Best swing chairs for your garden – Gardens Illustrated

By Veronica Peerless

Published: Tuesday, 29 November 2022 at 12:00 am

Whiling away a few hours on a garden swing seat on a summer’s day is an incredibly relaxing thing to do – the gentle swing cannot fail to lull you into a dreamy state.

Garden swing chair typically have space for one to three (sometimes four) people – although you may want to keep it to yourself. Most come with an adjustable overhead canopy so that you can shield yourself from the sun at any time of the day, and some can even be turned into a gently rocking day bed.

There are plenty of styles of frames on offer, including traditional timber, sturdy and weatherproof metal, or the more contemporary rattan. Most come with removable cushions with weatherproof and UV-resistant fabric.

Bear in mind that once you’ve put up a swing seat in your garden, it will be tricky to dismantle and would take up a fair amount of storage space over winter – so it is better to find a permanent spot for it.

Here are six of our favourite swing chairs.

More on garden seats

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The best acapulco chairs

The best hammocks for your garden

How to choose the best garden bench and seat

The best garden arbours for an outdoor sanctuary

Modern metal furniture

Cocoon chairs: nine hanging egg chairs

Best garden swing chairs

Angel Living 3 Seater Rattan Swing Chair with Cushioned Bench Seat

This attractive three-seater swing seat is the perfect complement to other rattan furniture you may have in your garden. It has a sturdy, rust-resistant powder coated steel frame and the seat comes with a removable cushion for added comfort. Thanks to the adjustable awning, you can sit in the shade even if the sun is scorching. The canopy is made of thick polyester fabric, which is water repellent and UV resistant. It has a strong metal spring hook for a smooth and gentle rocking motion, and holds a weight of 204kg. It is easy to assemble.

Dimensions: Length 193cm x depth 118cm x height 175cm.

Tranquility garden swing chair

Dorset-based Sitting Spiritually are known for their beautiful, handcrafted swing seats, day beds, benches and pergolas. This beautiful garden swing is the ultimate in luxury outdoor furniture – and is incredibly comfortable.

The Tranquillity Garden Swing Seat has choice of five back and arm styles and a classical design that would look good in any style of garden. The wood used is air dried FSC prime grade oak grown in France; it’s slower grown and therefore harder and more durable than Southern European and UK Oak. When you first take delivery of a your seat, the wood will be a warm golden colour that over time will weather to a soft silver. It can comes in various widths – a three-seat bench costs from £3,338.50.

Buy a Tranquillity Swing Seat from Sitting Spiritually

Outsunny Wooden Porch A-Frame Swing Chair

This compact swing seat comfortably holds two people. It is made from solid larch wood, with an ‘A’ shape frame for balance and stability, and comes with a small canopy to shield you from the sun. Metal chains hold seat in place to the frame. Maximum load 200kg. Assembly required. Costs £299.99.

Dimensions: Length 190cm x depth 130cm x height 192cm

Buy the Outsunny Wooden Porch A-Frame Swing Chair from Mano Mano

Indoor Outdoor Double Hanging Chair

This hanging egg style swing seat is perfect for sharing with a companion. It comes with a sturdy, grey powder coated metal frame, faux wicker chair and cream tie-on headrest and seat cushions. It can be used for relaxing inside or out. A water repellent cover (sold separately) will protect your chair during lengthy periods of wet weather and over winter; alternatively it is easy to dismantle for winter storage. It holds a maximum weight of 240kg. It retails at £895.

Dimensions: Length 167cm x depth 125cm x height 191cm.

Buy the Indoor Outdoor Double Hanging Chair from Cox & Cox

Blue Elephant Porch Swing Chair with Canopy

For the ultimate in relaxation, this three-seat swing seat can be switched from a swinging seat to gently swaying day bed. It has a durable metal frame and comfortable upholstered seats that are detachable. The adjustable canopy is made of durable, UV-resistant polyester fabric, which provides comfortable shade for three people. It costs £859.99.

Dimensions: Length 115cm x depth 195cm x height 180cm.

Buy a Blue Elephant Porch Swing from Wayfair

Purple leaf garden swing chair

This attractive and comfortable swing seat for three people would add a contemporary feel to any patio or garden. It has a rust-resistant, powder-coated aluminium alloy frame, and non-slip feet. The three removable cushions are filled with high density foam and are easy to clean and maintain. The canopy can be adjusted, so you can enjoy shade (or sun) all day long. Breathable, UV resistant, waterproof and fade the resistant polyester fabric. The side tables on either side can hold drinks, food or your mobile phone. It can take a maximum load of 360kg.

Dimensions: Length 189cm x depth 128cm x height 174cm.