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Looking to set up your porch or patio with a durable, long lasting set of furniture? Finding the right material or make for outdoor furniture can be tricky, especially if you're not familiar with the different woods, metals, and plastics that are often used for porch furniture.

That said, choosing the right kind of material is something that we take seriously when crafting out hanging porch beds and bed swings. While our daybed swings are usually designed for either indoor or outdoor use, we do make it a point to choose to work with material that will last you years and years.

That said, for those of you who are curious what materials make for good outdoor furniture, we've come up with a short guide to help you better-understand the different materials as well as what they're advantages and disadvantages are.

Southern Yellow Pine

Pine wood is a light, flexible, low cost wood whose grain is fairly straight. There are approximately 120 different species of pine around the world and come in a variety of colors. Southern Yellow Pine's color usually ranges somewhere between a tan color to a golden yellow brown.

Its straight wood grain makes it relatively easier to paint or stain, which will add to its longevity and durability, especially if you're planning on locating it outdoors.

While pine woods are not naturally resistant to decay, pine woods can be pressured treated to better fit outdoor conditions. They're also relatively hard, with Southern Yellow Pine arriving at a Janka rating of 690 (a little softer than red cedar).

Nevertheless, pine remains a strong softwood that can resist wear and many last years outdoors. What's more, amongst all the pines, Southern Yellow Pine is said to have the highest load-bearing capacity, and is often used in construction, boat-building, and flooring.

When it comes to Southern Yellow Pine being used as material for your hanging porch bed, then, you can guarantee its safety and longevity, especially if the wood is stained or pressure treated.

Western Red Cedar

Another popular woodworking material, cedar is an excellent wood for outdoor furniture or use. Cedar is naturally outdoor resistant, giving it an edge over pine, and has good insulation that helps keep it cool even on a hot day. Cedar is also rot and decay resistant, and moist resistant, further solidifying its outdoor compatibility.

Additionally, Cedar wood releases a neurotoxic chemical, called Thujone, that is a natural insect and bug repellant. What's more, even Cedar's aroma works as an insect repellant, which really makes it an ideal material for outdoor furniture.

Cedar is not without its shortcomings, though. Like pine wood, it's also recommend that cedar wood be treated before being placed outdoors (though for a different reason). Without treatment, there's a possibility for cedar wood to gray and weather over time, turning it into an ash-like color.

Because of this, it's important to note that cedar requires more maintenance compared to pine. If stain or sealer was applied to your cedar furniture in the past, then it's recommended that you reapply it every few years in order to help it maintain its color.

Cypress

Another popular choice amongst outdoor furniture woodworkers, cypress is one of the most rot-resistant woods out there. Cedar is a first growth (or also called old growth) wood, which simply means that it takes a very long time to grow. This slow growth, however, works to its advantages, as it's able to create a denser grain, which contributes to its resistance to rot.

Cypress also has natural oils in the wood called cypressene, which act as a natural preservative that contributes to its resistance to rot and decay. It's these oils that allow cypress to last for decades even if left untreated, making it a fitting wood for your hanging porch bed.

Rattan

Rattan is yet another material that's popular amongst garden sets. It's a flexible and natural material that's weaved into a variety of things, including furniture. Considered one of the fastest growing natural materials, rattan is strong and durable despite its flexibility.

There are other furniture made from a synthetic polyethylene resin. This type of rattan requires less maintenance compared to wood, and is strong and durable despite it being one of the cheaper options for your outdoor furniture. The main advantage of synthetic rattan over natural rattan is that synthetic rattan works better in withstanding moisture and sunlight.

Aluminum

Moving on to metals, aluminum is one of the most popular options for metal outdoor furniture. It's lightweight and yet durable, inexpensive and low maintenance. Best of all, aluminum never rusts, requiring very little maintenance even when used for outdoor furniture. Aluminum is also very affordable, and can be worked into different shapes.

Although it's already considered a pretty weather-resistant metal by itself, many continue to recommend finishing aluminum outdoor furniture with a protective powder coating that not only compounds its protection against weather and scratching, but also allows it to carry a bit more variety in terms of color.

Though it's not as commonly used for hanging porch beds it's sometimes used in porch swings and other patio furniture.

One disadvantage that aluminum has over woodworks is that because it's a metal, it has a tendency to heat up in high temperatures. So if you're planning on setting it underneath direct sunlight, we recommend having seat cushions fitted to the frame so that you can stay cool and comfortable.

