You’ve seen them on Instagram, you’ve sat in one at a friend’s garden party, and now you want one of your own. Egg chairs have gone from niche Scandi design piece to garden furniture staple in about three years flat, and with good reason — they’re ridiculously comfortable, look fantastic, and make any patio feel like a boutique hotel.
The problem is choosing one. Prices range from £80 to over £800, some need hanging from a frame or beam while others sit on a base, and the quality varies wildly between brands. Here’s what’s actually worth buying in 2026, plus how to avoid the flimsy models that fall apart after one British winter.
In This Article
- Hanging vs Freestanding: Which Type Do You Need?
- Best Egg Chairs 2026 UK
- What to Look For When Buying
- Where to Put an Egg Chair
- Egg Chair Materials Explained
- Looking After Your Egg Chair
- Are Egg Chairs Comfortable for Everyone?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Hanging vs Freestanding: Which Type Do You Need?
This is the first decision, and it determines everything else — where you can put it, how much you’ll spend, and how much effort installation requires.
Hanging Egg Chairs
These suspend from a single point — either a standalone metal frame, a ceiling beam, or a heavy-duty bracket. The gentle swinging motion is what makes them so popular. When you sit in one, you’re cradled in a cocoon that rocks with you.
- With frame: self-contained, no drilling needed, can go anywhere the frame fits. The frame typically adds 30–40cm to the footprint and £50–100 to the price
- Without frame: needs a ceiling mount rated to at least 150kg (including the chair and occupant). Works indoors under a solid beam or outdoors on a covered pergola
- Weight: frames are heavy — 15–25kg for the frame alone, plus the chair. Moving them around the garden isn’t casual
Freestanding Egg Chairs
These sit on a fixed base or legs, like a regular chair but with the wraparound egg shape. No swinging, no frame, no installation. Just plonk it down and sit in it.
- Pros: lighter, easier to move, no overhead clearance needed, generally cheaper
- Cons: no rocking/swinging motion (which is half the appeal), can feel less cocooning than hanging versions
- Best for: small spaces, balconies, people who want the look without the engineering
For most people with a standard UK patio, a hanging egg chair with frame is the sweet spot. It’s self-contained, delivers the full swinging experience, and doesn’t need any structural work.
Best Egg Chairs 2026 UK
Maze Rattan Manila Hanging Egg Chair — Best Overall
About £450–550 from Maze direct, John Lewis, or Garden Street. This is the egg chair I recommend most often, and it’s the one you see on every other patio in the nicer neighbourhoods. Thick PE rattan weave on a powder-coated steel frame, with a deep, generously padded cushion that you sink into.
The weave is tight enough to be weather-resistant without needing a cover for light rain, though I’d bring the cushion in during heavy downpours. The standalone frame is sturdy — no wobble even with a 90kg adult swinging enthusiastically. Weight capacity: 120kg.
Why we rate it: Premium quality without the premium price tag. Looks expensive, lasts well, and the cushion is the thickest in this price range. If you’re choosing between this and the general garden furniture picks, the Manila earns its dedicated spot.
Dawsons Living Vienna Hanging Egg Chair — Best Under £250
About £180–250 from Amazon UK or Dawsons Living direct. This is the affordable option that doesn’t feel cheap. The rattan weave is slightly thinner than the Maze but perfectly serviceable, and the included frame is stable enough for everyday use.
The cushion is decent — not the plushest, but comfortable for an hour or two with a book. Available in grey, natural, and black weave with various cushion colours. Weight capacity: 120kg.
Why we rate it: Best ratio of quality to price. It won’t match a £500 chair on build quality, but for most families it’s all you need.
B&Q Apolima Hanging Egg Chair — Best Availability
About £250–300 from B&Q stores and online. B&Q’s own-brand option has the advantage of being physically available to sit in before buying — something you can’t do with online-only brands. The build quality is mid-range: decent PE rattan, adequate frame, reasonable cushion.
It’s not going to win design awards, but it’s solid, widely available, and you can drive home with it today rather than waiting for delivery.
