How to Hang Your Malawi Cane Hanging Chair | Installation Guide

Our authentic Malawi Cane Hanging Chairs instantly elevate any space with their effortless, timeless presence.

While installation can feel daunting at first, the process is straightforward once you know how. Below is a simple step-by-step guide to help you hang your chair safely and securely.

Where You Can Hang Your Chair

Our customers love installing their chairs in:

  • Porch or balcony
  • Living room
  • Bedroom or cosy nook
  • Children’s room
  • Bathroom (yes — and it looks incredible)
  • From a strong tree branch (we recommend a carabiner for easy removal during rain)

What You’ll Need

1. Your Malawi Cane Hanging Chair

  • Original Egg or Hanging Pod – requires one hanging point
  • Traditional Hanging Loveseat – requires two hanging points (approximately 130cm apart)

2. Hanging Hardware

If attaching to a ceiling joist:

  • 20–30mm heavy-duty eye screw
  • Minimum 10cm thread length
  • Must support at least 140kg

You will also need:

  • S-hooks, quick links or locking carabiners
  • All hardware must support at least 140kg

3. Electric Drill

Used to drill a pilot hole before inserting the eye screw.

4. Rope or Chain

We recommend natural sisal rope for an authentic finish.

Recommended rope specifications:

  • Single Chairs (Egg & Pod):
    20mm diameter, approx. 5m length
  • Double Chair (Loveseat):
    16mm diameter, approx. 10m length

Marine-grade rope or galvanised chain are also suitable alternatives for outdoor installations.

Determining Rope Length

Your chair should hang approximately 50–100cm from the ground.

To measure:

  1. Lift the chair to your desired height.
  2. Measure from the ceiling to the chair’s hanging point.
  3. Add approximately 50cm extra for knot tying.
  4. Trim excess rope once installed if needed.

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Locate a Ceiling Joist

Choose a solid wooden ceiling joist at least 15cm wide.

  • Use a stud finder if the ceiling is covered.
  • Mark the centre of the joist.
  • Ensure at least:

    100cm clearance behind the chair

    50cm clearance on each side

If unsure about structural strength, consult a professional.

Step 2: Drill a Pilot Hole

Drill a hole approximately 10cm deep into the centre of the joist.
The drill bit should be slightly smaller than the eye screw.

Step 3: Install the Eye Screw

Twist the eye screw into the pilot hole until fully secure.
You can use a screwdriver through the eye for extra leverage.

Step 4: Attach Hook or Carabiner

Attach an S-hook or locking carabiner to the eye screw

(We recommend this method rather than tying rope directly to the eye screw — it makes future adjustments easier.)

Step 5: Attach the Rope

Secure one end of the rope to the chair and the other to the hook or carabiner.

For the Traditional Loveseat:

The rope feeds through both holes on one side, so only one knot is required at the top.

Recommended Knots

Choose a knot that is secure and suited to your installation:

  • Bowline Knot – Simple, strong and ideal for top knots
  • Hangman’s Knot – Firm, neat and visually structured

The most important factor is safety and security — not perfection of appearance.

Important Safety Notes

  • Always ensure all hardware exceeds weight requirements.
  • Double-check knots and connections before use.
  • Test the chair gently before fully sitting.
  • If unsure about structural support, consult a qualified professional.

Sit Back & Enjoy

Once installed, your Malawi Cane Hanging Chair becomes more than seating — it becomes a space to unwind.

Take your time, secure everything properly, and enjoy the gentle movement and craftsmanship that makes these pieces so special.

Download the Full Installation Guide

For a printable version with complete specifications, you can download our installation guide below.

Download Installation PDF