What was recalled
In early September 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving outdoor metal hanging chairs marketed under the Novogratz brand. This action, taken on September 1, 2022, addresses a widespread safety concern affecting thousands of consumers who purchased these decorative yet functional pieces for their patios, gardens, or indoor relaxation spaces. The affected products are distinct in their design: they feature a sturdy metal circle base attached to a vertical metal pole, from which the actual seating chair is suspended via a metal hook and chain system. These chairs stand approximately four feet tall and span about three feet in width, offering a substantial presence in any room or outdoor area.
The recall encompasses units sold in four specific color variations: white, gray, green, and yellow. Each chair comes equipped with a cushion designed for seating comfort, adding to the appeal of the product but also contributing to the weight dynamics that may influence stability. The brand name "Novogratz" is clearly printed on a hang tag attached directly to the product, serving as the primary identifier for shoppers. However, because these items are distributed through various major retail chains, identifying your specific unit requires looking at a secondary hang tag that lists one of several style numbers. If your chair bears any of the following codes—AY9162, AY9163, BY9162, BY9163, BY9164, CY9162, CY9163, CY9164, DY9162, DY9164, Y9162, or Y9163—it is part of this recall.
These chairs were widely available through the TJX Companies network, meaning they could have been purchased at HomeGoods, Homesense, T.J. Maxx, or Marshalls stores. The distribution was broad, covering combinations of these retail locations across the United States. Because these items are popular for their aesthetic appeal and relaxation value, it is possible that many households still have one installed in their home today without realizing it falls under this specific safety notice. The recall does not specify the exact total number of units sold, but the high volume of incident reports suggests a significant market penetration. Consumers who bought these chairs during the period leading up to September 2022 should carefully inspect their tags and style numbers to determine if their product is among those recalled.
It is important to note that while the design appears robust, with metal construction and secure-looking hooks, the underlying structural integrity has been called into question by the manufacturer and safety regulators. The inclusion of these specific style numbers on the secondary tag is the definitive way to confirm if your chair is affected. If you see any of those codes on the hang tag attached to your chair, do not wait for a warning sign; the recall is proactive, based on reported issues rather than just theoretical risks. Understanding exactly which product is involved is the first step in ensuring your safety and getting your money back or exchanging it for a safer alternative.
The hazard, explained
When you are seated in a hanging chair, your body weight creates a significant downward force that is transferred through the suspension system to the base. In this specific recall involving Novogratz outdoor metal hanging chairs, the physical mechanism of failure revolves around two critical points of structural weakness: the connection between the chair and its support chain, and the stability of the entire unit on the ground. The chairs are designed with a metal circle base that attaches to a vertical pole, from which the seating area hangs via hooks and chains. While this design looks elegant and airy, it relies heavily on the integrity of every link in that chain and the secure fit of the metal hook.
The primary danger occurs when the metal hook or the chain itself breaks under load. This can happen due to manufacturing defects, material fatigue, or stress concentrations at the connection points. If a link fails or a hook pops off while you are sitting in the chair, the support is lost instantly. There is no gradual warning; the transition from seated to falling is abrupt and uncontrolled. Similarly, the chairs may tip over rather than simply dropping. Because these units are tall—measuring about 4 feet tall by 3 feet wide—and narrow at the base, they have a high center of gravity. If the chair sways too far or if the base does not provide sufficient counter-weight or friction against the floor, the entire structure can overturn. This tipping hazard is particularly dangerous because it often happens when a user shifts their weight to adjust their sitting position or gets in and out of the chair.
The result of these mechanical failures is a high-impact fall. When the support fails, the consumer falls along with the chair. Because the chairs are made of metal, they can be heavy and rigid, meaning they do not absorb impact energy like fabric hammocks might. Instead, they remain hard objects that strike the ground and potentially the user. This explains why the reported injuries include bruises from blunt force trauma and even mild concussions from hitting one’s head on the floor or the chair itself. The combination of sudden loss of support and the rigid nature of the materials turns a relaxing moment into a serious accident risk, which is why the CPSC has identified this as a significant fall hazard requiring immediate attention.
Who is most at risk
The Novogratz outdoor metal hanging chairs are designed to be a centerpiece of relaxation, offering a suspended seat that invites users to unwind in their gardens, patios, or balconies. However, the very nature of this product—hanging by a chain from a single point of suspension with a metal circle base—creates specific vulnerabilities for certain groups of people. While anyone using the chair is technically at risk of injury due to the potential for tipping or structural failure, some individuals face a higher likelihood of severe consequences if an incident occurs.
