What Is an Outdoor Swing Chair? Styles, Materials & Uses Explained

Need a comfy spot to relax in your backyard, balcony, or patio? A bold outdoor swing chair might be just what you’re missing. It’s more than a seat—it’s your personal escape pod. Whether you’re sipping morning coffee or winding down after work, swing chairs let you relax in style. The popularity of outdoor furniture (outdoor swing chairs included) is growing at a CAGR of 10.97% in Australia. 

It’s a hanging chair that comes in different styles, made from wicker to metals, cotton rope to nylon. You can place an outdoor swing chair in your backyard, patio, garden, or balcony. 

But how do you choose the right one? Let’s break down everything about outdoor swing chairs, from styles and materials to uses and what really matters when shopping for one.

What Is an Outdoor Swing Chair?

An outdoor swing chair is a hanging seat designed for relaxing outdoors. You can think of it as a mix of a chair and a gentle hammock. 

You can hang it from a ceiling beam, a tree, or a swing chair stand. 

Unlike indoor chairs, Outdoor Swing Chairs are made to survive weather—rain, UV rays, wind, and even bird mess. That’s why it often includes waterproof outdoor fabrics, metal or timber frames, and UV-resistant coating.

Some chairs swing back and forth like a porch swing. Others hang still but let you twist or rock a bit—like a hanging egg chair.

You’ll find them in patios, balconies, gardens, decks—even inside sunrooms. Whether you’re reading, napping, or just zoning out, it gives you a soft seat and gentle motion that helps you unwind. 

That’s why they’re one of the fastest-growing pieces of backyard relaxation furniture.

Common Styles of Outdoor Swing Chairs

There’s a swing chair for every space and mood of yours. But each style feels different and suits a specific purpose. 

Here’s a quick guide to help you pick:

1. Patio Swing Chair: A freestanding frame with a swinging bench and canopy. Great for families or shaded reading.
2. Porch Swing styles: Bench-style seat hung from a ceiling beam. This is timeless and perfect for timber verandas.
3. Hanging Egg Chair: A cocoon-shaped seat with cushions. Ideal for solo lounging in corners or balconies.
4. Saucer Swing: The saucer swing is a round, fabric-covered seat that hangs with ropes. Originally designed for children, it has become popular among adults as well. It spins or rocks gently, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
5. Garden Hanging Seat: Usually rattan or timber, mounted between trees or arbours. Light, charming, and great for reading nooks.
6. Macramé Hanging Chair: Made from knotted rope or cotton. Perfect for boho-style patios but best kept under cover.
7. Convertible Swing Beds: Large enough to nap on. Some fold flat, others rock. Needs a strong ceiling or frame.

Frame Materials and Durability

You will never want to fall apart with your outdoor swing chair from the ceiling or the swing chair stand. You want something to last. 

Generally, high-quality materials are used for patio swing chairs. Here are the common materials used for outdoor swing chairs. 

Metal Frames

Aluminium, stainless steel, and wrought iron are the most commonly used metals for outdoor swing chair frames. 

Stainless steel is heavy, strong, and durable. Stainless steel contains a minimum of 10.5% chromium, which makes it 200 times more corrosion-resistant than steel without chromium. Powder-coating on the steel makes it more durable and weather-proof, making it the most common metal for outdoor swing chair frames. 

Aluminium is lightweight, durable, rust-proof, and UV-resistant, making it highly suitable as an outdoor hanging chair frame material. 

Its corrosion rate is only 0.03 to 4 µm per year, and it has a great UV reflection rate of up to 80%. 

Powder-coated wrought iron also doesn’t rust easily and stays stable in high winds. 

Wooden Swing Seats

Wooden swing seats, such as the timbers and frames made from teak, acacia, eucalyptus, or cedar, are naturally weather-resistant and can handle Aussie heat and rain.

Teak is a strong, durable hardwood with a high Janka rating of 1,070 lb_f and a low shrinkage rate of 5.3%. Its natural oils help it resist rot, decay, and weather damage.

Acacia, eucalyptus, and cedar are also resistant to decay, but you need to oil them more frequently than teak. 

Rattan

Rattan swing chairs look beautiful, but the key is that you need to go for synthetic resin wicker, particularly PE rattan. It resists the sun and rain and won’t crack or fade like natural rattan. 

Cushion Types and Fabric Options

Let’s talk about comfort. What good is a swing chair if the cushion is soggy or mildewed?

High-quality, comforting materials, such as Sunbrella cushions and open-cell polyurethane foam, are used for cushioning. 

Waterproof outdoor fabrics, such as UV-resistant polyester, which doesn’t fade or tear in the sun, are generally used for cushion coverings. They’re water-repellent, UV-stable, and resistant to mould. You can leave them out without worry.

Polyester washable cushion covers save you a lot of trouble. Trust us—bird droppings happen.

Roping Materials of Outdoor Swing Chairs

The ropes on your outdoor hanging chair play a big role in both safety and style. 

Here’s what you need to know about the most common roping materials:

1. Polyester Rope

Strong, durable, and weather-resistant. It doesn’t shrink or stretch much and holds up well under UV exposure. Great for humid or rainy climates.

