Buyers’ guide: best hanging cocoon and egg chairs

Hanging cocoon chairs are set to be a must-have for modern gardens in 2022 and we’re big fans. While we saw lots of single egg seats on the market last year, a host of two- and even three-seater hanging sofas are set to invade our outside living spaces this summer.

With their distinctive curves, tactile open-weave and enveloping shapes, this comfy furniture adds serious style to your patio. And, because they invite you to climb in and gently sway, feet off the ground, they appeal to the child in us all and provide the private, cosy space we all deserve.

In the colder months, you can pile on the cushions, put on some lights, layer up the throws and curl up with a good book or podcast. When warmer days arrive, these hanging cocoon chairs are a welcome escape, half-shaded from the sunshine.

Why should I buy a garden cocoon chair?

Happy centre stage on your patio or tucked away in a quiet corner at the bottom of your plot, these hanging chairs are the only place you’ll want to sit in your garden this year.

Big enough to sink into, their unusual egg shape wraps above and around you, creating an immersive and supportive experience. With the seating pod suspended from a sturdy stand, you can sit and sway gently in the breeze, adding to the feeling of pure escapism.

How much should I pay?

Hanging cocoon chairs differ hugely in cost so it’s worth knowing a little about how they are made, and the different materials used, so you can decide where your budget is best spent. Single designs can start from £280, while larger three-seaters can go up to £399.

It’s not just size alone that dictates the price tag – there is a wide variation in the quality of materials used and this often impacts how they perform and withstand the weather.

Most open-weave chair designs are made from synthetic or all-weather rattan. Known as high-density polyethene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), they have various ingredients added to improve their durability before being woven around a sturdy and curved aluminium chair frame.

These strands are tough and hardwearing and above all, weatherproof, making them ideal for life outdoors in the Great British climate – but there is one technicality worth noting. The way the strands are coloured can often determine whether any scuffs are noticeable, so do read the small print. In mono-extrusion products, the colour permeates completely, so scuffs are hidden, while with dual-extrusion techniques, only the surface is coloured, so any damage is obvious.

The best hanging cocoon and egg chairs for your garden

Dimensions: H 185 x W 110 x Dia 130cm

Material: Chair Rattan/Metal Cushion Polyester

Max weight: 150kg

Weatherproof? Yes

Suitable for both indoor and outdoor, you can catch this chair in both grey and black so the choice is yours.

Coming in a stone grey, this hanging chair is durable, weatherproof and UV protected, all while being aesthetically pleasing – what more could you want? At a slightly higher price point, this cocoon chair is for those looking to splash out.

Dimensions: H210 x W133 x L108cm

Material: Chair Powder coated aluminium, rattan weave Cushion Polyester and Texdlaine

Max weight: 200kg

Weatherproof? Yes

Made from top-grade Birch and rope cord, this chair is for the big spenders. There is no construction required, it folds flat and you can upkeep it by wiping it down every few months. Perfect for those looking to upgrade their garden.

Dimensions: H120 x W120

Material: Chair Birch laminate, rope cord Cushion Faux suede

Max weight: 130kg

Weatherproof? Yes

It oozes class and attention to detail, even the black powder-coated stand and chain will ensure it will last for years. It also has a safety belt to control the swing range.

Dimensions: H198 x D108 x W68cm

Material: Chair Rattan Cushions Polyester

Max weight: 120kg

Weatherproof? Yes

In a classic rattan effect, the oval shape creates the perfect egg to sink into. Delievered in three parts, it's simple to put together.

Dimensions: H192x W63 x L95cm

Material: Chair Rattan Cushion Polyester

Max weight: 120kg

Weatherproof? Yes

Dimensions: H198 x W100 x L100cm

Material: Chair Rattan Cushion Polyester

Max weight: 150kg

Weatherproof? Yes

As well as laying back and enjoying the sun, the chair also has a parasol on it, which can be adjusted to your needs. Non-slip and tilt-proof, this hanging cocoon chair is suitable for both indoors and outdoors.

Dimensions: H195x W119 x L202cm

Material: Chair Steel Cushion Polyester

Max weight: 110kg

Weatherproof? Yes

It’s also easy to stash away as the chair cleverly folds flat – concertina style – while the steel base and aluminium frame easily detach. Perfect for storing away for winter or tucking out the way.

