Summer is the time for family, friends, and lounging in the sunshine. What better way to do that than with Tete-A-Tete chairs and swings? Our Tete-a-Tete chairs are perfect for two to share an intimate conversation, and our swings make for a gentle, swaying experience.Indulge further and grab a cupholder to cradle your drinks, a gorgeous patio umbrella for some shade, and an ottoman to pamper those legs, too!
A: A Tête-à -Tête (French for "head-to-head") Swing is a specialized two-person seating unit where the occupants face each other, typically separated by a small, integrated center table.
It differs from a standard loveseat swing in its configuration and function:
Intimate Conversation: The design promotes face-to-face conversation, making it ideal for couples, reading together, or sharing a drink.
Fixed Center Console: The integrated center table (often fixed, though sometimes removable) serves as a functional spot for drinks, snacks, or books, adding convenience and a clear separation between the seats.
Individual Seating: Although it swings as a single unit, the two seats are often slightly separated and may recline or adjust independently, offering a personalized experience.
A: Tête-à -Tête Swings are overwhelmingly sold as self-contained units with a dedicated stand or frame, as they require precise suspension to ensure balanced motion and keep the center table level.
Frame Design: The frames are often more complex than a standard A-frame, sometimes featuring a round or hexagonal top bar to support the two separate seats and the center table structure. It ensures the unit swings as a stable whole.
Structural Note: Because the weight is distributed between two distinct seats rather than a single bench, the frame must be engineered to handle the combined load and the potentially uneven weight distribution if one person is much heavier than the other.
A: The compact design makes the Tête-à -Tête easier to place than a long bench swing, but the swinging arc still requires space.
Footprint: They are typically shorter in length (around 5-6 feet) but slightly deeper due to the seating arrangement. The stand usually requires a footprint of approximately 6-7 feet wide and 5-6 feet deep.
Placement: They are perfect for small patios, balconies, or cozy garden corners where a large bench swing or swing bed would overwhelm the space. They make excellent focal points near pools or fire pits.
Clearance: As with all swings, allow at least 3-4 feet of swinging clearance in front and behind the stand to ensure safe, unrestricted motion.
A: Since the center table is critical for function, the material must be stable and easy to clean.
Poly Lumber: Highly recommended. Poly offers the strength and stability for the frame and table, and the table's non-porous surface makes it easy to wipe down spills.
Powder-Coated Metal: Also very popular. Metal provides the necessary strength for the separate seats and offers a sleek, modern look. The center table often features a metal slat or mesh drainage system.
Design Note: Look for designs where the center table is fixed and robust, not an afterthought. It ensures stability and longevity, making it truly functional for holding beverages.