When decorating a new space, one thing I like doing is shopping around our own home to see if anything we already have will work.
Once we completed the back deck last summer, we moved the dining table from our firepit area to the back deck, which left our firepit area empty.
Wanting a place to sit and roast some marshmallows, we then moved the Adirondack chairs that were once on our front porch to our firepit area and picked up two more to complete the look.
This was the front porch before…
And this is how the firepit area ended up after we swiped the chairs for this new spot:
But in doing so, our front porch was left without seating. This is when it hit me that the perfect thing to replace the Adirondack chairs would be something I have been swooning over for quite a while; a swing bed.
After I presented my vision to my husband, it didn’t take long for him to jump on-board, and below is the finished product! I’ve also included some tips in this post if you decide to make one, too!
And the view into the evening:
Although the space wasn’t the largest to work with, we deemed it just big enough. After taking some time to locate the studs in that area, we were able to decide on the size of the swing bed and after a few quick drawings, we got to work!
After designing the swing bed, my husband started building it while I went searching for the right stain, cushion cover, and pillows.
This picture is of us deciding how high the back should be, and I recommend getting your pillows out to see where they will hit on the back of your swing, giving you a pretty good idea of where you want them.
This is the stain I chose. And trust me, it looks WAY more gray on the can than it actually turns out. See below!
To make sure it all “worked,” I stained a spare board to make sure it all went with the finishing touches I had picked up. (All sources listed at the bottom.)
We also decided last minute to get rid of all of the shrubs in front of the porch giving more leg-room for the swing, as well as another way to approach the swing.
To decide how high we wanted it off the ground, we rigged a temporary rope through the d rings (the gold rings pictured below) that allowed us to raise and lower the swing to our liking.
And once we decided on the right height, which for us was 10″ from the ground, my husband used the rope to tie clove hitch knots around the d rings to secure it all in place.
TIP! If you look closely, you can see that my husband secured the d rings to the ceiling in different directions; one vertical and one horizontal on each side. Doing this makes sure the swing can’t sway too far out, hitting the house. Instead, it gives off just the perfect little drift back and forth.
Once hung, I strung some lights above, created a stone path where the shrubs once were, and it was done!
I am actually also really proud of that path! I went to the outdoor supply store, found all the stones, loaded them up and designed the path myself! Not bad, eh?
This has turned out to be one of our absolute favorite spots and we are often out here swinging away. Is this a trend you could see yourself having at your own home?
SOURCES (Click on the underlined words to be taken to the store)
Throw pillows – Found at Homegoods and Tuesday Morning
Throw blanket- Found at TJ Maxx
Rope- 1″ rope, and we got 50 feet of it
Twin mattress – Had a spare we weren’t using
We have a front porch swing but I would LOVE this!
I was bound and determined to find a spot for one!
I think that your job is a great one. Thanks
Are these 2x4s or 2x6z?
Directions?
Can you send me what sized boards you used for the frame, are they 2xs or 1xs , 6 inch wide or 8 inch wide?
Did you get a reply on what size boards you need and how many ?
Love this swing! Do you have detailed plans and list of materials used?
This is so much better than a regular porch swing, you can fit more people and more comfortable. The directions looks so easy to do.
We can fit our whole family on this thing; you are right! It really came together quickly!
Can you provide a supply list for building the swing bed? I couldn’t find a listing of them. We love this and would love to make one ourselves.
Thank you!
I wondered the same thing:)
I would love to know the design plan you used.
I looked for the supply list and photos of each step. Can you share them with us ?
This looks amazing, this came at the perfect time as I was also looking at front porch designs. Thank you!
Oh I am SO glad!! YAY!
Wow! This looks so cool Or would definitely be one of my favourite spots too!
I LOVE that. It’s amazing.
I need to go make me some swing bed, sharpish… lovely!
Your outdoor spaces are just fabulous!!!! Enjoy that swing…Nap Time!!!!!
I have never heard of a swing bed but now I want one. You make the process sound so easy! I like the details in this post because I’m sure I would think about a lot of these things (like how much the swing is going to move front and back) or how high you want the back to be. I would be napping on this swing all the time. And great work on the pathQ
Such a gorgeous swing!!!! I’m loving this cozy spot…. and the little walkway up to it too.
I love this so much! I wish I had a porch with a roof over it so I could copy you!
That swing bed would be the perfect spot for lazy afternoons with a good book in hand. What an awesome idea. I wish we had more space in the patio out back!
When I saw your before picture, I though, “That’s so pretty!” but then I saw the after picture and said “OMG I WANT THAT!” Really, I want that swing bed. I can imagine myself with a coffee and a book. Absolutely perfect.
Do you have plans for this swing bed I love it and would like to build one just like it!!
Um this is flipping amazing!! It looks like you bought it! So cool! One day when I get a front porch I am so doing this. Thanks for the tips!