Children are among the most vulnerable users of this product. The chairs measure approximately 4 feet tall by 3 feet wide, a size that may accommodate small children who often climb into such seats without fully understanding the stability requirements. Children tend to move unpredictably, shifting their weight suddenly or swinging their legs while seated. This dynamic movement can easily shift the center of gravity beyond the chair’s stable limit, causing it to tip over. Furthermore, if a child is seated in the chair when the metal hook or chain breaks, the fall distance combined with their smaller body mass and developing bones significantly increases the risk of serious injury, including fractures or head trauma.
Elderly individuals and those with mobility issues also face heightened risks. The act of entering and exiting a hanging chair requires balance and core strength. As people age, bone density often decreases, making them more susceptible to fractures from even minor falls. If the chair tips while an older adult is in the process of sitting down or standing up, they may lose their balance entirely. Additionally, if the chain fails unexpectedly, the sudden drop can be disorienting and physically jarring. For seniors, a fall from this height can result in hip fractures or other injuries that have long-term health implications and require extensive recovery time.
Pregnant individuals should also exercise extreme caution. The core strength required to stabilize oneself in a hanging chair diminishes as pregnancy progresses. A sudden shift in weight or an unexpected tip could not only cause physical injury but also pose risks to the pregnancy. The unpredictability of the chair’s stability, given that 22 reports of tipping or falling have been received, means that anyone relying on their balance to stay secure is at risk.
It is important to note that the hazard is not limited to these groups. Anyone using the chair is potentially at risk because the failure mode—whether it is the chain breaking or the chair tipping—is often sudden and without warning. The fact that there have been 16 reported injuries, including bruises and a mild concussion, underscores that this is not a hypothetical risk but a real and present danger for all users. Therefore, no one should assume they are safe simply because they are careful; the structural integrity of the product itself is compromised.
- Children: Unpredictable movement can trigger tipping; smaller bodies are more fragile.
- Elderly: Reduced bone density and balance make falls more dangerous and recovery harder.
- Pregnant individuals: Shifting center of gravity and reduced core strength increase fall risk.
In summary, while the product is marketed for general outdoor use, the specific mechanics of its design and the reported incidents suggest that those with less stable balance or greater fragility are at the highest risk. The safest course of action for everyone involved is to immediately stop using the chair and seek a refund or store credit.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you recently purchased an outdoor hanging chair and are wondering whether it is part of this specific recall, there is no need to guess. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has provided very clear, physical markers that make identification straightforward. You do not need to rely on memory or approximate descriptions; the answer lies in the tags attached directly to the product itself. By carefully examining these hang tags, you can confirm with certainty whether your chair is among the 22 reported incidents of tipping, falling, or chain failure.
First, look at the brand name printed on the primary hang tag attached to the chair. The recalled items are exclusively those bearing the brand Novogratz. If you do not see this name clearly printed, your chair is likely not part of this specific recall, though it is always wise to check other safety guidelines for outdoor furniture. Next, focus on the style numbers, which are printed on a separate hang tag also attached to the product. This is the most critical piece of information for verification. You must check for one of the following specific style numbers: AY9162, AY9163, BY9162, BY9163, BY9164, CY9162, CY9163, CY9164, DY9162, DY9164, Y9162, or Y9163. If your tag lists any of these codes, your item is included in the recall.
In addition to the tags, you can verify the recall by inspecting the physical characteristics of the chair itself. The recalled chairs are outdoor metal hanging chairs that come in four distinct colors: white, gray, green, and yellow. Each chair includes a cushion for seating. Structurally, these chairs feature a metal circle base that attaches to a metal pole, from which the metal chairs hang by hook and chain. They measure approximately 4 feet tall by 3 feet wide. If your chair matches this description and bears the Novogratz brand with one of the listed style numbers, it is subject to the recall.
