Here is how you can bring a sense of playfulness to your interiors, and a sense of calm to your day

Jhulas are a symbol of our carefree childhood, and they also remind us of festivals like Teej or scenes from Hindi movies where peacocks dance and carefree girls giggle as they swing back and forth to mark the beginning of the rainy season. They hold a greater significance in our culture than we actually give them credit – jhulas are and can be used practically in any part of the house.

How about integrating this wonderful traditional element into your urban home? By its nature, it is guaranteed to bring you relaxation and a sense of calm in days filled with chaos and stress. Here are some ways in which you can integrate the new age jhula into your space.

As living room seating

Don’t think twice about making a style statement with a nice, big jhula in the living room. Find a good position (ideally, it should be a part of your formal seating setup), install it from the ceiling and make sure the upholstery complements, if not matches the other sofas.

If you don’t wish to deviate from the modern tone of your space, consider a contemporary swing. Hang it with SS strings and make sure the cushioning is comfortable. If you have a small apartment, you could suspend it in between the living and the dining area so as to create a semi formal demarcation.

In the courtyards

If you are lucky to have a courtyard in your home, refresh the space by adding a jhula just how traditional homes still do so. The swing in an internal courtyard is a modern response to the forgotten pastime and history of enjoying these in our gardens and backyards. There is something so great about natural light and the gentle to and fro of the swing. Don’t forget to complement it with some plants or other accessories.

Use it as a traditional showpiece

Incorporating an ornamental jhula into your space can add a good touch of artistry and glamour. You can create a special niche and make the swing a focal point. Accessorise the area with pottery and handicrafts. Make sure that you keep the surrounding decor light and mindful of the presence of this monolith.

A hanging bed

What could be more relaxing than converting your double or a single bed into a swing? Be careful and consult with your engineer first to check whether the ceiling can take the weight. You can also consider fixing the bed permanently on one side of the wall and partially suspending it on the other and give the illusion of it being a swing.

Daybed in garden or open area

A terrace, a gazebo or a garden space is a great place to experiment with a swinging daybed. The natural breeze will ensure a slow movement of the jhula in the home garden during siesta hours, or a jhula for the terrace is the perfect, cozy setting for entertaining guests at the cocktail hour.

Think out of the box

A simple swing made from a tyre could be real fun and will be a key attraction not only for kids but also for adults. And what a style statement it will make!

The balcony is one of the most obvious places for installing a swing. Usually, these spaces offer a picturesque view and a sense of leisure, away from the bustle of the indoors – perfectly suited to bring in a swing. There are so many options to choose from, choose the one suited best for the size of your balcony.