Originally Published on September 15, 2022. Last Updated on June 12, 2024.
Picture this: You step out onto your porch in the early morning. The sun peeks through the trees, and a gentle breeze trails over your face in greeting. A swing hangs on the far side of the porch, waiting to keep you company. You take a seat and drift back and forth, easing into the day.
Sounds like bliss, right? If you want to create this sense of calm in your own home, we’re here to assist.
To help turn your daydreams into relaxing realities, we gathered 20 front porch swing ideas—many inspired by our incredible customers—that will motivate you to go outside and let your creativity play.
1. Neutral by Nature
Our spacious swing is the center of attention in this three-season room. The light flooding through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows accentuates the swing’s soothing black hue and surrounding neutral color palette. Wooden floors and window paneling add warmth and texture, while cream-colored throw pillows round out this room’s relaxing look.
2. Keep it Simple
The swing shown here is the solo piece on this front porch, with just a pair of understated pillows adorning the seat. Less is oftentimes more—especially when it comes to porch swings because they need room to move. Unnecessary clutter can make your space feel cramped and impede the motion of your swing. Remember, a clear space is a clear mind.
3. Into the Woods
Outdoor swings aren’t limited to porches. You can put a swing anywhere as long as you have enough space and a strong support structure. For instance, this pergola is secured between two tall pines. The swing’s earthy lumber color blends perfectly with the natural surroundings.
4. Mirror Image
Bring harmony to your outdoor space by hanging two swings in mirrored positions. This look is twofold as it strategically promotes conversation and stylistically creates balance. If you plan to add more decor, we recommend styling everything in pairs to echo the same symmetry.
5. A Welcoming Waterfront
An outdoor swing offers world-class views from the back deck of your lakehouse or the edge of your pier. All you need is a durable support structure and an all-weather swing, and you’ll be swaying over the water in no time.
6. All-Season Style
An outdoor porch swing that handles the changing seasons (and the decor swaps that come with them) is essential to stress-free outdoor living throughout the year. When selecting a swing, try a goes-with-everything hue like grey, brown, or white. This will give you style with staying power as your swing will seamlessly transition from spring and summer looks to holiday vignettes.
7. Relaxing Patterns
A deep seating swing featuring cushions in pretty patterns is a welcome sight on any porch. If your space gives off vintage vibes, tropical tones, or a farmhouse feel, patterned pillows will add to the aesthetic of these (and other) themes.
8. Comfort in Motion
Give your family room to relax by pairing a gorgeous porch swing with coordinating rocking chairs and gliders. The swaying motion adds an extra level of comfort that everyone can enjoy. Just make sure you have enough space. As you can see in this photo, the rocking chairs and deep seating swing have plenty of clearance to sway comfortably.
9. A Day(bed) at the BeachThis white daybed swing topped with nautical-inspired striped cushions brings the shore to your door. |
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10. Shades of GreyIf your space is styled in a darker color palette, consider a modern porch swing bed featuring a soothing grey frame topped with striking black cushions. |
11. Warm and WelcomingSpacious and oh-so comfortable, an outdoor swing bed in warm tones is the perfect place for family to kick back and get cozy. |
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12. Stone House Style
Follow the savvy style choices Anthony Carrino made for his fully renovated farmhouse in the Catskill Mountains. From bar furniture to swings situated around his fire pit, this acclaimed interior designer put every inch of his outdoor space to good use. The bold black and vibrant red lumber colors stand out among the calming blue, green, and grey shades of the mountainside.
13. This Swing Rocks
Style a swing that complements the colors of your backyard’s natural landscape. In this image, the soft-hued Sand lumber creates a lovely contrast with the darker green of the foliage, the grey and tan notes from the surrounding stonework, and even the earthy brown of the standing structure it hangs from.
Pro tip: We highly recommend consulting a professional if you want to build a DIY porch swing or stand. Swings are heavy and more weight is added when people sit on them, so you must ensure your design is structurally sound.
14. Side-By-Side Style
Style two (or more) outdoor swings together to give the whole family a place to sit back and sway. Setups like this work perfectly on long, narrow porches, big backyards, or beneath second-story decks.
15. Coastal Charm
If you own a beach house, hang a white porch swing under your deck to enhance the experience. Listen to the rolling waves and feel like you’re on the water with the swing’s gentle swaying. If you have the space, fill it with more coordinating pieces to create a social setting for family and friends.
Pro tip: All that salt spray, sun, and sand can be tough on outdoor furniture, so look for materials fit for coastal environments.
16. Sway by Starlight
Deep talks can last well into the night when you’re comfortable, so find a spot for your white outdoor swing in your backyard that offers an unobstructed view of the stars. When the day fades into night, lean back and search the sky for constellations as the conversations continue.
17. Small-Space Style
With a bit of preplanning, outdoor swings fit easily into cozy spaces. Your best bet is a two-person patio swing because it takes up less room (around 48 inches) than a longer three-seat swing or daybed. You could also opt for a glider chair or bench, as these pieces don’t require as much room to move, but you still get that subtle swaying motion.
18. Rustic and Refined
Rustic style is comfortable, uncluttered, and nostalgic. There’s no better way to highlight these qualities in your outdoor seating area than with a beautiful farmhouse porch swing.
19. Antique-Inspired TeakDesign a vintage-inspired front porch scene with a teak-toned porch swing and pre-loved pieces you discovered on your last trip to the antique mall. This is also the perfect time to debut the DIY decor you’ve been working on. |
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20. A Verdant VisualGreen is such a calming hue, and it complements nature’s lush color palette. Style a green swing among the blooms in your garden, or hang it on your porch and surround it with pots and planters filled with fragrant flowers. |
Porch Swing Questions to Consider
Is an outdoor swing right for your space? To find out, let’s look at some logistics and see if they jive with your lifestyle.
Where Can I Hang a Porch Swing?
You can attach a swing to a ceiling joist on your porch, a freestanding frame, the bough of a large tree—pretty much anywhere. Just make sure you have enough room for the swing to move and that your support structure can hold the weight of the swing and anyone who takes a seat.
Can My Porch Support a Swing?
If you have a veranda, covered porch, pergola, or other solid structure shading your space, it can likely support a swing. But you should be 100% sure of this before attempting to hang a swing or anything extra heavy. Your porch should have the following:
- A load-boarding beam or joist. Either a 2×6 or 2×8 joist will work, though larger, heavier swings need to be fastened to 2×8 joists.
- Plenty of room. A swing needs 3–4 feet of clearance to both the front and back and 12–14 inches of open space on either side.
Pro tip: Consult a professional. Their knowledge and experience will go a long way in ensuring your arbor swing is secure no matter where you decide to hang it.
How do I Hang a Porch Swing?
Follow these steps to successfully install a porch swing:
Pre-Installation
- Before installing a swing, ensure your porch, pergola, or other chosen spot can support one.
- Then measure the space—your swing needs room to move back and forth.
- Gather the tools you need, the manufacturer’s instructions, and a friend or two to help you.
Installation
- If your swing is already assembled, attach the ropes or chains while it’s sitting on the ground.
- Install the mounting hardware according to the instructions listed in the owner’s manual.
- Hang your swing—this is where your friends come in to help you with the heavy lifting.
- Double-check your work to make sure all connections are secure, and the height and recline are to your liking.
What Will Make a Porch Swing More Comfortable?
Why, cushions, of course. On their own, outdoor swings are oh-so relaxing. But if you want an easy way to sneak in extra color and comfort, tie on a seat cushion and top it with a pair of complementing outdoor pillows.
