Hanging Chairs & Chair Hammocks

Choosing the right hanging chair for indoors or outdoors

Indoor hanging chairs made from cotton rope or macrame work well in living rooms and bedrooms where they add texture without the weatherproofing requirements of outdoor materials. For outdoor use on a covered patio or pergola, your hanging chair should be made from synthetic rattan, polyester rope or UV-treated fabric that can handle humidity and occasional moisture without degrading.

Shop our outdoor furniture range to find complementary pieces that suit the style of hanging chair you have in mind.

Where to hang a hanging chair or hammock safely in your home

A hanging chair mounted to a ceiling joist requires the fixing point to support a dynamic load of at least 150kg, which is roughly twice the static weight of the person sitting in it, to account for movement and swinging. If your ceiling joists are more than 45cm apart or you are unsure of the joist location, use a structural engineer's advice before installing, as a plasterboard fixing alone will not hold safely.

Mix with our rattan outdoor chairs to create a layered seating arrangement on a covered deck or in a sunroom.

Getting hanging chair and hammock height and clearance right in your space

Your hanging chair should have at least 50cm of clearance on all sides so it can swing freely without hitting walls, furniture or railings. The ideal hanging height positions the seat at around 45 to 50cm from the floor, which makes it easy to get in and out without the chair swinging away as you sit down.

See our full chairs range if you want to add stationary seating alongside a hanging chair to complete the room.

Frequently asked questions

How much weight can a hanging chair hold?

Most hanging chairs have a stated weight capacity of 100 to 150kg. The ceiling or beam fixing point should be rated to at least twice that capacity to safely handle dynamic swinging loads.

Can I hang a hanging chair from a pergola beam?

Yes, provided it’s attached to a solid timber beam that is at least 90 x 90mm thick and in sound structural condition. Always ensure the beam is load-bearing and firmly anchored before installation. Use a screw-in eye bolt rated to a minimum working load of 200kg and check the bolt threads have engaged at least 50mm into the timber.

What is the difference between a hanging chair and a hammock chair?

A hanging chair typically has a solid or woven seat that maintains a fixed shape, while a hammock chair uses a fabric sling that conforms to the body. Both suspend from a single point, but hanging chairs generally provide more postural support for longer sitting sessions.

Can hanging chairs be used outdoors?

Hanging chairs designed for outdoor use are constructed from UV-stabilised synthetic materials and rust-resistant hardware. Natural materials like cotton macrame and untreated timber are not suitable for permanent outdoor installation, as they will degrade within one to two wet seasons.

How do I clean a hanging chair?

For synthetic rope or rattan hanging chairs, wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soapy water, then rinse and allow to air dry completely before use. Fabric hammock-style chairs can usually be hand washed in cold water and line dried, but check the care label as some structural weaves should not be machine washed.