In a recent Decoist article, I wrote about the iconic, Mid-Century inspired hanging fireplace. These desirable modern treasures are as popular today as they were back then. Those sleek stoves inspired me to revisit the best design icons of the sixties with the hanging chair.Just like the hanging fireplace, the hanging chair is rooted in mid-20th century style. Mid-Century designers were influenced by clean lines with a hint of organic architecture. The simple approach to décor was a rebellion against the ornate designs that formerly flourished. Perhaps it is the simplicity that makes these pieces timeless. The original hanging chair, designed by Nanna Ditzel, perfectly captures the simple and organic approach to design in this era.Nanna Ditzel is a Danish designer who continuously pushed the boundaries of design. This inspirational woman was among the few esteemed female designers of this era. In addition, the experimental trendsetter was born in 1923 and still hasn’t retired. She is pretty much my hero!
Today, several other furniture makers have followed suit and reinvented Ditzel’s design. The hanging chair is so retro and so now! Why should you have a hanging chair, you might ask? Simple, they are fun! Jonathan Adler thinks so. In a recent interview, Adler says, “Every house should have a hanging chair. There is a constant battle over who gets to sit and swing.” While these designs are a bit over-the-top, they add whimsy and playfulness that will let your guests know you don’t take yourself too seriously. After all, that is what Jonathan Adler is known for. The cane or rattan chair is perfect for those whose taste is both natural and modern. [from Jonathan Adler Interior Design]For added comfort, the hanging chair pairs well with a sheepskin. You can decorate with a throw pillow too. If this look is too bold for your interior, consider hanging it outside. It can certainly add style to your exterior if you prefer. Hang your chair from a tree or your front porch. [from Pal and Smith]
If you want the look of a hanging chair but have no place to hang it, you can find one with a stand like the black rattan chair below. [from Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects]Designed by Finnish designer Eero Aarnio in 1968, this atomic chair will make you feel like a Jetson! Its metal frame and acrylic clear back are the perfect complements to an ultra-modern interior. The transparent design takes up little visual space, making it great for small and large interiors alike. Its circular shape even boasts amazing acoustics. It claims to drown out sound, making you feel like you’re in a bubble! Wouldn’t that make for an amazing reading nook? [This beauty comes with a large price tag of $6,324 USD. You can get Eero Arnio’s designs at Hive Modern.]Eero Aarnio is known for his alternative approach to furniture design. Rather than using traditional methods, Aarnio’s furniture utilizes contemporary materials echoing popular culture, such as plastic. Though this chair is ultra-modern, it also works in eclectic style interiors, like the one featured below.
The playful nature of the bubble chair makes it fitting for a kid’s room. This cool chair might even encourage your child to read! If you hang your chair from a tall ceiling, it will accentuate the architecture and grand nature of your room. What do you think of this mid-century marvel? Do you have a hanging chair? We’d love to hear from you below!Spring is around the corner and we can’t wait to take a day off and simply relax in a hanging chair while listening to the songs of birds. But until then, we should prepare ourselves. With this thought in mind, we have searched some creative DIY Hanging Chairs Projects you can have ready just in time for those beautiful warm sunny days spent in the garden or on your porch.The following projects are wonderful indoors as well so you can swing away even in these remaining cold days of winter. Rope is the essential material used here along with wood and colorful, fun fabrics. Imagine how much your little girl would love a pink fluffy hanging chair in her room!
We are particularly fond of the pallet hanging chair designs which recycle and put to good use old wood. You can get crafty and weave a macrame chair now. It might require some time invested but the result is delicate, beautiful and quite comfortable. Add a cozy warm blanket and a pillow and you’re all set for a good read. Enjoy the Top 10 DIY Hanging Chairs Projects and feel free to share your thoughts and projects in the comment section below. Read next: 25 Spectacular Swings You Should Definitely Try Once in Your LifetimeI love hanging chairs. I've wanted one (or two?) inside our home for a long time. They're just so charming! So we decided that we would make room for one of these magical chairs in the new house—I wasn't sure which room at first, but the living room downstairs just felt right. I'm also a fan of wicker and included it in small doses throughout our home. I'm a usually 1950s lover, but this is one of the ways that the 1970s creeps into our space. Mixing eras is fun.
I have had this chair on my vintage list for the past few years. I have several friends who found one, but I never did. I even had a spot in our living room picked out for this chair. So I decided to start shopping online. First I tried Etsy and eBay. There were several vintage chairs available. But many were damaged, and the prices were still very high. I decided for that price range I would rather buy it new to ensure a better return policy. I ordered this chair from Amazon.When the chair arrived, I had it hung by our contractor. He used a chain to attach it to the ceiling beam. The first time we sat in it it made scary sounds and we were majorly freaked out. After a few days the wicker settled and the noises stopped. We've had lots of adults (and kids too, of course) sitting in the chair and it's very sturdy.One step closer to putting together our dream home! I love this chair. It's kinda fun to dream about something for a long time before purchasing it. A lot more fun than impulse shopping, which is what I usually do with decor.