Swing Bed Buyer's Guide
Buying a swing bed should feel exciting — not overwhelming. This guide walks you through size, style, materials, where it’s made, comfort details, hanging considerations, and the “don’t-miss” quality checks before you buy.
Tip: Measure your space first. The right size depends on where it hangs and how you’ll use it (lounging, napping, family pile-on… all of the above).
Why choose a swing bed?
A swing bed blends the cozy comfort of a daybed with the slow, soothing motion of a porch swing. It’s not just outdoor furniture — it’s a permission slip to slow down, unplug, and actually use your outdoor space.
Perfect for real life
- Lounging, reading, napping, conversation
- Family-friendly seating that feels special
- Creates a “destination spot” on your porch or patio
Designed to elevate your space
- Instantly adds warmth and charm
- Works with farmhouse, coastal, traditional, or modern looks
- Pairs beautifully with outdoor pillows, throws, and lighting
1) What size swing bed should you buy?
Choosing the right swing bed size comes down to two key factors: (1) how you plan to use it and (2) the space and structure you have available. A properly sized swing bed should feel inviting and spacious — without overwhelming your porch or patio.
Common swing bed sizes (and who they’re best for)
| Size | Best for | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | Solo lounging, afternoon naps, smaller covered spaces | A great choice if you want a true “daybed” feel without taking up too much room. Ideal for reading, relaxing, or stretching out solo. |
| Full | Couples, shared lounging, cozy porch retreats | Offers more width for two people while still fitting comfortably on many porches. A popular option for everyday relaxation. |
| 4-foot | Smaller porches, tighter layouts, casual lounging | Compact and charming. Works well where space is limited but you still want the swing bed experience. |
| 5-foot | Most families, frequent use, versatile spaces | The most popular size. Comfortable for lounging, napping, and everyday use without overpowering your space. |
| 6-foot | Entertaining, sprawling naps, larger porches | Maximum comfort and visual impact. Measure carefully and confirm your ceiling structure and hardware can support the additional size and weight. |
Before you decide, ask yourself:
- Will this be used mainly for lounging, napping, or hosting?
- How many people will regularly use the swing bed?
- Do you want room for thick cushions and layered pillows?
- Does your porch or pergola allow for safe swing clearance?
2) Choose a style that matches your home
The right swing bed should look like it belongs — whether your vibe is coastal calm, modern clean-lines, classic porch charm, or farmhouse cozy.
Farmhouse & rustic
Warm, welcoming, and relaxed — perfect with neutral cushions and textured pillows.
- Chunkier frames and timeless silhouettes
- Pairs beautifully with stained or painted finishes
Classic & traditional
Elegant porch energy. Think curved lines, thoughtful detailing, and a forever look.
- Great for front porches and formal outdoor rooms
- Often looks best with tailored cushions
Coastal
Light, airy, and easygoing — the “vacation at home” feel.
- Painted finishes, bright whites, breezy palettes
- Ideal for beach homes and sunrooms
Clean & simple
Minimal lines, easy to style, and perfect when you want the swing bed to feel effortless.
- Works with modern, transitional, and Scandinavian-inspired spaces
- Focus on cushion color + texture for personality
3) Wood & materials: what matters most
Your climate, maintenance preferences, and aesthetic all influence the best material choice. If you want a swing bed that stays beautiful for years, prioritize durability and outdoor-ready construction.
Popular wood options
- Cypress: naturally durable and a great choice for humid climates.
- Cedar: naturally resistant and loved for its classic outdoor look.
- Pine: budget-friendly; best when properly finished and maintained.
- Teak: high-end; extremely durable, water-resistant, naturally insect-resistant.
- Mahogany: high-end; strong, rot-resistant, elegant appearance.
- Aluminum: durable, low-maintenance, modern aesthetic, light weight.
- Poly: higher initial cost, but long-lasting; heavier than some wood.
We break down popular swing bed woods and materials — including durability, maintenance, climate considerations, and best-for use cases — in our detailed guide.
Read the Wood & Materials GuideFinish options
- Painted: crisp, classic, and great for coastal/farmhouse styles; not recommended for humid climates.
- Stained: highlights wood grain and feels warm and timeless, best for wood longevity; re-apply every two years.
- Unfinished: ideal if you want to customize — but plan to seal it for outdoor use.
4) Where swing beds are made (USA vs. abroad)
Where a swing bed is made can impact lead times, craftsmanship standards, and consistency. There are great makers everywhere — the key is knowing what to verify.
Made in the USA
- Often emphasizes craftsmanship and sturdy build quality
- Typically clearer communication, support, and replacement parts
- Commonly aligned with tighter quality control expectations
- Some models can be delivered fully assembled
Made abroad
- Can offer a wide range of styles and price points
- Quality varies more — ask about materials, joinery, and hardware
- Confirm warranty details and what “weather resistant” truly means
- Difficult to get replacement parts if damaged in shipping or with use
5) The quality checklist (what to look for)
A swing bed is only as good as its structure and hanging system. These are the details that protect your investment — and your peace of mind.
Construction & build
- Strong joinery (not just staples or flimsy fasteners)
- Even, sturdy slats and supportive frame design
- Outdoor-ready finish or clear guidance for sealing
Hardware & hanging
- Weather-resistant hardware (especially in humid/coastal areas)
- Appropriate chain/rope options for your style and setting
- Clear installation guidance and load ratings
6) Comfort details that make a swing bed irresistible
Comfort is what turns “nice purchase” into “we use it every day.” Focus on seat depth, back angle, cushion compatibility, and how you plan to style it.
Comfort features to prioritize
- Enough seat depth for lounging (not just upright sitting)
- Supportive back height if you’ll read or relax for long stretches
- Cushion-friendly design (so cushions sit neatly and don’t slide)
- Optional pillows for lumbar support and a finished look
Want help choosing the right cushion setup for your swing bed size? We can tailor recommendations based on your space, climate, and style.
7) Hanging considerations (the part you don’t want to guess)
The best-looking swing bed won’t matter if the install isn’t right. Always confirm your overhead structure is suitable, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for hardware and spacing.
Before installation, confirm:
- Your beam/joists/pergola are structurally sound for the expected load
- You have the correct hanging distance and clearance for gentle swing motion
- Hardware is appropriate for your environment (especially humid/coastal climates)
- You’re confident in the plan — or using a professional installer
8) Care & maintenance (keep it beautiful)
A little upkeep goes a long way. Your climate will dictate how often you clean, seal, or touch up.
Simple maintenance routine
- Wipe down regularly to remove pollen, dust, and debris
- Store cushions when storms roll in (or use a protective cover)
- Refresh paint/stain/seal as needed for your exposure level
- Check hanging hardware periodically for peace of mind
Explore swing beds (handpicked favorites)
Ready to browse? Start with our full collection, then explore a few customer-loved swing beds below.
Noah Swing Bed
A timeless choice that looks at home on everything from classic porches to modern patios.
View NoahPorchCraft Winslow Pine Swing Bed
A classic pine look that’s easy to style and cozy up with cushions.
View WinslowSullivan’s Island Swing Bed
Relaxed, coastal energy — the kind of piece you’ll use every day.
View Sullivan’s IslandWant help choosing?
Tell us your space, style, and ceiling height — we’ll guide you to the best fit.
Free Design ConsultReady to choose your perfect swing bed?
If you’re still deciding between sizes, materials, or styles, we’ll help you narrow it down fast — with recommendations that fit your space and how you actually want to use your swing bed.
Prefer to talk it through? Call us at (888) 495-3792.