Outsunny Swing Seats & Egg Chairs: The Complete Buying Guide

Outsunny's swing seats and egg chairs are consistently among the brand's most searched and most purchased products — and it's easy to see why. A well-chosen swing seat or egg chair transforms a corner of any garden into its most-used spot. They're statement pieces that also happen to be genuinely comfortable, and they work in gardens of almost any size.

But there are meaningful differences between the types available, and the wrong choice for your space or use case is an expensive mistake. This guide covers everything you need to know before buying.

Types: Swing Seats vs Egg Chairs vs Hanging Chairs

Outsunny's range covers three distinct product types that are often grouped together but serve different purposes.

Garden swing seats are multi-person structures — typically 2 or 3-seater benches suspended from a freestanding A-frame. They're designed for families and social use, with a gentle rocking motion rather than a full swing. Most include a canopy for sun protection and a footrest or coffee table. They have the largest footprint of the three types and are the heaviest to move.

Egg chairs are single-person freestanding chairs with a distinctive cocoon-like shell shape, mounted on a swivel base. They offer a more enclosed, private seating experience than a swing seat — the curved shell wraps around the sitter, creating a sense of enclosure that's particularly good for reading or relaxing alone. The swivel base rotates 360° rather than swinging back and forth.

Hanging chairs (also called hammock chairs or pod chairs) are suspended from a single point — either a freestanding stand or a ceiling/beam mount. They have a more pronounced swing motion than egg chairs and a smaller footprint than swing seats. Outsunny's hanging chair range includes both freestanding and hanging-only versions.

Which type is right for you?

• Families with children — garden swing seat (multi-person, canopy, stable)
• Solo relaxation, reading, a statement garden piece — egg chair
• Smaller footprint, more pronounced swing motion — hanging chair

Browse Outsunny garden swing seats at Opal Retail.

Size and Footprint

This is where most buying mistakes happen. Swing seats and egg chairs are consistently larger in person than they appear in product images.

Garden swing seats: a standard 2-seater Outsunny swing seat typically has a footprint of around 190cm wide x 120cm deep, plus clearance needed for the swing motion at the front and back. Allow at least 50cm of clearance in front of and behind the seat for safe use. Total space required: approximately 190cm x 220cm minimum. 3-seater sets are wider still.

Egg chairs: the base diameter is typically 70–80cm, but the chair itself overhangs the base significantly. Allow a circle of approximately 120–130cm diameter of clear space around the base for comfortable use and access. The height is typically 160–175cm including the stand.

Hanging chairs: the stand footprint is typically 100–120cm in diameter. Allow clearance for the swing motion — approximately 50cm in front and behind the chair at its resting position.

Before ordering: mark out the footprint on your patio or lawn with chalk or tape. Include the clearance zones. This takes two minutes and prevents an expensive return.

Weight Limits

All Outsunny swing seats and egg chairs have a stated maximum weight capacity — always check the product listing before purchasing. As a general guide:

• 2-seater swing seats: typically 160–200kg total capacity
• 3-seater swing seats: typically 200–250kg total capacity
• Egg chairs: typically 120–150kg per person
• Hanging chairs: typically 100–120kg per person

For swing seats used by children, check whether the weight limit applies to the total load or per seat — this varies by model. Never exceed the stated weight limit; it affects both safety and the longevity of the frame.

Placement and Surface Requirements

Surface: all Outsunny swing seats and freestanding egg chairs require a firm, level surface. Paving slabs, decking and compacted gravel all work well. Soft lawn is not ideal — the legs sink over time, particularly with heavier swing seat frames, and the rocking motion accelerates this. If placing on lawn, use paving slabs or a rubber mat under each leg.

Wind exposure: swing seats with canopies act as a sail in strong wind. In exposed gardens, lower or remove the canopy when not in use, or when wind is forecast above 30mph. Most Outsunny canopies are designed to be removed easily for this reason.

Sun position: consider where the sun falls at the time of day you'll use the piece most. An egg chair in full afternoon sun without shade becomes uncomfortable quickly. Position with access to shade, or pair with a parasol for flexibility.