2. Cotton Rope

Often used in macramé swing chairs for its soft, natural look. It’s comfortable but not ideal for rain or heavy sun; best suited for sheltered spaces. 

Cotton roping blended with polyester roping creates a strong, weatherproof, and comfortable rope. 

3. Polypropylene Rope

Lightweight, UV-resistant, and doesn’t absorb water. It’s commonly used in saucer swings and garden hanging seats for children. Budget-friendly and easy to clean.

4. Marine-Grade Rope

Used in high-end or heavy-duty swing chairs. It’s resistant to salt, sun, and moisture—perfect for coastal homes or all-weather use.

Best Use Cases, Benefits & Placement Ideas

Choosing the right spot for your outdoor swing chair makes all the difference in how much you enjoy it. It’s not just about fitting the chair somewhere—it’s about turning that space into a comfortable, usable escape. 

Here’s where swing chairs work best and why:

1. Backyard Retreat (Best for Stress Relief)

Place your outdoor swing chair in your backyard, especially surrounded by trees, plants, or a small garden. This creates a calming space. 

It helps reduce stress, and the movement can improve relaxation and mental clarity. 

A wooden swing seat under a shady tree works beautifully for this setup.

2. Patio Corner (Best for Style + Function)

A rattan swing chair in the corner of your patio can double as a design statement and a reading spot. 

It adds softness to tiled or concrete spaces, providing a quiet retreat to unwind after work.

3. Covered Balcony (Best Compact Comfort)

If you’re tight on space, a hanging egg chair with cushions fits perfectly on a balcony. 

It’s a great weekend nap zone or a quiet spot to enjoy your morning coffee.

4. Garden Path Feature (Provides Great Visual Appeal)

Mount a swing along a garden path or pergola. It draws the eye and gives the garden a “storybook” feel. Choose macramé or wicker swing furniture for an artistic touch.

5. Sunny Areas (Protection + Usability)

Live somewhere hot? Go for a swing chair with a canopy, or install it under a pergola. This keeps the seat cool and prevents the fabric from fading.

Tip: Always allow at least 1 metre of clearance in front and behind the swing to avoid bumping into walls, fences, or other objects or people.

Outdoor Swing Chair Buying Tips– Things to Look For

You’re not just buying furniture—you’re buying peace of mind. So don’t settle for looks alone.

Keep the following things in mind before choosing your desired swing chairs. 

• Pick weather-resistant materials for the frame that match your climate. Windy? Go heavy with powder-coated stainless steel. Wet? Choose waterproof everything. For aesthetics and a classical vibe, go for wooden frames. 
• Think size. Measure your space. Make sure the swing doesn’t block your walkway or patio table.
• Review the swing weight capacity, especially for two-person swings or heavy-duty frames. You can go for a 2-seater or a 3-seater if you enjoy your quiet time with family members. 
• Choose low-maintenance chairs. You don’t want high-maintenance furniture that you’ll dread cleaning.
• Avoid thin cushions that flatten in a month. Thicker = longer-lasting comfort.
• Always check the rope’s weight rating and whether it’s replaceable. Frayed ropes pose a safety hazard and should be replaced immediately.

Hanging Chair Stand Vs. Ceiling Mount?

• If you’re renting or don’t want to drill holes, a hanging chair stand is easy and mobile. 
• But if you want a cleaner look and save floor space, ceiling mounts are more seamless, as long as the support beam is solid.

Hanging Chair Installation & Safety Tips

You must ensure that your swing chair won’t drop mid-swing. So, here are installation and safety tips for them. 

• Go with brands that include proper installation hardware & safety standards.
• Check the swing weight capacity. Some hold 120 kg, others up to 250 kg. Ensure it meets your needs, especially if multiple people will be using it.
• For ceiling mounts, use heavy-duty anchors and test the beam strength. Always follow the manual.
• Your swing chair stands should have anti-tip designs and wide bases, especially if kids will use them.

Maintenance and Longevity Tips

Want your swing chair to last for years? Here’s how to care for it:

• Use covers when not in use, especially during storms or winter.
• Clean synthetic resin wicker with a damp cloth or soft brush. Avoid pressure washers—they can ruin the weave.
• Wipe down metal frame swing chairs every few weeks and check for rust spots.
• Cushions? Store indoors when not in use. If not, use waterproof storage bags.
• Check screws and hanging hardware every few months. A swinging motion can slowly loosen parts.

FAQs

Final Thought

Outdoor swing chairs come in many forms—freestanding, egg-shaped, or macramé. Choosing the right one depends on space, materials, weather conditions, and who’s using it. Durable ropes, UV-safe fabrics, and smart placement all ensure comfort and lasting enjoyment.

Looking for a swing chair that looks great and lasts through real Aussie weather? At Outdoor Furniture Co. Australia, you get exactly that—weather-ready materials, UV-protected frames, and low-maintenance designs made for outdoor life. Whether you want a wicker swing, metal frame, or something cosy with Sunbrella cushions, we’ve got your back—and your seat.