Blog>Expert Advice>Inspiration to installation: A quick guide to hanging chairs
Last updated: 31 January 2025
Inspiration to installation: A quick guide to hanging chairs
This guide will help you choose the best location for your hanging chair, highlight the different types available, and the all-important tips to ensure safe installation.
If, like us, you were inspired by the hanging chairs in our tour of the House with the Blue Shutters, this guide is for you.
A hanging chair is a timeless and stylish design feature that adds a playful and unique element to any home
Popular in bedrooms and living rooms, hanging chairs are ideal for smaller rooms where other types of seating might feel too bulky or where a cosy nook makes the perfect addition
Before swinging into action, read our top tips for selecting the best hanging chair for your space and how to install a hanging chair safely in your home.
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Choosing the perfect location for your hanging chair
A hanging chair makes a real statement in a room. However, picking the right spot is crucial.
Ceiling stability: You need to choose a spot with a strong ceiling joist to support the chair's weight
Space to swing: Make sure there's at least three feet of clearance behind and on either side of the chair to avoid crashing into walls or furniture
Purpose and view: Decide whether you want a quiet corner for reading, a cosy nook by the fireplace, or a great view of the outdoors
This retro bubble hanging chair is ideally placed to make a statement in the living room, in a sociable position, with dual aspect views of the garden. We love it.
Types of hanging chairs
There's a hanging chair style to suit every home, making it easy to find a design that complements your decor.
Hanging egg chairs
A hanging eggshell chair is stylish, comfortable, and versatile. With several designs available and the option for a suspended chair or a hanging frame, this cosy, cocoon of a seat is popular both inside and outside the home.
Macrame hanging chairs
The macrame hanging chair offers a relaxed, bohemian-style maximising soft, natural textures and intricate patterns. A popular choice for cosy reading corners or Scandi-style bedrooms.
Hammock-style hanging chairs
As seen in the guest bedroom in the House with the Blue Shutters, a hammock-style hanging chair helps to create a casual, laid-back feel to encourage relaxation.
Retro hanging bubble chairs
An iconic design made from transparent acrylic perspex with a polished steel outer ring frame. The bubble chair design allows it to cleverly blend into the background yet still make a statement, as seen below.
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How to hang a chair from the ceiling
As mentioned previously, hanging a suspended chair safely and securely is essential. There are three key steps to hanging a chair from the ceiling:
1. Find a ceiling joist: Use a stud finder to find a ceiling joist capable of supporting the weight of the chair and its occupant
2. Drill and secure: Drill into the middle of the joist and install the hardware needed for this load-bearing set-up. Typically, this is either a heavy-duty suspension plate or a hook/s
3. Attach and test: Attach the rope or chain to the suspension plate or hook/s and give the chair a tug to check it's securely anchored before use
How to hang a hanging chair
Easily learn how to hang a hanging chair with our step-by-step guide. Click for tips on hanging swinging chairs both inside and outside.
For safe installation, call in the experts
We strongly recommend hiring an experienced tradesperson to install your hanging chair. This helps avoid mistakes that could lead to property damage and injury to those using the chair.
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Hanging chair design ideas for bedrooms
A hanging chair for a bedroom is a great idea, whether in a teenager's room, a cool loft conversion, or as a fun addition to a guest suite.
Here's how to style a bedroom hanging chair for maximum impact:
Reading nook: Add a throw blanket and soft cushions to create an inviting space for reading and relaxing
Accent lighting: Install a floor lamp or wall sconces nearby to ensure the perfect level of illumination and desired ambiance
Nature vibes: Incorporate some greenery to the space for balance and calm
Outdoor hanging chair ideas
Hanging chairs aren't just for inside the house. Outdoor hanging chairs are incredibly popular. Relaxing in your outdoor space in a suspended chair is heavenly.
Five considerations for your outdoor hanging chair:
1. Choose the right spot: A shaded area is preferable to direct sunlight. Ensure adequate clearance from fences, walls, or other furniture when your chair is swinging
2. Pick the right materials: Check the hanging chair and any cushions are designed for outdoor use, i.e. they're weather-resistant
3. Where to hang: A sturdy tree branch that's strong enough to bear the weight of the chair and occupant is one option (with padding around the rope or chain to protect the bark). Alternatively, choose an outdoor hanging chair in a stand or frame
4. Cosy up: Make the space inviting with cushions and blankets for warmth and string lights or lanterns for atmosphere
5. Safety: Always double-check the strength and stability of your chosen suspension point. For tree branches, inspect for cracks, damage, or signs of poor health
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Find an expert for your hanging chair installation
Whether hanging a macrame chair in a bedroom or an egg-shaped chair in the garden, we always recommend hiring a skilled tradesperson to ensure safety and longevity.
Every single tradesperson must pass up to 12 checks and commit to a high quality of work, work safely, and communicate honestly before they're given our seal of approval.
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