In the stressful rhythm of everyday life, it is important that at home you can forget about all your worries and relax. But there are not always enough square meters to create a full-fledged recreation area. In this article we tell you how to organize a compact lounge area using a hanging chair, with photos of options for successful placement in an apartment or in a country house.
Watch our tips for hanging chair placement in the video
History of appearance
This modification of the classic chair has a very specific author. In 1959, Danish designers Jorgen and Nanna Dietzel did one simple thing: they connected the edges of a regular hammock at the top and hung it from the ceiling. And so a new form was born - a hanging seat, similar to a cocoon. This model immediately gained popularity due to its simplicity, comfort and compactness - because, unlike a swing or a hammock, which has a place only outside the city, such a product can be placed even in a small apartment and at the same time fit into any interior.
Initially, such furniture was made only from natural materials (most often rattan and wicker). But already in the late 60s, Finnish designer Eero Aarnio proposed an option made of transparent plastic. This model resembled not a cocoon, but a ball, and was attached to the ceiling with a metal chain. This variation of a mini-hammock also quickly became popular.
Today, the floating chair is made from a variety of materials, and the number of its models is much larger. They are hung not only on the terrace, but also in living rooms, and they can also be used to organize a compact recreation area on loggias.
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Upholstery
As such, the concept of upholstery is absent in wicker models. The use of textiles comes down to equipping the “cocoon” with a soft seat. He'll need some tight fitting. Fortunately, there is plenty to choose from:
- Matting. Can be linen, cotton. This is 100% natural fabric with a large, pronounced weave texture. Excellent ventilation, absorbs moisture, and is resistant to fading. The fabric is dense and does not stretch. Disadvantages include unsightly color, some roughness;
- Jacquard. Wonderful fabric with a double-sided silk pattern on a matte base. The pattern has a convex effect. Excellent performance. Additional special impregnation will give the material the ability to repel all types of dirt, water and resist animal claws (stretch guard);
- Microfiber. Delicate material. When touched, it looks like short-haired short-haired fur. At the same time, it is highly durable and does not cause allergies. But, it is difficult to care for him;
- Microvelvet. A modern version of corduroy. The pile is double-sided. Performed in 3 options. Smooth, with a small vertical edge or embossed with a small pattern (part of the pile is pressed down). Soft, but very durable. Resistant to fading. Tolerates frequent washing well;
- Flock. Tactilely pleasant material with nylon fleecy coating. Durable, but afraid of all aggressive cleaning agents. Eliminate even those that contain alcohol. This will cause the pile to peel off. Poor-quality flock will “go bald” from contact with the body;
- Alcantara. This material is an artificial substitute for suede. It has the same velvety surface and softness. At the same time, Alcantara is easy to clean, does not deform when wet, and is resistant to stretching. It is widely used for covering not only furniture, but also car interiors. Service life is average. Over time, the fabric wears out.
- Cotton. Good fabric with high density. Well ventilated, hypoallergenic. But it is better not to use it in its pure form. Percentage dilution with synthetic fibers reduces the tendency of the material to form pills.
Peculiarities
The method of attachment is fundamentally different from a standard hanging chair. If in the first case the base somehow stands on the floor, be it a classic model with four legs or a soft frameless “pear”, then in the second the fulcrum will always be at the top. The seat can be attached to the ceiling using cables, ropes or a chain; to the upper tier of a rigid frame, the support of which is on the floor.
Fittings (bolts, blocks, hooks), screens for additional strength, or special hardening paste can be used as fastening.
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Due to the fact that one way or another such furniture is suspended, it has a number of operational features.
- Weight limit - on average, products are designed for a load of 80 to 100 kg, some can withstand up to 150 kg.
- Seat depth - some models are designed for children (up to 50 cm), and everything above is suitable for adults. For tall people, it is better to choose open-top models rather than rigid, closed spheres.
- If the seat is attached directly to the ceiling, it is important that the structure can withstand heavy furniture. It can be suspended from durable concrete slabs or large wooden beams with additional fastenings.
- If you plan not just to sit, but also to swing, you need to provide free space around the product. The smaller the area, the softer it is better to take the base - a mini-hammock made of fabric is more compact than a round plastic drop.
