How to Choose a Patio Swing Chair Design

On this page (8 sections)

1. Which patio swinging chair design fits your space?
2. What should you check before choosing a mount?
3. Which seat shape suits the way you’ll use it?
4. How do these three patio swing chair designs compare?
5. How should you plan the chair’s footprint and swing path?
6. Which patio swing chair design is easiest to move or store?
7. What should you check before buying?
8. How do you choose between these patio swing chair designs?

Choose a patio swing chair design by matching its shape and support to your space. A stand-mounted egg chair needs floor area, while a hanging chair needs a suitable overhead point or frame.

Measure the swing path and decide whether you want an open hammock seat or an enclosed basket.

Think about how you’ll use the chair, too. Reading, reclining and sharing a patio with other seating can call for different shapes and footprints.

This guide compares three common designs, with examples to help you check the trade-offs. For a wider look at styles, see our best outdoor swing chair guide.

Which patio swinging chair design fits your space?

The best design for your patio depends on available floor space, mounting options and how enclosed you want the seat to feel. Start with the support method, because it determines where the chair can go.

These are general design groups, not fixed size standards. Check the exact dimensions and mounting needs of the chair you’re considering.

How do you choose a patio swinging chair design for a small area?

A compact patio may suit a hanging chair without a permanent floor stand, provided you have a safe mount and enough room for movement. A stand adds a larger footprint, but lets you avoid relying on an overhead beam or ceiling point.

Measure the space from the chair’s center to nearby walls and rails. Include the path the seat takes as it swings, plus room to step in and out.

A folding design can help if you need to store the chair between uses. The NICESOUL egg chair’s basket folds flat, but its stand still occupies floor space when assembled.

What should you check before choosing a mount?

Check whether the chair uses a stand, a ceiling or beam mount, or a separate swing frame. The chair’s design alone does not tell you whether your patio’s structure can support it.

Follow the chair maker’s instructions for the intended setup. If you plan to attach a chair overhead, confirm the support point and required hardware before hanging it.

Our guide explains how to hang a swing chair, including what to consider before choosing a mounting point. If you prefer a frame, compare best outdoor swing chair stand options for a standalone setup.

Which seat shape suits the way you’ll use it?

An egg chair creates a more enclosed seating area, while a hammock chair leaves the sides more open. Choose the shape that gives you the posture and access you want without crowding the patio.

A basket seat with cushions can suit lounging and reading. An open rope or fabric seat may be easier to fold or move, depending on its construction and support.

If reclining is a priority, compare the features of best recliner outdoor swinging chair options. If you want a chair that turns as well as swings, first check what swivel chairs are and whether that movement suits your setup.

What features matter for a hammock chair?

Look at the seat width, spreader bar and any accessories that come with the chair. These details affect how the seat hangs and what you may need to add to your mounting setup.

The Y- STOP Hammock Chair has a removable steel spreader bar, anti-slip rings and 2 seat cushions. Its stated maximum weight recommendation is 500 lb; follow the chair’s instructions and use a support system suited to the setup.

A side pocket can keep a book or phone close while you sit. Make sure anything you set there is secure when the chair moves.

How do these three patio swing chair designs compare?

These examples show three different approaches: an open hammock chair, a hanging chair with a cushion and an egg chair with its own stand. Compare their mounting, footprint and shape first, then check the dimensions and use instructions for your space.

The SONGMICS Hanging Chair has a steel frame, woven ropes and a double-reinforced seat. It includes a steel chain and carabiner, though extra accessories may be needed for some hanging methods.

Its seat diameter is 22.4 in, and the armrest ring diameter is 29.9 in. The chair’s stated maximum static weight capacity is 264 lb.

SONGMICS advises keeping it away from rain and long-term sun exposure.

The NICESOUL Comfy Indoor Outdoor Egg Chair has a wicker basket and metal stand. Its overall dimensions are 38 in wide, 41 in deep and 78 in high, so measure the full footprint before choosing a location.

