Hiding Metal Swing Chains

Welcome to the 5th Metamorphosis Monday!

Of all the transformations I’ve ever made in my home, the one I’m about to share may be the easiest and least expensive for the largest impact or improvement. While my screened-in porch was under construction, I searched high and low online and locally for a white, outdoor wicker, swing. I finally found one I loved online at Wicker Paradise.   When it arrived, it was exactly what I had anticipated and I loved how it looked once it was hung…well, all accept for the ugly chains and the scary GIANT HOOKS! Did you hear JAWS music playing just then?


Yep, their ugly aren’t they?! Well, they were not exactly fitting in with my vision for the porch. So what to do?

I came up with an idea.  While shopping at Hobby Lobby, I found these nifty sleeves designed to cover electrical cords, like a cord you might have running along a wall to a lamp or down the chain from the ceiling to a chandelier.

My contractor helped me remove the GIANT HOOKS and  I bought additional chain at Home Depot to extend the length for the high porch ceiling.

The covers stay up nicely and hide all the mechanical “stuff” where the swing attaches to the ceiling.

A little closer view…click on pic to enlarge…

And another…

The covers/sleeves have zillions of tiny snaps running the entire length…so you just put them around whatever you want to cover and snap away. I used four sleeves, one for each of the long parts of the chain and then one for the small sections, cutting it in half…so each half went over each small section. I used fabric glue (also purchased at Hobby Lobby) to “hem” the raw edges where I cut the sleeves in half. You can see a better photo of the covers for the swings in THIS post.

Don’t you love it when you make a little change that has a big impact, for not a lot of expense and effort!


Don’t forget to check out all the awesome Met Monday posts! Happy Met Monday!

 

I can’t wait to see all the great “Before and Afters” posted for this Met Monday!

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Comments

  1. Susan, that is such a clever idea, and what a huge impact it makes. I have often seen beautiful porch swings and always hated those big chains. Yours look so pretty with the sleeves. Thanks for the tip. Hugs, Marty

  2. Oh that is such a nice change from those exposed chains and hooks to the softness of the covers! I really like it…

  3. Penny @ The Comforts of Home/Lavender Hill Studio says

    do do do do do do do do…that is the jaws music 🙂

    I LOVE the transformation! That is really a great idea.
    Hugs,
    Penny

  4. Happy To Be says

    Great idea Susan..how pretty your swing looks..great post…now girl I just signed up for this Met Monday hope I did it right this time…last time I was all alone for the day…I guess I did it wrong..or Mr. Linky don’t like redheads…have a great day…hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

  5. What a great solution! I think I heard the music too, so glad you got rid of the giant claws. 😉
    It’s so wonderful how such a small change really prettied up the entire swing. Now it makes even more of a statement in the room.
    ~Michelle

  6. prof en retraite says

    Susan…You know I love your porch!It is your attention to detail, though, that makes everything you do work so well and look so fabulous!!! Have a good week…Debbie

  7. Brilliant! Just Brilliant!

  8. GENIOUS!! Susan, that makes all the difference. What a wonderful way to hide all the “stuff”!

  9. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! JUST BEAUTIFUL!

  10. That is a great idea!! Sometimes the simplest things make the biggest difference 🙂

    Kelly @ DesignTies

  11. Well, your porch is stunningly gorgeous, Susan, and your fix for the chains on the swing is so clever!
    xo…Kathy

  12. Susan;

    Is your porch screened in? It is soooo gorgeous!

  13. That’s really pretty neat! Looks 100% better, Susan!….Christine

  14. Cottage Rose says

    Hello Susan; I just love fabric sleeves, they are the best, and they look just so fresh and pretty on your lovely wicker swing.

