Decorating
Cool (and Contemporary) Hangout Zones With Hanging Chairs
Have you always wanted a suspended seat in your home? Take a look at these spaces for inspiration and our tips on what to do before you hang
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 boasts 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 how to incorporate one (or two) 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 (sorry, I couldn’t resist!). Take a look at these helpful tips from Perth interior designer Jodie Cooper on the prep 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 how to incorporate one (or two) 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 (sorry, I couldn’t resist!). Take a look at these helpful tips from Perth interior designer Jodie Cooper on the prep 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 exudes loads of visual appeal, 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
CAN YOUR CEILING 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 the weight of the floating pod as well as the person sitting in it.
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 the weight of the floating pod as well as the person sitting in it.
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 hire a tradie to 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 hire a tradie to install your hanging chair for you instead.
Eero Aarnio Bubble Chair: Hive
10 GREAT SPOTS TO HANG OUT
1. Outdoor oasis
A hanging chair is a great addition to any outdoor retreat (such as the inviting alfresco living room shown here), as it will help infuse the space with a welcoming and enticing vibe, lift the look of the area with its striking style and offer a comfy spot where people can sit back and relax thanks to the seat’s tranquil open-air setting and calming swaying motion. 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.
1. Outdoor oasis
A hanging chair is a great addition to any outdoor retreat (such as the inviting alfresco living room shown here), as it will help infuse the space with a welcoming and enticing vibe, lift the look of the area with its striking style and offer a comfy spot where people can sit back and relax thanks to the seat’s tranquil open-air setting and calming swaying motion. 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.
2. Teen zone
The bubble-like suspended chair in this teen hangout space instantly takes the room from stylish to sensational, not to mention super fun. Although the seat is made from clear transparent plastic, a material that (unsurprisingly) appears to blend seamlessly into the background, the unique shape and head-turning, floating look of the design ensures the ghost-like chair remains the hero of the funky teen zone, in spite of the bright and bold patterns used throughout the room.
The bubble-like suspended chair in this teen hangout space instantly takes the room from stylish to sensational, not to mention super fun. Although the seat is made from clear transparent plastic, a material that (unsurprisingly) appears to blend seamlessly into the background, the unique shape and head-turning, floating look of the design ensures the ghost-like chair remains the hero of the funky teen zone, in spite of the bright and bold patterns used throughout the room.
3. Reading nook
Hands up if you’d like to curl up and read a good book in this cosy 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 (perhaps you could upcycle an old armchair and create a similar one at home?) 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.
Hands up if you’d like to curl up and read a good book in this cosy 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 (perhaps you could upcycle an old armchair and create a similar one at home?) 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.
4. Open and airy
Chic and inviting, we love everything about this fresh and modern combined living and dining zone, especially the wicker egg chair that presides over the area at the corner of the room. Its enviable position near the fireplace is 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.
Worried that an egg-style chair made from woven fibres isn’t particularly comfy? Take style cues from this welcoming space and line the base and back of your seat with plush cushions. A snuggly throw will help boost the chair’s comfort factor, too.
Chic and inviting, we love everything about this fresh and modern combined living and dining zone, especially the wicker egg chair that presides over the area at the corner of the room. Its enviable position near the fireplace is 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.
Worried that an egg-style chair made from woven fibres isn’t particularly comfy? Take style cues from this welcoming space and line the base and back of your seat with plush cushions. A snuggly throw will help boost the chair’s comfort factor, too.
5. Comfort first
Once you’ve installed your hanging chair, consider laying a rug directly beneath the seat. Why? It will enhance the cosy feel of your hangout zone and provide softness underfoot before you hop on and off the floating chair (a little bit of padding is sure to make the action more forgiving on your knees and feet!), as well as warmth in winter. The innovative padded mat that sits below this hanging chair, which is fixed to an exposed ceiling beam, acts as an area rug and provides a comfy spot where other family members can spread out and relax while waiting for their turn to curl up in the floating seat (notice how three of corners of the mat boast contoured back supports – how cool and clever).
Once you’ve installed your hanging chair, consider laying a rug directly beneath the seat. Why? It will enhance the cosy feel of your hangout zone and provide softness underfoot before you hop on and off the floating chair (a little bit of padding is sure to make the action more forgiving on your knees and feet!), as well as warmth in winter. The innovative padded mat that sits below this hanging chair, which is fixed to an exposed ceiling beam, acts as an area rug and provides a comfy spot where other family members can spread out and relax while waiting for their turn to curl up in the floating seat (notice how three of corners of the mat boast contoured back supports – how cool and clever).
