One of the first decisions you'll need to make when shopping for an egg chair is whether you need an indoor or outdoor model. While some chairs can technically be used in both environments, most are designed and optimised for one or the other. Understanding the differences between these categories will help you choose a chair that performs well in your intended location and lasts for years to come.
This guide examines the key distinctions between indoor and outdoor egg chairs, from materials and construction to design features and care requirements. We'll also explore the grey areas, such as chairs suitable for covered outdoor areas, and help you determine the best option for your specific situation.
The Fundamental Differences
At their core, indoor and outdoor egg chairs are designed to withstand very different conditions. Outdoor chairs must resist UV radiation, moisture, temperature extremes, and environmental contaminants. Indoor chairs can prioritise aesthetics, comfort, and material refinement because they're protected from the elements.
These different requirements lead to significant differences in materials, construction methods, and price points. Understanding these differences helps explain why you can't simply move an indoor chair outside and expect it to survive, and why outdoor chairs often feel different from their indoor counterparts.
Quick Rule of Thumb
If a chair will ever be exposed to rain, direct sunlight for extended periods, or temperatures below 5°C or above 40°C, you need an outdoor-rated chair. Covered patios and enclosed verandahs may be able to use indoor-rated chairs depending on specific conditions.
Outdoor Egg Chair Characteristics
Weather-Resistant Materials
The defining feature of outdoor egg chairs is their use of weather-resistant materials throughout. The woven shell is typically made from PE (polyethylene) rattan, a synthetic material engineered to resist UV degradation, moisture absorption, and temperature-related expansion and contraction. High-quality PE rattan is UV-stabilised to prevent fading and brittleness even after years of sun exposure.
Frames for outdoor chairs are usually made from powder-coated steel or aluminium. The powder coating creates a barrier against rust and corrosion, while aluminium naturally resists oxidation. In coastal areas or for premium outdoor applications, stainless steel may be used for superior corrosion resistance.
Outdoor Cushion Technology
Outdoor cushions are fundamentally different from indoor cushions. They're typically filled with open-cell foam or polyester fibre that allows water to drain through rather than being absorbed. The covers are made from solution-dyed acrylic fabrics like Sunbrella, which resist fading, mould, and mildew while remaining comfortable to sit on.
Many outdoor cushion covers are removable and machine-washable, making maintenance easier. The cushions themselves often have drainage holes or quick-dry technology to prevent water pooling and speed drying after rain.
Construction Considerations
Outdoor egg chairs tend to have simpler, more robust construction than indoor models. Weaving patterns may be looser to allow for drainage and airflow. Hardware is typically stainless steel or galvanised to prevent rust. The overall design prioritises durability and weather resistance over fine details and delicate aesthetics.
Indoor Egg Chair Characteristics
Premium Materials and Finishes
Indoor egg chairs can utilise a wider range of materials because they're protected from weather. Natural rattan offers an organic beauty that synthetic materials can't match. Upholstered chairs can feature velvet, wool, cashmere, or genuine leather. Frames might be chrome-plated, brass-finished, or made from fine hardwoods.
The absence of weather concerns allows manufacturers to focus on comfort, aesthetics, and craftsmanship. Many indoor egg chairs are closer to fine furniture than outdoor functional pieces, with attention to detail that would be impractical in weather-exposed items.
Comfort-Focused Design
Indoor cushions can prioritise comfort without concern for water resistance. High-density memory foam, down filling, or feather-wrapped foam cores provide superior comfort compared to outdoor-rated materials. Cushion covers can be chosen purely for tactile pleasure and visual appeal.
Indoor chairs often have more refined ergonomic features as well. The shell shape can be optimised for prolonged sitting rather than compromised for weather resistance. Swivel bases, reclining mechanisms, and adjustable features are more common on indoor models.
Styling Tip
Indoor egg chairs are statement pieces that can anchor a room's design. Consider how the chair's material and colour will interact with your existing decor. A velvet egg chair in a rich jewel tone creates a very different feeling than a natural rattan chair with neutral cushions.
