The garden swing is considered the most classic of garden furniture. It’s probably not among the cheapest items, and it requires a certain amount of space. There are various types and shapes available on the market, but let’s start with its history and features before focusing on the cost.
The image of the swing
The imagery of a rocking chair is associated with a feeling of pure relaxation, accentuated by the undulating motion of the furniture. By letting ourselves be carried and cradled, for a moment, all worries and anxieties are set aside, allowing us to enjoy the last rays of the setting sun in intimacy with ourselves or a loved one.
What many don’t know is that the search for this sensation associated with a moment of rest stems, according to many scholars, from the undulating motion that naturally rocks the baby in the mother’s womb, almost making him feel suspended.
This feeling of well-being and rest, derived from an undulating motion, has become an intrinsic part of all of us and of our evolution as mammals, accompanying us from conception to our mother’s arms and into traditional cradles.
In adulthood, the rocking chair responds to the need to relive those same feelings of relaxation and protection that are part of our evolution. We could define it as an adult-scale evolution of the cradle, with inevitable differences, primarily in size. This is why rocking chairs are found almost exclusively, but not exclusively, in outdoor environments.
The history of the swing
The search for this undulating effect in a piece of furniture takes us to America, where the invention of the first rocking chair is attributed to Benjamin Franklin.
The prototype of Franklin’s rocking chair was made entirely of wood, composed of two semicircles placed at the base to ensure the rocking motion. Its aesthetics and functionality contributed to its becoming a highly attractive and successful furnishing object, so much so that it was repeatedly modified and enriched with details.
In 1862, also in America, Michael Thonet presented the world with the first beechwood rocking chair. The innovation is attributed to the construction technique that involved the use of steam at high temperatures to shape and bend the wood into a rocking chair. This technique enabled the evolution of rocking chairs, with a new style and, at the same time, the practical characteristic of lightness.
The swing materials
Like other garden furniture, swings can be made from a variety of materials: plastic, wood, or metal.
The materials also had to meet the same needs; obviously, outdoor placement subjects them to much greater wear and tear.
The wooden swing is certainly the most classic and historic. Built from a sustainable and charming material, it has a very high aesthetic potential. Today, woods such as pine, teak, and iroko are predominantly used because they are both aesthetically pleasing and sturdy. These types of wood can also be treated with water-repellent oils, making them weather-resistant, but always taking care not to leave them exposed to the elements.
The second most commonly used material is metal, especially wrought iron, which adds elegance to the furniture. Nowadays, they can also be made from steel and painted aluminum.
The last material is PVC and resin. This latter material resists humidity and atmospheric agents more efficiently than its similar materials made of wood and metal.
The characteristics of the garden swing
In addition to the material the swing is made of, there are also other aspects to consider: the size, the shape and the price.
The size of the swing
The choice of swing should be based on your needs, your family size, and the available space. It shouldn’t be too bulky and take up all the outdoor space. It should also blend in with your other furnishings and be easy to move and disassemble when needed. Like all furniture, this one should be tested before purchasing.
The shape of the swing
When it comes to the shape and type of swing, you can really indulge yourself. From the classic ground-based swing with a fabric cover to the suspended swing.
DIY Swing
If you love DIY, the two-seater, all-wood swing is a great option. It may not be the most comfortable, but it’s certainly charming and perfect for a mountain home. Its construction is similar to that of the traditional swing, but without a cover or seat cushion. Being entirely made of wood, it stays put wherever you place it.
The Traditional Swing
Traditional two- or three-seater garden swings are made of iron and fabric. The iron frame supports the seat with armrests, also made of iron. The whole thing is then completed with fabric finishes on the mattress and cover. This type of swing is certainly more comfortable and practical than the one previously described.
Swing Chair
If you prefer a swing where you can curl up comfortably, this is the ideal solution. It’s a freestanding egg-shaped chair, usually made of wicker, suspended from the ground. The aluminum system that holds it off the ground allows you to experience the sensation of being cradled we mentioned earlier.
Suspended Swing
Similar to the swing chair are suspended swings. These come in different shapes: chair-shaped, beanbag-shaped, or swing-like. Using a suspension system is ultimately simpler and results in a cost reduction, though not drastic. However, the need for a frame limits its mobility. The advantage of the suspended swing is that it can be hung from anything, whether it’s the porch ceiling or a tree. At the same time, a suspended swing can accommodate multiple people.
Reclining Rocker
If you’re fortunate enough to have a swimming pool or a spacious garden where you can sunbathe, then the right garden swing for you is a reclining swing. This is a rocking lounger with an aluminum frame and a fabric seat in the same color.
Garden swing lounger
The last type of swing is the bed-shaped one. This one also has an iron frame, which forms both the seat and the arched canopy. The rounded, semi-transparent fabric canopy lets in light while also protecting from the sun’s rays.
How much does a garden swing cost?
As is often the case with many outdoor furnishings, the price range varies. It depends on all the elements discussed above and the furniture’s finishes. A garden swing can cost anywhere from a hundred euros to a few thousand.