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First there was the bench; then there was the porch swing. At the same time, there were archways, with elaborate pergolas, lattices and trellises. Then one day someone happened upon the idea of combining these examples of wooden craftsmanship into what we now know as arbor swings. Arbor swings take the fun and relaxation of a swinging chair plus the shade and beauty of an arbor, or pergola. The result is the best of both worlds. Why should you invest in one of these swinging setups?

Be One with Nature
Arbor swings are about the most organic piece of furniture you can think of placing in your garden or backyard. That’s because they’re almost always designed with a latticework or trellis of some kind that promotes the growth of climbing plants. For ideas, try ivy or some species of rose, the result of which is a fragrant, romantic feel. Placed in a garden, arbor swings present a continuous harmony with its surroundings, making you closer to nature. You shouldn’t have to stop and smell the roses. Arbor swings allow you to keep moving and still get your way.

Appreciate the Beauty and Quality of Design
There is no denying the beautiful inherent design of arbor swings, with their intimate, crafted seats nestled inside the romantic shape of the archway. It’s no wonder why they are the subject of pastoral paintings and old-fashioned romance. The shape of the wooden archway by itself is often used for wedding altars, or as the background for photos, because of its ability to organically frame those standing inside. Also, most arbor swings are made from woods like cedar, teak and cypress. Not only are these hardwoods great for years of outdoor use with little maintenance, but they also present rich natural color and grain pattern, sometimes along with a pleasant aroma (as in the case of cedar).

It’s Good For You, Too
As easy and noncommittal as it seems, the act of rocking actually promotes a healthy lifestyle by getting you out and getting you moving. Rocking promotes blood circulation, so it’s great for smokers, pregnant women and people with other circulatory ailments. Also for expectant mothers and those getting older, rocking helps fight off the appearance of unsightly and painful varicose veins, as well as post labor weight loss. It’s also beneficial to the expectant mother’s baby-to-be. Fetuses have been proven to show earlier signs of development when they were rocked. Newborns are also said to have quicker motor skill and neurological development when they were rocked. Rocking is also the classic way of soothing a fussy baby. As another creative innovation, arbor swings can help people suffering from ADD and ADHD. The rocking motion supposedly improves memory and the ability to concentrate. Plus, the hours spent outdoors alone means more fresh air and valuable nutrients from the sun.

Just Relax
One of the main reason people buy arbor swings, porch swings, rockers and gliders is because of how relaxing they are. No one can deny the soothing pleasure of whiling away the hours. Also, arbor swings are naturally social seats, usually built for two and perfect for anything from sharing gossip to whispering sweet nothings. In addition to the physical aspect, rocking promotes positive mental health. Rocking is calming to people both young and old. Match that with a sunny day and you’re looking at elevated endorphin rates. Plus, it gets you away from stressors inside, like headache producing computers. Rest your eyes, your feet and your mind all in one.

Can We Get a Moment Alone?
By nature, arbor swings are romantic affairs for two. Fashioned out of a bench or loveseat, they’re surrounded in part by a lattice fence and topped with a pergola style arch. When you add in the opacity provided by an abundance of creepers and flowering climbers, you’ve yourself a built-in privacy fence.
Arbor swings are great for backyards, tucked away in gardens, or even out in the open on a deck or patio. The framework provides a cozy and secluded space which is open but still intimate

Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes for such sites as http://www.northcedar.com/