Oh my goodness I’ve been scouring the internet for a good DIY on what to do with my daughter’s crib mattress and I’ve decided to make a mini porch swing out of it! These instructions are so clear and concise, I can’t wait to get started <3
http://www.SHVETA.com
This looks absolutely amazing! I am going to show this to my husband right now and beg him to build it for me! Thank you for sharing! I am definitely pinning this and saving for later!
HI, LOVE this!!
Can you tell me if you used 2×6 or 2×12 boards for the sides/bottom?
thanks!
How far away from the wall is the swing itself and how far are the eyebolts from that wall, too. I can’t tell from the pictures if the back rope is angled, as it appears the front one is. I read on another site that angling them keeps movement down, and that’s what I’m thinking I need to do because, like you, I have windows behind where I want to put my swing. By the way, I love the nook you created. It looks – and I bet feels – simply wonderful!
Hi!
Great build it looks beautiful!
I just wanted to ask what type of cover you kept on the mattress?! I looks a little like the one I got in world market but didn’t know for sure.
Do you happen to have the measurements or plans to your swing! I want my hubby to make one and I LOVE yours… Would you share the plans/design??? Thanks!
Love the swinging bed, but I think mulch would really add to the overall aesthetics of your garden! 🙂
Do you have a list of supplies used for the swing? I love this!!
Yes! Again, would love the details of design! I’d like to try to build! Soo fun!
Thank you!
What all did you do to cover the mattress? Have you had trouble with keeping it dry when it rains and such?!
Love the swing bed! Can you tell me the wood and the dimensions of each piece? I would love the make this.
Beautiful. Great job
This looks amazing!! I have one question, how does the mattress do in the rain? I see you have the day bed cover, does it protect the mattress enough?
💕LOVE💕
The boards that you used, are they 2x8s or 2x6s connected with 4×4 post? Are the slats in the middle 1x4s or 2x4s?
I love your porch swing. What color is the weathered wood accelerator? I will go to Lowe’s and checkout Varathane (sp?). I really like the finish on your swing.
Thank you, Bet Ellis
betellis1@bellsouth.net
Do you have the cut list and directions on this swing? I’d love to have them! Thanks
Me too
I’d like the cut list please.
Can you send me inventory of wood an screws used. To build swing
Can you please send me the cut list and directions to build the swing? Thank you!
Do you have a supply list and dimensions.
Is there a guide or plan with measurements that you could send me?
Is there a guide or plan with measurements that you could send me?
Me too!
I am starting this same project! Thank you for sharing your tips and tricks! Is there anyway you can send a picture of the back of the back of the swing?
Thanks kim
Your swing turned out very lovely. We have a huge covered deck and after pricing bed swings, we decided we need to make our own. We really love yours! Could you send details on lumber, number of D rings, etc….that are needed and steps on how your husband put it together? We would appreciate it! Many thanks, Pamela
Has anyone had any luck getting the supply list for the actual swing? Love it.
I’ve not had any luck getting the supply or cut list but would love to have it if anyone gets lucky. Thanks
Hey! I love your bed swing. I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind me asking, what size of wood did y’all use on this entire project?
Love this porch swing! Is there a supply list?
Thank you!!
Thanks for this great idea. Can you send me the cut list and plans please.
Thanks
Can you provide a supply list for building the swing bed? I couldn’t find a listing of them. We love this and would love to make one ourselves.
Thank you!
Nice bed swing! Can you please tell me how much space/clearance I would need on the sides? I have a wall on one side and the porch railing on the other side. Thank you!
My husband made me one about five years ago and we noticed that with each year the rope started to stretch at different lengths. So we bought heavy duty chain and I wrapped it in the same rope you have and you don’t even notice the chains. Very sturdy now!
Love the porch swing…. did you do anything at all to the mattress to waterproof it? and is the mattress a 4″ or 6″?
Very interested in building this swing for my wife at our home on Lake Martin!!! Would love any and all details! Thanks!!
What type of would did you use and what are the measurements for each piece?
It looks beautiful. Do you have a cut list and type of wood you used?
Do you have a complete instructions/cut list on this bed? I looks so much better them many others…durable and rustic…I love it!
Can you provide a material list and plans for building the swing bed? We love this and would love to build one ourselves.
Do you have a supply list?
Hi there! What size lag bolts did you use to secure the D rings to the ceiling? The link you supplied for the D rings indicate the two homes in the ring accommodate 3/8” bolts/screws. How long?
Can you put on here all the material you used and how much it cost to build it. I have always wanted one of these. I love this and your yard.
Please email me the lumber and supplies needed for the swing bed. My husband can build anything! TY
Do you have detailed plans that you can share for the porch swing bed?
Could you please send me plans for this swing
Do you have a cut list for how you built the swing I love it!! Thanks
Could you tell me what wood you used for this swing?
Do you have plans for this?:)