What is a swing seat cocoon?

A swing seat cocoon is a standalone hanging chair for the home or garden featuring an egg, tulip or oval shaped cocoon pod. It’s an idyllic and versatile focal point for a patio, decking, graveled outdoor area or a conservatory. Made for one, two or three people, a swing seat is often called a single, double or triple cocoon to reflect this.

Unlike a garden chair, a cocoon’s unique shape invites you to nestle back into it, to enjoy the hug and gentle swing it provides. Designed to swing freely from a height adjustable chain, the pod comes with a standalone frame, so it can be placed anywhere on a level surface indoors or out. Just remember to allow for swing space. 

This eye-catching garden furniture comes in many different styles, shapes and sizes. Cocoons bring a modern rustic look and can be used to instantly update any indoor or outdoor space. The cocoon pod is usually made from outdoor woven rattan and hangs from a strong powder coated metal frame, with pod designs varying from open to closed weave. Open weave is perfect for a hot and sunny spot, but if you need a bit of protection from a breeze we recommend a closer woven finish.

Most cocoons usually come with a comfy thick seat cushion (or cushions) making them ideal for total relaxation time either together or alone. And there’s usually enough space to add your own finishing touches like a favourite scatter cushion or two.

Once assembled, a cocoon is extremely low maintenance and easy to use. A good quality cocoon will be made from weather-resistant materials, so it can be left outdoors all year round ready for you to use whenever you want. Although, we always recommend choosing an optional cover to protect against general garden grime. Regular use of a cocoon cover will keep a swing seat dry and ready for immediate use.

Why choose a cocoon over a garden seat?

There’s lots of reasons for choosing a swing seat cocoon over a standard garden seat. We’ve thought long and hard about all the pros and cons of our swing seats and here are 10 advantages and 5 disadvantages to consider when it comes to buying the right cocoon swing seat:

✔ 10 Advantages of a good quality swing seat cocoon:

1. Seating solution for either 1, 2 or 3 people 
2. Suitable for indoor & outdoor settings 
3. Low maintenance and weather-resistant, so it can be left outside all year round
4. Strong & sturdy with maximum loads of between 100kg-200kg (depending on pod size) 
5. Possibility to protect against the elements with a bespoke garden furniture cover
6. Versatile seating that suits both traditional and modern gardens for a modern rustic look
7. Super comfy with pods that gently swing and hug for total relaxation
8. Pods are height adjustable making them ideal for short, medium or long legs
9. Cocoon pods can be placed in any direction for privacy
10. Free-standing with no requirement for posts, stanchions or trees unlike traditional hammocks

❌ 5 Disadvantages of a swing seat cocoon:

1. Woven cocoons coordinate well with other woven furniture, but getting an exact match for older garden furniture can be tricky (but we think having something different adds interest) 
2. Cocoons need a permanent place and are not designed to be constantly moved as this will scratch the paintwork of the frame, especially if dragged across uneven terrain like gravel 
3. Limited seating space for 1, 2 or 3 people with maximum weight bearing loads
4. Cocoons are fun, easy and move. If you need a stable seat with armrests, then unfortunately we would not recommend a cocoon 
5. Lastly…beware swing seats are very relaxing. You might not want to get up from one once you’re nestled in! 

Great for relaxing and enjoying some ‘me’ time

The great thing about a hanging swing seats cocoon is that very little outdoor space is required. Whether you have a small patio or a large formal garden, a cocoon will suit either, Swing seats also look incredible when mixed and matched with other garden or indoor furniture.

For the best woven swing seat cocoons, look no further than Bramblecrest Garden Furniture. Bramblecrest offer a range of cocoon sizes in their many woven collections, with our favourites this year being cocoons in their Chedworth, Monterey and Tetbury collections.

Choose a size to suit your needs. To self-indulge, treat yourself to a Bramblecrest Chedworth Single Tulip Open Weave Cocoon in Sandstone and guarantee some precious ‘me’ time. Or for a romantic swing seat for two, we love the Bramblecrest Monterey 2 Seater Double Cocoon in Dove Grey and finally for some family fun take a look at the popular Bramblecrest Monterey 3 Seat Triple Cocoon in Dove Grey.

Although, Bramblecrest cocoons are made to be weather resistant, we still recommend storing cushions when not in use to prolong their lifespan and keep them ready to use and always use a cover to keep nuisance droppings and garden debris like leaves, moss and tree sap away from the cocoon. Optional fitted cocoon covers are available to purchase separately.

Swing seat cocoons are great for relaxing in the home or garden. After a few gentle swings in a cocoon pod, we have no doubt you won’t want to get back up. Just enjoy that wonderful sense of tranquility and calm, what better way to enjoy a hot summer’s day?

With a range of woven styles to choose from, we’re sure you’ll find the right one from our online or in-store collections. Other brands of cocoons are available, which offer equally great value for money like our London Open Weave Cocoon and Riga range of cocoons.

If you can’t find what you are looking for, please feel free to contact a team member from our Outdoor Living department at Gates Garden Centre who will be happy to help.