    Hugs;
    Alaura

  15. Susan, I love your swing. Always wanted one of these!

  16. It’s hard to believe seeing the “before” what an impact the sleeves had! This was a totally brilliant idea! And I love how it softens the look of the porch even more! Beautiful transformation! 🙂 L~

  17. Hi Susan! I love this look! Everything about your porch I love! I can’t believe it’s just screened in and not glass! It’s gorgeous!
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  18. Great idea! One day I hope to have a screened in porch!

  19. LaurenFaythe says

    So much nicer! It does make a huge difference! Thanks for hosting Met Monday. My first!

  20. Raggedy Girl says

    Really great idea. Very pretty.

    Roberta Anne

  21. French Cupboard says

    Now that’s a great idea! I love that and I never would’ve thought to cover the chains like that. Blessings… POlly

  22. Those were some seriously nasty looking hooks. So glad you found a solution!

  23. I just love to look at your porch!! Small details like covering that chain add up to one fantastic space. 🙂

  24. Susan,that was clever,it’s perfect.Your porch is so beautiful,I would live out there all summer.I have signed up for met monday,I hope I did it right.Thanks for hosting this event,another brilliant idea that you had!
    Cyndi

  25. You're so right! The covers make an enormous impact & such a clever idea! ♥ Diane

  26. Lady Katherine says

    I love the swing with the beautiful covering, what a difference it makes! I love the pillows on the swing too! I will have my grands again, so not sure how much time, I will have to vist. I have not got caught up from the last several weeks they have been here. I am promised a sitter for them soon. lol I love them so much, but 10 hours a day with four children under five years old is just a little too much for me now. I am going to miss them. Is the fabric outdoor fabric on the pillows? I also wanted to know if you used outdoor paint on your hutch for the screen porch. Hubby promises a screen porch, sometimes this year. My brick home had a screen in porch across the back and when it rained the wind blew in the rain. So I am wondering about mildew. Your porch is large you probably do not have that problem.

  27. Really Rainey says

    Thanks again for hosting “Met Monday” Susan… 🙂
    I’m so glad you told us about those swing chain covers and what they are… I thought you made them and sewed those long tubes and strung them on the chains! I thought”oh my goodness, that had to have taken a long time!”. LOL

    M friend has a swing like that and I am going to go to Hobby Lobby and get some of those for her!

    *Rainey

  28. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    I remember when I first learned that you did this, and I just thought it was brilliant. I still think it is brilliant, and so pretty. I am glad to see a closeup of it. Oh, I can barely even think of “Jaws” without shivering! I almost wouldn’t take a bath after I saw that movie. Never would watch a follow up of it! YIKES! laurie

  29. That is such a great solution. I always hated those chains. They hurt your hands, too. Everything you do turns out beautiful.

  30. You know Susan I noticed that on your porch pictures a while back. I thought they were those nice vacuum covers that people have when they get a built in vac.
    Now, I put pearls on my chain in the kitchen and living room. Don’t think I would have enough pearls to do your beautiful porch swing LOL
    Thanks for hosting.
    Love Claudie
    xoxo

  31. Have you ever seen a beautiful woman in a lovely gown or outfit that you yearned for and yet you knew if you did have it you could never look like that? Well..that is how I feel about your home. I come..and look..and yearn and enjoy every second of my visit..but I know I could never pull such a thing off. What a lovely place to live. I am happy for you but can’t help wishing it were mine just like that gorgeous gown. 🙂 Thank you for being such an inspiration! You have a wonderful talent.
    Rather wistfully… 🙂
    Mona

  32. kiakai / Kelly says

    You know I’ve always loved your porch since the RMS days. You are the inspiration for my “one day” porch. I saved all of the pictures of the sheers, a long time ago, so I’ll have them when it’s time. Thanks so much.
    Kelly

  33. Fifi Flowers says

    What a LOVELY porch and what a great fix!
    ENJOY your day!
    Fifi

  34. Your porch is just magical, I can just picture having a glass of sweet tea there in the afternoon. But, how do you keep it so clean. It is pollen season here, I can’t imagine a white porch now 🙂

    Hugs,
    Chris

  35. What a clever idea! It’s amazing that something that small can make such a huge impact. Just perfect. Kathy

  36. Gypsy aka Tam says

    Susan,
    what a wonderful idea! I just love your porch and dream of someday being able to create a similar space. You are so very inspiring my friend.
    Have a wonderful Monday,
    Tam

  37. What a great idea. The covers add their own whimsy to the porch even if you didn’t need them just to cover the unsightly chains. The “frilliness” just works perfectly with the entire look of your porch.

