Garden Swing Chairs: Which One Is Right for Your Garden?

There is something about a garden swing chair that just makes a garden feel like a proper place to be. Not just somewhere you walk through to get to the bins, but somewhere you actually want to sit and stay for a while. If you have been thinking about getting one, here is what you actually need to know before you buy.

The different types and what they are good for

The main thing to get clear on is whether you want a swing seat, which is more like a bench that hangs and rocks, or a swing chair, which is more of a single seat or pod style. They feel quite different to use and suit different gardens.

Swing seats are better for two people and tend to suit more traditional garden styles. They are usually made from wood, often larch or pine, and they have that classic garden look that works well with lawns and flower beds.

Swing chairs and egg chairs are more of a single-person lounging situation. They tend to be rattan or wicker, they look more contemporary, and they are the kind of thing you sink into with a book and do not come out of for two hours.

What to think about for a UK garden

The main practical consideration is weather. Wood needs treating or oiling to stay in good condition, and if you leave an untreated wooden swing out through a wet British winter it will not last. Either look for pre-treated wood, or be prepared to oil it once a season.

Canopies are worth having. They give you shade on sunny days and keep the seat dry when it rains, which means you can actually use the swing more of the year. An adjustable canopy is better than a fixed one because you can angle it depending on where the sun is.

Also think about where it is going to go. Swing seats need a bit of clearance on all sides, and the ground underneath needs to be reasonably level. A patio is ideal. A sloping lawn is more of a challenge.

Our picks

Best for two people: 3 Seater Wooden Swing with Adjustable Canopy

Solid wooden frame, adjustable canopy, and enough room for three people, though realistically two adults and a child is the sweet spot. The adjustable canopy is the thing that makes this one worth it. You can angle it to block the sun wherever it is coming from, which makes a real difference on a hot afternoon.

Best classic look: 2 Seater Larch Wood Swing, Grey

Larch is a good choice for outdoor furniture because it is naturally more resistant to moisture than a lot of other woods. This one comes in grey, which gives it a slightly more contemporary feel than natural wood while still looking traditional. Good for gardens that sit somewhere between classic and modern.

Best for a traditional garden: 2 Seater Wooden Swing, Cream White

Cream white works brilliantly in cottage-style gardens or anywhere with a lot of greenery. It stands out without clashing, and it photographs well if that matters to you. Classic shape, solid build, does exactly what a garden swing should do.

A few things to check before you buy

Make sure you have enough space. Most swing seats need at least a metre of clearance on each side and behind. Check the weight limit, especially if more than one person is going to be using it. And if you are buying one with a canopy, check whether replacement canopies are available, because canopies do wear out faster than the frame.

Browse the full Garden Chairs and Seating collection to see all our swing seats and outdoor seating options.