In many older homes and apartments in India, especially in Mumbai, you’ll often see two hooks on the ceilings where an Indian swing, known as the jhoola, once hung. Jhoolas are symbolic of carefree childhood and the days when we never had to worry about so many things. Jhoolas, or Indian swings, are an important part of Indian culture. They can be used in virtually any part of the house you want.
Are you thinking of integrating the traditional Indian swing into your urban home? It most certainly is possible and there are several ways to get it done. Adding a jhoola is guaranteed to make any space relaxing. You can sit on one to relax, and simply forget about all the stress and chaos of the day.
Below are some ways you can integrate a modern jhoola or Indian swing into your home.
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1. As Seating for the Living Room
Don’t miss out on the chance to make a statement with your jhoola in the living room—it can be the main point in your living room. Find a good spot to place it in (it’s better if it’s part of your usual seating setup), install it from the ceiling, and you’re done! Make sure its upholstery matches or at least complements that of the other seats in your living room.
Pro tip: if your living space is designed in a modern tone and you don’t want to deviate from that, get yourself a contemporary swing. Use SS strings to hang it and make sure you use comfortable cushions for it. If you live in a small apartment, you can hang it in between the living and dining rooms and create a semi-formal division in the process.
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2. As Seating in The Courtyards
If your home has a courtyard, what better way to give the space a fresh makeover than by adding an Indian swing! Adding a swing to an indoor courtyard will take you back to the days when people used to hang out in their backyards and gardens. There is just something about being in the garden, under natural light, and the gentle swing of the jhoola that feels relaxing.
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3. Use it as a Traditional Decorative Showpiece
Adding an ornamental Indian swing to your space can make it look classy and glamorous. You can also position the swing in a way that it becomes the focal point of the room. Don’t forget to decorate the space with pottery and art pieces. Try to avoid making the space too cluttered or noisy. Instead, keep your décor light and remember that the Indian swing can take up significant space in the room.
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4. As a Hanging Bed
When you thought Indian swings are only for seating, well you thought wrong. You can actually transform your double or single bed into an Indian swing! Before you entertain this idea, be sure to check with an expert or an engineer to see if the idea if feasible. The engineer will also check if the ceiling is strong enough to carry the weight of the bed and its occupants.
If you’re wary about the safety of a suspended bed, then perhaps consider having the bed fixed permanently on one side of the wall and partially suspended on the other. This will give it an appearance of a swing but not really.
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5. As a Daybed in The Garden or in an Open Space
If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want experiment with placing a swinging daybed in the garden, gazebo or terrace. You are guaranteed a steady supply of breeze from these open spaces making it the perfect setting for entertaining guests during siesta or cocktail hours.
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6. For Children
Children are the ones that will obviously enjoy Indian swings. Imagine how much they’ll have during playtime on these swings! You don’t have anything to worry about so long as you make sure that the swing is installed and positioned properly. With children’s imaginations, the entire house can be transformed as a playground with the jhoola acting as their castle, floating island and more! You can even customize a children’s Indian swing in their playroom.
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7. In the Balcony
The balcony is one of the first and most obvious places people would normally install an Indian swing in. Balconies offer rest, relaxation, and a wonderful view—away from the cramped, busy space indoors. It’s the perfect place to install an Indian swing! Choose a swing that’s the right size for your balcony.
Additional Tip:
You can get creative with the kind of swings you have in your home. Most jhoolas are made from wood, but you can think out of the box and have one designed from old, recycled tyres! It will look unique and make a statement!
Design options for your Modern Indian Swing
Modern adaptations to the Indian swings have made them more versatile than ever. Below are some modern design ideas you can incorporate to your Indian swing.
- Adapt for indoor and outdoor use –you can install an Indian swing at home to give off that cozy aesthetic indoors. You can also install it outside, and have it function like a traditional swing.
- Install interchangeable seatbacks –modern jhoolas have seatbacks that are interchangeable and easily adjustable, which gives you the freedom to change the style of the swing depending on your mood. You can enjoy the swing all by yourself while sipping coffee in the morning, or you can enjoy it with two more friends in the afternoon while having tea.
- Assorted Finishing Options –if you’re getting a wooden jhoola, you can choose from different finishes such as natural cypress, dark walnut, or other type of wood finishes that suit your style. If you want something that is durable and lasts for years, go for walnut and cypress woods.
How Much Does an Indian Swing Normally Cost?
Because of the quality of their wood finish and their durability, Indian swings can get pretty expensive. But you can get a modern alternative to the traditional jhoola for under $2,000. When buying an Indian swing, check if it comes with a Lifetime Warranty and money-back guarantee for at least 60 days.