6. Peaceful pocket
This nest-inspired pod has to be the ultimate hanging chair design (it even comes with a pillowy mattress and cushions!), which makes this living room one of the ultimate hangout zones on Houzz (the fun colour palette, eye-catching bookcase and statement lighting fixture add to its appeal). Alas, most of us don’t have the budget to splash out on one of these luxe loungers or the space to incorporate one inside our home, so the next best thing is to accessorise your own hanging chair with comfy seat cushions, one or two plush pillows and a soft throw for an extra layer of sink-in comfort to get a similar cocoon-like vibe.
Nestrest: Cult
This nest-inspired pod has to be the ultimate hanging chair design (it even comes with a pillowy mattress and cushions!), which makes this living room one of the ultimate hangout zones on Houzz (the fun colour palette, eye-catching bookcase and statement lighting fixture add to its appeal). Alas, most of us don’t have the budget to splash out on one of these luxe loungers or the space to incorporate one inside our home, so the next best thing is to accessorise your own hanging chair with comfy seat cushions, one or two plush pillows and a soft throw for an extra layer of sink-in comfort to get a similar cocoon-like vibe.
Nestrest: Cult
7. Designer style
If you want your hanging chair to make a strong style statement, look for a design that boasts a unique shape, is bold in colour or has been crafted from an unexpected material, such as the luxe padded pod seen in this chic sitting area. While a hanging egg-shaped chair is not in itself considered a cutting-edge design, 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. Notice how the floating accent chair infuses the room with a cool, laid-back vibe and serious lounge appeal.
If you want your hanging chair to make a strong style statement, look for a design that boasts a unique shape, is bold in colour or has been crafted from an unexpected material, such as the luxe padded pod seen in this chic sitting area. While a hanging egg-shaped chair is not in itself considered a cutting-edge design, 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. Notice how the floating accent chair infuses the room with a cool, laid-back vibe and serious lounge appeal.
8. Hanging around
What’s better than one hanging chair? A trio of them! We can imagine chilling in this fun and inviting outdoor hangout zone with a cool, refreshing drink in one hand and a fruity iceblock in the other on hot summer nights, or curling up in the pods while sipping hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows over the fire during winter.
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.
What’s better than one hanging chair? A trio of them! We can imagine chilling in this fun and inviting outdoor hangout zone with a cool, refreshing drink in one hand and a fruity iceblock in the other on hot summer nights, or curling up in the pods while sipping hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows over the fire during winter.
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.
9. Laid-back luxe
If you love the idea of hanging chairs, but don’t think a curved pod or the casual look of suspended seats made from woven fibres will suit the sleek sophisticated look of your home, consider floating an armchair or day bed with a clean lines and a contemporary silhouette from your ceiling instead. This luxe industrial-style space has the right idea – notice how the stylish structure enhances the elegant look and cosy, inviting ambience of the area, and doubles as a conversation-starting design feature. Also, 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 or the casual look of suspended seats made from woven fibres will suit the sleek sophisticated look of your home, consider floating an armchair or day bed with a clean lines and a contemporary silhouette from your ceiling instead. This luxe industrial-style space has the right idea – notice how the stylish structure enhances the elegant look and cosy, inviting ambience of the area, and doubles as a conversation-starting design feature. Also, 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.
10. Swing time
These fun orange swings offer more than just striking good looks, novel seating and a playful vibe – they also help visually and physically 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? And do you have any installation or decorating advice you’d like to share? Post your tips, along with snaps of your suspended seat in your space, in the comments section.
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These fun orange swings offer more than just striking good looks, novel seating and a playful vibe – they also help visually and physically 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? And do you have any installation or decorating advice you’d like to share? Post your tips, along with snaps of your suspended seat in your space, in the comments section.
MORE
Thonet Chair: Design Classics For More Than 150 Years
12 Reasons to Love the Eames Eiffel Chair
Give an Old Chair a New Lease on Life With Upholstery
Hanging chairs can be used in most areas around the home, from living zones 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 for hours on end (or even just a short while) every day. 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 (either of the rest of the room or of a picturesque scene outdoors) – one you won’t tire of in a hurry.
Kettal Maia Egg Swing chair: Kettal