B&M launches space-saving egg chair to rival Dunelm's popular design

The battle of the budget egg chairs has taken a surprising turn, with B&M throwing down the gauntlet against Dunelm's wildly popular hanging seat. But this isn't just another case of high street retailers chasing the same trend — B&M's Hampshire Folding Egg Chair brings something genuinely clever to the party that could reshape how we think about outdoor furniture storage.

What's Going On

The egg chair phenomenon has been rumbling through British gardens for the better part of two years now, with Dunelm's version becoming something of a cult favourite among homeowners seeking that Instagram-worthy outdoor sanctuary. The appeal is obvious: these cocoon-like seats promise a slice of boutique hotel luxury without the boutique price tag, turning any patio into a potential relaxation retreat.

What makes B&M's entry particularly interesting isn't just the competitive pricing — though at a rumoured sub-£200 point, it's certainly aggressive. The real game-changer is the folding mechanism. Whilst Dunelm's offering requires permanent outdoor real estate or substantial indoor storage, B&M has tackled the elephant in the room that most British homeowners face: where on earth do you put a massive egg chair when the weather turns or winter storage becomes necessary?

The folding feature addresses a genuinely practical problem that the original trend largely ignored. Most UK gardens aren't sprawling affairs with dedicated storage sheds, and the idea of dragging a full-sized egg chair through patio doors twice a year has put off many potential buyers.

How to Make It Work in Your Home

The space-saving element opens up egg chair ownership to households that previously couldn't justify the commitment. Flats with small balconies, terraced houses with compact gardens, or anyone who simply prefers to clear their outdoor space in winter can now consider joining the trend without the storage headache.

Placement becomes more flexible too. Rather than designating a permanent corner of the garden to your egg chair, the folding version allows for seasonal repositioning. Set it up in the sunniest spot during early summer, then relocate to catch evening light as the seasons shift. When entertaining, fold it away to create more circulation space, then unfold for post-dinner relaxation.

"The folding mechanism doesn't just solve storage — it transforms the egg chair from garden furniture into genuinely versatile outdoor kit."

The key to making any egg chair work lies in the styling around it. A simple outdoor rug underneath helps define the space and adds comfort underfoot when getting in and out. Side table placement is crucial — something within arm's reach for drinks and books, but positioned so it doesn't interfere with the gentle swaying motion that makes these chairs so appealing.

For those concerned about weather resistance, the folding feature actually offers protection advantages. Rather than leaving the chair exposed to UV damage and winter weather year-round, owners can pack it away during harsh conditions, potentially extending its lifespan significantly.

The Bottom Line

B&M's folding innovation represents exactly the kind of practical thinking that British homeowners need from trending products. The egg chair aesthetic was always appealing, but the original concept demanded compromises that many households simply couldn't accommodate. By solving the storage puzzle without apparently sacrificing the visual impact, this version makes the trend accessible to a much wider audience. Sometimes the best design innovation isn't about reinventing the wheel — it's about making the wheel fold up neatly when you're not using it.