Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’ porch swing brings a 19th-century trend into the present – and proves why it's an outdoor staple in every season

Nothing radiates nostalgia quite like a porch swing. Though simple in their design, they're powerful in the emotions they provoke, not least because they're so associated with traditional family homes and, therefore, childhood memories. In my case, however, when I look at a porch swing, I think of all the celebrities who love this feature, the latest being Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos.

Though the couple famously resides on the Upper East Side, they have a winter home in Telluride, Colorado – the perfect setting for their traditional porch swing. Painted red, to complement their home's wooden tones, it has a warming, nostalgic feel that looks just as good in December as it does in mid-summer.

Simply put, their arrangement emphasizes the power of a rope swing, an essential when designing a cottage porch, whether you live in the country or not.

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Peter Mortin, garden expert at Crane Garden Buildings, agrees. 'There’s something timeless about a porch swing – it’s an evocative focal point that instantly slows the pace of life,' he says.

Since summer has passed, it may seem like a strange time to invest in new outdoor furniture, but as Kelly and Mark remind us (in their winter-scene postcard), the appeal of a rope swing isn't limited to one season. Additionally, the right swing will look just as beautiful in summer 2026 as it does this fall, so that you can invest with confidence.

'From balmy summer evenings spent with a cool drink to crisp fall mornings wrapped in a blanket, a swing offers a sense of rhythm and retreat that feels both nostalgic and grounding. Its charm lies in the way it bridges indoors and outdoors, giving you a gentle vantage point to enjoy your home and garden in every season,' Peter adds.

'That blend of comfort, movement and tradition is why porch swings never lose their appeal.'

To continue following Mark and Kelly's example, keep the rest of your porch minimalist, ensuring there's lots of uninterrupted room to enjoy your swing without breaking anything. When a piece is this quaint and nostalgic, you don't need any other accessories to distract, after all.