Steel

By itself, steel and stainless steel can be susceptible to rust, which makes it less ideal material compared to aluminum. However, most outdoor steel furniture is often powder coated with a protective finish. This also means, however, that steel furniture also requires regular maintenance checks to make sure that there are no cracks in the coating. That said, steel is a cheaper alternative to wood, and is easy to clean with lots of color choices.

Choose from Our High-Quality Hanging Porch Bed Swings

Given all this, we at Four Oak Bed Swings have always made it a point to provide high-quality handcrafted bed swings that will serve and last you for years and years.

Many of our hanging porch beds are made with Southern Yellow Pine, Western Red Cedar, and Cypress, giving you that classic country look and feel while still maintaining that high-durability and longevity that makes each porch bed swing a worthwhile investment.

Christmas is just around the corner, and you know what that means!

It’s time to start shopping for gifts, right?

Well, sure, but that’s not where we’re going.

It’s time to break out the decorations!

If you’re one of the homeowners that really gets jazzed about taking Christmas decorations to the max, then rest assured: if you are creative, there is no blank canvas in your home (or outside) that by right must remain untouched.

Including your porch bed.

So, with no further ado, let’s get into some of these creative ways to deck out your porch bed with some seasonal Christmas flair.

String Lights

The great thing about our porch beds (well, one of the great things about them) is that they are all shipped, standard, with a 1” manila rope for hanging them.

This manila rope does more than just provide a means of hanging your bed. It also serves as an anchor point for creative inspiration!

Case in point: use the manila rope as an anchor point for seasonal string lights. White Christmas lights make a beautiful decoration for your porch swing bed’s ropes and will not only add depth to your outdoor arrangement, but they will also provide mood lighting.

Colored lights are a great touch, too, especially if you like that sort of thing. Just a tip - get LEDs, instead of incandescent bulbs, if you can. They burn cooler, use less energy, and last much longer.

An alternative option is to mount a seasonal spotlight in the area and direct it towards your house or swing bed, creating light and dark contrast, accenture, and relief - although that’s more of an all-seasons decorating idea, and not restrictive to the winter months.

Tinsel and Garlands

If you prefer to keep the lights indoors or don’t want to mess with the lighting around your porch bed, you can instead use tinsel and garlands to add some pop and seasonal color to your swing bed.

Wind garlands up the ropes and decorate them with bows and other nice little accents. This will add a nice bit of evergreen touch to your porch bed.

You can even cut and use real evergreen (white pine, holly, and similar plants if you have them in your area). Just be careful when arranging with real evergreen as these boughs can drop sap if you’re not careful.

Another alternative is to string tinsel along the ropes. Here’s a quick trick - instead of winding garlands up the ropes, square them off along the top, and then hang strands of tinsel and lights from or between them. That will create glitter and capture the light.

You can also make your own garlands with a bit of thread and some beads, popcorn, and other odds and ends.

Ornaments

If you do go with the garland idea, your porch bed will become a unique attachment point for seasonal ornaments.

String up some glass baubles or other themed ornaments and nestle them in the garland or hang them from the ropes.

Glass balls, blown glass, novelty ornaments, keepsakes, and even homemade ornaments make a great addition to your bed swing’s garlands.

Another unique idea, if you’re going with a natural theme, is to hang cut bits of holly showing the red berries, or to nestle some pine cones in the arrangement.

If You’re Really Feeling It, Hang a Wreath

You can also suspend a wreath between two of the manila ropes you use to hang your bed swing.

You can buy a Christmas-themed wreath at most outlets for just a few dollars - but you can also easily make your own with some wire, twigs, and greenery.

Wreaths can be woven from willow twigs, holly boughs, juniper, and pine boughs, among others. You can also create your own wreath form with wire and then glue on pine cones, ribbon, tinsel, and other Christmasy elements.

For those that live in tropical areas, the coastal slant is a nice take on the Christmas theme. Consider making a wreath of shells instead of evergreens!

Seasonally-Themed Bedding, Pillow and Throws

Finally, if you don’t want to make any major changes to the theme you have going on around your porch, a simple change of bedding, including pillows and throws, can really change the spirit in a seasonal direction.

Swap out the comforter you have on your porch bed with one that showcases a woodland, snowy, angel, or Santa theme.

The same goes for your pillows and throws. You can leave your comforters in place and simply accent them with new pillows or a throw or two to change up the aesthetic slightly.

Pictorial assistance is not needed here; in fact, you can simply swap the colors. Red and green bedding, pillows, and throws need no motifs. The color alone speaks for itself and says “Christmas” loud and clear!

Get to it and happy decorating; there are only a few weeks left till the holidays are finally here!