  38. Hello! I’m new to this site and I immediately fell in love with all of your tablescapes!

    I started one, too, and I’d love for you to come by and tell me what you think! 😀

    Great blog!

    Carolyn of What Now Tablescapes
    http://whatnowtablescapes.blogspot.com

  39. Hi Susan…I had noticed the sleeves over the chains in previous pictures & thought you must have sewed them…and never dreamed you could buy such a thing.
    Talk about BIG IMPACT…wow!
    😉 Bo

  40. Wow Susan… I always love your porch pictures… It is so elegant and welcoming… I will keep this little idea in my memory bank so when I get another home I will hopefully have a porch swing to do this to… Love it Thanks so much for all your hard work and sharing…

    HUGS,
    Donna

  41. Kimm at Reinvented says

    It’s amazing the difference a detail like that makes. Your porch is beautiful. If only I had a porch like that, I could “borrow” some of your ideas! Fabulous job.

  42. Love your pretty, sunny porch… especially since it’s still very much winter around here! As a result, my metamorphosis is smaller this week. I took my ratty dishtowels inthe kitchen and stitched up new ones, very Anthropologie style.

    Blessings ~ Eileen @ Star’s Fault

  43. What a terrific solution. I must say that the thing I miss most about my old house is the porch swing. I have sooo many great memories on that swing. Your porch is most lovely.

  44. Susan, you knoew I just love your porch and dream of one day having a screened in porch that I can decorate so beautifully and lovingly as yours. It is SOOOO beautiful and the chain covers are wonderful! Thanks for the post! Hugs, Pinky

  45. Miss Janice says

    Yes Miss Susan…don’t think I didn’t notice those darling covers when I saw this swing for the first time. They make such a difference…wow, those hooks were hideous looking! Everytime I see photos of your porch, I’m so jealous…it’s just stunning!

  46. Pat@Back Porch Musings says

    Great inspiration, Susan. I will have to look around Hobby Lobby, for these. I’d love to have a swing on the deck here at the lake.

  47. Susan, You always cover every little detail with such beauty. most would have not even noticed but seeing the difference it makes will make all of us more conscience of details.Always inspiring always lovely.Thank you for your gracious comment on my pantry.I like the fact that it is clean and organized but would love to have the finishing touches of the natural baskets and woodend stack drawers,my someday file.Love ya,kathysue

  48. You know that was one of the first things I noticed and fell in love with…Ann

  49. I love the little things that transform a room. That really made a huge difference. It’s so pretty.

  50. xashee's corner says

    absolutely WONDERFUL! Thank you for sharing the info on those sleeves! your home is LOVELY too! 🙂
    Have a BEAUTIFUL day!

  51. Nice job, but I really love that rabbit! :O)

  52. Hi Susan…Happy Met Monday!!!

    Girl, the idea to cover those porch swing chains was genius!!! I love the pretty sleeves…so soft and romantic!!! Just perfect with your fabulous porch!!!

    Thank you once again for hosting “Metamorphosis Monday”…I posted the “Continuing Saga of my Frenchy Studio/Office…it is metamorphising…is that a word? hehe!!!

