Hanging armchairs: design, materials and models

What are suspended chairs?

Increasingly trendy to complete the furnishing of gardens, patios and terraces, suspended chairs have the main characteristic of not having support legs. They may, however, have a structure that rests on the floor, allowing it to swing, or they may be anchored to the ceiling, a beam, or a tree branch.

Hanging chairs perform the important function of furnishing an environment with style and creating a corner for relaxing both outdoors and indoors. In fact, there are garden hanging chairs and indoor hanging chairs that differ in design, materials, colours, models and prices.

Type of hanging armchair: pros and cons

Hanging or rocking chairs have an enveloping shape like that of an egg, a cocoon, a hammock, a swing or an air bubble.

While the function of a hanging chair is mainly to relax, the differences between them lie in their shape, structure and design.

In general, hanging garden chairs are divided into three macro types:

• egg-shaped hanging chair
• hammock hanging chair
• rocking garden chair

All types of hanging chairs can be installed indoors or outdoors, what changes is the support and the presence or absence of a roof.

Hanging egg chairs may have a floor support to which the seat is hooked, allowing it to remain suspended; ceiling models are anchored with special hooks that allow, compared to suspended armchairs with a support, a large swinging range.

Hammock chairs need two hooks, usually for roofs or between two physical supports such as trees or pillars.

Rocking chairs have a roof to provide shade and require a larger metal bracket for their stability.

Advantages and disadvantages of a suspended armchair with support

Hanging garden chairs with support are models that have a self-supporting structure that rests on the floor. The strengths of this type of hanging armchair are:

• easy to move
• good solution for limited spaces
• does not require complex swinging

On the other hand, the only weak point of the suspended chair with support is the smaller radius of movement, so it is a good idea to fix the support to the floor to avoid risks.

Pros and cons of a ceiling-hung chair

This type of suspended chair has more disadvantages because:

• requires more space around it
• requires more complex swinging

One advantage is the possibility of full range of motion, but be careful to anchor it to a stable support.

Buying a suspended chair: criteria to consider

Before buying a suspended chair, we need to know a few factors to consider and the needs we want to satisfy.

First of all, whether the armchair is to be used indoors or outdoors will direct us on the purchase. Not all suspended chairs are designed in the same way and with the same materials.

Secondly, the material is a crucial aspect. In the case of garden hanging chairs, a material that is resistant to the elements is advisable. The most common materials are:

• Wicker – Wicker hanging chairs are quite versatile with natural decorative patterns that fit perfectly in gardens;
• Rattan – is a durable material but is not waterproof, therefore not suitable for outdoors.
• Metal – most hanging chairs with supports are made of durable tubular steel and are suitable for outdoor use thanks to special paints.
• Wood – is perhaps the strongest material, but the most expensive.
• Plastic or resin – Lightweight and relatively resistant. Subject to scratches that are difficult to remove, plastic hanging chairs are easy to clean and available in many colours.
• Fabric – used for hammock hanging chairs, easy to handle and easy to store.
• Rope – the most utilised material for suspended chairs.

Do not forget to consider as a factor the weight that a suspended chair can support. Generally speaking, a suspended chair is designed to accommodate one person and the weight it must guarantee is approximately 150 – 200 kg.

For rocking chairs with 2 or more seats, it is important to consider the strength of the structure.

Where to place a hanging armchair?

If you are looking to add an original, stylish touch to your home décor, placing a suspended indoor or outdoor armchair will certainly see your dream come true.

Indoors, a suspended armchair should not be placed near windows or other furnishings as possible collisions could occur when swinging. Therefore, a careful assessment of the space around it is necessary. Usually, in a very large living room, a ceiling-hung armchair anchored to a beam can be installed. While suspended armchairs with supports are more manoeuvrable and can be moved from one room to another, even in an intimate environment such as a bedroom. Moreover, these need less space because of the smaller swing radius.

Outdoors, in the garden, on the terrace, hanging chairs find their ideal place. From models with supports to those that hang from the ceiling due to the presence of a canopy or the branch of a tree, garden hanging chairs offer the right design furniture to create an impressive, hospitable and comfortable environment.

Designer hanging chairs are beautiful to look at and their aesthetics lend a sophisticated touch to your environment and provide the opportunity for relaxing activities such as listening to music, reading a book, resting or taking a nap.