One of our summer bucket list projects this year was to add a big porch swing to our front porch area. Initially, we thought we’d build one so it would be nice and long and deep and fill up the space nicely. But, as I was poking around online, I found (and fell for) a really large one, with a deep seat for a great price and clean lines and we scooped it up, knowing our energy would be far better spent tiling the girls’ bathroom (woot!).
When I started my search, I googled, “Extra large porch swing.” We were looking for something in the 5-6 foot long range, and I stumbled upon this beauty from Ballard Design.
The white wash felt a little shabby chic for our house, but I loved the lines, the cushy pillows and the dimensions were spot on at 65″ W and 32″ D. However, the price, $899, stung! I filed it away as inspiration for building one since it became clear rather quickly that a deep, long hanging swing was going to be in the $1000+ range to purchase. But THHEEENNNN…..
I came across this porch swing with almost identical dimensions as the Ballard one (65″ W x 30″D), with all the clean lines, at less than half the price–only $399!
It came in a white version, with bright blue cushions or a wood version with tan cushions. If it came in a white version with tan cushions–I definitely would have gotten that one! But I feared the blue would be too bright for the front of our house and decided on the wood one knowing I could always paint it.
As per every time we’re making a decent sized purchase, I searched eBay for a coupon and found a 10% off Hayneedle coupon for less than $2. It was emailed to me instantly and saved me an additional $40!
It was on our doorstep before the end of the week and in the, literally, 15 minutes it took us to put together I kept thinking, “I’m so glad we bought this!” Hanging it was a little more tricky because not only is the ceiling of our covered front porch very high, but we assumed the studs were where the siding was stapled in. After one rogue drilling incident, we learned that was not so. Chris crawled up into the attic crawl space and found where the studs were. They weren’t exactly centered like we had hoped, but fortunately they were only about 3 inches off which is hardly detectable.
After we got the hooks into the studs (we pre-drilled a small hole and then used a screw-driver through the eye to twist the hook into place), we had to attach an extra 20″ of chain to the ones that were sent with the swing (like I said, tall ceiling here) and clipped up the swing. The entire process took about an hour from unboxing to swinging away.
While we love the shape, size and comfort of the swing (seriously! I could sleep on it!)Â we knew almost instantaneously that the color of the wood wasn’t going to work out here. While I think it could work in other settings, it looks really orange against our brick and especially compared to the richness of our front door.
Fortunately, I kind of expected that might be the case when we ordered it. But now that it’s here, I’m torn whether to go white or black! Help!!! I did a quick photoshop rendering of both options.
Option 1: If we painted it white, I would likely also spray the chain black (which I didn’t have the skills to photoshop so use your imagination for that). I think it would tie in nicely with the window and door trim and the black chain would still bring out all the black accents we have going on.
Option 2: A glossy black swing with gold chains (I have to spray the chain either way since we added to the chain that came with it and the colors aren’t exactly matching anymore).
I guess the third option could be to keep the wood, but that’s your vote–I hope it’s paired with a great reason in the comments section. ;) Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Our deck is gray sling with the steps and railings. But porch swing is wood and we still have to pick it up from Home Depot. Should I put a primers on there first and the the gray paint? Also it is raining now. And in 40-50 most days. Can I paint in basement or garage? Any other suggestions to this first timer?
Is it possible to stain the swing a similar color to your from door? Then spray the chain gold :)
Here’s another vote for staining dark to match the door.
I love the Black swing with white cushions gold chains such a clean look I think you should paint your front door black that would solve the problem oh and why your at it paint your brick options are endless !!
I need someone to hold my hand while I paint the brick. I am so nervous for some reason!
While reading, I was thinking hands-down white. Then I saw the photoshop and I voted black, but then I saw the comments about staining it, and THAT option has won me over. Whatever you do, I think gold chains would be a wonderful tie-in to the rest of your home’s style!