Living in an apartment or working with a compact room doesn't mean you have to miss out on the comfort and style of an egg chair. While these iconic seats are known for their dramatic presence, the market now includes numerous compact designs specifically engineered for smaller spaces. With the right model and thoughtful placement, even a studio apartment can accommodate an egg chair that becomes a beloved retreat.
This guide explores your options for bringing an egg chair into a small space, from compact chair designs to creative placement solutions that make the most of every square metre.
Understanding Space Requirements
Before shopping for an egg chair, it's essential to understand how much space different types actually require. This varies significantly between hanging and standing models, and between single and double sizes.
Hanging Egg Chair Space Needs
A standard single hanging egg chair with a freestanding frame typically requires a floor footprint of approximately 1.2m x 1.2m for the frame alone. However, you must also account for swing clearance—the chair needs room to move forward, backward, and side to side. For comfortable, unrestricted use, plan for a total space of about 2m x 2m.
The good news is that hanging chairs utilise vertical space, which is often underutilised in small rooms. The chair hangs above floor level, meaning the space beneath (when not in use) remains somewhat accessible. Many people successfully place hanging chairs over areas that also serve other purposes, such as reading nooks or meditation corners.
Standing Egg Chair Space Needs
Standing egg chairs have a more compact footprint since they don't swing. A typical standing egg chair requires about 1m x 1m of floor space, plus room for access—generally at least 50cm in front of the chair for entering and exiting. If the chair has a swivel function, ensure there's adequate clearance for rotation.
Standing chairs often work better in small spaces because their footprint is fixed and predictable. You can position them precisely without worrying about swing clearance affecting nearby furniture or walls.
Measuring Your Space
Before purchasing, mark out the chair's footprint on your floor with painter's tape. Live with the marked area for a few days, walking around it and imagining the chair in place. This helps you visualise whether the size works with your traffic patterns and furniture arrangement.
Compact Egg Chair Options
Apartment-Friendly Hanging Chairs
Several manufacturers now produce compact hanging egg chairs specifically designed for balconies and small outdoor spaces. These chairs feature narrower frames with a smaller swing radius, typically requiring only about 1.5m x 1.5m total space. Look for descriptions like "balcony," "apartment," or "compact" in product names.
Some compact designs use folding frames that can be collapsed when not in use—ideal for renters or those who need flexible space. These typically sacrifice some robustness for convenience, so they may not suit heavy daily use, but they're perfect for occasional relaxation.
Ceiling-Mounted Solutions
If you own your home or have landlord permission, ceiling-mounted hanging chairs eliminate the bulky frame entirely. The chair hangs directly from a ceiling beam, dramatically reducing the floor footprint to just the chair itself plus swing clearance. This approach works particularly well in rooms with high ceilings or in dedicated corners.
Ceiling mounting does require structural knowledge and proper installation—never mount into drywall alone. The investment in professional installation may be worthwhile for the space savings achieved.
Compact Standing Models
Standing egg chairs come in various sizes, and some compact models are specifically designed for smaller rooms. Look for chairs with slim profiles and bases that don't extend far beyond the seat shell. Some modern designs achieve surprisingly small footprints while maintaining comfortable seating.
Chairs with bases rather than stands often have smaller footprints than those with dramatic spreading stands. The trade-off is typically less visual drama, but in a small space, a subtle presence may be preferable anyway.
Kids' Egg Chairs for Adults
Some "kids'" egg chairs, particularly hanging models, are actually sized appropriately for smaller adults. If you're under 170cm and 70kg, don't overlook kids' options—they often have significantly smaller footprints while providing genuine comfort for smaller frames.
Strategic Placement in Small Spaces
The Corner Strategy
Corners are often the most underutilised space in small rooms. An egg chair placed diagonally in a corner can feel like a deliberate design choice rather than furniture crammed into a tight space. The chair's rounded back nestles naturally into the corner angle, and the enclosed form creates a sense of retreat.
For hanging chairs, position the frame so the chair swings away from the walls, using the corner depth to accommodate the swing. For standing chairs, the corner position naturally limits required clearance on two sides.
Multi-Functional Areas
In small spaces, furniture often needs to serve multiple purposes or time-share with other activities. An egg chair can occupy the same floor area as other functions that happen at different times. For example, a hanging chair in a home office corner serves as a reading spot during work breaks and a relaxation zone in the evening.
Consider how you use your space throughout the day. If certain areas are only used at specific times, an egg chair might fit perfectly into those rhythms.
Outdoor Spaces
For apartment dwellers, balconies often provide the most practical location for an egg chair. Even small balconies can typically accommodate a compact hanging chair, creating a private outdoor retreat. The open air around a balcony reduces the feeling of the chair taking up precious indoor space.
Measure your balcony carefully, accounting for the door swing and any existing furniture or plants. Compact balcony-specific egg chairs are designed to maximise comfort while minimising footprint.
Visual Tricks for Small Spaces
Light and Airy Designs
In small spaces, choose egg chairs with open-weave designs that allow visual flow through the piece. Dense, solid shells visually consume more space than airy rattan or macrame designs. Light colours also help—white or natural cream frames feel less imposing than dark colours.
Frame Considerations
For hanging chairs, slim metal frames in light colours (white, natural metals) virtually disappear in a room, leaving mainly the chair basket visible. Heavy, dark frames draw the eye and can make a small room feel crowded.
Proportion and Scale
Ensure your egg chair is proportionate to your other furniture. A massive egg chair among delicate furniture will dominate the room uncomfortably. Similarly, a tiny chair among large sofas and tables will look out of place. Aim for consistency in scale across all your seating.
Key Takeaway
Small spaces don't exclude egg chairs—they just require more thoughtful selection and placement. Compact models, strategic positioning, and attention to visual weight can bring egg chair comfort to even the cosiest homes.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If a traditional egg chair truly won't fit, consider related alternatives:
- Hammock chairs: Lightweight hanging seats with minimal frames that pack away when not in use
- Pod chairs without stands: Ceiling-mounted pods eliminate the frame entirely
- Compact swivel chairs: Non-egg designs that offer some of the same enclosed, cocoon feeling
- Indoor hammocks: Require only two mounting points and can be taken down between uses
For more guidance on choosing the right egg chair, see our beginner's guide. For styling advice once you've found your chair, check out our styling tips.