What was recalled
If you have recently purchased a large, hanging "nest swing" egg chair from any of the TJX Companies’ retail locations, it is crucial to pause and inspect your item. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for specific models of these popular indoor-outdoor chairs due to significant safety defects. This recall affects products sold under two well-known lifestyle brands: Tommy Bahama and Martha Stewart. These items were widely distributed through the TJX family of stores, meaning they may be in homes across the country at Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, and Homesense.
The specific products involved are oval-shaped wicker chairs that hang from a metal pole via a hook-and-chain mechanism. The base is designed as a metal circle that supports the vertical pole, creating a freestanding structure. Each chair was typically sold with a round cushion for seating comfort and a hangtag clearly displaying either the "Martha Stewart" or "Tommy Bahama" brand name. In many cases, eight of the nine available styles also included an additional decorative pillow to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the furniture.
To determine if your chair is part of this recall, you must look for a second hangtag attached to the product. This tag contains the specific style number that identifies whether your item is affected. The recalled style numbers are: PMK-6501, PMK-6503, PMK-6503-N, PMK-6505, PMK-6506, PMK-6507, PMK-6508, PMK-6509, or PMK-6510. If your chair bears any of these codes, it is part of the recall.
The recall was officially announced on June 16, 2022. While the exact total number of units sold is not specified in the current CPSC record, the scope of the distribution through major retail chains suggests a widespread presence in consumer homes. The chairs were marketed as stylish seating options but have been found to lack the structural stability required for safe use when occupied.
If you own any of these chairs and are unsure whether they are included, it is best to err on the side of caution. Do not assume that a different style number or a slightly different appearance means your chair is safe. The defect lies in the potential for the entire structure to tip over or collapse while someone is seated inside, which poses a serious risk of injury. Please refer to the remedy section below for instructions on how to return the item and receive a full refund or store credit.
The hazard, explained
When you sink into a hanging egg chair, you are relying on a delicate balance of physics and structural integrity to keep you safe. The design of these specific Tommy Bahama and Martha Stewart nest swing chairs relies on a metal circle base attached to a vertical pole, with the wicker seat suspended by hooks and chains. While this setup creates a cozy, hammock-like experience, it also introduces significant instability if the weight distribution shifts unexpectedly. The core issue here is not just about the chair being weak; it is about the center of gravity. When a person sits in the oval-shaped wicker basket, their body mass acts as a pendulum. Any slight movement—shifting your weight to reach for a phone, leaning forward to look at something on the floor, or even just breathing deeply while relaxing—can cause the chair to sway.
The hazard escalates when that sway exceeds the stability threshold of the base. Because the chairs are suspended from a single point above the base, they have a narrow margin for error. If the chair tips beyond its balance point, it doesn't just tilt; it can completely collapse or flip over. This is particularly dangerous because the fall happens suddenly and without warning. The victim is often seated comfortably, relaxed, and unprepared for a rapid descent. The combination of the height of the pole and the rigid nature of the metal base means that when the chair fails, the person falls a significant distance directly onto the floor or ground below.
The injuries resulting from this mechanism are rarely minor bruises. As reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the force of the fall can cause severe trauma. We have seen reports of broken ribs and collapsed lungs, which indicate that the impact was hard enough to damage internal organs and skeletal structure. More common injuries include cuts from the metal hardware or wicker strands, scrapes from the floor surface, and soreness from the jolt of the fall. The risk is compounded by the fact that these chairs are often placed in indoor living spaces where furniture and hard flooring provide little cushioning. A fall from a standing height is manageable for many; a fall from a suspended chair while twisted or off-balance can lead to fractures, head injuries, or long-term physical complications. Understanding this mechanism helps clarify why stopping use immediately is not just a precaution, but a necessary step to prevent serious physical harm.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about safety hazards in home decor, it is easy to assume that the primary concern is simply breaking a piece of furniture. However, with the recalled Tommy Bahama and Martha Stewart nest swing egg chairs, the danger is far more immediate and physical. The core issue is not just ownership, but interaction. Anyone who sits in these chairs is exposed to the risk of sudden collapse or tipping. This includes adults seeking relaxation, parents looking for a unique reading nook, or guests visiting a home that features this trendy piece of decor. The hazard does not discriminate by age; it discriminates by physics and structural integrity.
That said, certain groups face significantly higher vulnerability due to the nature of the injury mechanism. Children are particularly at risk for several reasons. First, children often have different center-of-gravity dynamics than adults. Their movements can be more erratic, bouncy, or unpredictable. If a child is swinging or shifting weight in one direction while the chair’s metal circle base and pole connection fails, the resulting fall is likely to be harder and less controlled. Furthermore, children are smaller and may not have the reflexes to brace themselves effectively against a sudden drop from a suspended seat.
Elderly individuals or those with balance issues also face heightened danger. The recall reports include injuries such as broken ribs and a collapsed lung, which indicate significant force was involved in the falls. For older adults, whose bones may be more fragile due to conditions like osteoporosis, a fall from even a modest height can result in catastrophic injury rather than simple scrapes or soreness. The suddenness of the chair collapsing means there is often no time to react or catch oneself, leaving the body to absorb the full impact of gravity against the floor.
