The patio swing redefines outdoor decor

A patio swing provides a great way to relax and enjoy the beauty of your outdoor space. Patio furniture sets could be an extension of your home's entertaining area. At vitalwares.ca, you will come across a variety of these swings. And while you are at vitalwares.ca, click on the customer testimonials that will give you a fair idea about our efficient services.

Imagine yourself sipping chilled lemonade on a hot summer afternoon while gently swinging in the patio swing. Or add a dash of romance and picture yourself sitting in the swing in the company of your loved one and indulging in sweet nothings. This swing could very well become the focal point of your outdoor area. Buy the swing in a style that you desire from vital wares.

What is the origin of the patio swing?

In the seventeenth century large farmhouses had huge front porches. These were often an extension of the family room. So there arose the need for outdoor furniture. Most of the outdoor patio furniture was brought out from the inside of the home. The patio swing made its maiden appearance during this time. Since there was no air conditioning back then, it was ideal to relax outside in a swing on a sultry summer's day. During the Victorian times, these swings soared in popularity. It was also customary for suitors to push young women back and forth on a swing decorated with flowers.

Where to place a patio swing?

The obvious place to install this swing is as the name suggests is in the patio. But this need not be a constraint for people who do not have patios or those who want to experiment with the location of the swing. Since these swings are comfortable and relaxing they can be placed in any suitable place.

• In the deck

  If you have a deck, the addition of a patio swing will only augment its looks and functionality. You could kick start your morning here with an invigorating cup of coffee. Look for some fine models at vital wares.

• In the garden

  The patio swing can also just as easily be used in your home garden. You can make your garden look attractive and inviting with the addition of an appropriate swing. If you have put in a lot of hard work and effort into the beautification of your garden then what better way to enjoy the fruits of your labor than by sitting in a patio swing and taking in the view. You could also choose to make the swing the focal point of your garden. It would encourage your guests to admire your garden and goad them to stay a wee bit longer.

• In the balcony

  If you live in an apartment and have only a balcony, no need to fret and worry about leaving your balcony bereft of a patio swing. Instead of using some lackluster plastic chairs you can choose to incorporate a swing in your balcony. It would be ideal to go for a sliding swing for your balcony. This type of swing enables you to move back and forth in a gentle manner and it need not be hung up on the ceiling.

• In the front porch

  A patio swing can also be installed in your front porch. Since this is the area of your home that any guest would first view, it would be a sensible idea to make the front porch look inviting with the addition of a beautiful swing. You could even choose to entertain your guests in this area since the swing will certainly liven up things.

What are the various types of the patio swing?

Patio swings are available in many different materials and styles. When buying one from vital wares choose the material and style that would best suit your requirements.

• Metal patio swing

  The swings constructed out of metal give a vintage and retro look to the chosen space. These swings are generally done up in bold and vibrant colors and have attractively patterned cushions. The smooth glide of the metal swing is guaranteed to transport you back to your childhood days.

  These metal swings are definite attention seekers but you must spend some time in maintaining and oiling their hinges since they have a tendency to get squeaky as time passes. You do not want your enjoyable moments to be marred by irritating noises in the background.

• Wicker patio swing

  Wicker swings imbibe the look of woven wood and is very informal in style. They come with comfortable cushions and rounded backs. Though wicker swings give the illusion of being dainty, they are in fact quite sturdy and are designed to hold a significant bit of weight.

  These swings are ideal for a sun porch. Nowadays wicker is manufactured from a resin material that looks authentic but is much sturdier than the conventional wicker. Look for some graet looking models when you visit vital wares.

• Wood patio swing

  Wood swings are available in different varieties of wood. The most popular varieties are pine, cypress, cedar and alder.

  • Cedar wood swing

    The naturally attractive look of cedar makes it highly suitable to be used in the manufacture of patio swings. Moreover cedar is resistant to rot and effectively repels insects. The cedar wood is also lightweight in nature. Cedar is a rich red in color to begin with. But it transforms into a shade of brown and eventually turns silver gray as it ages. The cedar used in the construction of these swings is of two types. These are the Northern white cedar and the Western red cedar. The western red cedar swing is the best choice for these swings because of its naturally vibrant color and the characteristic fine grained texture that imparts a silky sheen. This type of wood also boasts of a pleasant natural scent.

  • Cypress wood swing

    Cypress wood is known for its durability and has natural oils that make it resistant to insects and decay thus making it an ideal choice for making patio swings. The cypress wood is colored like pale honey, but acquires a grey shade as it ages.

  • Pine wood swings

    Patio swings made out of pine wood are a popular choice. Pine wood is also naturally resistant to rot and is lightweight in nature. The naturally occurring knots present in the wood make it a highly attractive option. Pine is the least expensive of all the wood types. But a pine wood patio swing is not exactly known for its durability and requires staining on a regular basis to prolong the life of the swing.

What are the different styles of the patio swing?

Most of these swings have seats that are similar in the design of horizontal slats. But the style of the back makes a difference in the style of the swings. The most conventional style is a straight top to bottom back that has vertical slats. This style offers optimum comfort and lends a traditional look to the decor of your patio. Some swings have backs that are straight at the bottom and roll backward at the top. You could also get a model engraved with decorative carvings at the top.

What should I know when choosing a suitable patio swing?

When buying a swing it is important to consider a few basic factors that will help you in making a practical choice. Do consider these factors when you eventually make your choice at vital wares.

Strength

One of the most important factors to consider in the purchase of a swing is as to how much weight it can withstand. You do not want your new swing to buckle and fall under the duress of excess weight.

