With design roots in the swinging Sixties (pun fully intended), the hanging egg chair is a naturally chic patio piece. Perhaps the ultimate indulgence when it comes to outdoor furniture, its playful form offers 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 designs come with a sturdy metal cantilever stand. The chair itself is then typically suspended via a strong chain and sometimes a hefty spring, which gives a little bounce, making us feel both comfy and supported.
While a hanging egg chair’s natural habitat is the patio or terrace, there are plenty of indoor/outdoor designs on offer: if you have the space, a natural rattan number can add a laid-back bohemian feel to your interiors.
And while we often associate faux rattan with cheaper products, materials such as polyethylene rattan or bamboo in fact prove highly durable and weather-proof – as well as being near-impossible to tell the difference. Now, some of the most expensive, luxurious outdoor furniture ranges are crafted from poly-rattan.
Excitingly, buyer demand is making this once unattainable piece increasingly affordable, with top brands competing for our attention – even budget retailers such as Aldi and Robert Dyas have joined in with the hype. Call it self-care – this is a luxury we all want in on.
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We put a range of hanging egg chairs to the test on our patio space, looking for great design and all-weather durability, ease of assembly, quality of materials, and of course, the ultimate in comfort.
