Pick the Right Hammock for Summer Lounging
What’s your hammock style? Here are some options to help you furnish your ideal outdoor nap zone
Laura Gaskill
August 2, 2020
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
The mere sight of a hammock gently swaying in the breeze spells instant relaxation. If you’ve been eyeing photos of hammocks on Houzz but aren’t quite sure which one is right for you, read on to get the lowdown on the main types of hammocks, where to hang them and how to get the most out of your hammock chill time.
Types of Hammocks
Rope hammock with spreader bars. This classic style is easy to get into (and out of) and, thanks to the spreader bars that keep the hammock open, larger models can seat two. If you want a classic hammock look and have ample room to set this type up, it could be just the hammock for you.
Rope hammock with spreader bars. This classic style is easy to get into (and out of) and, thanks to the spreader bars that keep the hammock open, larger models can seat two. If you want a classic hammock look and have ample room to set this type up, it could be just the hammock for you.
Fabric hammock with spreader bars. Similar to the previous hammock but made from a solid piece of fabric, this style can be easier for children to use, as they won’t get little hands and feet tangled in the rope. If you’re planning to leave your fabric hammock exposed to the elements, look for one made from a weather-resistant material to help it last longer — and do try to take it down before rainstorms so water doesn’t pool in it.
Gathered-end hammock. Mayan-, Brazilian- and Nicaraguan-style hammocks all feature gathered ends, which make for a deeper, more secure seat.
Mayan-style hammocks are woven from string for a springy, contouring feel. Nicaraguan- and Brazilian-style hammocks (like the one shown here) may have a woven or fabric body and are sometimes embellished with macramé and fringe.
The gathered style takes up less space than spreader-bar hammocks and can easily be taken down when not in use.
Mayan-style hammocks are woven from string for a springy, contouring feel. Nicaraguan- and Brazilian-style hammocks (like the one shown here) may have a woven or fabric body and are sometimes embellished with macramé and fringe.
The gathered style takes up less space than spreader-bar hammocks and can easily be taken down when not in use.
Hammock chair. For those who prefer sitting up to read or chat, a hammock chair is a comfy option. Hang it from a sturdy beam or tree, or look for one with a stand that you can put anywhere.
Find a hammock chair on Houzz
Find a hammock chair on Houzz
Where to Hang Your Hammock
Between two trees. A hammock swaying between two trees is an icon of relaxation, and with good reason: The trees make for easy setup and offer built-in shade to boot. If you have a pair of sturdy trees about 12 feet apart and at least 12 inches in diameter, you’re in business.
Between two trees. A hammock swaying between two trees is an icon of relaxation, and with good reason: The trees make for easy setup and offer built-in shade to boot. If you have a pair of sturdy trees about 12 feet apart and at least 12 inches in diameter, you’re in business.
Hammock stand. No trees in sight? No problem. Opt for a hammock with a stand and you can plunk it down anywhere you have some space. Hammock stands are sturdy and comfortable, but the frame does require significant storage space, so keep that in mind before you shop.
On the porch. Hanging your hammock on the porch offers shade and convenience: Just walk out the door and plop yourself down.
To set up a hammock on the porch, you’ll need two walls or pillars to anchor the ends. If your porch is small, consider going with a gathered-end hammock instead of a spreader-bar style — the former can hang lower to the ground, which means the anchor points can be a bit closer together than with spreader-bar hammocks.
To set up a hammock on the porch, you’ll need two walls or pillars to anchor the ends. If your porch is small, consider going with a gathered-end hammock instead of a spreader-bar style — the former can hang lower to the ground, which means the anchor points can be a bit closer together than with spreader-bar hammocks.
Under a pergola. Wish you could create your own backyard getaway? A pergola designed to hold a gently swaying hammock could be just the thing. Leave it bare or train climbing plants to cover it for a lush look.
When built from scratch, a pergola is significantly more expensive than a hammock stand — but if you’re lucky enough to have an existing pergola, hanging a hammock from it can be a low-budget transformation.
When built from scratch, a pergola is significantly more expensive than a hammock stand — but if you’re lucky enough to have an existing pergola, hanging a hammock from it can be a low-budget transformation.
Screened-in porch. If bugs are making your would-be outdoor nap an exercise in torture, you might want to put your hammock in a bug-free location. A screened-in porch, where you can still enjoy the fresh air and breeze but without the bugs, is ideal.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitos Indoors and Out
How to Get Rid of Mosquitos Indoors and Out
Extras and Considerations
Test before you buy. If you can, visit a shop that lets you test out different hammock styles before you make a purchase. Alternatively, see if any of your friends, family or neighbors have hammocks and make a point of hopping in the next time you visit. The main thing to figure out is whether you prefer a spreader-bar or gathered-end hammock.
Test before you buy. If you can, visit a shop that lets you test out different hammock styles before you make a purchase. Alternatively, see if any of your friends, family or neighbors have hammocks and make a point of hopping in the next time you visit. The main thing to figure out is whether you prefer a spreader-bar or gathered-end hammock.
Consider shade. Reading or napping in your hammock won’t be nearly as appealing if it’s baking in full sun.
Pay attention to your yard throughout the day to find a spot that gets ample shade. Beneath a tree, near a fence, at the side of the house or on a porch all offer some relief from the heat and UV rays.
Pay attention to your yard throughout the day to find a spot that gets ample shade. Beneath a tree, near a fence, at the side of the house or on a porch all offer some relief from the heat and UV rays.
Add night lighting. If you enjoy relaxing in your hammock as the sun dips below the horizon, it’s worth investing in a few strands of string lights to boost the evening ambiance. (Be sure your lights don’t intrude on your neighbors’ enjoyment of the dark, and turn them off when you go inside.) A few solar garden lights on stakes in the surrounding beds or hurricane lanterns on the ground can also provide a soothing glow.
Tell us: Do you have a hammock? Share a photo in the Comments.
More on Houzz
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Tell us: Do you have a hammock? Share a photo in the Comments.
More on Houzz
15 Ways to Get Your Home in a Summer Mood
Browse stories about landscape design
Find a landscape contractor
Shop for a hammock
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What's better than a hammock in a gazebo? Two hammocks!
We live in eastern Ontario and find that having a roof over them allows us to leave them out from spring till fall with no issues (other than bugs)!
Can you please add painting?
We love designing for the ENU hammocks on hammock poles. Super flexible and easy to put up and take down to store for the winter months. https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/ballard-backyard-traditional-seattle-phvw-vp~43979354 but we've also done freestanding poles for hammocks with spreader bars, https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/forbes-backyard-and-water-feature-contemporary-seattle-phvw-vp~83781948 It's a great option for easy, fairly inexpensive relaxation in an outdoor landscape environment. Position the bird feeder/water feature so you can 'observe' when you're outside relaxing.