What kind of swing are there and how to choose a model for adults and children?

The installation of a swing when landscaping the backyard of a private house or summer cottage not only increases the level of comfort of suburban life, but also adds attractiveness to the landscape design of the site. When there are children in the family, this solution helps to diversify the kids' leisure time and make outdoor walks more fun. In addition to street structures, there are many interesting models for an apartment that are successfully integrated into interiors of various styles. A huge selection of swings and the corresponding variety of prices for them can confuse the buyer. In this article we will tell you about the types, operational capabilities of the swing and share the secrets of a successful purchase of adult and children's models.

Swings are structures designed to swing, sit or rest on. The design of such structures can be very different, however, all of them are united by the presence of a seat and a support with a suspension system.

Adult swings are classified according to several criteria.

Outdoor swings are placed in the open air on any suitable-sized area of ​​the local area, in the garden, on the terrace or in an open gazebo.

Outdoor models are of two types.

• In the form of fixed permanent structures with a roof or open type. For their installation, a foundation device is required on which the support is installed. Depending on the number of seats, the seat can be single or wide as a park bench.
• In the form of portable structures. Their main advantage is mobility and the ability to move from one place to another if necessary. A distinctive feature of such products is a small swing amplitude, which is due to their purpose - a quiet rest in the bosom of nature.

Today, children's favorite pastime has turned into a stylish element of the interior design of living spaces. Swing models for the home are presented in two varieties. Hanging swings in traditional design are practical and comfortable designs with a single, sometimes double seat. It is suspended from the ceiling using cables, ordinary ropes or chains, or fixed to the walls with special fasteners.

Thanks to the imagination of the designers, an extraordinary hanging swing with a seat in the form of a kind of hanging chair appeared.They are comfortable to relax and work in.

On the floor-standing models, a movable seat and a securely fixed stationary base are combined with a suspension system into a single one-piece structure. They look like a rocking chair. The advantage of such solutions lies in their practicality, due to the possibility of transferring from one room to another, and the disadvantage is their impressive dimensions, so they cannot be placed in a small apartment.

Models differ in appearance, size, structural complexity, seat shape, number of seats. Let's dwell on the most popular options for the house and the street.

Classic models with a canopy or tent-tent, two suspension points and a low swing frequency for a measured family holiday. Soft backrest, wide seat with cushions make outdoor activities as comfortable as possible.

These models offer a variety of seat variations. It can be stacked from wooden planks, similar to a park bench, made in the form of a wooden sofa, a wide wooden bench with / without a back or a board, complemented by a mattress or pillows. There are also products on a metal frame with a spring, made as a common bench or a structure from several seats connected to each other.

Collapsible curved models with a single metal, wooden or plastic chaise longue chair and a single attachment point visually seem very fragile. In fact, they are able to withstand a weight of up to 200 kg due to the spring of a rigid steel frame.

Spherical models in the form of an unusually comfortable hanging ball-shaped wicker chair are equally suitable for the house and the street. The design includes a curved, high-strength metal post, on which the chair is suspended by means of a chain.

The hemisphere of the frame consists of arched steel tubes, and natural rattan or its synthetic analogs serves as a braid., bamboo, bast or vine of trees that have sufficient flexibility like willow, rakita or bird cherry. A soft decorative pillow is required for wicker models. Since the walls of the structure transmit light well, it is convenient to rest and read in such a swing.

In apartments, they usually choose compact "egg" models, hung by the top of the head on a low stand. There are also large outdoor models made of natural materials with a stable pyramid stand, thanks to which you can swing intensively on them.

These models do not have a rigid frame part. The structure consists of a lightweight yet durable fabric suspended between two supports on a support bar. Advantages: comfortable, lightweight, easy to attach. Disadvantages: the absence of a back and "shapelessness" excludes the possibility of full body support.

These exquisite hanging hanging products provide complete relaxation. The constructions consist of a rigid timber frame with woven mesh as a base and soft textile cushions. Designed for one user. Professional designers create real masterpieces using macrame technique with very durable, unusually beautiful lace mesh formed by knotted weaving, as well as exquisite handmade fringes.

