These outdoor chairs bring wow factor to a backyard, but they always sell out – here's where to buy one before they do

Bridging the gap between hammock and accent chair, here are my top picks of the must-have lounge chair of the summer

An outdoor swing chair
(Image credit: Anthropologie)
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Oonagh Turner
By Oonagh Turner
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1. Best egg swing chairs
2. Best two-seater swing chairs
3. Best swing chair with stand

Outdoor swing chairs are having a moment. Tapping into the desire for an outdoor space that focuses on staying relaxed, an outdoor swing chair makes for a great accent piece. They've become such a staple for those looking to relax outside in style, that they often sell out before the summer even gets going. 

'Hanging egg chairs have become hugely popular in recent years - the ultimate in cocooning comfort,' says Reilly Gray, co-founder of Suns Lifestyle. The best outdoor furniture swings adhere to the current outdoor trends for 2023. Think rattan, wicker, earth colors and great cushion padding for added comfort. 

I've scoured the internet to find the best outdoor swings to snap up now.

Best egg swing chairs

An outdoor rattan chair

1. Peacock hanging chair

For a decorative swing chair, this from Anthropologie won't fail to impress hanging from your backyard. The rattan pattern mimics a peacock's feathers, giving boho charm to your pergola or porch area. The seat cushion comes included for extra comfort and it makes a real statement piece.

A foldable aluminum chair

2. Rattan egg chair

With a comfortable hand-woven rattan wrapped around the metal frame, this egg swing won't rust. There are a variety of colorways availalb,e and the seat cushion comes with it, made of 100 per cent polyester making it super soft. Recommended weight for this chair is 350 pounds and the chain can be adjusted to whatever height. 

An egg swing in grey

3. Garner porch swing

This teardrop patio swing comes without a stand and is made of lasting PE wicker rattan weave with an adjustable steel chain. It' comes with soft all-weather tufted polyester fabric cusion, and you can also pick the color of your seat cushion, from mocha to navy - I quite like the grey option. 

Best two-seater swing chairs

An outdoor swing chair

1. Malia Hanging Daybed Cushion

If you have a large front porch, you might want a swing chair that can fit more than one person. This hanging daybed is the epitome of luxury. The cushions are available in any color fabric and are resistant to fading and mildew, there is even extra space to stretch out your legs for adding comfort.

A two-seater swing chair

2. Sunday Porch Swing with Cushions

This classic slat-rail swing is hand-crafted of 100 percent FSC eucalyptus, meaning it's super durable and has that sturdy look from wood material. It is finished in a warm whitewash or graywash, and it comes with two bolster cushions - the perfect porch accessory.

A two bed swing seat

3. Sipsey porch swing

This porch swing chair lacks back support, but has more of a minimalist backyard feel to it. Its eucalyptus frame and foam-filled cushions are wrapped in Sunbrella - the perfect outdoor fabric that is mold-resistant. A natural stain tops the look, which contrasts with the beige upholstery.

Best swing chair with stand

A swing chair with aluminum frame

1. Nanna Ditzel chair

For something more supportive, this cozy egg chair is made from AluRattan exterior with a solid aluminum frame for extra support, combining style with durability. The Sunbrella and Tempotest performance cushion means it's super comfy and perfect for outdoor conditions. 

A hanging basket chair

2. Hanging basket chair with cushion

This durable metal frame is wrapped in weather-ready PE wicker for a natural, laidback look, meaning it has the strength of metal but the beauty and natural look of wood. The sturdy support allows for gentle movement while sitting. 

An egg swing chair with stand

3. Wicker hanging egg chair with stand

An outdoor cushion provides coziness to this egg chair while the ergonomically designed curved frame gives all-day comfort. Featuring a playful yet elegant basket chair and a simple hanging stand, this charming piece of furniture will give your patio a cozy spot for lounging. 

Are pergolas strong enough to hang a swing chair?

Most types of 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. If you have a wood pergola, this is also a strong and durable material that should also support your swing chair, 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 a chain in place. The stronger the chain, the better supported your swing will be. Ropes just 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's the best height for a swing chair?

You don't want your swing chair to be placed too high off the ground so that getting into it involves climbing into your swing, but similarly you don't want it too low so that it graces the floor with every movement. 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. The swing should hang at least 17 inches above the floor.

Oonagh Turner
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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