The Covered Outdoor Question
Many Australians have covered outdoor areas—verandahs, pergolas, and covered patios—that raise the question of which type of chair to use. The answer depends on the specific conditions in your space.
Factors to Consider
Moisture exposure: Even covered areas may experience rain blow-in during storms, morning dew, or humidity-related moisture. If your chair might get wet, even occasionally, outdoor materials are safer.
UV exposure: Covers don't always block UV rays effectively. If sunlight reaches your covered area, even indirectly, UV-sensitive materials like natural rattan and many fabrics will degrade over time.
Temperature extremes: Outdoor areas experience more temperature variation than climate-controlled interiors. Materials expand and contract with temperature changes, which can stress joints and cause cracking in sensitive materials.
Dust and debris: Outdoor air carries more dust, pollen, and debris than filtered indoor air. This affects cleaning requirements and may impact some materials over time.
Recommendations for Covered Areas
For fully enclosed sunrooms with controlled climate, indoor chairs are usually fine. For covered but open-sided areas, outdoor-rated chairs are the safer choice. In the grey zone of well-protected but not fully enclosed spaces, consider outdoor chairs for their durability but feel free to choose styles with indoor aesthetics.
Price Differences Explained
You'll often notice that outdoor egg chairs at a given price point look less refined than indoor chairs at the same price. This is because outdoor chairs must invest in weather-resistant materials and construction, leaving less budget for aesthetic details.
Conversely, indoor chairs can put more of their cost into visible features like fine upholstery, decorative details, and craftsmanship. A $500 indoor chair may look more luxurious than a $500 outdoor chair, even though the outdoor chair required more engineering and specialised materials.
At the budget end, outdoor chairs often represent better value for money because the functional requirements set a quality floor—a chair must meet certain weather-resistance standards to be marketed as outdoor. Budget indoor chairs have no such requirements and may use lower-quality materials throughout.
Budget Allocation Guide
If you're splitting your budget between indoor and outdoor chairs, allocate more to the outdoor chair. It faces harsher conditions and needs better materials to maintain its appearance and safety. Indoor chairs can tolerate more cost-cutting without compromising longevity.
Making Your Decision
Choose an Outdoor Chair If:
- The chair will be exposed to direct sunlight for more than a few hours daily
- Rain, dew, or moisture could reach the chair
- Temperature regularly exceeds 35°C or drops below 10°C where the chair sits
- You want minimal maintenance and maximum durability
- Children or pets will use the chair frequently
Choose an Indoor Chair If:
- The chair will remain in a climate-controlled interior environment
- Aesthetics and comfort are the primary concerns
- You want premium materials like genuine leather or natural rattan
- The chair is a statement piece for interior design purposes
- You're willing to invest in proper care and maintenance
Key Takeaway
When in doubt, choose the outdoor-rated option. You can always bring an outdoor chair inside, but an indoor chair used outdoors will quickly deteriorate. The best outdoor chairs combine weather resistance with attractive designs suitable for any setting.
Can You Convert an Indoor Chair for Outdoor Use?
We're sometimes asked whether treatments or covers can make an indoor chair suitable for outdoor use. In most cases, the answer is no. UV-protective sprays may slow fading but won't prevent material degradation. Covers protect against moisture but create other problems like mould if moisture gets trapped inside.
The fundamental construction of indoor chairs isn't designed for outdoor conditions. Frames may rust despite surface treatments. Natural rattan will absorb moisture regardless of sealants. Indoor cushion foam will develop mould even with waterproof covers over time.
If you need an egg chair for outdoor use, invest in one designed for that purpose. The upfront cost is significantly less than replacing a ruined indoor chair or dealing with the disappointment of watching a beautiful piece deteriorate.
For more guidance on specific materials, see our materials guide. To protect your outdoor investment, read our weather protection guide.