With its old fashioned charm, a front porch provides a warm, inviting look to any home. If you want to give your porch a truly classic look, however, adding a swing is a must. The porch is the ideal spot to take in summer breezes or enjoy a good book, and a swing sure to be a hit with your kids as well. When picking out a swing for your porch, there are several styles to consider. The size, structure and stability of your porch should help determine which type is the right fit for your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Hanging Swing
One of the most traditional styles of porch swing is the hanging swing. Hooks are bolted to the roof of your porch so the swing can hang via chains. The swing usually has a bench design so it can accommodate more than one rider. A classic hanging porch swing is typically made of wood, though you should opt for a wood that is moisture and rot resistant like cedar. You can also opt for a hanging swing made of wicker or rattan for a more tropical look. A plastic hanging swing is a budget-friendly option that requires little maintenance as well.
Stand Swing
If your porch roof cannot support a hanging swing, you are not necessarily out of luck. Stand swings do not need to be bolted or mounted to any surface because they are freestanding structures with a frame from which the swing's seat hangs. As a result, you can easily move your swing when you want to rearrange the look of your porch or move to a new home. Like hanging swings, a stand swing usually features a bench seat so multiple riders can enjoy it at the same time. You can purchase a stand swing that features a roof or canopy as well, and, while the shade may not be necessary on a roofed porch, the colorful look of the fabric can give your swing a more decorative look.
Hanging Chair
For a porch that is too small to accommodate a large hanging or stand swing, you may opt for a hanging chair. This style of swing includes rope chairs and swing loungers that are made of some type of netted rope or mesh. Because they do not contain heavy wood or hardware, they are extremely budget friendly. They must usually be suspended from the railing, roof or wall of your porch, but they are very light so they do not require as secure a setup as a traditional hanging swing. You can also find hanging chairs made of wood that resemble a traditional porch swing but only fit one rider. Like a full swing, this style must be securely bolted to the porch roof to support the weight. If you are still uncomfortable with the idea of hanging a rope chair or swing lounger from your porch, you can opt for a stand hammock that allows you to lie down as you swing on your porch.
Glider
Unlike a traditional swing, a glider is not actually suspended in the air. Instead, the bench seat slides back and forth on its frame to give a sensation that is similar to swinging. Like a stand swing, it is a freestanding structure, so you can place it anywhere on your porch. Gliders are available in wood, plastic, metal and wicker and are available in a range of sizes. You can even find glider chairs that only accommodate a single person.
