Bringing the swing inside
Once synonymous with verandas and childhood afternoons, the swing is being reinvented as a stylish, functional centrepiece for contemporary interiors
There is something almost instinctive about a swing. The gentle back-and-forth movement, the slight creak of wood or cane, the feeling of being suspended away from the floor—it can make an ordinary corner of a home feel special and nostalgic for the inhabitants.
In Bangladesh, the dolna has long been part of domestic life, particularly in balconies, courtyards, and semi-outdoor spaces. But today, the swing is moving indoors.
In contemporary apartments, a hanging swing can occupy the otherwise unused corner beside a window, become a reading nook in the living room, or replace a conventional accent chair. And unlike many decorative pieces, it offers both visual appeal and a functional place to sit.
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"Traditional couches, sofas, or chairs provide formal seating arrangements. They are static and heavy. On the other hand, a swing, even if it is made of solid wood and upholstered, gives a more informal setup with its movement. Also, if you think about it, every piece in our homes is static. So a swing gives an intentional break from that with its fluidity," said architect and interior designer Tasnim Kabir Turji.
In the Sanatan religion, the swing holds religious significance. Hindu mythology depicts the deities Krishna and Radha enjoying a swing, symbolising divine grace and the playful rhythm of life. During celebrations like Janmashtami (Krishna's birth) or Teej, miniature or decorated household swings hold sacred idols for special devotional purposes.
"In India, it is a traditional setup. But in Muslim households in Bangladesh, bringing the dolna or swing indoors is comparatively new. Now that outdoor open spaces have reduced in the cities and people prefer staying inside homes, busy with their devices, a swing creates the perfect indoor-outdoor corner for the inhabitants" she added.
There is also something nostalgic about a swing. No matter how old you are, you would want to sit on it to remember your childhood. "Bangladesh, like any South Asian country, has hot and humid weather. So when children play outside, swinging provides a cool breeze. This is the reason it is so nostalgic to us," she added.
Architectural Digest described contemporary swings as 'intentional spatial anchors' rather than decorative afterthoughts. Designers are using them to create family spill-out zones, reading areas, and moments of pause within a home.
Once associated with verandas, courtyards, and childhood afternoons, the humble swing is finding a new place inside contemporary homes. From cane hanging chairs to elaborate wooden jhulas, designers are turning this nostalgic piece into a statement of comfort, craftsmanship, and character.
From veranda to living room
While a classic wooden dolna may feature carved details, a broad seat, and heavy chains, contemporary versions come in a range of forms. There are compact single-seater cane swings, cocoon-like rattan chairs, macrame seating, minimalist wooden platforms, and even upholstered two- or three-seater ones.
For apartments, the hanging chair can be useful because it creates a defined seating area with fluidity.
A cane or rattan swing, for instance, introduces texture without the visual heaviness of a solid armchair. A wooden swing can add warmth to a minimalist interior, while a fabric-upholstered version can bring a softer, more luxurious character.
The choice depends on the room's architecture and the amount of space available.
Cane, wood or metal?
Material selection for an indoor swing should depend not only on aesthetics but also on the home's humidity, location, and maintenance requirements. "While cane and rattan create a lighter, more breathable look, seasoned wood offers durability and a stronger traditional character," said Turji.
Cane and rattan are among the most popular choices for indoor swings in Bangladesh. Their woven texture brings an organic quality to interiors and works with tropical and contemporary aesthetics. They are effective when paired with neutral upholstery, indoor plants, and natural wood.
Solid wood is the more substantial option. Wooden swings can range from simple to Scandinavian-inspired forms. They are ideal when the swing is intended to become the focal point of a room, but their weight means the supporting structure must be considered.
Metal offers a more contemporary interpretation. Powder-coated steel frames can create slim, minimalist silhouettes and can be paired with upholstered seats or woven shells.
There are also hybrid designs combining wooden frames, cane panels, fabric cushions, and metal suspension systems.
Also, treated metal can provide a contemporary alternative if you are planning on placing it beside the window, as it can withstand sunlight and rain without getting drenched.
How much does an indoor swing cost?
Prices in Bangladesh vary depending on the material, craftsmanship, size, and whether the swing is locally made or imported.
At the more affordable end, online marketplaces list small cane and rattan hanging chairs for around Tk3,750–Tk4,100, while larger adult-sized cane swings can cost around Tk6,800.
A locally available four-seater swing-table combination, for example, is listed at Tk26,500, while larger handcrafted wooden jhulas can occupy the premium segment. Isho listed one of their four-seater hybrid swings for Tk58,290. It is made of solid wood, cane, metal, and velvet fabric.
However, it is worth noting that custom-made swings can have a much wider price range, depending on the wood, cane work, upholstery, dimensions, and suspension system.
Macrame swings are also popular among middle-income households. "Our cotton macrame hanging swings are popular among women who run home decor pages. Although the white one is the most favourite, if there are children, they prefer taking the darker coloured ones as they are easier to maintain," said Nazmun Nahar Shanta, proprietor of Macrame World, an f-commerce platform.
The macrame swings are priced from Tk4,500 to Tk8,500, depending on the size. They also sell fibre-made cushions to pair with the swing, priced from Tk450 to Tk1,500.
The ceiling is the real starting point
Unlike an ordinary chair, a hanging swing cannot be placed wherever there is floor space.
The most important question is: what is above it?
"A swing attached directly to a ceiling needs a structurally appropriate fixing point. In an apartment building, this is important because a decorative false ceiling or gypsum board cannot be treated as a load-bearing surface," Turji said.
The suspension system must be anchored to a suitable structural element, and a qualified professional should determine the fixing method.
"This is also why it is easier to incorporate a swing when a home is being designed or renovated rather than trying to install one as an afterthought. This is another reason why standing swings are more popular than ceiling-attached ones," she added.
Give it breathing room
A swing needs more space than its physical dimensions suggest. Unlike a stationary chair, it moves. That means homeowners need to consider the swing's forward and backward clearance, as well as the space around it.
Avoid placing one directly beside a glass cabinet, a sharp-edged table, or a television unit. A generous clearance around the seat will make the swing more comfortable and reduce the risk of collisions.
A window corner is often ideal. Natural light can highlight the texture of cane or wood, while the view outside can turn the swing into a natural reading or relaxation spot.
The reading nook
One of the easiest ways to integrate an indoor swing is to give it a purpose. Place a floor lamp beside it, add a small side table, and keep a few books within reach. This way, the swing becomes a reading corner rather than a decorative object.
For a bedroom, a compact hanging chair can serve as a quiet corner for reading or getting ready. In a living room, a larger swing can become an alternative to conventional accent seating.
But resist the temptation to overload it with cushions. A few cushions and a throw are enough. Too many can make a compact swing look bulky.