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Ergonomic design and timeless appeal
How does this simple invention, for more than half a century, manage to remain at the peak of popularity? Most likely, the secret is in its unusual design and flexible design.
After all, this is not just furniture - it is a real sculptural work that has a certain meaning and its own philosophy. In any case, this chair will be a worthy decoration for your home!
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What are there
Cocoon
Considered a variation on the theme of the very first air chair, designers from Denmark created the Egg model with a comfortable ergonomic shape. Modern manufacturers repeat it in different interpretations, always maintaining cozy rounded outlines in which you can truly relax.
Cocoons are made of metal, fabric or macrame, natural and artificial materials for weaving. Examples of what a hanging cocoon chair might look like are in the photo below.
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Weaving is the most common basis for frames of this type. Wicker hanging chairs, as in the photo, are made from wicker, bamboo or rattan. The latter can be natural or artificial, which in terms of technical characteristics is in no way inferior to the original. In addition, it does not require complex care (real rattan must be moistened regularly), and it is also more durable and flexible.
Wicker models combine well with wood and other natural materials. Suitable for ethnic, Scandinavian or eco-interiors.
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- Decoration
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Ball
Products of this type have a regular ball shape, and the frame is usually made of transparent or translucent material. This creates the feeling of being in a soap bubble or a drop of water. The degree of openness also varies: some models are a hemisphere, and some are almost completely covered with a plastic frame, leaving only a small hole for climbing into the shelter.
Such models are attached directly to the ceiling, most often on a metal chain. Suitable for modern styles, especially hi-tech and minimalism.
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Hammock
Some seats are more reminiscent of a hammock than a traditional chair. Such a product does not have a frame at all - it is a dense fabric, the ends of which are turned up, the fabric is attached first to the horizontal crossbar, and then to the ceiling.
This type of furniture is most often found in country houses or in boho interiors, as in the photo. In a city apartment, such an element immediately adds brightness to the atmosphere and is associated with relaxation on the seashore.
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- Accessories
How to make a hammock with your own hands: 5 stylish options
Swing chair
Another unusual variation of the standard model, which is attached to the ceiling on two strong cables or ropes. The seat can be flat, like a classic swing, made of wood, metal or plastic, or stylized - for example, a wicker version with sides and a soft lining is suitable for a children's room.
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Process of creation
To make your own hanging chair, it’s worth remembering:
- in the swing type of chairs, strong fabrics, special rope, and wooden tiles are used;
- the hanging cocoon uses willow or rattan rods, as well as any other flexible branches;
- plastic or metal hoops for appropriate samples.
Regardless of the type of hanging chairs, it is necessary to use durable textile fabrics, high-quality fastenings and ropes.
To make a frame hanging chair you will need:
- a pair of gloves;
- measuring tape and scissors;
- metal hoop;
- connecting ring;
- polyamide tape or thread;
- foam material;
- ropes for suspension.
Design options
A large assortment of egg-shaped armchairs allows you to choose an option that suits any interior style.
An open-type model with upholstery made of natural or artificial leather can fit into a strict retro style. It is better to choose a classic stand (cross). The color of the upholstery should be neutral and calm. The ideal choice would be a brown tint.
A chair of any model is suitable for a loft. In this case, both the stand and the body must be made of metal.
Modern trends allow different colors and shapes. You can choose an outdoor floor chair in a bright shade (such as yellow, blue, red and purple). You can settle on a calm, muted tone. The upholstery can be fabric or leather, it all depends on personal preference.
The closed floor chair on a monolithic stand in a two-color design looks original. The body is usually made of fiberglass in a neutral color (white, black). The internal soft filling can be contrasting (red, turquoise, orange, etc.). Of course, there are also options on sale in soothing colors.
Many people prefer to decorate apartments decorated in a modern style with acrylic hanging models. The most popular are white and black “openwork” models on rods with bright pillows. However, if you wish, you can also find a color version (for example, blue or green).
Transparent hanging products fit perfectly into the concept of minimalism. Pillows come in different colors. Most often, transparent models have the shape of a hemisphere, but ovoid models are also found.
Ecostyle will ideally complement a model made of natural rattan. This model will also fit into the Scandinavian direction. The product can be complemented by a fur cape or fabric pillow.