The basket folds flat for storage, and the stand can be assembled or taken apart. Its stated maximum weight recommendation is 350 lb.

Use the safety strap as directed when getting in or out.

The Y- STOP Hammock Chair measures 53 in long by 38 in wide. Its stated maximum weight recommendation is 500 lb, and the spreader bar has anti-slip rings to help keep the ropes in place.

This design needs an appropriate overhead mount or compatible frame. Check the whole hanging area, not only the seat width, so the chair can move without striking nearby objects.

How should you plan the chair’s footprint and swing path?

Measure the chair’s full dimensions, then leave clear space for movement and access. The footprint of a stand-mounted chair does not include the room needed for the chair to swing or for you to get seated.

Use painter’s tape or a simple floor outline to mark the stand or hanging seat’s resting position. Then mark the likely swing area and check the clearance from rails, walls, doors and nearby furniture.

A side table can be useful for a drink or book, but place it outside the chair’s path. Browse these patio side table ideas after you’ve chosen the chair’s position.

If the chair will sit on a balcony, check that its full footprint leaves enough room to move around safely. Also consider how you’ll carry the chair or stand through the doorway and into place.

Which patio swing chair design is easiest to move or store?

A folding seat or disassemblable stand can make storage and moving easier, but check the folded dimensions and every large component. A chair may fold while its frame still takes up space.

The NICESOUL basket folds flat, and its stand can be taken apart. The SONGMICS chair can use different hanging arrangements, though each may need extra accessories.

The Y- STOP chair’s stated folded dimensions are 20 x 30 x 5 in. Confirm which parts those measurements describe and how the complete setup will be stored.

What should you check before buying?

Before choosing a design, verify the dimensions, support method and what the setup includes. A chair that suits your style still needs to fit the site and mounting plan.

• Measure the resting footprint and swing path.
• Confirm whether you need a stand, a ceiling or beam mount, or extra hanging hardware.
• Check the seat dimensions and the chair’s stated weight limit.
• Review care and storage instructions for the location you plan to use.
• Leave room to enter, exit and reach nearby furniture.

For more shape and setup options, compare our best outdoor swing chair guide. If you’re choosing a chair for a room instead, see best indoor swing chair for adults.

How do you choose between these patio swing chair designs?

Choose a stand-mounted egg chair if you want a basket seat and have room for its full frame. Pick an open hammock chair if its hanging method suits your space and you prefer a less enclosed seat; choose another hanging chair if its cushion and frame options fit your setup.

Measure the swing path before settling on a location.

For a deeper look at mounting and support, continue with how to hang a swing chair.

Frequently asked questions

Which patio swing chair design works best in a small space?

A hanging chair can work well in a small space if you have a safe overhead mount or a stand that fits the floor plan. Check the chair's full dimensions, access around it and the space it needs to swing.

A foldable basket can also help with storage when the chair is not in use.

Do patio swing chairs need a stand?

Some patio swing chairs include a stand, while others need a separate frame or a secure overhead mount. A stand-mounted design can be moved if the floor area allows, while a ceiling or beam mount depends on a suitable support point.

Check what hardware is included and what else your setup requires.

What is the difference between an egg chair and a hammock chair?

An egg chair has a basket shape that surrounds more of your body, while a hammock chair uses a suspended fabric or rope seat. Egg chairs often occupy more floor space, especially with a stand.

Hammock chairs may fold or pack smaller, but still need a proper mount or frame.

How much room does a patio swing chair need?

Measure the chair's width and depth, then add room for its swing path and for getting in and out. For a stand-mounted chair, include the full stand footprint.

Check nearby walls, rails, doors and tables so the chair does not hit them as it moves.

Can a patio swing chair go indoors?

Some hanging chairs and egg chairs can be used indoors as well as outdoors. Confirm that the intended mount or stand fits the room and that the floor and overhead support are suitable.

For more ideas, compare our guide to the best indoor swing chair for adults.