Since we are talking about a swing for adults, it is worth mentioning the romantic, delicate and fantastically beautiful options that are installed at such significant celebrations as weddings. In the spring-summer period, they are decorated with fresh flowers and plants, colored satin ribbons, airy, translucent fabrics. To decorate a swing in the autumn-winter season, artificial leaves, flowers, bunches of grapes, balls and other decor are used, turning even the most modest swing into stylish art objects.

Various natural and artificial materials are used for the manufacture of swings.

The advantages of wooden products are reliability, stability, solidity and durability. The main disadvantage is its massiveness, which creates inconvenience during transportation. Wood structures have a truly luxurious look, but they can only be preserved with the regular use of special equipment. Ready-made structures are treated with antiseptic compounds and varnished during production, which prevents premature decay of the tree and the development of mold fungi.

They are made from metal corners, steel beams, round and square aluminum profiles. The larger the diameter of the pipes and the thicker their walls, the higher the strength and durability of the structures.

Their advantages:

• durability and reliability, which is due to the high mechanical properties of the metal itself - strength and wear resistance;
• practicality - exposure to UV radiation, weather phenomena, temperature changes excludes a decrease in the strength characteristics of metal structures;
• profitability - compared to wood, the purchase cost of metal is lower.

Disadvantages:

• when using products made of solid, durable metal, the risk of serious injury is much higher than in the case of using a swing made of wood;
• the metal is vulnerable to corrosion, therefore, structures made of it need periodic treatment with a protective compound.

For the manufacture of wicker floor models, there is a vine, artificial or natural rattan, bamboo. Cocoons with natural rattan braids are practical and durable, but expensive. The material itself is moisture resistant and can withstand sudden changes in temperature conditions.

Dimensions of street models with a prefabricated frame include three parameters - length, width, corresponding to the depth of the frame part and height, for example, 256x143x243 cm.

• If it is supposed to mount the swing in an open area, then the width of the structure will be the determining factor. It is important to take into account that the side posts reach a maximum of 2.12 m in height, and the seat is shorter in width by 0.4-0.5 m (about 1.6 m).
• When the priority is to purchase a two-seater model of a suspended swing-bench, then the optimal length is 1.5-1.6 m, while there will be room for the child.
• For a family of 3 people, the width of the swing of 1.8-2 m is more than enough, so as not to interfere with each other when placed together. If the user is alone, then the width of 1 m is sufficient to rest comfortably.
• Those who often have guests at the dacha, who like to relax with a company, should take a closer look at the large swing 2.4 m long or more.

To increase the ease of use, the products are completed with various accessories in the form of:

• mosquito net;
• removable covers made of water-repellent fabric;
• shelves;
• armrests;
• cup holders;
• soft capes;
• waterproof awning tent.

In accordance with the installation site of the swing, there are two types of fasteners:

• products for fixing to beams and pipes with a round or square section, such as clamps with a carabiner or through fasteners;
• fasteners for fixing to flat surfaces.

Depending on the models, the fasteners can withstand a load of 100-200 kg. Most often, they are made of steel with various types of anti-corrosion coatings (zinc, powder spraying).

This value depends on several parameters.

• Pipe diameter. In finished products, the pipes have a diameter of 32-76 mm.
• Rack thicknesses, of which the frame part of the structure is made.
• The strength of the seat base. In expensive models, a reliable steel grate or galvanized mesh is provided. Whereas in the budget counterparts, the seat base is a stretch canvas, whose durability in the long term is rather doubtful.
• The spaciousness of the structuredetermined by the number of seats.

The permissible load values ​​for different models can vary within the range of 210-500 kg. In general, this parameter shows the maximum permissible load-carrying capacity of structures.

Swing is an integral part of childhood. For a long time, their choice was limited to rather primitive outdoor structures for playgrounds. However, today on the market there are a huge number of models for the house and the street, designed for any age category of users - from newborns to adolescents.

For adults, swings are an opportunity to relax, while children perceive them as an object of entertainment. At the same time, these large toys can not only bring joy, but also bring tangible health benefits to a growing body. The positive effect of spending time on a swing is expressed in the following.

