A friend emailed to say she was searching for a porch swing, which made us realize we hadn't covered this category before. It also made us realize that it's actually hard to find a good exemplar; here are five we like (plus a bonus DIY project).

Above: Loll Design's Go Porch Swing is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic reclaimed from used milk jugs. The swing hangs from black nylon cord with stainless steel fasteners; $850 from Design Within Reach.

Above: Wood Country Cabbage Hill Red Cedar Porch Swing (shown above with a whitewashed stain); $329 at the Porch Swing Company.

Above: The White Banks Bed is made in South Carolina; go to Bulls Bay for ordering information.

Above: The Louisiana Cypress Swing is $453.79 at Amazon.

Above: The Teak Porch Swing is made of solid teak with solid brass fittings; $618 at Sage Garden Style.

Above: A DIY Porch Swing via Ana White.