Creating a home that's comfortable and relaxing can be a challenge, especially if you're living in a small studio or apartment in the city. Fitting all your furniture and stuff in your home requires a bit of planning and thinking. And usually, the space you have is just enough for you and your family or roommates to sleep in.

So what happens when you have a relative or guest that's asking to sleep over? Perhaps your parents are staying for a weekend because their own home is going through some repairs or renovations. Or maybe you have a friend that is on the down and out and looking for some help. How do you accommodate them?

Advantages Of Multipurpose Furniture

Whether it's for a temporary guest, or for yourself, day beds and sofa beds are a good alternative if you're looking for a couch that's comfortable and not a pain to sleep in. After all, falling asleep on the couch that's not optimized for sleeping can cause body pains and back aches. That's why it's good to have seats that can also double as beds.

The problem is that there are a lot of different types of sofas and couches that transform or double as beds. How do you know, then, which one best fits your style, preferences, and space?

That's what we're here to find out. If you're confused about the differences between sofa beds, Murphy beds, and day beds, then continue reading. By the end of this article, you'll probably have decided already which one would fit perfectly into your home.

Day Beds

Day beds are one of the more versatile beds that also act as couches or sofas. Typically, day beds are about the size of a twin bed. However, depending on the style of the maker, they can also look a lot more like a large bench with a headboard and cushion that can be used as a bed.

Day beds are often situated next to windows, at the foot of an actual bed, or in living rooms and recreational rooms. In some cases, they act first as a family's sofa, and second as beds that members would sometimes nap in.

The main advantage a daybed has over a regular couch is that its mattresses are often thicker and more durable, making them better-fit for sleeping than regular couch cushions.

Day Bed Swings

Day bed swings, on the other hand, are a type of day bed that's often placed in patios and porches. Regular day beds are also sometimes placed outdoors, but day bed swings are the more popular choice for such.

Day bed swings are a good alternative to your regular porch swings, especially if you often find yourself falling asleep on your porch. Because they're wider, they offer a lot more comfort. And because they swing, they can be perfect for lulling yourself to sleep.

Sofa Beds

Sofa beds are often directly compared to day beds. The main difference between the two is that sofa beds often require assembly. The bedding in sofa beds usually requires either folding out or pulling out. In terms of design, sofa beds' overall shape and frame also tends to resemble traditional sofas. The same goes with the padding that's used in sofa beds. Most sofa beds eventually become lumped or damaged over the years, whereas day beds' mattresses are built to last longer.

Trundle Beds

Trundle beds are actually more of an add-on to sofa beds and day beds. Depending on the design, some day beds and sofa beds come with a trundle bed that you can pull out and use as a second bed. This is perfect if you're expecting multiple guests.

Trundle beds usually also make use of thicker mattresses and bedding, making them well-suited for sleeping. The best thing about them is that they can easily transform back into a regular couch or daybed once you're done using them. They're a good way to add some versatility to your home. They can both save space and create more of it.

Murphy Beds

Murphy beds are more commonly known as pull-down beds or wall beds, because of the simple fact that they come down from inside your walls. They're a great way to save space, especially if the floor area of your bedroom is limited.

However, the main difference between Murphy beds and the previously mentioned models is that Murphy beds don't essentially serve multiple functions. Murphy beds can also come with added risk, as pulling them out and folding them back into the wall can be tedious and tiresome.

Futons

Futons originally refer to the traditional Japanese style of bedding. They usually consist of a cotton pad or mattress (the futon) and a comforter (called a Kakibuton) that are flexible enough to be folded and stored away when not in use. This creates more space for residents during the day, as their rooms can now be used for other means and purposes.

Compared to a Murphy bed, futons offer a lot more practicality, and are much less of a hassle when it comes to setting aside a place to sleep for your guests.

That said, there are also Western style futons that retain some of the same components as a traditional Japanese futon, but are also entirely different when it comes to design and make.

Western style futons are somewhat akin to sofa beds in that the frames initially function as a couch or sofa, and can then later be unfolded and turned into a bed. The mattresses for these Western style futons are also thicker, and aren't as easily folded as Japanese futons.

Which One Should You Choose?

In the end, the choosing between a daybed, sofa bed, or futon all depends on your plans for them, the available floor area, and your own personal preferences. All of them function well as additional beds in your home, and their versatility can help you save space.

The biggest advantage that day beds and day bed swings have over the other types, however, is that they no longer require any effort to be turned into beds. Day beds function as both relaxing seats, as well as comfortable beds.

If you're leaning towards installing a day bed swing either in your home or on your porch, however, feel free to browse through our selection online, on our website, or get in touch with us through our number (334)202-2870.