You can also confirm the recall by checking where you purchased the item. These chairs were sold at HomeGoods, Homesense, HomeGoods/T.J. Maxx, and Marshalls combination stores. If you bought your chair from any of these retailers and it matches the physical and tagging details described above, you should immediately stop using it. Do not wait for a notification letter; take control of your safety by verifying the tags now.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Novogratz outdoor metal hanging chairs, your safety is the absolute priority right now. The remedy outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and TJX Companies is clear and straightforward, but it requires immediate action. Please follow these steps carefully to ensure you resolve the issue safely and efficiently. First and foremost, you must stop using the chair immediately. This is not a situation where you can monitor it for a few days or use it only occasionally. The hazard involves the potential for the entire structure to tip over or for the metal hook and chain to break while someone is seated inside. Given that there have already been 16 reported injuries, including bruises and a mild concussion, continuing to use this product poses a significant physical risk to you and your family. Put the chair out of reach if it is currently in your home, garage, or storage area, and clearly mark it as unsafe so that no one accidentally tries to sit in it again. Next, gather your proof of purchase if you have it handy, though it is not strictly required for this specific remedy. Locate the hang tag attached to the chair. You need to verify that the brand name "Novogratz" is printed on the tag and check for one of the specific style numbers: AY9162, AY9163, BY9162, BY9163, BY9164, CY9162, CY9163, CY9164, DY9162, DY9164, Y9162, or Y9163. Confirm that the chair matches the description of an outdoor metal hanging chair with a circle base, metal pole, and available in white, gray, green, or yellow. Once you have confirmed these details, you are ready to proceed with the return. You can return the recalled chair to any combination store operated by TJX Companies. This includes HomeGoods, Homesense, HomeGoods/T.J. Maxx, or Marshalls locations. These stores are authorized to accept the returns and process your remedy. When you visit the store, bring the chair with you if possible. If the chair is too large or difficult to transport, contact customer service first to discuss alternatives. At the store, simply inform a team member that you are returning a recalled product. You will have the choice of either a full refund to your original form of payment or store credit of equivalent value. Choose whichever option best suits your needs. If you need more information before visiting a store, you can contact customer service directly. For HomeGoods customers, call 800-888-0776 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or email customerservice@tjx.com. You can also visit www.homegoods.com and click on "Product Recalls" at the bottom of the page. For Homesense customers, call 855-660-4663 during the same hours or visit https://us.homesense.com/recalls for assistance. Do not attempt to repair the chair yourself, as the defect lies in the structural integrity of the hook and chain, which cannot be safely fixed at home.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that you own one of the recalled Novogratz outdoor metal hanging chairs, the good news is that the remedy for this recall is straightforward and consumer-friendly. The company has decided not to offer a repair kit or a direct replacement unit. Instead, they are offering a full refund or store credit of equivalent value. This approach is common in cases where the structural integrity of the product (in this instance, the metal hook and chain suspension system) cannot be safely verified or fixed without specialized industrial equipment that isn't feasible for average consumers. By choosing a refund or credit, TJX Companies is prioritizing your immediate safety over retaining the sale, ensuring that no one keeps a potentially dangerous item in their home.
You have several convenient options for processing this remedy, and you are not restricted to just one type of store. You can return the recalled chairs to any combination of HomeGoods, Homesense, HomeGoods/T.J. Maxx, or Marshalls stores. This flexibility is particularly helpful if you do not live near a specific brand location but have access to another TJX-affiliated retailer. When you visit a store, simply bring the chair with you. While the recall notice does not explicitly state that you must bring your original receipt, it is always wise to have proof of purchase handy if possible. However, in many cases, retailers can process returns for recalled safety items even without a receipt, especially when the brand and style numbers match the official recall list.
If you prefer not to travel to a physical store, or if you simply want to initiate the process before heading out, you can contact customer service directly. For HomeGoods customers, you can call 800-888-0776 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. You may also email them at customerservice@tjx.com or visit www.homegoods.com and click on "Product Recalls" at the bottom of the page. For Homesense shoppers, the toll-free number is 855-660-4663 during the same hours. Their online support is available at www.homesense.com under the "Product Info/Recalls" section. These digital and phone channels allow you to get specific instructions or confirm whether your local store accepts returns for this specific recall item.
When choosing between a full refund and store credit, consider your future needs. A refund puts money back into your pocket that you can spend anywhere, while store credit keeps the value within the TJX family of stores. If you enjoy their home decor selections, the credit might be useful for other items. However, if you are looking to replace this specific chair with a different brand or model from another retailer, the full refund is likely the better option. Regardless of your choice, the process is designed to be hassle-free so that you can quickly remove the hazard from your property and enjoy your outdoor space safely.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a piece of furniture that you’ve already invested in and enjoyed. Perhaps you love the aesthetic of the Novogratz outdoor hanging chair, or maybe you simply haven’t had the time to pack it up and head to the store. However, ignoring this recall is not merely an inconvenience; it is a significant gamble with your physical safety. The core issue here isn’t just about wear and tear over years of use; it is a fundamental structural flaw that can manifest unexpectedly, even during normal, gentle use.