For lovers of outrageousness, models are offered that, in addition to the original shape, also have unusual colors. Imitation patchwork stitching, an image of the American flag, animal prints (zebra, leopard, cow) and other options simply cannot go unnoticed.
It is worth mentioning that some modern closed models are equipped with additional options. For example, it could be a hidden MP3 player. Of course, transparent chairs do not allow the installation of such systems. However, aesthetics and comfort in themselves are significant advantages of the products.
Materials needed to make a floor or ceiling-mounted chair
There are many options for making a hanging chair. Let's consider what materials are most often used for its manufacture.
If you use natural fabric, the chair will turn out beautiful and comfortable.
Textile. Inexpensive and accessible material that is simple and easy to work with. The strength of the finished product will depend on the type and quality of the chosen fabric. To create a chair, you can use either canvas sewn from old but thick denim fabric, decorated with rivets or patches, or raincoat fabric or tarpaulin. The more natural the fabric, the more comfortable it will be to be in the swing: if the fabric does not breathe, the skin will sweat in the summer.
Related article:
Hanging chairs: an original method of arranging a place to relax
How to choose a frame depending on the material, brief characteristics of each. Installation location, advantages and disadvantages of application.
Knitted fabric. For those who know how to crochet, knit, or even hand knit, this foundation will be easy to complete. The main thing is to use dense yarn and do not make too large distances between weaves so as not to fall through.
Macrame weaving. It involves the use of a durable cord, which is characterized by high performance qualities. An openwork hanging macrame chair looks light and airy in the interior; it will decorate a home made in any style.
A popular material for making hanging chairs is artificial rattan; it is not afraid of high humidity and sunlight.
Vine. A natural material that is not only pleasant to the touch, but also has an attractive appearance. Wicker furniture looks especially beautiful on the veranda or in the living room of a chalet-style house or in an apartment with an ethno-interior. It is only important to pre-treat the branches with antifungal and anti-mite mixtures. To make the chair last longer, it is recommended to varnish it from time to time.
Rattan. Both artificial and natural rattan stand out. However, you need to know that the artificial version of the material has higher characteristics: it is designed to hold more weight - up to 200 kg, while the load on natural rattan should not exceed 120 kg. In addition, artificial rattan better withstands exposure to high humidity and does not fade in the sun, but it has a higher price than its natural counterpart.
Wood is best for the frame of a hanging hammock chair
Interesting information! More and more often on the Internet you can find master classes on “DIY hanging chairs”, where thread from plastic bottles is used as a material for braiding. Such furniture is popular because it can be used outdoors, it is not exposed to moisture and gives plastic a second life.
What materials are used for the frame of hanging chairs: photo examples
If you look at photos of hanging chairs with your own hands, you will notice that most often a gymnastic hoop is used to make the frame. If the chair is made for a small child, it is permissible to use a plastic hoop, but in most cases it is recommended to buy a durable metal hoop for this, which makes the structure more rigid and reliable. Other materials used to create the frame include:
Iron gymnastic hoops are most often used for the frame of hanging chairs.
- Metal pipe. The design will be safe and durable, but will differ in the rather large weight of the finished product - from 7 kg and above. Other additional difficulties include the need to use special pipe bending equipment.
- Tree. The finished chair will be light in weight, pleasant and warm to the touch, and also environmentally friendly. At the same time, you need to remember the characteristics of wooden products, which are susceptible to moisture absorption and drying out under the influence of sunlight. It is necessary to pre-treat the frame with impregnations and repeat application at least once a month in case of active use.
- Metal-plastic pipes (PVC). A DIY hanging chair made from PVC pipes will not only be lightweight, but also not subject to corrosion. Due to the plasticity of the material, no additional devices are needed to give it the desired shape. To firmly secure the ends together, wooden or plastic bushings are used, which are additionally fastened with self-tapping screws for reliability.
Helpful advice! To make a chair, you should not use materials that have obvious defects: cracks, chips or breaks. This will not help significantly save on production, but such a chair will serve for a very short period of time.
Basic techniques for weaving hanging swing chairs
In order to make a wicker hanging macrame chair with your own hands, several weaving techniques are used, which differ in the finished relief, the pitch between the links and the density. Conventionally, techniques are divided into two large groups - openwork and smooth weaving.