Have you recently installed a hanging porch bed in your home? Maybe you have and right now you’re thinking that the rest of your front porch seems barebones. After all, a porch bed takes up a lot of space, and might very well have displaced some of the furniture you’d previously set up on the porch.

That said, there are a few pieces of furniture that can go really well with a hanging porch bed. The main idea, though, is to try and create certain zones or areas that are suited for a certain type of activity that’s usually done on the porch

A Place to Wind Down and Relax

This zone can be a specific spot on your porch or patio that’s designated specifically for relaxation. More often than not, it’s in this zone that you’ll be installing your hanging porch bed. But more than just that, though, here are some other ideas you can incorporate into this area.

1. Rocking Chairs

By design, hanging beds usually swing back and forth. Why not extend that theme even further by adding a couple of rocking chairs that are perfect for those that prefer seats that’s more firm and with fewer cushions.

2. Day Bed

For those with more space on their front porch, a daybed is a good idea. Perfect for those that prefer a more stable rest without the swinging motions, a day bed would be a great addition to your zone of relaxation.

3. Portable Fire Pit

While it may not be ideal to lounge about on the front porch during the winter, a small fire pit can help manage temperatures for days where it’s not too chilly, but could use a little warmth.

4. Lounge Chairs

For times when you don’t want to take a nap on the porch, but would rather do some light reading, lounge chairs are the perfect way to settle down and bury your nose between the pages of your latest read.

5. Bean Bags Chairs

Perfect for the kids, bean bags are low enough for young children to easily reach, rest, and lounge about in. Not to mention, they also easily accommodate kids’ more fidgety nature, making them the perfect comfort chair for the little ones.

A Place for Tea and Biscuits

Another common area often found on a front porch is a place where you can gather a few family and friends for a bit of coffee, tea, and biscuits. For this, all you need is a fantastic outdoor dining set. Here are a few ideas on the sets you could choose from.

1. Wood & Rattan Sets

If you’re going for that country or summer feel, wood is the perfect accent. The rattan gives off that tropical vibe, especially when paired with some warm and vibrantly colored pillows and cushions.

2. Club chairs & lounge chairs

Paired with a side table, this could be the perfect setting for coffee or tea for one. What better way to watch the sunrise or sunset‌ than with a decent brew to keep you warm.

3. Patio dining chairs & sets

These sets come in a variety of types and materials, including steel, plastic, alloy, and aluminum. What’s important‌ is that they fit the overall aesthetic that you’re going for.

Other Porch Furniture Ideas to Add

Now that you’re done figuring out the basics of your porch layout, you can think about how to add more color and personality to your porch. Here are a couple of great ideas to supplement  the furniture that you’ve already setup to go with your new hanging porch bed.

1. Potted Plants

There’s just something incredibly homely about potted plants. Adding them, however, requires that you pay attention to both the pottery and the plants that you’ll end up choosing.

If you’re having trouble keeping your plants alive, for example, it might be a good idea to go with more low maintenance flora. A Peace Lily, for example, is a very good plant for beginners as you’ll easily be able to tell that it’s lacking water when its leaves start to droop.

Other low maintenance plants that you can consider adding to your porch are: Aloe Vera, Snake plants, Spider plants, the Swiss Cheese Plant, or the Philodendron.

2. Cushions & Blankets

While your chairs, sofa, day beds, and tables create the base colors of your front porch, it’s the cushions and blankets that you add on top of that accentuate their overall look and feel. Cool colors like blues and greens tend to be more calming and relaxing compared to warm colors like reds and yellows. Warmer colors tend to give off a more energized and active aura.

When considering decorating each zone in your front porch, then, it’s important to take into account the colors involved and how they can help bring out the best effect in each area.

3. Rugs & Carpets

More than just your regular welcome mat, having a good rug on your front porch can also help lighten or liven the atmosphere. Color theory applies to rugs as well, but overall what’s most important is the material that the rugs you choose are made from. As much as possible, you want a carpet that can withstand outdoor conditions without breaking down just after a few months.

In the end, when it comes to choosing what furniture to fill your front porch or patio with, you want to make sure that you’re able to capture the overall mood and feel that you’re going for. If you plan on spending most days relaxing on your new hanging porch bed, or sipping tea on your patio dining set, then choose the colors, sets, and materials that will best suit that lifestyle.

Of course, having the right porch bed is important as well, especially if you’re planning on this being the main centerpiece of your front porch. If you’re looking for a good porch swing bed, then, that’s of high quality and make, we recommend checking out our selection of high quality handcrafted bed swings. Browse through our selection on our website, or send us an email or message if you need help to choose.