Time to hang out and swing on the balcony and patio

Staycations are all the rage. This refers to the trend of enjoying a vacation at home. It’s not a new phenomenon. This trend has been around for a few years now and has gained even more significance, not least because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has turned our own four walls into a family hub. But now that spring is here, people are drawn outdoors. That’s why now is the best time to spruce up your balcony and patio—those dream destinations—for the vacation season and your staycation. Right now!

How you design your balcony or patio depends on a few personal choices: your taste preferences, the size and layout of the outdoor space, and—when it comes to planting—its orientation relative to the cardinal directions or how you plan to use it. The fact is, however, that with carefully selected outdoor furniture, you can turn any balcony or patio into a little oasis of well-being. A hammock, umbrella, and rug are absolute must-haves. After all, when it comes to a staycation, there’s no better place to relax than in a “swing bed.”

Once upon a time, it was the good old Hollywood swing on the balcony, the patio, or in a shady spot in the garden—the perfect place to unwind. A swing with seat and reclining cushions as well as a sunshade on a heavy, usually creaky metal frame that had to be covered during the winter months—or even banished to the basement—to protect it from rust damage. This classic outdoor swing furniture is far from obsolete. Since the 1960s, the swing—which originated in Asia but became popular through the U.S.—has been a favorite spot for the whole family to linger, relax, or simply hang out.

Hollywood swings are among the outdoor classics whose appearance and style have changed somewhat. The colorful, sometimes garish floral patterns that adorned the swings when they first appeared have now given way to mostly simple, solid-color designs made of natural materials, with frames constructed of sturdy wood or lightweight metal. Some Hollywood swings seem so delicate that they can even be stored in a sunroom or on the porch during the winter. Others, however—larger designer or luxury swings—are also equipped with a reclining feature for several people at once, as well as a mosquito net and a canopy—perfect for a little getaway right in your own backyard.

Swinging is good for both body and soul. Hammocks and hanging chairs are popular alternatives to the classic Hollywood swing. However, they take up much less space and fit well indoors in apartments or sunrooms. Hammocks come in many different sizes and materials. Even for babies—and whether on single, double, or family-sized hammocks—it’s a wonderful way to let your mind wander to South America, where hammocks originated. Hanging chairs also have South American origins, but in our part of the world they’ve become indispensable outdoor accessories made of rattan, cotton, or even wood. No matter which swing style you choose, coziness, relaxation, and rejuvenation are always part of the experience.

Stone gray, taupe, or perhaps lime green—solid colors or patterns? Trendy outdoor rugs made from easy-care, durable materials give your balcony or patio a cozy feel and turn it into a place where you almost feel like you’re on vacation every time you step outside. Placed under your swing set—perhaps with some lounge cushions—they create an additional, inviting relaxation area. Most rugs are even machine-washable, ensuring they remain attractive home accessories from one season to the next.

In the past, the portable parasol was an indispensable fashion accessory, but it’s rarely seen in that role anymore. However, large umbrellas are still all the rage on beaches as well as on home balconies and patios. They are home decor items that also protect against excessive UV radiation. Colorful, solid-colored, or patterned umbrellas on the balcony are “eye-catchers” that literally deflect the sun’s rays. Whether hanging, freestanding, or sail-shaped, they shield patio-goers from the early morning or midday sun in a variety of colors and materials. In the height of summer, they also provide protection from the evening sun, allowing you to enjoy the evening right afterward in the glow of lanterns and string lights.