• Strengthens the musculo-ligamentous corset and the spine, improves mobility and flexibility of joints, helps to form the correct posture.
• Due to oscillatory movements during swing, the vestibular apparatus is trained and motor coordination is improved.
• Study assistance. During the monotonous swing, the brain regions responsible for speech, reading and writing skills are stimulated.
• Helps fight hyperactivity as an effective play therapy to relieve tension and reduce aggression by bursting out accumulated energy.
• Developing function. Thanks to the swing, the child gets the first ideas about rhythm - the regular alternation of elements in time and space.
• Develops communication skills with peers of the same and opposite sex.

The frame materials are as follows.

• Made of metal - products made of tubular metal profiles are the most durable, reliable, wear-resistant and can easily withstand operation under conditions of increased loads. At the same time, they are afraid of rust and weigh a lot, which creates a lot of inconvenience when carrying.
• Made of wood - these options are less durable, but they have excellent thermal conductivity.
• Made of plastic - the use of inexpensive and lightweight material, on the one hand, reduces the cost of products, and on the other hand, reduces the service life due to fragility and exposure to low temperatures.

The seat materials are as follows.

• Wood. Pros - environmental friendliness, durability, high thermal properties. Cons - the high cost and the need for the systematic use of protective compounds. Otherwise, the material starts to rot and crack.
• Plastic. Pros - it is cheaper than other materials, the ability to give any shape, a variety of colors, undemanding maintenance. Cons - "colder" than wood, not designed for high mechanical loads.
• Textile. The main disadvantage of fabric seats is insufficient strength. For this reason, they can only be found in products for children under the age of 3 years.

Tires, tarpaulins, old skateboards, worn-out garden or home furniture, pallets left after the construction of the house are used.

For many years, the swing has been an attribute of exclusively public playgrounds and sports and playgrounds. The situation has changed with the advent of mobile home models that can be placed in the children's room itself or in the doorway, on the balcony or loggia.

All children's swings are focused on a specific age category of users, which is one of the decisive factors in their choice.

This category is represented by automatic products of three types:

• battery operated electric swing;
• electrical models connected to a power source;
• hybrid variants that can be operated from the mains, and when necessary - from batteries.

All models are equipped with five-point seat belts, a soft seat or cradle with automatic control, which provides the ability to adjust the speed and swing amplitude. The number of swing modes, depending on the model, varies from 3 to 6.

In musical models there is a special block for playing various soothing melodies. These can be lullabies, sounds of nature, beating of the heart, while they are accompanied by various lighting effects. The package includes mobiles with toys, removable feeding tables, removable covers, head pads.

There are also convertible cradle swing analogues. This is a chaise-longue swing with an adjustable orthopedic back, which is maximally adapted to the fragile spine of a baby, and a removable chair.

Their design includes a frame on which the seat and backrest are suspended. Advantages - stability and safety, thanks to the equipment with belts for passive protection of the child when swinging, handrails, a footrest, a bridge between the legs and transverse clamps that prevent spontaneous folding of the structure.

The models are distinguished by an extremely simple design, consisting of a support, a seat - a seat with / without a backrest and a suspension in the form of ropes or chains. In an apartment, they are usually installed in the doorway so that there is free space for swinging. This option is definitely not suitable for the youngest children from a safety point of view. Using a swing requires a certain amount of "control" skills to avoid hitting walls or doorframes.

Monolithic high-strength stable structures that cannot be assembled and disassembled. An open area with soil and grass cover is chosen for their installation. The seat is placed at a maximum height of 0.6 m and the legs are concreted.

The standard model is equipped with one seat on the hangers, which are attached to the support. Different types of double swings have much greater possibilities, which are suitable for families with two or more children of different ages.

The design is identical to the single design with the only difference that their metal base has an increased width. That makes it possible to place a conventional suspension and a double type of balancer or boat, respectively - the simultaneous riding of three users of the same or different age. It can be a combination of a safe plastic hanger for a toddler from 1 to 3 years old with an adult module.

They are installed on the ground without pouring the foundation. Boats work by analogy with a rocking chair. These are structures with arched runners and the arrangement of the seats opposite each other, which provides the possibility of simultaneous skiing from two to four users.

