Adirondacks, loveseats, framed or simply hung from your porch ceiling–there are now so many porch swing styles and materials to choose from that you’re certain to find one that’s perfect for you. Relaxing, lovely to look at and reasonably priced, here are a few of the many wonderful options for you to consider. Metal Porch Swings Visually stunning, comfortable and sturdy, metal swings provide an elegant option for your porch. Metal porch swings are available in a variety of intricate styles created by delicately manipulating the swing’s metalwork. The result can be lovely latticework, scrolled accents and other intricate designs that are certain to provide added beauty to your home. Photo credit

Wicker Porch Swings The timeless elegance of wicker is reminiscent of a classic southern style veranda. Wicker porch swings look lovely in their natural color, or can be painted to match your color scheme. You can even jazz things up by adding a bright pillow or two. Keep in mind that wicker describes the weave and is not the name of a material. While wicker is often created from plants like cane and rattan, synthetics such as plastic can also be utilized and are typically more durable. Photo credit

Canopy Swings

If your porch or balcony doesn’t have a roof, a canopy swing is the perfect answer to hot, sunny days. Attached to a frame, they are easily moved as necessary and can even sit in your garden or yard.

Rope Swings

Doze the day away in the comfort of a rope porch swing. Rope swings provide the informal look and comfort of a hammock with the style of a swing. Typically manufactured using cotton or polyester, rope porch swings allow you to recline or nap vertically rather than horizontally as you would in a hammock.

Wooden Porch Swings There’s nothing like the natural splendor of wood. Cypress porch swings are considered the most resistant to harsh weather; pine swings each have their own unique designs created by natural knots in the wood; teak offers an exotic option, while white and red cedar is known for its natural beauty.

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Recycled Plastic Swings

You can appreciate the environment and help it at the same time by choosing a recycled plastic porch swing. They are usually made from items like milk and juice jugs that are cleaned and molded into a product known as poly-lumber. Like regular lumber, it acts like wood and can be cut, drilled or screwed into a number of attractive porch swing styles.

Gliders

There’s nothing quite like the calming motion of a glider porch swing to calm frayed nerves. Moving forward and back on a flat surface, the gentle sway of a glider provides a soothing motion that’s perfect for mothers with infants and young children. Add some pillows and you’ll be certain to experience the ultimate in outdoor comfort.

While spending your afternoons relaxing in a porch swing may be an enjoyable pastime, swings can also improve circulation, relieve stress, decrease heart and respiration rates and improve concentration. Porch swings can offer a place for peaceful contemplation, or can help you re-connect with someone you love. Adding both an aesthetic quality to your outdoor living space and a sense of calm to your spirit, a porch swing can be one of the wisest home furnishing purchases you make.

A creator of outdoor-scapes in her spare time, Jessica Hayden teaches children the art of self-defense, and believes all kids can benefit from the discipline and confidence it gives them. Jessica enjoys studying mixed martial arts. She also is a content contributor for Hertao.