Swing chairs and egg chairs have become one of the most searched furniture items in South Africa over the past two years. Whether you're looking to create a relaxing reading nook indoors or a statement piece on your stoep or garden, a well-chosen swing chair transforms any space. This guide covers everything you need to know before buying one in South Africa.
What's the Difference Between a Swing Chair and an Egg Chair?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are meaningful differences:
- Egg chairs have a distinctive teardrop or oval shell shape that partially encloses the sitter. They provide a cocooning, private feel and are popular as indoor reading chairs or statement lounge pieces.
- Swing chairs is a broader category that includes egg chairs, hammock chairs, and open-basket hanging chairs. They all suspend from a stand or ceiling hook and allow a gentle swinging motion.
- Hanging egg chairs with stands are the most popular format in South Africa because they don't require ceiling installation — the steel stand is self-supporting and can be placed anywhere.
Indoor vs Outdoor: Which Is Right for Your Space?
Before buying, decide where your swing chair will live — this determines which materials and features you need.
Indoor Swing Chairs
For indoor use, you have more material flexibility. Rattan (natural or PE), fabric, and even velvet-upholstered egg chairs work well indoors. The priority is comfort and aesthetics over weather resistance. Indoor swing chairs are popular in:
- Living rooms as a statement accent chair
- Bedrooms as a reading nook
- Home offices as a relaxation corner
- Children's rooms (with appropriate weight ratings)
Outdoor Swing Chairs
For outdoor use in South Africa — whether on a stoep, balcony, or in the garden — you need materials that can handle UV exposure, rain, and humidity. PE rattan (polyethylene rattan) is the best choice for outdoor swing chairs in SA. Unlike natural rattan, PE rattan doesn't absorb moisture, doesn't fade in sunlight, and doesn't crack or split in heat.
The steel stand should be powder-coated to resist rust. In coastal areas like Durban or Cape Town, check that the powder coat is specifically rated for salt-air environments. Browse our full outdoor furniture collection for weather-resistant options suited to SA conditions.
Cushions for outdoor use should be made from water-resistant or quick-dry fabric. Most swing chairs sold in South Africa come with cushions that are water-resistant but not fully waterproof — bring them inside during heavy rain or store them in a weatherproof box.
Frame Types: What to Look For
C-Stand (Arch Stand)
The most common stand type for egg chairs in South Africa. A single curved arch supports the chair from above, with a wide base for stability. C-stands are compact and suit smaller spaces like balconies and bedrooms. The grey rattan egg chair with C-stand is one of the most popular formats — the enclosed shell provides privacy while the arch stand keeps the footprint manageable. View our full swing chair range to compare stand types.
4-Leg Cross Stand
A four-legged base provides maximum stability, making it better suited for heavier users or outdoor placement on uneven surfaces. The wider base means it needs more floor space but is less likely to tip. The black teardrop egg chair with 4-leg stand uses this format — the taller, narrower shell shape combined with the stable base makes it ideal for garden placement.
Ceiling-Hung (No Stand)
Some egg chairs are designed to hang from a ceiling hook or beam without a stand. These require a structural anchor point rated for at least 150kg. If you're not sure whether your ceiling can support this, use a stand-mounted version instead.
Cushion Quality: What Makes the Difference
The cushion is what you actually sit on, so it matters more than most buyers realise. Here's what to check:
- Cushion thickness — at least 8–10cm of padding for comfortable extended sitting. Thin cushions compress quickly and become uncomfortable within 30 minutes.
- Fill material — high-density foam holds its shape; polyester fill is softer but compresses faster over time.
- Cover fabric — for outdoor use, look for solution-dyed polyester or olefin fabric, which resists fading and moisture. For indoor use, any upholstery fabric works.
- Removable cover — a zip-off cushion cover makes cleaning significantly easier, especially for outdoor chairs that collect dust and pollen.
Weight Ratings and Safety
Always check the maximum weight rating before purchasing. Most swing chairs sold in South Africa are rated for 100–150kg. The rating applies to the total load — including the weight of the person plus any dynamic force from swinging. A conservative rule: choose a chair rated at least 20–30kg above your body weight.
For children's use, ensure the chair has a safety chain or secondary suspension point in addition to the main hook. Never leave young children unsupervised in a swing chair. If you're also looking for comfortable indoor seating, browse our recliner collection for additional relaxation options.
Sizing: Will It Fit Your Space?
Swing chairs need more space than their footprint suggests because they swing. Allow at least 50–60cm of clearance on all sides of the chair when it's at its widest swing arc. For a typical egg chair with C-stand:
- Stand footprint: approximately 100–120cm wide x 150–180cm deep
- Total height: 180–210cm including the stand arch
- Minimum ceiling height for indoor use: 220cm
Measure your space carefully before ordering, and check the product dimensions against your doorway widths — the assembled stand may not fit through standard doorframes and may need to be assembled in the room.
Care and Maintenance in South African Conditions
- PE rattan: Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Rinse with clean water. Avoid abrasive cleaners that scratch the surface coating.
- Steel stand: Check annually for rust spots, especially at joints and welds. Touch up with matching spray paint to prevent rust spreading.
- Cushions: Bring indoors during heavy rain. Air out regularly to prevent mildew in humid conditions (particularly relevant in KZN and the Western Cape).
- Coastal areas: Rinse the steel stand with fresh water monthly to remove salt deposits.
Browse our full range of swing chairs and egg chairs at Artisan Furniture Warehouse — delivered nationwide across South Africa.