Number of people using the swing

You need to consider as to how many people will be actually sitting on the swing. This will guide you to buy the correct sized one. If the swing is intended for just you and your partner, a two seater will do just fine. However if you are a family or you want to entertain friends on the patio swing go for a wide three seater one.

Swinging factor

Another factor to consider is how far a patio swing can actually swing before it becomes unstable. If your intention is just gentle swinging then this factor would not pose any concerns. But consider how well a fully loaded swing would swing.

Usually the lower the seat of the swing the more stable it will be. The weight of the swing should be significant and the legs should be sturdy and set wide apart. Your children might be inclined to swing fast and high on the swing. Therefore avoid any mishap by investing in a stable model.

Comfort

A patio swing that looks attractive might not be necessarily comfortable to sit on. If you intend to sit on the swing for prolonged periods of time then ensure that it is comfortable. The swings are available with mesh type seating and cushions. The swings with cushions are high on comfort.

But your plush cushions might be subjected to damage by the elements or even the whims of a stray coyote. The mesh type seating will solve this problem since moisture can drain through the mesh. Nevertheless if you still prefer cushions you could opt to shift your cushions indoors every night.

Price

Wood patio swings cost more than their metal counterparts. If you go for decorative swings then the cost will certainly be on the steeper side. But investing in an expensive patio swing will also relive you about the nature of its durability.

Compatibility with decor

You must ensure that the look and style of your patio swing complements the decor of your outdoor space. If you have a traditional style decor go for wood swings. Conversely if your patio is decorated in sleek, contemporary lines go for a metal swing. Consider the color, pattern and the design of the swing that you intend to buy.

Safety

If you have kids in the house then consider the factor of safety when buying a patio swing. Choose a swing that has a low seat and has a low center of gravity. Even if a child falls off the swing the drop will be relatively less. It would be a sensible idea to place the swing over a soft carpet or rug if you have an exceptionally active child.

Why to place cushions in the patio swing?

A comfortable and attractive patio swing is an accessory that can surely rev up the looks of an outdoor space like a patio, deck or porch. These swings have become an increasingly common sight in the outdoor areas of contemporary homes. Other than providing an interesting alternative to conventional ways of seating these swings are also stylish enough to complement various types of decors. The comfort factor in this swing is crucial to its functionality. An uncomfortable swing will invariably lose its novelty after a while. Patio swing cushions are a great way to elevate the level of seating comfort.

Patio swing cushions for comfort

A wrought iron or wooden swing can be made plusher by the addition of some suitable cushions. These cushions are also ideal for providing family members and guests a comfortable place to sit.

Cushions for enhancing decor

Outdoor patio swing cushions are ideal for sprucing up the decor of your outdoor space. Since these cushions are available in various colors, patterns and designs you can use your imagination to use them in a way that will make your patio look more appealing. You could also choose to mix and match contrasting colors and designs of cushions to impart a brazen look to the patio decor.

What are the types of patio swing cushions?

• Acrylic cushions

  Acrylic is a fabric that is known for its strength and durability. Therefore cushions made out of this type of fabric are suited to be placed in an outdoor space. The acrylic cushions can be easily washed with a mild detergent and tepid water.

• Olefin cushions

  Cushions made of Olefin are a very practical choice for outdoor use. Olefin is a synthetic fabric that is renowned for its positive qualities. These olefin patio swing cushions are resistant to the damaging effects of mildew and do not fade even when exposed to prolonged doses of sunlight. Moreover these types of cushions can be cleaned simply with warm water.

• Polyester cushions

  Polyester that is coated with vinyl makes for a fabric that successfully resists dirt, the harsh sun and mildew. Cushions made of this fabric are also fairly easy to clean.

• Cushions made of resin

  Though resin patio swing cushions are not that great for resisting water, these are obtainable in innovative colors and styles.

How to rain proof your patio swing?

Patio swings are great for enjoying and relaxing after a stressful day at work or to unwind after you have spent the day preparing for an elaborate dinner party. They are ideal for swinging away all your physical and emotional woes. The gentle swing induces a feeling of calm and peace that works on harried minds and soothes them. An important fact to consider is that these swings are vulnerable to elements like water that can be brought about by a heavy downpour. You cannot carry your patio swing indoors every time it pours. The resulting dampness can cause the metal parts of your swing to rust. It also tarnishes the fabric of the patio swing cushions. Waterproofing plays an important part in enhancing the functionality of your lawn furniture. Therefore it is very important that you take certain measures to protect your swing from the rain. There are a variety of things you can do to accomplish this objective.

Canopy

One of the ways to rain proof your patio furniture is with the aid of a canopy. The canopy will provide effective protection to the patio swing when it rains. You could even choose to sit in the swing and enjoy the sight of the rain replenishing your outdoor landscape. With the swing equipped with a canopy you can opt to leave the swing outdoors all year long though it would be a good idea to shift it indoors during the harsh winter months. The Wood patio canopy is made of canvas that is coated with polyethylene or a polyester fiber. The canopy adds a touch of elegance to the swing and is pretty easy to clean. The canopies are also available in a range of styles, colors and designs.

Awnings

Installing awnings over your outdoor area is another innovative way to protect the patio swing from the adverse effects of rain water. When you thing of investing in an awnings, ensure that it is completely water proof. Contrary to popular belief not all awnings are water proof. The retractable awnings are not a good option if your intention is to save your patio swing from rain. The material of these types of awnings is such that they need to be highly flexible and are thus not water proof. Awnings will keep your patio swing from getting wet in the rain and also keeps snow from piling up in the lawn furniture during the winters. Awnings come in both water proof and semi water proof versions. The latter helps in protecting the swing in the event of a light drizzle, but might be rendered ineffective during a heavy deluge of rain.