Functional and fun, a porch swing also gives your home added style and curb appeal. Read on to learn more about porch swing designs, materials, and how to choose the right size.
Where Will You Use Your Porch Swing?
Will you hang your swing on the front porch? Or do you plan to use your swing in the backyard? Do you need a free-standing swing or can your home support a swing’s weight? Do you prefer a canopy cover, or maybe a relaxing swing bed style? Figuring out where and how you will use your porch swing is the first step in deciding which style of swing is right for you.
Porch Swing Designs to Choose From
Whether you want to add seating on your porch, create a backyard spot for enjoying the breeze, or add a quiet retreat for relaxing in the garden, there are several options of swing designs to suit your needs.
Adirondack Porch Swings
Adirondack swings resemble their namesake with a deep, sloping seat, inviting flat arms, and iconic vertically slatted backrests. These swings are true American classics, and work great in any setting, be it contemporary or rustic.
Canopy Swings
An outdoor swing with a canopy is the perfect choice if your porch lacks a substantial awning, or if you’ll be using your swing in a sunny spot. These models feature an attached canopy that protects against harmful UV rays and springtime sprinkles. They are also highly portable as most don’t require a ceiling for installation.
Classic Porch Swings
Classic porch swings typically feature timeless designs in natural finishes and understated colors. Most have an iconic slat back or a less traditional x-style backing, which delivers unexpected character to this tried and true design. Beyond that, materials such as wicker and metal are also available, meaning there’s a classic porch swing for every outdoor decor style.
Log Porch Swing
Bring the rustic style and feel of a cabin in the woods right onto your front porch with a log porch swing. Most log porch swings feature a wooden construction and a slatted or fanned back.
Porch Swing Beds
Porch swing beds are the ultimate accessory for true leisure-lovers. An expansive, deep seat defines a daybed-style porch swing. It offers ample lounging room, allowing multiple people to lie back and enjoy a favorite book or a simple afternoon nap. Be sure to find a sturdy beam from which to hang these substantial swings. Canopy swings can also fall under the porch swing bed category because some feature backrests that recline to a flat position.
Porch Swings with Stands
Porch swings with stands make assembly simple, with all the necessary fasteners and hanging hooks often included.
Selecting the Right Porch Swing Material
You’ll want your swing to last, and most styles are designed with a material suited to outdoor use. There are several choices available depending on your swing’s placement and where you live. See which porch swing material is the best choice for your climate.
Wooden Porch Swings
Wooden porch swings are by far the most common and most popular. Their iconic look and feel gives them a timeless and instantly recognizable allure. When selecting a wooden porch swing, consider your location and the wood’s ability to weather climate changes. Softer woods are suitable for mild climates, while high-density woods can endure years of changing seasons. Wooden swings come in a wide range of painted colors and wood stain finishes, from natural and unstained to bold painted hues.
- Cedar Porch Swings: Dense woods like cedar and teak work best for spaces that experience erratic weather. This heavy-duty wood won’t splinter or crack in extreme temperatures, and weather beautifully.
- Oak Porch Swings: Suitable for mild climates, oak is affordable but may not endure for years like high-density woods. Choose from classic styles that will give your home added charm and function.
- Pine Porch Swings: Widely available, pine porch swings often come in a natural, unfinished look. Pine also looks great painted, so choosing a bright blue or yellow swing can give your porch a pop of color.
- Acacia Porch Swings: Acacia is a long-lasting hardwood that makes it ideal for outdoor furniture. Known for being strong and resistant to wear and tear, acacia porch swings are perfect for hanging.
Recycled Plastic Porch Swings
Recycled plastic porch swings are ultra durable and ideal for locations where harsh weather is a way of life. This polymer material resembles real wood wicker, even has a similar texture, though it’s easy to spot the difference upon close inspection. It’s preferable for its long lifespan and incredible resistance to damage. These swings are also eco-friendly — over 500 plastic milk jugs comprise a recycled plastic swing.
Metal Porch Swings
Whether solid wrought iron or lightweight aluminum, metal porch swings have the ability to easily withstand weather-related abuse. Lightweight aluminum models are incredibly versatile by design. They’re easy to move, which makes them perfect when unexpected guests arrive. These swings often come with cushions and canopies in various colors to punch up your outdoor decor.
Metal porch swings are more prone to rust than their recycled plastic or wooden counterparts, so consider your climate before settling on one. Those who live in especially wet or humid environments should expect some weathering from a metal porch swing.
Wicker Porch Swings
Classic or contemporary, wicker porch swings offer various styles that appeal to varying tastes. From a traditional white wicker look to a modern open-weave loveseat style, find the perfect lightweight, easy-care porch swing crafted from traditional or resin wicker. Resin wicker is a synthetic plastic colored all the way through and stretched over a metal wire core. The resin is made with UV inhibitors to protect the resin from fading in sunlight. Resin products don’t chip, break or get brittle with UV exposure. It’s a beautiful, long-lasting choice in furniture that’s easy to care for, requiring an occasional dusting and wipe-down with a damp cloth.
What Size Porch Swing Do You Need?
Cozy up in a 2-person swing or take in the breeze in a single-seat porch swing chair. Porch swings come in a variety of sizes but swings 4-5 feet in length are the most common. Seat depth varies widely, from as narrow as 18 inches to upwards of 46 inches for deeper swing beds. Porch swing weight limits also vary from model to model, from 250 pounds on up to 800 pounds or more. Be sure to reference the product specifications for your specific porch swing to determine the recommended weight capacity. With so many options available, you’ll want to measure your space to determine what porch swing dimensions will work best. For more information on the number of persons each porch swing length can accommodate, reference the size chart below.
| Porch Swing Length | Number of Seats |
| 2-Foot Porch Swing | Accommodates a single person comfortably |
| 3-Foot Porch Swing | Accommodates 1-2 people comfortably |
| 4-Foot Porch Swing | Accommodates 2 people comfortably |
| 5-Foot Porch Swing | Accommodates 2-3 people comfortably |
| 6-Foot Porch Swing | Accommodates 3-4 people comfortably |
Weight limits will vary by style. Please refer to individual product specifications.
Next Steps
- Shop porch swing cushions in a wide selection of colors and patterns
- Learn how to hang a porch swing
- If a porch swing isn’t quite what you are looking for, check out porch swing alternatives like an outdoor glider or hanging chair.
