Have a Rockin' Summer With a Hammock
Nothing says summer like a hammock — and it's easier to have one in your yard, or even an indoor room, than you may think
On a recent trip to Mexico, I had two things on my must-buy list: an authentic mortar and pestle and a serious hammock. Classic hammocks are a staple in Mexico — you'll see them everywhere, in places from the simplest shack to the most luxurious mansion. After seeing the multitude of styles, shapes and hangings, I was determined to snag one of my very own.
After purchasing my hammock, I was thrilled, but suddenly had a multitude of questions. Where should I hang it? Does it fit with my decor? Is there even room on the porch for it? Of course, once I got the hammock home, we found the perfect spot and now it is a favorite hang-out space for the entire family. For less than $20, we now have an outdoor bed.
If you're considering a hammock for summer, maybe you're worried about fitting it into your space or your style. No need — here I address the objections you might have to a hammock swinging from the eaves. Won't you join me?
After purchasing my hammock, I was thrilled, but suddenly had a multitude of questions. Where should I hang it? Does it fit with my decor? Is there even room on the porch for it? Of course, once I got the hammock home, we found the perfect spot and now it is a favorite hang-out space for the entire family. For less than $20, we now have an outdoor bed.
If you're considering a hammock for summer, maybe you're worried about fitting it into your space or your style. No need — here I address the objections you might have to a hammock swinging from the eaves. Won't you join me?
Blessed with a seaside view and palm trees? You have the ideal location for a traditional hammock.
In the cities of Mexico, we saw hammocks strung from post to post in inner courtyards like this one. The curve of the hammock mirrors the arched openings perfectly, and the courtyard breezes blow through these passageways all day long. Design and function meet to create the perfect spot for a hammock.
When a traditional hammock is not in use, it can be hung on one post tucked out of the way or simply allowed to hang freely. The cotton weave collapses and stretches easily to save space.
Objection: A hammock doesn't work with my pretty decor.
Reality: Want a place to relax, but don't want to give up your intricate laces and frilly decor? No worries — this beautifully designed hammock has the best of both worlds for you.
Give a nod to the floral designs on the pillow prints by attaching the hammock to a vine-covered post. Clematis is a great choice, with a wide range of pinks, purples and whites to choose from and a graceful twining habit. Other vines might take over your hammock, but clematis will grow peacefully and stay in its place.
Reality: Want a place to relax, but don't want to give up your intricate laces and frilly decor? No worries — this beautifully designed hammock has the best of both worlds for you.
Give a nod to the floral designs on the pillow prints by attaching the hammock to a vine-covered post. Clematis is a great choice, with a wide range of pinks, purples and whites to choose from and a graceful twining habit. Other vines might take over your hammock, but clematis will grow peacefully and stay in its place.
Can't make it to the beach this summer? No worries. Section out a piece of your lawn for your own private beach and hang a swinging hammock from a faux palm tree. This setup is perfect for parents who need a little relaxation while the kids play in the extended sandbox.
Objection: I hate lying down while reading or chatting.
Reality: Dual-seat hammocks and cradle hammocks are available. Face the hammocks in opposite directions to talk freely with the person sitting next to you without craning your neck.
Reality: Dual-seat hammocks and cradle hammocks are available. Face the hammocks in opposite directions to talk freely with the person sitting next to you without craning your neck.
Objection: I don't have any trees.
Reality: Freestanding hammocks work just as well. Make sure to plan for shade with an awning or a roof edge to keep from baking in the summer sun.
Reality: Freestanding hammocks work just as well. Make sure to plan for shade with an awning or a roof edge to keep from baking in the summer sun.
Objection: I don't have outdoor space.
Reality: A seat hammock is the perfect addition to a kid's room in place of a traditional rocker. Make sure you attach the hammock to a secure joist.
Reality: A seat hammock is the perfect addition to a kid's room in place of a traditional rocker. Make sure you attach the hammock to a secure joist.
Seat hammocks come in all shapes and sizes; this smaller version fits nicely in a corner. Inserting a hammock into a space can bring a beach theme to life organically, without your resorting to stick-on surfboard decals.
Perhaps you have a large space where your kids love to hang out. Maybe you have just refinished your attic and have been searching for the perfect couch. Consider a large-scale bed hammock instead for cuddling and snoozing.
Objection: Hammocks cost too much.
Reality: It's true, hammocks can be expensive. But not all of them. I snagged mine at a Mexican market for a song, but you can also find inexpensive versions online. Try a two-person hammock for $25 or a cradle hammock for around $30. Stick with a cotton weave and you won't be disappointed.
Reality: It's true, hammocks can be expensive. But not all of them. I snagged mine at a Mexican market for a song, but you can also find inexpensive versions online. Try a two-person hammock for $25 or a cradle hammock for around $30. Stick with a cotton weave and you won't be disappointed.
Whether you want to relax with a book poolside, cuddle with your newborn in the nursery or make your attic into the kids' playhouse, hammocks are the answer. Get one today and spend the summer swinging in the breeze.
Reality: Hammocks are simple in design and require only two things to work properly: strong supports 10 to 20 feet apart. To approximate the space you will need, measure the hammock and add 1 or 2 feet for the total length between posts.
The traditional hammock is hung between two trees or from posts in a courtyard, but you can use any support you might have. In this example, a strong tree and a hook attached to the home are used. Notice that the length of this hammock creates the appropriate sag in the middle.