Five fun swing sets to relax in on a lazy summer afternoon
Aside from chubby cheeks and baby teeth, one of the most notable losses of growing up is shedding that certain sense of innocent amusement. Kids, for example, can spend seemingly endless hours out in a playground, knobby knees kicking back and forth, flying through the air on the swing set or one of those giant hanging tires. Grown-ups, on the other hand, are too bogged down with bills, work or raising little ones of their own to do anything quite so frivolous. But under the right circumstances – like, on a lazy summer afternoon, in the privacy of a treed-in yard, when the iPhone is off and nothing’s on TV – even the most world-weary adult would be able to lose themselves while swaying back and forth.
All aboard: The Swingrest, from German furniture manufacturer Dedon, is the type of backyard sofa the whole family can enjoy – literally, all at the same time. The hanging basket, woven from a durable, proprietary fibre, is over six feet in diameter, meaning more than a few tykes can get lost in the pile of cushions. A swivel table for drinks and nibbles makes it tempting to park for the whole day. From $9,805. Through studiobhome.com.
Hang around for dessert: British-based designer Christopher Duffy has created an ingenious dining set, complete with hanging light, for anyone who resented getting called away from the playground for supper as a youngster. A steel frame supports eight suspended bucket seats so the frivolities can continue through the meal. Indoor and outdoor versions available. From $11,300. Through duffylondon.com.
Get stranded for the afternoon: Paola Lenti’s Swing seat, made from bent Sassafras wood, has a modern-day Swiss Family Robinson feel. It’s fastened with steel cables that are wrapped in a natural cord to give the impression the bench is being held up by dangling vines. From $6,766. Through kioskdesign.ca.Sergio Chimenti
Swingers wanted: The Adagio, by Milanese designer Francesco Rota, is a serious upgrade from the bucket-shaped safety swings seen at many parks. The seat is padded with an outdoor friendly cushion, there’s no awkward restraint bar and the brightly-hued basket is woven from a hand-twisted cord. $3,732. Through kioskdesign.ca.
Hop into the high chair: The Ovis hanging chair, designed by Dylan Davis and Jean Lee at their Seattle-area studio, Ladies & Gentleman, has a quiet beauty. The palette is subtle but the materials are sumptuous. The sling comes in either untanned leather or hand-felted Navajo wool. The frame is either copper or brass. From $1,666. Through ladiesandgentlemenstudio.com.