Decorating
Decorating: Stylish Hanging Chairs to Liven Up a Seating Area
If you love the idea of hanging out on a suspended seat, check out these quirky hanging chairs for inspiration
A hanging chair can offer cosy comfort and makes for a statement-making design feature in your indoor or outdoor space. While a comfy accent armchair that’s dressed in a bold pattern or has a striking silhouette will get the job done just fine, if you desire a seating solution that’s unique, entices people to sink in and relax, and really wows, set your sights a little higher… to a chic hanging chair to be exact.
If you’re not sold on the idea of hanging chairs or are unsure of how to incorporate one into your home, take a look at the 10 cool and cosy hang-out zones below – they showcase how suspended chairs can instantly lift a space, while providing comfortable seating, plus they’re sure to give you plenty of decorating inspiration, too.
And if you’re keen to know what you need to do before you install a suspended seat in your space, don’t worry; I won’t leave you hanging. Take a look at these helpful tips from interior designer Jodie Cooper on the preparation work you need to do prior to installation, including how to choose where to position the seat and check whether your ceiling can support the load.
If you’re not sold on the idea of hanging chairs or are unsure of how to incorporate one into your home, take a look at the 10 cool and cosy hang-out zones below – they showcase how suspended chairs can instantly lift a space, while providing comfortable seating, plus they’re sure to give you plenty of decorating inspiration, too.
And if you’re keen to know what you need to do before you install a suspended seat in your space, don’t worry; I won’t leave you hanging. Take a look at these helpful tips from interior designer Jodie Cooper on the preparation work you need to do prior to installation, including how to choose where to position the seat and check whether your ceiling can support the load.
Practicality is, of course, a major consideration, too. Avoid anchoring a hanging chair in a spot that would interrupt the flow of the room or foot traffic. ‘Ensure that the swinging of the chair will not come into contact with walls or disturb any other furniture or breakable items,’ advises Cooper, who worked with The Rural Building Co to create the inviting master bedroom and sitting area above. Doing so will ensure your hangout zone is functional and efficient, but looks balanced and aesthetically pleasing, too.
Due to its suspended design, the chair will undoubtedly be the focal point of any scheme, so keep this in mind when positioning the seat in your room and decorating the rest of the space as well.
Zara Hanging Pod chair in White, Equator Homewares.
Due to its suspended design, the chair will undoubtedly be the focal point of any scheme, so keep this in mind when positioning the seat in your room and decorating the rest of the space as well.
Zara Hanging Pod chair in White, Equator Homewares.
Check your ceiling can support the weight
Once you’ve chosen a spot where you’d like to install your hanging chair, it’s time to check whether your ceiling will be able to bear its weight.
If you have a plasterboard ceiling, you’ll have to hang your chair from a ceiling joist in your roof as the material is not strong enough to support the load on its own, Cooper explains. This means you may have to compromise on where to position the chair in your room should you find that the spot you initially decided upon isn’t located directly under a ceiling joist.
To find the exact spot to affix the chair to the ceiling joist, Cooper recommends the following. ‘Choose a ceiling joist in the area that is most suitable to hang your chair, then use a stud finder to locate the middle of the joist,’ Cooper says. ‘After locating the exact centre of the ceiling joist, mark this point with a pencil.’
Once you’ve chosen a spot where you’d like to install your hanging chair, it’s time to check whether your ceiling will be able to bear its weight.
If you have a plasterboard ceiling, you’ll have to hang your chair from a ceiling joist in your roof as the material is not strong enough to support the load on its own, Cooper explains. This means you may have to compromise on where to position the chair in your room should you find that the spot you initially decided upon isn’t located directly under a ceiling joist.
To find the exact spot to affix the chair to the ceiling joist, Cooper recommends the following. ‘Choose a ceiling joist in the area that is most suitable to hang your chair, then use a stud finder to locate the middle of the joist,’ Cooper says. ‘After locating the exact centre of the ceiling joist, mark this point with a pencil.’