Additionally, anyone using the chair on uneven surfaces is at increased risk. These chairs rely on a flat, stable ground for their metal circle base to maintain balance. If placed on carpet, grass, or uneven patio stones, the center of gravity shifts unpredictably. When combined with the weight of a seated person, this instability can trigger the tip-over hazard much more quickly than on a perfectly level surface. Therefore, while any user is technically "at risk" due to the defect, those with less physical resilience or those using the chair in suboptimal environments are facing the most severe potential consequences.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you recently purchased a hanging egg chair from Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, or Homesense, it is important to verify whether your specific model is part of this recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified nest swing egg chairs sold under both the Tommy Bahama and Martha Stewart brands as being affected by this safety issue. Because these products look very similar to other safe models on the market, you need to look for specific physical characteristics and labeling details to confirm if your chair is included in this recall.
First, examine the overall structure of the chair. The recalled items are characterized by a metal circle base that attaches to a vertical metal pole. From this pole, an oval-shaped wicker chair hangs via a hook and chain mechanism. This distinctive "nest" or hanging design is key to identifying the product type. Additionally, these chairs were typically sold with a round cushion intended for seating. If your chair has a different base structure, such as a tripod floor stand without the overhead pole, or if it lacks the oval wicker construction, it may not be part of this specific recall, but please double-check the tags to be sure.
The most reliable way to identify your product is by checking the hangtags attached to the chair. Look for a tag that clearly displays either the "Martha Stewart" or "Tommy Bahama" brand name. Attached to the product, there should also be a second hangtag where one of the following style numbers is printed: PMK-6501, PMK-6503, PMK-6503-N, PMK-6505, PMK-6506, PMK-6507, PMK-6508, PMK-6509, or PMK-6510. If you have one of these style numbers, your chair is definitely part of the recall.
You should also note that eight of the nine recalled styles came with an additional decorative pillow. While the presence of this pillow can help confirm the item, its absence does not rule out the recall if the style number matches. These chairs were sold at various price points across the TJX family of stores, so price alone is not a reliable indicator. If you have lost the tags or cannot find them on the chair, do not guess. Instead, contact customer service directly with any details you have to confirm whether your specific unit is subject to this safety notice.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Tommy Bahama or Martha Stewart egg chairs, your first and most critical action is to stop using the product immediately. The CPSC has identified a serious fall hazard where the chair can tip over or collapse while someone is seated in it. This is not a minor inconvenience; it is a significant safety risk that can lead to broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and other severe injuries. Please do not wait for the chair to fail before acting. Your safety depends on removing the hazard from your home right away. Once you have decided to cease use, you must choose how to handle the return process. The recall remedy offers two distinct paths: returning the item to a physical store or contacting TJX for instructions on disassembly and disposal. Both options result in the same financial relief, so you should choose the method that feels most convenient and safe for your specific situation. If you prefer the simplicity of an in-person exchange, you may take the entire chair assembly to any Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, or Homesense store. Store associates are trained to handle these returns according to the recall protocol. They will process your return on the spot, ensuring that the hazardous item leaves your possession and enters their disposal chain securely. Alternatively, if you live far from a participating retailer or find it difficult to transport the large metal and wicker structure, you can contact TJX directly for guidance on how to disassemble and dispose of the chair yourself. This option requires more effort on your part but offers flexibility. To initiate this process, you must reach out to customer service via telephone or email. When you contact them, be prepared to provide details about the product so they can verify it is part of this specific recall. They will then guide you through the steps to safely break down the chair and dispose of it in accordance with local waste regulations. It is important to follow their instructions closely to ensure the chair cannot be reassembled or accidentally reused by someone else who might not know of the danger. Regardless of which method you choose, your remedy will be identical. TJX offers consumers a choice between a full refund or a refund in the form of a store gift card. This means you are not losing money for the defect; you are being made whole. If you prefer cash back, ensure you request a direct refund to your original payment method. If you shop at these stores regularly, the gift card option might be appealing, but there is no obligation to accept it. The key takeaway is that you have control over the resolution. Do not hesitate to ask questions during the return process if anything is unclear. Your health and safety are the priority, and the companies involved have set up these channels specifically to help you resolve this issue efficiently and without further risk.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have one of the recalled Tommy Bahama or Martha Stewart nest swing egg chairs, the good news is that the remedy for this recall is straightforward and consumer-friendly. The company, TJX, has chosen to offer a full refund rather than requiring you to wait for a repair kit or a replacement part. This is generally the most convenient path for items like hanging chairs, which are large, cumbersome to ship back via standard mail, and potentially hazardous if handled incorrectly by an untrained individual. You do not need to go through a complicated shipping process unless you specifically choose to. Instead, you have two primary ways to resolve this issue: returning the item to a physical store or contacting customer service for instructions on disassembly and disposal.
The most direct option is to take the chair back to any Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, or Homesense store where it was originally sold or even just any of their locations nationwide. When you bring the chair in, the staff will process your return for a full refund. Importantly, you have a choice in how that refund is issued. You can request a full refund back to your original payment method (such as a credit card or debit card), or you can opt to receive the refund in the form of a store gift card. While getting cash back into your bank account is often preferred for immediate financial relief, choosing the gift card can be a smart move if you were already considering redecorating your patio or sunroom. It allows you to use the funds toward other home goods without losing the value of your purchase.