The smooth weaving technique provides for a minimum gap between the rods; here are the following main options:
- Basic or general weaving. Suitable for both experienced people and beginners. For work, purchase flat but wide ribbons, which are woven in a checkerboard pattern using a 1×1 step. The result is a simple but durable fabric.
- Striped. Initially, a vertical base is woven using a thin rope. Horizontal stripes are made in 2×1 increments, with a slight shift in the pattern.
- Fish tail. A 2×2 diagonal offset weave is used.
- Ladder. There is also a 2x2 step, which is shifted in opposite directions in each row.
- Christmas tree. The fabric is woven in stages. First, several starting planes are made using a 3x2 step. Then each position is shifted towards the adjacent row. The result is a dense canvas with a highlighted central corner.
To make a wicker hanging macrame chair, several weaving techniques are used.
The openwork weaving technique involves mainly two types of ornaments:
- Tetrahedral weaving. The pattern resembles a six-pointed, acute-angled star.
- Hexagonal. A rather complex weaving method reminiscent of oriental motifs.
Before you start manufacturing, you should make preliminary drawings of the hanging chair with your own hands, which take into account the dimensions and materials. You can create a plan yourself if you have some skills in such work, or use ready-made options from the Internet. At the same time, you can modify the finished drawing of a chair with your own hands to your taste by downloading programs available on the Internet that help with the independent production of pieces of furniture:
- PRO100;
- Basis-Cutting;
- Astra Furniture Designer;
- bCAD;
- Basis Furniture Maker.
Pros of hanging chairs
Although this option appeared not so long ago, it is already popular. One of its positive characteristics is its very original appearance. You can look at the photo of the hanging chair on the balcony and see this. The balcony is transformed for the better and becomes more interesting. Such designs differ very much from conventional options. This chair does not require floor space. You can free up space even more by lifting it. If you don’t want to drill plates to secure the chair, you can purchase a mobile version equipped with a special frame. Thanks to its mobility, the furniture can be moved to any place on the balcony.
Egg/ball
A hanging chair for a balcony in the form of a part of a ball looks very original. Most often it is half a ball or egg, or even a little more. When compared to a regular ball chair, it has a greater seat depth, which reaches 70–85 cm. While the standard model has 50–60 cm. It must be borne in mind that a ball chair will require more space, this must be taken into account. It can be mounted on the ceiling, a support stand or a rod that is fixed to the wall.
The egg chair has a more elongated shape. This model has a high back, so tall people feel great in this chair. An egg-shaped chair takes up less space because its seat depth is 60 cm.
Frame
Let's see what types of housing there are:
- One-piece fiberglass mold. Standard option. It is made of special plastic, the structure of which is reinforced with fiberglass. Very durable. The absence of joints and seams makes the structure extremely durable. Withstands weight up to 130 kg. The inside is invariably covered with a continuous layer of porous foam filler;
- Metal carcass. This option can be attributed to the favorite option of “folk craftsmen”. The thin metal tube completely repeats the famous silhouette. Additional bent stiffening ribs are also attached along the back. Additionally, flat overlays are used to maintain a rounded shape. The entire structure is carefully packaged in a case made of 6 - 8 layers of fiberglass. Epoxy resin is used for bonding. Then the filler and covering are applied. For those who are not deprived of modeling talents, this method allows you to save on the considerable price tag for such a chair (about 40,000 rubles).
Tips for choosing
When choosing a hanging chair for the balcony, the first thing you need to pay attention to is convenience. If a person does not feel comfortable in it, then there will be no benefit from it. To do this, it is recommended to sit in several chairs before purchasing and choose the one that is comfortable.
Quality is an important selection criterion. Good quality chairs are made of painted steel, which is resistant to all weather conditions. The material from which the chair cushion is made is also important. To make the best quality pillows, we use weather-resistant fabric.
You should choose a chair depending on the size of the balcony. In large chairs a person will feel comfortable, while small ones are compact.
Any products of this kind are an original and interesting interior solution, the same applies to a hanging swing chair. You can have a great rest here, relax in the confines of your own home, and get peace. In such an affordable and aesthetic piece of furniture as a swing chair, you can sit comfortably, spin around its axis and swing in different directions.
Thus, when choosing a hanging chair, you should take into account both the interior of the balcony or loggia and your own preferences. A rich assortment from different manufacturers will allow you to choose the best option.