The hazard described by the CPSC is specific and severe: the chair can tip over, fall entirely from its suspension point, or suffer a catastrophic failure at the hook or chain mechanism. When you continue to sit in this chair despite knowing about the recall, you are placing your full body weight on components that have been identified as potentially unstable. This isn’t a theoretical risk limited to extreme weather conditions; it can happen while you are simply relaxing, reading a book, or drifting off to sleep. The metal hook or chain, which serves as the critical link between your safety and the ground, may break without any prior warning signs like creaking or bending. If that connection fails mid-use, the result is an uncontrolled fall.
The consequences of ignoring this recall are not abstract. According to the firm’s own reports, there have already been 22 documented incidents involving these chairs tipping over or breaking at the suspension points. More importantly, these mechanical failures have directly resulted in 16 injuries. These are not minor scrapes; the reported injuries include bruises and even a mild concussion. A fall from a height of approximately four feet while seated in an unstable chair can easily lead to head trauma, broken bones, or spinal injuries. The risk is compounded by the fact that these chairs are often used outdoors, where surfaces may be uneven, slippery, or hard, increasing the severity of any impact.
Furthermore, relying on the chair’s current state assumes it will remain stable forever, which contradicts the recall notice. Metal fatigue, environmental exposure to sun and rain, and the dynamic movement of sitting can accelerate the failure of the hook or chain. By continuing to use the product, you are effectively ignoring a known defect that has already caused harm to others. The peace of mind you seek from a relaxing chair is entirely undermined by the anxiety of wondering if today will be the day the hardware fails. Protecting yourself and your family from the very real possibility of a fall-related injury is far more valuable than keeping the chair. Please prioritize your safety over convenience, as the potential cost of ignoring this recall could be permanent physical harm.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall highlights the risks associated with suspended outdoor seating, it serves as a valuable reminder that not all furniture is created equal when it comes to stability and load-bearing capacity. Hanging chairs, often marketed for their aesthetic appeal and relaxation benefits, present a unique set of safety challenges that differ significantly from traditional stationary furniture. The primary danger lies in the reliance on structural integrity at a single point of suspension. Unlike a standard patio chair that distributes weight across four legs firmly planted on the ground, a hanging chair concentrates all force onto the hooks, chains, and ceiling joists or stands. This concentration of stress means that even minor defects in metal fatigue, improper anchoring, or wear and tear can lead to catastrophic failure. Therefore, understanding how to properly install and maintain such items is crucial for long-term safety.
First and foremost, always adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s weight limits and installation instructions. Many consumers assume that because a product looks sturdy, it can support significantly more weight than stated. However, these limits are calculated based on specific material strengths and anchor points. If you are installing a hanging chair in your home, ensure that the mounting hardware is attached directly into ceiling joists or structural beams using appropriate lag screws or eye bolts rated for the load. Drywall anchors alone are rarely sufficient for dynamic loads caused by someone swinging or shifting weight while seated. For outdoor stands, check that the base is filled with sand or water to the manufacturer’s specifications and that the frame is level to prevent uneven stress on the joints.
Regular inspection is another critical habit that can prevent accidents. Make it a routine part of your home maintenance schedule to check all hardware for signs of corrosion, rust, or loosening. Metal components exposed to outdoor elements are particularly susceptible to weathering, which can weaken chains and hooks over time. Look for any deformation in the metal links or bending in the suspension rings. If you notice any creaking noises during use or if the chair feels unstable, stop using it immediately. It is also wise to avoid placing hanging chairs near hard surfaces like concrete patios or stone walls where a fall could result in more severe injury.
Finally, stay informed about product safety by regularly checking official recall databases such as those maintained by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Brands may issue recalls for latent defects that are not immediately apparent during normal use. Subscribing to email alerts or periodically visiting these government resources ensures that you are aware of any safety notices related to your home goods. Being proactive about product safety not only protects you and your family but also encourages manufacturers to maintain higher standards of quality and durability in their designs.