How to install your hanging chair
Are you handy with a drill and confident you can tackle this DIY chair-hanging project by yourself? Here, Cooper walks us through the steps.
Are you handy with a drill and confident you can tackle this DIY chair-hanging project by yourself? Here, Cooper walks us through the steps.
- Drill a 10 to 12cm-deep hole at the pencil mark, perpendicular to the ceiling. This hole will serve as the mounting point for the chair and provide a secure location for hanging it.
- Screw an eye hook into the pilot hole. Continue to screw the eye hook into the joist until all of the threading is in the ceiling.
- Attach the chain or rope-hanging mechanism on the chair to the eye hook as specified in the directions. Each hanging chair is different, and directions will vary.
‘If you install the hardware correctly, the ceiling joist can support an average-size adult,’ Cooper adds. ‘If you have concerns about the weight limits of the joist in your home, there are ways to reinforce it for safety. You can also distribute the weight across two studs with extra hardware.’
If you’re not quite sure you have the skills and know-how to complete this task, leave it to the professionals and allow them install your hanging chair for you instead.
Eero Aarnio Bubble chair, Hive.
If you’re not quite sure you have the skills and know-how to complete this task, leave it to the professionals and allow them install your hanging chair for you instead.
Eero Aarnio Bubble chair, Hive.
Outdoor oasis
A hanging chair is a great addition to any outdoor area and will create a welcoming vibe, and offer a comfy spot where people can sit back and relax. When hanging a suspended seat outside, remember to choose a chair made from durable, weather-resistant materials such as synthetic wicker, aluminium and mould-resistant plastic.
A hanging chair is a great addition to any outdoor area and will create a welcoming vibe, and offer a comfy spot where people can sit back and relax. When hanging a suspended seat outside, remember to choose a chair made from durable, weather-resistant materials such as synthetic wicker, aluminium and mould-resistant plastic.
Teen zone
The suspended Bubble chair in this teenage hangout space instantly takes the room from stylish to sensational, not to mention fun. Although the seat is made from transparent plastic, a material that (unsurprisingly) appears to blend seamlessly into the background, the unique shape and look of the design ensures the chair remains prominent, despite the bright and bold patterns used throughout the room.
The suspended Bubble chair in this teenage hangout space instantly takes the room from stylish to sensational, not to mention fun. Although the seat is made from transparent plastic, a material that (unsurprisingly) appears to blend seamlessly into the background, the unique shape and look of the design ensures the chair remains prominent, despite the bright and bold patterns used throughout the room.
Reading nook
While the colour palette plays a key role in creating this room’s soothing atmosphere, the airy, floating style and elegant, streamlined look of the suspended chair contributes to the calming vibe. Notice how ropes have been used to anchor the seat in place of chains to soften the look. The chair is also suspended from two points on the ceiling for extra support and stability, and to suit its lounge-like design.
Check out 9 of the best reading nooks
While the colour palette plays a key role in creating this room’s soothing atmosphere, the airy, floating style and elegant, streamlined look of the suspended chair contributes to the calming vibe. Notice how ropes have been used to anchor the seat in place of chains to soften the look. The chair is also suspended from two points on the ceiling for extra support and stability, and to suit its lounge-like design.
Check out 9 of the best reading nooks
Open and airy
Chic and inviting, we love everything about this fresh and modern combined living and dining zone, especially the wicker egg-shaped chair in the corner of the room. Its enviable position near the fireplace means it’s sure to be the best seat in the house come winter. And as it’s just in front of a large sliding glass door, it can take full advantage of fresh air and the calming sounds of nature. Lining the base and back of your seat with plush cushions and throws will make it even more comfortable.
Chic and inviting, we love everything about this fresh and modern combined living and dining zone, especially the wicker egg-shaped chair in the corner of the room. Its enviable position near the fireplace means it’s sure to be the best seat in the house come winter. And as it’s just in front of a large sliding glass door, it can take full advantage of fresh air and the calming sounds of nature. Lining the base and back of your seat with plush cushions and throws will make it even more comfortable.
