To begin to explain what hanging and nest chairs are, it helps to look to nature, where we often draw inspiration from for our designs. These two types of chairs share similar characteristics, however, they have one key difference. One of them is suspended and freehanging, while the other is supported by the ground.
Hanging chairs versus nest chairs
Simply put, a hanging hair is a chair which hangs either from a beam or ceiling or hangs from a rope or chain which is connected to a separate base or stand. Hanging chairs are free hanging, which means they are able to move around or swing freely.
Due to the minimal amount of material used to create the base or support system, these chairs are a great way to save space. As a bonus, the swinging function can provide a bit of extra entertainment, too.
A nest chair is a chair which holds or resembles a similar shape or form to that of a nest. Both hanging chairs and chairs which are connected to a base can be classified as nest chairs if their features fit the nest-like description.
The Papasan Chair – 1970
Also known as The Moon, Bowl or Nest Chair, The Papasan Chair was a non-hanging nest chair from the ‘70s, which was designed to allow for comfortable nest-like seating at its centre. Although the Papasan Chair’s origin is unknown, it’s believed that it came from Asia.
Due to their wide frame and large cushion, two people could sit on them at the same time. The elevated surrounding walls of the chair created the feeling of being cradled in your own private sanctuary. The nest cushion and frame were usually attached to a round wooden, wicker or bamboo base, which was fairly lightweight and didn’t use up a lot of space.
This empty leftover space at the base was useful, as it gave off the subtle impression that the seat itself was hovering in the air. The space also created the illusion that there’s more space available in the room than there actually was, which is always great for smaller spaces containing more furniture.
The Ball Chair – 1963
Before the official Papasan Chair of the ‘70s, The Ball Chair and Hanging Bubble Chair by Eero Aarnio both made use of a pod shape design, which created a private “room within a room,” for the ultimate relaxation and refuge.
The first of the two – The Ball Chair – was an overnight sensation and has since become one of the most famous examples of Finnish design. It was such a hit that it starred in many films and television shows at the time, and is still produced today.
Its shape was designed to minimise sounds outside of the pod and maximise any sounds within it. The aluminium base of the chair was fitted with a ball-bearing mechanism so that the chair could swivel, while the pod’s shell was made using fibreglass with a gel coat finish. Inside, the pod was fitted with 5 panels, a seat and a back cushion.
The Bubble Chair – 1968
Soon after The Ball Chair, Aarnio designed The Hanging Bubble Chair. Although they both share many of the same qualities surrounding shape, design, privacy and comfort, The Hanging Bubble Chair was designed with a seamless transparent acrylic shell to enable light to get inside the pod from all angles.
Although the shell is transparent, it was still designed so as not to allow sound from the outer world to disrupt the peaceful world created within the pod itself. Its hanging feature allows a person to experience a sense of freedom and lightness in the sky, which of course the chair’s name hints at quite nicely.
Are nest chairs the same as nesting chairs?
Nest chairs are often mistaken for nesting chairs, however, they couldn’t be any more different. Nesting chairs have earnt their name because they nest into each other or fold away completely. The idea behind this invention was to allow for multiple chairs to be packed away (or nested) into small spaces, placing importance on practicality rather than comfort.