Why we rate it: Try-before-you-buy and same-day availability. For people who need to sit in something before spending £250, this is the answer.
Cox & Cox Hanging Cocoon Chair — Best for Style
About £595–695 from Cox & Cox. If aesthetics matter as much as comfort, this is the one. The open weave pattern is more decorative than most, the frame has a slimmer profile, and the whole thing looks like it belongs in a lifestyle magazine spread.
The trade-off is practicality — the open weave means more rain gets through, and the frame, while elegant, isn’t as bomb-proof as the chunkier options. Weight capacity: 100kg (lower than competitors).
Why we rate it: The best-looking egg chair you can buy. If your garden is an extension of your interior design, this is worth the premium.
Garden Trading Hampstead Egg Chair — Best Freestanding
About £350–450 from Garden Trading, John Lewis, or Amara. If you don’t want the faff of a hanging frame, this freestanding version delivers the cocoon shape on a fixed base. All-weather rattan on a steel frame with a comfortable seat cushion.
The base is wide and stable — no tipping risk even on uneven patio slabs. It’s lighter than frame-hung alternatives (about 12kg total), so moving it around the garden or bringing it inside for winter is easy.
Why we rate it: All the egg chair charm without the hanging mechanism. Perfect for covered patios, conservatories, or anyone who finds swinging chairs more stressful than relaxing.
What to Look For When Buying
Weight Capacity
Check the stated maximum before buying. Most egg chairs support 100–150kg, but cheaper models sometimes max out at 80kg. If two people share the chair (it happens), you need a higher-rated model. Don’t guess — check the spec sheet.
Frame Quality
The frame does all the structural work. Look for:
- Powder-coated steel — resists rust. The thicker the tubing, the sturdier the chair
- Stainless steel — premium option, zero rust risk, but heavier and more expensive
- Welded joints — stronger than bolt-together connections. Check for clean welds with no gaps
Avoid chairs where the frame flexes visibly when you push on it. A frame that wobbles in the showroom will wobble more after a year of use.
Cushion Quality
You’ll spend hours sitting on this thing, so the cushion matters. Look for:
- Minimum 10cm thick — anything thinner bottoms out quickly
- Water-resistant (not waterproof) fabric — showerproof is fine; fully waterproof fabrics often feel plasticky
- Removable covers — for washing. Outdoor cushions get grubby fast
- Tie-down straps — stop the cushion sliding out when you stand up
Weave Material
- PE rattan (polyethylene) — the standard for outdoor egg chairs. UV-resistant, weatherproof, flexible. The best all-round choice for UK gardens
- Natural rattan — beautiful but not suitable for permanent outdoor use. Rain, frost, and UV will destroy it within a year. Indoor or conservatory only
- Rope or macramé — trendy but stretches over time and holds moisture. More decorative than practical
Where to Put an Egg Chair
Space Requirements
A hanging egg chair with frame needs roughly 120cm × 120cm of clear floor space, plus 60cm of overhead clearance above the top of the frame. That’s about the footprint of a small dining table. Freestanding versions need less — roughly 80cm × 80cm.
Surface
The frame needs a flat, stable surface. Patio slabs, decking, or compacted gravel all work. Soft lawn doesn’t — the frame legs sink in and the chair tilts. If lawn is your only option, place the frame on a pair of paving slabs to distribute the weight.
Shelter
Egg chairs survive light rain, but prolonged exposure to heavy rain, wind, and frost shortens their life. A partially sheltered spot — under a pergola, against a house wall, or on a covered patio — is ideal. Full sun is fine for PE rattan but will fade cushion fabric over a couple of seasons.
Indoor Use
Egg chairs work brilliantly indoors — in conservatories, bedrooms, or living rooms. The freestanding versions are easier to manage inside (no frame clearance issues), but a hanging chair from a ceiling beam makes a serious style statement. Just make sure the beam can take the load — Trading Standards advises checking structural capacity before installing hanging furniture, and getting a builder to assess if you’re unsure.