Dimensions: H196x W100 x L195cm

Material: Chair Steel Cushion Polyester

Max weight: 120kg

Weatherproof? Yes

Lyra is a retro designer statement piece for relaxing. Made with woven poly rattan and a comfy cushion, so you can swing in style while getting through your reading list.

Dimensions: H183 x W107 x D100cm

Material: Poly rattan, Steel Cushion Polyester

Max weight: Unknown

Weatherproof? Cover or store away when not in use

How should I position my cocoon chair?

With a smaller footprint than your average outdoor sofa, a hanging cocoon seat can sit proudly alone on a deck or be pulled up as an extra chair, alongside other garden furniture. Because they hang from a stand so you can still see the ground underneath, they give the illusion of extra space. Position them so they hover over a colourful rug and the effect will be even more enticing.

Because the seat can usually be quickly detached from the stand, they take far less effort to move than a traditional sofa, so you can easily change your location and view as the mood takes you. Perhaps you’d prefer a sunny spot just outside your back door through the winter but a shady retreat at the bottom of your plot in summer? No problem!

It’s worth remembering that these style statements also work beautifully indoors, so if you have space in your conservatory, why not bring them in for the worst of the winter? Some stands are designed to come easily apart while others, once assembled, can be harder to dismantle, particularly if they have been left outside for a lengthy period.

The frame is designed to be left outside in most weather, but it’s worth thinking about where you’ll store the cushions during heavy or persistent rain. Adding a storage chest somewhere close by makes it easy.

How do I hang up my cocoon chair?

You can buy hanging cocoon chairs on their own to suspend from a tree or pergola if it’s strong enough, but most come with a dedicated metal stand. These are usually made from tubular steel or lightweight aluminium and are powder-coated to create a smart, coloured finish.

They consist of a curved upright section and flat base that neatly bolt together to form a rigid stand. Most bases tend to be circular or oval loops with crossbars for extra strength, while a few models feature more traditional cross legs or a horseshoe design.

When it comes to the quality of the design, details such as the hanging chain, the top end cap (that seals the stand) and the bolts or rivets that join the frame are all good indicators of a well-made product. The cap and rivets should be smooth and well finished and the chain links should hang straight without catching.

What cushions should I get for my cocoon chair?

Seat cushions are a huge part of any hanging chair, as they provide a delicious sense of comfy contentment. Most chairs come with a single rectangular, quilted pad that wraps around the inside of the chair to form a seat and backrest, while a few designs have shaped cushions with a high back, seat pad and tapered arms. Due to the extra tailoring, these often cost more and come with a separate, tie-on headrest.

Do check how weatherproof the cushions are and decide if you’re prepared to pay extra to minimise the faff of storing them or investing in furniture covers. If there’s no mention of cushion quality, then you’ll need to bring them inside at the slightest glimpse of a shower.

There is an increasing number of cushions that can be left in place except in the heaviest rain, at a cost. Often referred to as all-weather or shower-resistant cushions, these relatively new products have fibre-filled inners that allow water to drain straight through.

Covers come in a range of gorgeous shades. Cream, light grey and charcoal are all on-trend this season and most are UV fade-resistant, machine washable and quick to dry.

What type of cocoon or egg hanging chair should I get?

Hanging cocoon chairs look like no other piece of outdoor furniture. Their arching stands and egg-shaped seating pods immediately catch your eye and instantly become the seat of envy. The hottest designs this year are larger and bolder than before, with room for two and even three people to kickback.

They’re perfect for couples and getting cosy with friends when social distancing is a distant memory. A tactile mix of the open weave, all-weather rattan and a smartly finished metal stand, they also add a sculptural feature to a deck or patio, looking super chic all year round.

These al fresco beauties come in a range of different colours and styles, so you can pick and choose the design that’s best for your individual outside space. Intricate macramé is a big look for furniture this year, and there are plenty of hanging chairs that mimic this fine meshwork. Double up with the new back-to-neutrals trend and the overall effect oozes elegance.

For a dramatic twist, pick out the same intricate design in a darker colour. Charcoal grey and near-black cocoons will both show off the chair’s fine lines and make a graphic contrast to many outdoor settings.

Feeling even bolder or just tempted to try something different? Then go for a retro-inspired, rib-style seat. Reminiscent of chunky bamboo numbers that were a hit in the 1970s, these have cleaner, more prominent lines, often arranged in a grid.

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