Privacy: egg chairs and hanging chairs are often used for solo relaxation — position them with a degree of privacy from neighbours where possible. A trellis, tall planting or fence panel behind the chair makes the space feel more like a retreat.

Features to Look For

Canopy: most Outsunny swing seats include a canopy. Check whether it's UV-resistant and whether it's adjustable — a canopy that tilts or extends further provides better sun protection than a fixed one. Check also whether replacement canopies are available for the model.

Cushion thickness: this varies significantly across the range. Thicker cushions (8cm+) are noticeably more comfortable for extended use. Check the cushion depth in the product specifications, not just the product images.

Frame material: most Outsunny swing seats use a powder-coated steel frame. This is robust and stable but heavier than aluminium and benefits from being covered or stored in winter. Check the frame material in the product listing.

Swivel vs fixed base (egg chairs): most Outsunny egg chairs have a 360° swivel base. Some also have a rocking function. If rocking is important to you, check the product description specifically — not all egg chairs rock.

Assembly: all Outsunny swing seats and egg chairs require self-assembly. Most take 1–2 hours with two people. Check reviews for assembly difficulty before purchasing if this is a concern — some models are more straightforward than others.

Care and Maintenance

Outsunny swing seats and egg chairs use the same PE rattan and powder-coated steel construction as the rest of the range — care requirements are the same.

Routine: wipe down the rattan with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Clean cushion covers (most are removable and machine washable at 30°C). Wipe down the steel frame with a damp cloth.

Canopy care: most canopies can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Remove and store canopies in winter — they're the most vulnerable part of a swing seat to wind and UV damage over time.

Winter storage: swing seats are large and heavy — most people leave them outside with a cover rather than storing them. Use a breathable furniture cover, lower or remove the canopy, and store cushions inside. Check the frame annually for any chips in the powder coating and touch up with rust-inhibiting paint.

For full care guidance, see our complete Outsunny care guide.

Shop Outsunny Swing Seats at Opal Retail

Opal Retail stocks a wide range of Outsunny swing seats, egg chairs and hanging chairs with fast UK delivery and flexible payment options.

• Outsunny garden swing seats
• Full Outsunny range

Spread the cost with Klarna, Clearpay, Shop Pay or PayPal — flexible payment options available at checkout.

Further reading

• Outsunny Garden Furniture UK: The Complete Guide
• Transform Your Garden with Outsunny Outdoor Furniture
• Cosy Balcony Ideas with Outsunny Outdoor Furniture

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an Outsunny egg chair and a swing seat?

A swing seat is a multi-person bench suspended from an A-frame — designed for families and social use, with a gentle rocking motion and usually a canopy. An egg chair is a single-person freestanding chair with a cocoon-like shell on a swivel base — designed for solo relaxation, with a 360° swivel rather than a swing motion. Swing seats have a larger footprint; egg chairs are more compact and work better as a solo statement piece.

How much space do I need for an Outsunny swing seat?

A standard 2-seater Outsunny swing seat requires approximately 190cm wide x 220cm deep of clear space, including clearance for the swing motion. 3-seater sets are wider. Always mark out the footprint on your patio before ordering — swing seats are consistently larger in person than they appear in product images.

Can Outsunny swing seats be left outside in winter?

Yes, with the right precautions. Lower or remove the canopy, cover the frame with a breathable furniture cover, and store cushions inside. Check the frame annually for chips in the powder coating and touch up with rust-inhibiting paint. See our seasonal care checklist for full guidance.

Do Outsunny egg chairs rock as well as swivel?

Some do, some don't — it varies by model. Most Outsunny egg chairs have a 360° swivel base. Some also have a rocking or hanging function. Check the product description specifically if rocking is important to you, as it's not universal across the range.

What surface do I need for an Outsunny swing seat?

A firm, level surface — paving slabs, decking or compacted gravel all work well. Soft lawn is not ideal as the legs sink over time, particularly with heavier steel frames. If placing on lawn, use paving slabs or a rubber mat under each leg.

How long does an Outsunny swing seat take to assemble?

Most Outsunny swing seats take 1–2 hours with two people. Assembly is self-build with all fixings included. Check customer reviews for the specific model if assembly difficulty is a concern — complexity varies across the range.