If you live far from a physical store location or find it difficult to transport the large metal and wicker chair, you have an alternative option. You can contact TJX customer service directly to receive instructions on how to disassemble the chair for disposal. This step is crucial because leaving the chair intact in your yard or garage still poses a fall hazard if someone else were to use it. Once you have followed their specific disassembly instructions and disposed of the parts, you can then request either a full refund or a store gift card. To initiate this process or if you have questions about your specific unit, you can reach out via phone or email.
For Marshalls customers, call 888-627-7425 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit www.marshalls.com and click on "Product Recalls" at the bottom of the page. For T.J. Maxx shoppers, dial 800-926-6299 during the same hours, or go to www.tjmaxx.com and select "Product Recalls." HomeGoods customers can call 800-888-0776 or visit www.homegoods.com and navigate to the product recalls section. Homesense shoppers may call 855-660-4663 or check www.homesense.com for recall information under "Product Info/Recalls." Alternatively, you can email customer service at customerservice@tjx.com for assistance regardless of which store you purchased from.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to part with a large piece of furniture like an egg chair. These items are often expensive, aesthetically pleasing, and designed to be comfortable retreats for relaxation. You may have invested significant time in setting one up on your patio or in your living room, and the thought of disassembling it, repacking it, and driving to a store can feel like an overwhelming burden. However, ignoring this recall is not merely an inconvenience; it is a decision that places you directly in the path of a known mechanical failure. The core issue with these specific Tommy Bahama and Martha Stewart nest swing chairs is structural integrity under load. They are engineered to hang from a metal pole attached to a circular base, but that design has proven unstable when weight is applied.
If you continue to sit in a recalled chair, you are risking a sudden and catastrophic collapse. This is not a slow wear-and-tear issue that gives you time to react; it is an immediate loss of support. When the chair tips over or collapses while you are seated, your body falls with it. Because these chairs often hang at a height off the ground, the fall can be significant enough to cause serious impact injuries. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has documented 27 reports of these chairs failing, and tragically, 19 of those incidents resulted in physical harm to the users. These are not just minor bruises; they include cuts, scrapes, soreness, and far more severe trauma such as broken ribs and a collapsed lung. A collapsed lung is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate hospitalization.
Beyond the direct risk of falling, there is the secondary danger of hitting hard surfaces. If you are seated in the chair when it tips, you may strike your head or body against concrete, decking, or furniture nearby. The metal components of the chair’s base and pole can also become hazardous projectiles or sharp edges during a collapse, increasing the likelihood of lacerations. Even if you do not suffer a severe injury immediately, the psychological toll of living with a defective piece of equipment is real. Every time you sit in it, there is an underlying anxiety that it might fail, turning a place of relaxation into a source of stress.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall means you are bypassing the manufacturer’s commitment to your safety. TJX Companies has acknowledged the defect and is offering a full refund or store credit without requiring you to prove damage occurred. By waiting, you lose the option for a hassle-free return. More importantly, you continue to expose yourself and anyone else in your household—children, guests, or family members—to a hazard that has already caused broken bones and internal injuries. The cost of your time and effort to return the chair is negligible compared to the potential medical bills, physical pain, and long-term health consequences of ignoring this warning. Please prioritize your safety and complete the return process as soon as possible.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a structural failure in hanging egg chairs, the underlying principle of safety applies to many items in your home. Furniture and decor that are not designed for weight-bearing or dynamic movement can become dangerous if used outside their intended parameters. One of the most critical steps you can take is to always read the manufacturer’s instructions before assembly or installation. These guides are not just legal formalities; they contain engineering insights about weight limits, proper anchoring methods, and surface requirements that prevent tipping or collapse. Ignoring these guidelines, even with good intentions, can compromise the stability of heavy items like bookshelves, televisions, or hanging furniture.
For any furniture that is tall, top-heavy, or designed to hang, anchoring is your first line of defense. Wall anchors and anti-tip kits are inexpensive but highly effective tools that prevent furniture from tipping over if a child climbs on it or if it is bumped unexpectedly. When installing hanging chairs or hammocks, ensure that the ceiling joists or support beams you attach them to are rated for the dynamic load, which includes not just the weight of the user but also the force generated by swinging or shifting. Regularly inspect these attachment points for signs of wear, such as frayed chains, loose screws, or cracked metal rings, as fatigue in materials can lead to sudden failure even if the item looks fine at a glance.
Furthermore, make it a habit to check for recalls periodically rather than waiting for a news alert. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) maintains a comprehensive database of recalls that you can search by product type or brand. Subscribing to their email alerts or following their social media channels ensures you are informed about newly identified hazards in products you may already own. Additionally, keep your purchase receipts and warranty cards in a safe place; knowing exactly when and where you bought an item makes it much easier to verify its model number and participate in a recall if necessary. By staying proactive about maintenance and verification, you create a safer living environment for everyone in your household.