Egg Chair Materials Explained
PE Rattan
The overwhelming majority of outdoor egg chairs use PE rattan — a synthetic woven material designed to mimic natural rattan. It’s UV-stabilised, waterproof, and flexible enough to weave into complex patterns. Quality varies enormously: cheap PE rattan turns brittle and snaps within two years, while premium versions last 5–10 years outdoors.
Look for “round” or “half-round” rattan profiles rather than flat — they’re stronger and look more authentic. Which? magazine’s garden furniture reviews regularly test rattan durability across brands. The furniture materials guide covers PE rattan durability in more detail.
Powder-Coated Steel
Every egg chair frame uses steel. Powder coating (a baked-on polymer finish) provides rust protection. The quality of the coating matters — a thick, even coat survives years of outdoor exposure, while a thin coat chips and rusts within months. Test by running your fingernail across the frame in the shop — good powder coating doesn’t scratch easily.
Aluminium
Some premium egg chairs use aluminium frames instead of steel. Aluminium doesn’t rust at all, weighs about 40% less, and looks sleek. The downside is cost — aluminium-framed chairs typically cost 50–100% more than steel equivalents.
Looking After Your Egg Chair
Weekly
Wipe down the rattan weave with a damp cloth to remove dust and pollen. In autumn, brush fallen leaves out of the seat — trapped moisture causes mould.
Monthly
Check frame joints for looseness (bolt-together frames especially) and tighten if needed. Inspect the hanging chain or rope for wear at contact points.
Seasonally
- Spring: deep clean the weave with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly. Check cushion covers for mildew and wash if needed
- Autumn: consider covering the furniture or moving it to a shed/garage for winter. If leaving out, use a breathable furniture cover — not a tarp, which traps moisture
Cushion Storage
Bring cushions inside when not in use, or store them in a waterproof deck box. Even “shower-resistant” cushion fabric will develop mould if left wet repeatedly. Indoor storage between uses is the single best thing you can do for cushion longevity.
Are Egg Chairs Comfortable for Everyone?
Body Size
Egg chairs suit a wide range of body shapes, but they have limits. The typical seat width is 75–85cm inside the bowl. If you’re broad-shouldered, check the internal dimensions before buying — some cheaper models are narrower than they look in photos.
Back Problems
The curved, semi-reclined position is comfortable for most people but may not suit those with specific lower back conditions. The lack of adjustable lumbar support means you’re relying on the cushion for positioning. If you have back issues, sit in one before buying if possible.
Getting In and Out
Hanging egg chairs swing when you get in and out, which requires reasonable mobility and balance. For elderly users or anyone with mobility limitations, a freestanding egg chair on a stable base is a better choice — no swinging, no balance needed, easier to push up from.
Children
Kids love egg chairs — they’re basically a swing you’re allowed to sit in. But unsupervised swinging in a hanging chair can tip it beyond its designed arc. If small children will use it, consider a freestanding model or ensure an adult is present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you leave an egg chair outside all year? PE rattan egg chairs survive year-round outdoors, but their lifespan shortens with permanent exposure. The weave handles rain and UV, but frost can make cheap rattan brittle and wind can stress the frame. Using a breathable cover in winter or storing in a shed extends the life by several years. Always bring cushions inside.
How much weight can an egg chair hold? Most egg chairs support 100–150kg. Always check the manufacturer’s stated maximum. The frame and hanging mechanism are the limiting factors, not the weave. Never exceed the stated limit — the failure mode is sudden and unpleasant.
Are egg chairs safe for children? Yes, with supervision. The hanging motion is the main risk — children can swing aggressively and tip the chair beyond its intended arc. Freestanding models are safer for unsupervised use. Always check that the frame is stable on the surface before letting children use it.
Can you use an egg chair indoors? Yes — freestanding models work anywhere you have the floor space. Hanging models need either a dedicated frame (which takes up more room) or a ceiling-mounted hook rated for the weight. Indoor use actually extends the chair’s life since it’s protected from weather.
How do you clean an egg chair? Warm soapy water and a soft brush for the PE rattan weave. Rinse with clean water and let it air dry. For the cushion covers, check the label — most are machine washable at 30°C. Never use a pressure washer on rattan — it damages the weave and forces water into the frame joints.