Comfort first
Once you’ve installed your hanging chair, consider laying a rug directly beneath the seat. It will enhance the cosy feel and provide softness underfoot, as well as warmth in winter.
Once you’ve installed your hanging chair, consider laying a rug directly beneath the seat. It will enhance the cosy feel and provide softness underfoot, as well as warmth in winter.
Peaceful pocket
This nest-inspired pod has to be the ultimate hanging chair design, and even comes with a mattress and cushions. If you don’t have the budget to splash out on one of these luxe loungers, accessorise your own hanging chair with seat cushions, one or two plush pillows and a soft throw for an extra layer of comfort to get a similar cocoon-like vibe.
Nestrest, Cult.
This nest-inspired pod has to be the ultimate hanging chair design, and even comes with a mattress and cushions. If you don’t have the budget to splash out on one of these luxe loungers, accessorise your own hanging chair with seat cushions, one or two plush pillows and a soft throw for an extra layer of comfort to get a similar cocoon-like vibe.
Nestrest, Cult.
Designer style
If you want your hanging chair to make a strong style statement, look for a design that has a unique shape, is bold in colour or has been crafted from an unexpected material. What sets this striking seat apart from the rest is its tufted leather finish, unlike pod chairs made from woven fibres that tend to be more common in homes.
If you want your hanging chair to make a strong style statement, look for a design that has a unique shape, is bold in colour or has been crafted from an unexpected material. What sets this striking seat apart from the rest is its tufted leather finish, unlike pod chairs made from woven fibres that tend to be more common in homes.
Hanging around
What’s better than one hanging chair? A trio of them! What an ideal way to spend an afternoon. If you don’t have a covered deck or entertaining area outside (or strong overhanging beams) from which you can hang your chair, a thick, sturdy tree branch offers an ideal alternative. Otherwise, you can always opt for a freestanding hanging chair.
See more alfresco seating
What’s better than one hanging chair? A trio of them! What an ideal way to spend an afternoon. If you don’t have a covered deck or entertaining area outside (or strong overhanging beams) from which you can hang your chair, a thick, sturdy tree branch offers an ideal alternative. Otherwise, you can always opt for a freestanding hanging chair.
See more alfresco seating
Laid-back luxe
If you love the idea of hanging chairs, but don’t think a curved pod will suit the sleek sophisticated look of your home, consider floating a day bed with clean lines and a contemporary silhouette from your ceiling instead. Take note of how one half of the cushioned bench is suspended via metal rods from the ceiling, while the other half is supported by the ledge below, which keeps the area around the day bed free for foot traffic.
If you love the idea of hanging chairs, but don’t think a curved pod will suit the sleek sophisticated look of your home, consider floating a day bed with clean lines and a contemporary silhouette from your ceiling instead. Take note of how one half of the cushioned bench is suspended via metal rods from the ceiling, while the other half is supported by the ledge below, which keeps the area around the day bed free for foot traffic.
Swing time
These fun orange swings offer more than just striking good looks, novel seating and a playful vibe. They also help to separate this TV-viewing zone from the rest of the expansive open-plan space, making it feel more cosy and intimate.
TELL US…
Do you have a hanging chair in your home? Share your hanging tips and photos in the Comments below.
These fun orange swings offer more than just striking good looks, novel seating and a playful vibe. They also help to separate this TV-viewing zone from the rest of the expansive open-plan space, making it feel more cosy and intimate.
TELL US…
Do you have a hanging chair in your home? Share your hanging tips and photos in the Comments below.
Hanging chairs can be used in most areas around the home, from living spaces to bedrooms, home offices and even outdoors. When choosing a spot to hang it, pick a room you love and where you can imagine curling up in your chair and relaxing. After all, the chair will be permanently affixed to your ceiling, so it’s important that the seat be located in an area you enjoy spending time in, and positioned so you have a pleasing view when seated – one you won’t tire of in a hurry.
Maia Egg Swing chair, Kettal.