getting into is cumbersome (or even dangerous), but you also don't want it so low that it graces the floor with every movement. At least 17 inches above the floor is typically a good height. Bolts should be installed around two to four inches wider than the swing's length to ensure good weight distribution and stop the chains from rubbing.

Oonagh Turner
Livingetc content editor and design expert

Oonagh is a content editor at Livingetc.com and an expert at spotting the interior trends that are making waves in the design world. Writing a mix of everything and everything from home tours to news, long-form features to design idea pieces on the website, as well as frequently featured in the monthly print magazine, she's the go-to for design advice in the home. Previously, she worked on a London property title, producing long-read interiors features, style pages and conducting interviews with a range of famous faces from the UK interiors scene, from Kit Kemp to Robert Kime. In doing so, she has developed a keen interest in London's historical architecture and the city's distinct tastemakers paving the way in the world of interiors. 

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