They have a very simple design, including a central support and a balanced long board beam. There are two-seater or multi-seater, but the main condition for successful riding on them is approximately the same weight of all users. The opposite ends of the balance bar serve as seats.

Designs with one or more rigid seats and one or two springs at the base, due to which the rocker moves up and down. The spring helps to push off the ground and serves as a support for the entire structure. The shape of such a swing can be very different - from representatives of the animal world to vehicles (cars, boats, rockets).

To choose the right swing for children, you need to take into account a number of criteria.

• The quality of the materials of manufacture. The characteristics of strength, environmental safety and wear resistance, which affect the service life, are assessed without fail.
• A set of design features. The dimensions of the structure, the height of the seat, the swinging amplitude, the ability to adjust the backrest tilt, the degree of control complexity in accordance with the age, height and weight of the user are taken into account, which eliminates the likelihood of accidental injuries during operation.
• Equipping with elements for the safety and comfort of the child. Products must be equipped with safety belts, safety bars, brakes, solid base, soft pads, pillows with a hygienic cover and not have sharp corners.
• Reliability of the structure, which depends on the quality of the general and subassembly of the product.
• The quality of the weather performance of the structure and supports, taking into account the possibility of operation on various types of coatings.
• Design. It is important that the swing is not only practical, safe and reliable, but also has an interesting design solution. The design of models for babies under 3 years old should be unusual with decor in a fairy tale or cartoon style.

Analysis of user reviews of various types of swings showed that the majority of buyers prefer to deal with reputable manufacturers and order products on their official websites. Let's list some of the most popular brands on the market in terms of value for money, and also find out why they are remarkable.

Of the advantages of the Belarusian brand, buyers highlight practicality, attractive design and reasonable cost. All Olsa products are manufactured in accordance with European quality standards and are able to compete with imported counterparts.

Garden swings of Kostroma production also often appear in reviews. Users note the high strength of frames made of metal profiles with an oval cross-section of 63-51 mm, the reliability of the base of the seat due to the welded lattice, the quality and comfort of the soft part.

The Italian brand has an impressive selection of singles / doubles, children's hammock swings and hanging chaise lounges. Customers are delighted with the convenience of designs and high quality workmanship of products from natural materials. Here you can pick up hammocks of any color, from colorful Brazilian-style to calm ones in restrained colors.

Those who dream of installing modern, stylish, reliable wicker furniture in their country house or apartment should pay attention to GreenGard products. For the manufacture of a cocoon swing, the Russian manufacturer uses polirotang. To the advantages of products, users include strength, durability up to 20 years and the quality of weaving.

Of the minuses - the need to cover the chairs with protective material during constant use in outdoor conditionsto prevent moisture from being drawn into the rattan, which has a porous structure. Some find it a little annoying that they have to constantly monitor children, who are invariably attracted by cocoons.

This brand is well known in Russia as a manufacturer of high quality goods for sports and outdoor activities. Here is a huge assortment of children's swing-carousels (single, double, with several modules, transformers) for all age categories and adult models for summer cottages. There are practically no negative reviews about Kettler products on the network, which is not at all so surprising, because almost every buyer mentions its quality advantages and exceptional comfort of use.

We offer a selection of interesting and unusual options for swings for various purposes and examples of their use in the interiors of apartments and in suburban areas.

Hanging swings are installed not only in familiar places such as tree branches, but also placed in ready-made arches or pergolas available in the backyard.

To make the exterior of the house and the landscape design of the site look a single whole, designers often use the possibilities of forged products. In such cases, street lights, gates and fences, benches, fences and awnings on terraces are created using the art forging method. A wrought-iron swing will fit into such a design at an opportune moment.

A swing made of natural material becomes an organic natural continuation of landscape design, especially if the house is made in a rustic style.

When choosing a coloristic solution for a swing on terraces, it is convenient to use the rules for combining colors. It can be matched to the armchairs, sofa and table to support the overall decor.

The cocoon swing looks most harmonious in modern interiors, when the design is sustained in the trends of loft, minimalism, eclecticism, Scandinavian design, Art Deco. The integration of such structures into a classic design will be successful only in the case of a competent choice of a suitable shape and material, for example, a round glass model.

For tips on how to choose a swing for a summer residence, see the next video