Objects of Desire: Indoor Swings for Flights of Fancy
Prepare for liftoff — and a whole lotta fun — with chairs, benches and hammocks suspended from the ceiling
Many kids have had the experience of being stuck in the house on a rainy day, wishing they could be outside playing on the swings. Why not indulge your inner child and add whimsy to your interiors by installing an indoor swing? Whether you opt for a classic tire and rope ensemble or a handwoven egg swing, the result is sure to delight.
Italian company Paola Lenti commissioned Francesco Rota to create the handcrafted Adagio Swing, which is suspended by Paola Lenti’s signature rope cord.
Why it works: The cheerful orange swings play off the rustic wood paneling to create a casual outdoor feel while establishing the media room as a place for fun.
Why it works: The cheerful orange swings play off the rustic wood paneling to create a casual outdoor feel while establishing the media room as a place for fun.
Interior designer Shawn Henderson created this custom swing from iron and walnut and added a cozy shearling cover.
Why it works: In the master bedroom, it’s convenient to have a place to sit other than the bed. If you have a tight space or are concerned about blocking a window with a chair, a playful swing can be a dreamy solution.
Designer Tips for Creating a Better Bedroom
Why it works: In the master bedroom, it’s convenient to have a place to sit other than the bed. If you have a tight space or are concerned about blocking a window with a chair, a playful swing can be a dreamy solution.
Designer Tips for Creating a Better Bedroom
Artisan braiding around a sturdy aluminum frame makes the Kettal Maia Egg Swing refined enough to use indoors.
Why it works: Part swing, part egg-style chair, this piece looks lighter mounted from the ceiling instead of on a stand. The see-through design is a nice contrast to the rolled-steel fireplace.
Why it works: Part swing, part egg-style chair, this piece looks lighter mounted from the ceiling instead of on a stand. The see-through design is a nice contrast to the rolled-steel fireplace.
An empty hammock chair is like an airy art piece in this grand, modern space.
Why it works: A swing can be a creative seating solution when you don’t want to be looking at the back of a piece of furniture.
Why it works: A swing can be a creative seating solution when you don’t want to be looking at the back of a piece of furniture.
Architect David Hotson utilized this building’s steel structure to support a simple wood swing by drilling through the bottom flange of the exposed steel I-beam. “The two ropes supporting the swing are passed through these holes and simply knotted off above,” Hotson says.
Why it works: This airy penthouse is already home to a trippy slide, so the swing cements the playful feel while playing off the idea of a home in the sky.
Why it works: This airy penthouse is already home to a trippy slide, so the swing cements the playful feel while playing off the idea of a home in the sky.
The classic 1968 Eero Aarnio Bubble Chair can support up to 300 pounds when properly mounted.
Why it works: The chair’s see-through plastic preserves the room’s expansive views.
Why it works: The chair’s see-through plastic preserves the room’s expansive views.
Why it works: The single-rope design looks almost like a minimalist sculpture.
Note: Talk to your contractor or architect before suspending a swing or other furnishings from the ceiling. You may need to add blocking between the joists to make it structurally sound.