    Have a marvelous Met Monday, my friend!
    Love ya,
    Chari

  53. Susan, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and your gracious comments regarding my Summer LR redo. I so appreciate the visit and I always look forward to all your posts. Thanks again, Hugs, Marty

  54. Tamara Jansen says

    It’s so much fun to see change and enjoy seeing where you’ve come from! Thanks for the fun. What a wonderful way to count your blessings 🙂

  55. I have always wanted a front porch just like yours! Funny thing is as we would buy a new house, the porches are getting smaller and smaller. Matter of fact, I don’t have one at all on this house. I guess I can dream through you! I love the sleeves and would have never come up with such a fab idea myself. Great job!

  56. Tricia Anne says

    Your porch is just enchanting! When I visit your blog I always look at the pictures along the side! :o)
    What a clever idea to cover the chain. It adds a real softness.
    Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne
    Ps. I am hosting a give away today, my very first one. :o) Please drop by.

  57. Wow, those chain covers are a superb solution…I’ve only seem them used on chandiliers before.

  58. OMG! Your blog, your home, your porch! Everything is gorgeous! I’ve heard about you from just about every other blog I’ve visited since I’ve been blogging (not long!!) and now I know why. I am sitting here wondering what my life was like before blogging!! I am loving it! I want to join all of your fun groups, but I will need hubby’s help with the technical stuff. Can’t wait.
    Thanks!
    Kim

  59. That is such a good idea and classes up the hardware so well.
    I am sure there are other uses for those cord covers too.
    Great job Susan, I sure love your porch!
    Linda Q

  60. ~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ says

    How Pretty! I just want to curl up in that spot of sunshine, like a cat, and take a nap. How appropriate.
    Great fix.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

  61. Melissa Miller says

    Very clever. I love it! 🙂

  62. Linda/ "Mom..."/"MOAGS" says

    SS~ Have missed you! (We have a houseguest, so I haven't really "been around" much!)~ Going to go catch up around here now! Biggest smiles & warm hugs, XOXO Linda

  63. Hi Susan…I realy love your porch. If I had one I would live on it, forget the rest of the house. The swing looks great…

  64. Wow, what a simple yet brilliant makeover!

    And what a difference that change makes in the look of the swing. Really nice!

    Cass

  65. It must be the “power of suggestion”, because I hear the theme from Jaws running in my head also.

    Sorry to be so late (day late and a dollar short, as usual lately) coming by to see the before and after with the porch swing chains. Have enjoyed the after view many times, but don’t remember seeing the before until now. You did a splendid job of getting rid of a jarring eyesore.

  66. Your changes are just perfect! I dream of having big open spaces like this in our next home! You did a fabulous job!!!

    Where did you get the bunny? He/she is very cute! 🙂

    Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment, I appreciate it! 🙂

  67. No doubt the sleaves were a great find… but all I can stare at when I see pics of your covered porch is… well… your beautiful porch!! I’m in love with this space!
    Victoria @ DesignTies

  68. Lady Katherine says

    That was so funny! Thanks for the laugh! I just got it out of the bedroom. Hubby was so happy, not its not near an outlet. Hubby still wiring the house. But I am going to, I even considered buying a new one like sis, well she bought one after I said I was thinking of it. Might be a little way to bring income, without going back to work. She wants to quit the Doc office she works at. Maybe she will tire of it and I get it. lol

  69. Country Reflections says

    Love the idea for the chain sleeves! Really looks nice and now I am planning on covering the chains on my porch swing! Thanks for the tip. Great site!

  70. Kathleen Ellis says

    Such a clever idea that makes a huge difference…this is what I like to call “Easy Elegance”!
    Thanks for sharing more beautiful pics of your porch!
    ;-D

  71. ~CC Catherine says

    Susan, I was wondering whether you’d made that yourself out of white material the first time I seen this or whether it was bought. Super Meta share, even though I’m near a week catching up on my reading! 😉 ~CC Catherine (PS., you may want to check out my one post on 2/20..I was in Leesburg, VA and found some really super antique stores with Kathleen Ellis and shared some pics from them of lamps and chairs that are phenomenal! 😉

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