The Swing That Changed Our Home: How We Created Joy (and Extra Seating) in Our Open-Plan Living Room
A few years ago, our house underwent a transformation that I had been dreaming about for ages. You know how it is: you start with a “simple” idea—knocking down a few walls to open up the kitchen and living room—and before you know it, you’re sketching furniture layouts on napkins and pinning inspiration photos at midnight. For nearly two years, I worked on convincing my husband that we absolutely needed to create one big, bright, open space for our family to gather, cook, and simply be together. When he finally gave me the green light, I didn’t waste a second. (Honestly, I half-expected him to change his mind before I could grab the sledgehammer!)
I’d mapped out every detail of this makeover in my head: where the light would fall, how the sofas would frame the fireplace, even the exact spot for my dream—something a little unexpected, a touch playful, and completely personal—a swing as extra seating in the living area. Not a garden swing, but a proper, upholstered seat, suspended from the ceiling, bringing a bit of whimsy and comfort right into the heart of our home.
Why a Swing?
Maybe it’s the child in me, but I’ve always loved the gentle sway of a swing—how it invites you to slow down, to play, to see your home from a slightly different angle. I searched high and low for the perfect indoor swing, but nothing in the shops felt quite right. So I decided, why not make it myself? How hard could it be?
Turns out, with a bit of courage and a few trips to the hardware shop, it’s not hard at all. And let me tell you, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for our home.
What You’ll Need for Your Own Indoor Swing
Gather your materials before you start (this is half the battle!):
A sturdy piece of timber for the seat (I used a chunky old windowsill from the local timber yard—solid and full of character)
Two shorter lengths of timber for reinforcing each end
A few metres of strong rope (mine came from eBay, but most DIY shops will have what you need)
A thin sheet of plywood for the cushion base
Upholstery foam (about 2-3 inches thick, for ultimate comfort)
Fabric of your choice—something hard-wearing like velvet, suede, or even a heavy cotton
Heavy-duty wall plugs and ceiling hooks (very important—your safety comes first!)
Staple gun, screws, drill, scissors, and strong glue (I used No More Nails)
Paint or wood stain (optional, but it adds a lovely finish)
Indoor swing DIY
Step-by-Step: How We Built Our Indoor Swing
1. Build the Seat
Start with your main piece of timber. Glue the two shorter reinforcement pieces underneath, at each end, to add strength. Let the glue dry, then drill two holes at each end—these will be for the ropes.
Top Tip:
If you want to paint or stain your swing, do it now! I learned the hard way and ended up painting mine after everything was assembled. Trust me, it’s much easier this way.
2. Make the Cushion
Cut your plywood to the size of your seat. Wrap it in upholstery foam (trim it to fit) and then your chosen fabric, pulling it snug and using a staple gun to secure everything underneath. I wanted a slightly padded, luxurious look, so I screwed straight through the cushion (and fabric) into the seat, creating a lovely, tailored effect.
3. Tying the Knots
Here’s where things got tricky… If you’re not a sailor or a Scout, tying sturdy knots can feel intimidating! I turned to Google Images for help (there are great step-by-step photos online). After a few practice tries, you’ll get the hang of it. Double-check your knots—they need to be rock solid.
4. Securing the Swing
This is the moment of truth—and the one part I don’t recommend DIY-ing unless you really know your stuff. Your swing must be attached to a weight-bearing ceiling beam. Get a qualified carpenter or builder to help if you’re unsure. Safety first!
We used heavy-duty hooks and wall plugs, made for supporting serious weight. Once everything was in place, we threaded the rope through the holes and tied the final knots.
The Magic Moment
When we finally hung the swing and stepped back, it was like a wish come true. The swing quickly became the most popular seat in the house—children, adults, even the family cat queued up to take a turn. We’ve had birthday parties with kids swinging high, late-night chats curled up with a book, and more than one “who gets the swing first?” debate.
Family and friends always comment on it. It’s the one thing everyone wants to try, and it never fails to make people smile. There’s something about a swing indoors—unexpected, joyful, a little bit rebellious—that brings a sense of play and warmth to the whole room.
Lessons Learned (and What I’d Do Differently)
Paint or finish your timber before assembly to avoid drips and awkward angles.
Don’t rush the knots—practice makes perfect (and safe!).
Always check your ceiling can bear the weight—safety trumps style every time.
Choose fabric you love—this is your chance to add a pop of colour, a touch of luxury, or some quirky personality.
Why It Matters: Decorating With Heart
This swing taught me something important—your home should make you happy. It should have moments of surprise, places to play, and features that make your heart skip a beat. Never be afraid to follow your gut and try something a little different. That’s where the magic happens.
If you’ve been dreaming of a swing, a nook, or any little touch that feels like you, go for it. The best homes are the ones filled with the things and memories you love.
Ready to have your own “magazine moment”?
If you’d love a custom swing (or any one-of-a-kind feature) in your home but want an expert touch, why not let me design it for you? My Magazine Moment package is perfect for creating something truly special—whether it’s a dreamy swing seat, a statement nook, or another unforgettable detail.
Book the Magazine Moment package here or get in touch for a chat about how we can make your vision a reality. Let’s create a home that’s as unique as you are!
