The 10 Best Canopy Porch Swings
Special Honors
Porch Swings Among the many choices here are upholstered, wooden, wicker, and metal options, in a variety of sizes and designs, meaning there should be something to suit everyone's preference, while complementing or contrasting with your existing outdoor aesthetic. wayfair.com
Furniture Barn USA Family owned and operated, this company produces finely crafted, Amish-made, rustic furniture from southern yellow pine wood. Their selection of A-frames and swing stands are available in a range of elegant designs and in practically any color, and come with a 20-year limited warranty. furniturebarnusa.com
Editor's Notes
May 07, 2021:
A porch swing with a canopy is not only a comfortable place to while away the summer days, but it also shields you from harmful UV rays and the occasional rain shower. They are available in a great many designs and in a variety of materials and colors. In this update, we added several new models to the ranking to ensure a varied selection.
We decided to remove the Palm Springs Garden as essentially it is the same as the Kozyard Alicia, however the latter is quite a bit cheaper and comes in a wider range of colors. The newly added Outsunny Covered is designed for two people and is particularly weather-resistant thanks to its breathable mesh seats, powder-coated steel frame, and UV-resistant canopy. It also features a handy center console for keeping essentials like suncream, reading materials or snacks, and a pull-out tabletop with built-in cupholders. The Leisure Season Arched hammock, similar to the Abba Patio Hammock, provides a comfortable place to recline or take a nap. It is elegantly constructed from hardwood, making it moisture resistant, and uses high-quality Textilene throughout, which is known for its increased strength against scratches, punctures, and tears, while also being soft and breathable so as not to irritate your skin. Finally, we included the Purple Leaf Gazebo, which is a fully covered three-person option that also converts into a bed. It features full wall mesh netting and curtains to keep out the bugs and add an element of privacy if desired.
February 21, 2020:
We added in the Amish-made Furniture Barn USA English Garden, which is handcrafted in the United States on a made-to-order basis. It features southern yellow pine wood, which can be purchased unfinished, or painted or stained if you so choose. It’s made from hand-selected lumber that’s dried and resurfaced, and it’s been harvested by companies that have sustainable environmental programs. It contains environmentally safe preservatives to resist termites and fungal decay. It comes with a green canvas canopy to provide shade on hot summer days, and all metal parts are rust-proof and corrosion-resistant. It’s all backed by a 2-year warranty. The manufacturer is based in western Pennsylvania, and all its wares come from Amish builders across Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Another new addition is the Modway Vantage, which comes from a company that manufactures an extensive line of furniture, boxed mattresses, and area rugs. This model features a contemporary design with luxurious synthetic rattan weave detail and a powder-coated steel frame. It provides enough space for two people to sit together, and will make an eye-catching addition to any backyard. The versatile retractable canopy is great for when you want a little sun or prefer to enjoy the comfortable shade.
The newly added Kozyard Alicia is an affordable choice that will stand out in any outdoor space, thanks to its vibrant striped pattern that’s available in red, blue, or green. The steel frame includes smooth armrests on both sides for comfort, and you’ll also enjoy the ergonomic seating angle. One thing to be aware of, however, is that the fabric is not removable.
If you’re in the market for a selection that doubles as a backyard hammock, look to the Mainstays 3 Seat, which converts from the chair mode to a flat surface for lazy afternoon naps. Or, check out the Abba Patio Hammock, which is equipped with a sturdy mesh cover to keep out mosquitoes and other pesky insects.
Leaving the list in this update is the Tangkula Convertible, the fabric of which does not stand up well to the elements. Also, the Ozark Trail Big and Tall and the Outsunny 2-Person make their departures, due to lack of availability.
For safety’s sake, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding weight limits and the maximum number of people that can be supported at a time. Never allow anyone to stand on a canopy porch swing, and children on the swing should be supervised by an adult at all times.
Choosing Your Porch’s New Centerpiece
Traditional porch swings often hung from chains fastened to the ceiling, but today you can find models in a much wider variety of styles and designs.
If the porch swing played a significant role in your childhood, it likely still evokes feelings of magic and nostalgia. This unique piece of furniture has often served as a happy family gathering point. Perhaps that’s why many of us — years or decades after sunny afternoon naps at Grandma’s house or watching evening thunderstorms roll in with Mom and Dad — recall them so fondly.
