I remember the day I bought my first egg swing chair. I had been eyeing them for months, seeing them in those glossy catalogues and lifestyle magazines, and wondering if they were really as comfortable as they looked. Spoiler: they are. The moment I sat in mine, with a coffee in one hand and a book in the other, I felt like I had discovered the best seat in the house.

But the honeymoon phase doesn’t last forever. After the first summer, a question popped into my mind that I’m sure many people ask too: how long do egg chairs typically last? Are they a “buy it once and keep it for decades” piece, or do they wear out like most outdoor furniture?

The Average Lifespan of Egg Chairs.

Let’s get to the point. Most egg chairs last anywhere between three and ten years. That’s a huge range, and here’s why:

• A bargain chair from the discount section may not see its third birthday.
  
  

• A decent mid-range chair will probably last around five to seven years.
  
  

• A top-quality one, cared for properly, can keep going strong for a decade or more.
  
  

So when someone asks me how long egg chairs typically last, I usually say: expect five good years minimum, more if you treat it kindly.

How Long Do Egg Chairs Typically Last Outdoors?

If you’re keeping your chair outside, the weather becomes the deciding factor.

• Sun exposure: The sun is brutal on fabrics and rattan. UV rays can make even good-quality resin fade or crack over time.
  
  

• Rain and dampness: Frames that aren’t powder-coated will rust. Cushions left out in wet weather get mouldy or flat.
  
  

• Season changes: Hot one day, cold the next, that cycle stresses the materials.
  
  

Realistically, outdoor egg chairs last three to seven years. If you cover them when not in use and bring the cushions inside, you can push toward the higher end of that range.

How Long Do Egg Chairs Typically Last Indoors?

Indoors, egg chairs are practically immortal. They’re safe from rain, safe from scorching sun, and don’t get battered by the wind.

• Frames: Can easily last ten years or more.
  
  

• Cushions: Hold their shape and colour far longer since they aren’t constantly exposed to the elements.
  
  

If you’re wondering how long egg chairs typically last indoors, the answer is simple: probably as long as any sofa or armchair you already own.

Materials and How They Affect Lifespan.

Not all egg chairs are built the same. Here’s what I’ve noticed:

• Resin rattan (synthetic wicker):
  High-quality resin that’s UV-treated can last for years outdoors. Cheap resin gets brittle and cracks after a summer or two.
  
  

• Steel frames:
  Strong and sturdy, but you need powder coating to fight rust. Without it, rust shows up fast.
  
  

• Aluminium frames:
  Lightweight and naturally rust-proof, though not quite as heavy-duty as steel.
  
  

• Cushions:
  Almost always the weakest link. Outdoors, even “weatherproof” cushions eventually fade or flatten. Indoors, they last much longer.
  
  

So, when you ask how long egg chairs typically last, think first about what they’re made of. Materials matter.

Signs Your Egg Swing Chair Might Be Reaching the End.

Egg chairs don’t usually fail overnight. They show their age slowly. Some of the signs include:

• Cracking or peeling rattan around the edges.
  
  

• Rust spots are forming on the base or joints.
  
  

• Cushions that won’t plump up anymore.
  
  

• Squeaking or wobbling every time you sit down.
  
  

These are red flags that your chair’s best days are behind it.

How to Make Egg Chairs Last Longer.

I’ve learned the hard way that care makes a difference. Here are a few habits that add years to an egg chair’s life:

• Covers are your friend. A waterproof cover keeps out rain, sun, and even dust.
  
  

• Cushions belong inside. Even if the frame is weatherproof, cushions aren’t. Store them when not in use.
  
  

• Clean it regularly. A quick wipe with soapy water stops grime from eating into the material.
  
  

• Tighten bolts now and then. Loose joints wear faster.
  
  

• Pick a smart spot. Under a patio or pergola is much kinder than leaving it in the open yard.
  
  

Do these small things, and you’ll double your lifespan easily.

My Egg Chair Story

Here’s my personal timeline:

• Chair #1: Bargain buy. It looked fantastic for the first summer, but by the second year, the rattan cracked, the frame squeaked, and the cushions were soggy messes. Total life: about 18 months.
  
  

• Chair #2: A wooden style. Beautiful to look at, but it needed constant sanding and sealing. It was more like a project than a piece of furniture. I gave up after three years.
  
  

• Chair #3: Resin rattan with a powder-coated steel frame. This one I treated properly, covered, cushion storage, and occasional cleaning. Six years later, it’s still solid, still comfortable, and still the most popular seat in the house.
  
  

So, how long do egg chairs typically last? In my experience, you get out what you put in.

Are Egg Chairs Worth Buying If They Don’t Last Forever?

Egg chairs aren’t heirlooms. They’re not built to last 50 years like a hardwood dining table. But that doesn’t mean they’re not worth it.

Even if you only get five years out of one, that’s five summers of lazy afternoons, five winters of cosy reading nooks, and countless hours of comfort. When you divide the price across those years of use, the value holds up.

And honestly? You can’t put a price on having that one perfect spot in your home where you can truly relax.

Quick Recap: How Long Do Egg Chairs Typically Last?

• Average: 3 to 10 years.
  
  

• Outdoors: 3–7 years, depending on weather and care.
  
  

• Indoors: Easily 10+ years.
  
  

• What matters: Quality materials, frame protection, cushion care.
  
  

• Extend life: Covers, cleaning, and smart storage.
  
  

Final Thoughts

So, how long do egg chairs typically last? The safe answer is at least five years, but a good-quality one can easily give you a decade of comfort. Cheap ones wear out quickly, but if you’re willing to invest a bit more and give it some care, it’s one of the best pieces of furniture you’ll own.

Mine has been with me for six years and counting, and I’d buy another in a heartbeat. Because at the end of the day, an egg chair isn’t just furniture. It’s that one seat that feels like it belongs to you, a little cocoon of calm in a busy world.