Best garden swing seats: lounge in style with these top buys

Our pick of the best garden swing seats will bring laid-back vibes to your garden, so you can simply sit back and relax alfresco

Best garden swing seats
(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

On the hunt for the best garden swing seats? Well you're in the right place because we have scoured the internet for the top picks to suit all styles and budgets. We have you covered if you love a traditional wooden seat or are after a cool, contemporary hanging chair that's going to make more of a statement in your garden.

We love all these swing seats, so to make things easier for you we have ordered them by price so you can simply scroll to the option that will suit your budget best. Further down you will also find some handy tips on how to buy the best swing seats, so make sure you have a read through that before placing your orders.

On the lookout for more garden seating? You'll find plenty in our guide to the best garden furniture

The best garden swing seats

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Best swing seats

(Image credit: Argos)

1. Argos Rattan Effect Hanging Egg Chair

Best budget friendly swing seat: ideal for gardens of all sizes

Specifications

Seats: 1
Frame material : Metal
Canopy material : Rattan effect
Maximum weight : 110kg
Size: H197 x W110 x D96cm

Reasons to buy

+
Perfect for small spaces 
+
Great price
+
Stylish contemporary design 

Reasons to avoid

-
Only seats one 

If you're after the best swing seat for smaller gardens, patios or terraces this Argos offering would be a great choice. 

Design 

It's quite contemporary in its style with the black and grey colours so would look amazing in a really modern space. Throw on an extra cushion and you could even give it a bit of a boho vibe. 

Materials

Made from a metal stand with a rattan-effect chair, this chair frame be left outside all year. The cushions you get with the hanging chair are super comfy, and so deep they almost mould to your body. The perfect spot for a morning coffee or an evening gin!

  • Shop Argos Rattan Effect Hanging Egg Chair

Best swing seats

(Image credit: Wayfair)

2. Wayfair Arianna Swing Seat with Stand

Best classic wooden swing seat: a timeless design for a great price

Specifications

Seats: 2
Frame material : Solid wood
Canopy material : Solid wood
Maximum weight : 200kg
Size: H176 x W166 x D123cm

Reasons to buy

+
Really affordable for a solid wood swing
+
Classic design that will suit all styles
+

Reasons to avoid

-
Cushions not included 

We love the classic look of this swing seat, it really would fit into any style of garden. 

Design 

It's so simple, with a natural unfinished look that you could put your own stamp on with cushions and throws. That is the slight downside of this model, you will have to buy cushions to make it more of a comfortable seat, but we still think it's such a great price. It's not huge either, so could fit nicely into a small garden or decked area.

Materials 

Made from solid wood, you'll need to paint this material with oil or a wood treatment once a year to maintain it looks. Alternatively, you could also paint it a different colour to make it fit into your garden scheme – we think it would look lovely in white to add a bang on-trend beach vibe to your space. 

  • Shop Wayfair Arianna Swing Seat with Stand

Best swing seats

(Image credit: Robert Dyas)

3. Robert Dyas Charles Bentley 3-Seater Wooden Garden Swing Seat

Best three-seater swing seat: a lovely wooden seat for cosy alfresco chats

Specifications

Seats : 3
Frame material : Solid wood
Canopy material : Solid wood
Maximum weight : 260kg
Size: H192 x W130 x D190cm

Reasons to buy

+
Free delivery 
+
Style will suit all gardens
+
Weatherproof 

Reasons to avoid

-
No cushions included

If you love the look of our second option but are after a swing seat that is a bit more roomy, this would be perfect. 

Design 

The design is so simple and stylish – we love the curves of the frame and the small slats of the seat stop it looking too bulky. The chains are obviously sturdy but don't look to stand out and aren't a main feature of the seat (something we often see in swing seat designs). 

Materials

Made from solid larch wood with galvanised steel chains for a safe and secure seat. Again, some nice cushions would soften this up and make it a comfier spot to sit. 

  • Shop  Robert Dyas Charles Bentley 3-Seater Wooden Garden Swing Seat

Best swing seats

(Image credit: Argos)

4. Argos Home Tapiola Metal 3 Seater Swing Chair

Best metal swing seat: perfect style for modern gardens

Specifications

Seats : 3
Frame material : Steel
Canopy material : Polyester
Maximum weight : 260kg
Size: H178 x W191 x D135cm

Reasons to buy

+
Simple, stylish design 
+
Seat cushions included 
+
Canopy to protect from sun or rain 

Reasons to avoid

-
Self-assembly can be tricky 

If solid wood is going to be too traditional or heavy looking for your space, then check out this Argos swing seat. 

Design 

Its slimline frame would be ideal for smaller gardens or patio areas where you don't want your seating to totally overwhelm the space. The cushions come included with this one too, so you don't have to worry about it ever being uncomfortable, but we do think a few extra throw cushions would add some colour and pattern.

Materials

The durable frame is made from steel and can be left outside all year. Just be aware you will have to bring the cushions inside during bad weather, as although they are splashproof they won't do well in a downpour. 