Traditional porch swings often hung from chains fastened to the ceiling, but today you can find models in a much wider variety of styles and designs. Constructed in the free-standing style, canopy porch swings offer comfortable seating and built-in shade. Since the swing itself is suspended from an A-frame stand instead of attached to larger structure, you can assemble it wherever you like (and easily relocate it, too).
Because of its canopy, we assume you plan to set up your swing on an outdoor porch or patio. This means weather becomes a factor, which increases the importance of its material.
Wood is always popular, and if you treat it with a hard-wearing resin, it will better withstand the elements and resist pests. Metal — such as wrought iron, steel, or aluminum — can be even more durable, if not quite as rustic-looking. If environmental responsibility influences your decision, recycled plastic is a nice option. Fabric and wicker porch swings are more modern in appearance, adding an element of stylishness to a porch already set up in a similar fashion.
Needless to say, comfort is a key factor, too. How can you properly unwind after a long day if your seating is uncomfortable? You should consider this when selecting the material, but you also need to account for the design of the armrests, the style of the contours, and any cushions that come with it. If you like to relax with your favorite beverage, look for one with integrated cup holders.
Don’t forget to think about size and strength. A growing family of five should be looking at a completely different set of options when compared to a newly engaged couple. The family’s swing will need to be highly durable and capable of handling the weight of a gaggle of kids, while the young couple will likely lean towards a more lightweight, intimate model.
Fostering A Relaxing Atmosphere
One of the primary benefits of the canopy porch swing is its contemporary look and feel. If this the fits ambience you’re trying to create, the right swing will enhance your existing decor and act as the ornamental anchor of your entire space.
For an all-natural look, teak tends to weather to a silvery gray color over time that’s well-suited for an outdoor setting. Cedar, while rather pricey, looks as beautiful as it is strong. Maple, oak, and pine swings are more economical, and you can always accentuate these swings with exterior trim paint. Metal, fabric, and wicker swings come in a vast range of colors, giving you plenty of options.
Even something minor, like a mini water fountain or some wind chimes, can add to the ambience and help disguise annoying noises from traffic or lawnmower motors.
Few items augment the level of comfort in a room more than pillows and cushions. Like standard couch pillows, porch swing cushions vary in size, fabric, and color. Ultimately, it depends on how you prefer to relax — some enjoy being surrounded with multiple small, soft pillows, while others prefer one large, firm cushion for back support. If you plan on leaving your pillows out in the elements, polyester fabric offers the best weather-resistance.
Make sure the rest of the furnishings and decorations on your porch or patio blend together relatively seamlessly. A porch swing isn’t the optimal setting for a sit-down meal, so if you plan on dining in your outdoor area, a bistro set or even a four-piece dining set can make a nice addition. If you have a ton of space, an outdoor sectional creates a relaxing, communal seating area.
On porches and patios with limited space, go with pieces of furniture that provide function and save space simultaneously. You can line up a bench along the side wall for extra seating, and even store things inside some models. The same goes for ottomans, which can double as coffee tables and often feature interior storage, as well.
Plants are a great way to add texture — and an appealing element of nature — to your environment. They can also produce pleasing scents, which is a nice touch. Be careful, though, as too many shrubs and flowers can create extremely strong aromas that overpower the space.
While appearance is always essential and smell is fun to consider, don’t let this distract you from the potential benefits of sound. Even something minor, like a mini water fountain or some wind chimes, can add to the ambience and help disguise annoying noises from traffic or lawnmower motors.
A Brief History Of The American Front Porch
While the white picket fence and attached garage emerged as staples of mid-20th century America, the front porch had already cemented its status as a symbol of American family life a century earlier.
As cities grew larger during the 19th century, families more frequently lived in individual homes. Instead of continuing to view the front and back yard from windows, people began to install porches as gathering places for family and even the community as a whole.
As cities grew larger during the 19th century, families more frequently lived in individual homes.
From the 1880s to the 1920s, the golden era of porches was in full swing. Most porches were at least five feet wide, but verandahs that ran the length of the house and wrap-around galleries became common, as well. They provided shade, access to nature, and seating in the form of porch swings and patio chairs.
During the 1940s and 1950s, porches began to wane in popularity. Exhaust and noise pollution from a growing number of automobiles on the road didn't help, and air conditioning made staying inside more comfortable on hot days. In addition, radios and televisions became the new focal points of communal family get-togethers, rendering the porch even more irrelevant.
With technology competing (and often succeeding) for attention among parents, children, and siblings today, we’re starting to see the pendulum swing back in the other direction in favor of the porch, as families seek a haven in which to spend quality time with fewer distractions.