  • Shop Argos Home Tapiola Metal 3 Seater Swing Chair

Best swing seats

(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

5. Cox and Cox Indoor Outdoor Hanging Chair

Best swing seat for indoors and out: add a lovely relaxed feel to your garden

Specifications

Seats: One
Frame material : Steel
Canopy material : Faux rattan
Maximum weight : 110kg
Size: H185 x W110 x D130cm

Reasons to buy

+
Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
+
Cushions included 

Reasons to avoid

-
On the expensive side 

Fan of the boho look in you garden? This would definitely be the best swing seat for you. 

Design 

Cox & Cox make great quality garden furniture so even this is on the pricer side, you are investing in a piece that's going to last summer after summer. Plus you can bring it inside in the winter to be a feature in your living room too. 

Materials

Made from materials that look like rattan and a powder-coated steel frame, the cushions are included and come in a lovely neutral cream to match the natural rattan. There's a head pillow too, which you just tie to the chair for extra comfort. 

  • Shop Cox and Cox Indoor Outdoor Hanging Chair

Best swing seats

(Image credit: Wayfair)

6. Wayfair Garden Swing Seat

Best swing seat for creating shade: relax in comfort away from the glare of the sun

Specifications

Seats: 3
Frame material : Solid wood
Canopy material : Fabric
Maximum weight : 200kg
Size: H200 x W202 x D120cm

Reasons to buy

+
Built-in canopy to protect from the sun 
+
Really supportive seat  

Reasons to avoid

-
It's big so would need to have a large space 

We think this swing seat has quite a coastal feel to it so you'll get an instant holiday vibe if you choose this swing seat. 

Design 

It comes with a built-in shade, which is great for protecting you from the sun as you snooze. The canopy is removable though, you just unscrew it if you want a bit of sun in the afternoon. 

Materials 

Made from solid wood, this is a really sturdy frame. The seat itself is really comfy, probably the comfiest of all our picks, as a padded cushion wraps around the whole seat, plus the shape is perfect for supporting your lower back. 

  • Shop Wayfair Garden Swing Seat

Best swing seats

(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

7. Cox and Cox Paros Swinging Lounger

Best swing seat for relaxing: the ultimate pick for lazy days in the garden

Specifications

Seats : 2
Frame material : Iron
Canopy material : Water-repellant fabric
Maximum weight : 200kg
Size: H179 x W213 x D143cm

Reasons to buy

+
The comfiest of all our picks 
+
Shade included 

Reasons to avoid

-
Only suitable for large gardens 

Well now we're talking. This isn't just a swing seat, this is basically a swing bed, with a shade! 

Design 

Oh, we can so imagine drifting off in this on a warm summer's day. The shade is adjustable so you can move it depending on the sun's position. It's big enough to share, so you can cosy up with a blanket when it's cooler and enjoy the evening from the comfort of what is essentially an outdoor bed. Dreamy.

Materials 

There's no need to worry about durability with this design as the frame is made from powder-coated iron and the water-repellent cushions will withstand an unexpected shower, although we recommend storing them away when not in use for added protection. 

  • Buy the Cox and Cox Paros Swinging Lounger

Best swing seats

(Image credit: Not on the High Street)

8. Not on the High Street The Heritage Garden Swing

Best swing seat for durability: a classic choice that's built to last

Specifications

Seats: Two
Frame material : Wood
Canopy material : Wood
Maximum weight : 260kg
Size: D140 x W225 x H240cm

Reasons to buy

+
Delivery, assembly and installment included 
+
A lovely addition to a garden 
+
Long-lasting and great quality 
+
Can be painted a colour of your choice 

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive 

Looking for something more permanent for your garden? This swing seat is stunning! 

Design 

It might seem like it's on the more expensive side but for this price, you get delivery, assembly and installment included. It's hand made by Duck Paddle over on Not on the High Street, and you also have the option to remove the armrest and just have it as one bench, and there are drinks shelves built into the side of the frame too. We think it would just look gorgeous with some roses growing up the sides!

Materials

Made from Scandinavian Redwood with a Western Red cedar shingle roof, you can have this painted in any Farrow & Ball colour of your choice for a unique design for your space. 

  • Shop Not on the High Street The Heritage Garden Swing

How to buy the best garden swing seats

Above you will hopefully find a swing seat that you love, but beyond looks, there are a few practical things you will want to consider before buying:

How long do you want your swing chair to last?
This is very much linked to the price you want to pay, but essentially do you want a budget-friendly option that lasts a few summers, or are you after an investment piece that will stay in your garden for many years to come? We have covered both above so the choice is yours. 

What should your swing chair be made of?
Again, this essentially comes down to how much you want to spend. A more budget, simple swing seat with a thin metal frame isn't going to be as good quality as a solid wooden one for example. Also think about whether you want to be able to leave your swing seat out no matter what the weather during the summer rather than storing it away. 

How big should your swing seat be?
This will partly depend on the size of your garden, but also think about how you will store your swing seat in the winter months. Do you have to be able to fit them into a shed? Does it need to be able to fold down in order to be stored? Or do you need a swing seat that can be left out over the winter?

More great garden ideas: 

Hebe is the Deputy Editor over on Livingetc but her green fingers have drawn her to write for Gardeningetc too. Living in a first floor London flat, she’s always dreamed of having her own plot – orchard, allotment, rose garden the lot! But for now she makes do with the small patch in front of her building, a small lawn with some lovely borders that look different in every season, which is a joy to work in at weekends. But her green fingers are craving for something bigger, so watch this space!