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The Best and Most Comfortable Hammocks for Your Backyard (or Indoors)
You’ve worked so hard on your garden. You deserve to enjoy its beauty in the most comfortable way. A garden hammock is the perfect place to relax with a book or just soak in all the calming vibes from a clear sky, a refreshing breeze, and growing things.
My two top picks are the Colel for outdoor use and the Chihee for indoors, but there’s lots more that might fit your garden’s aesthetic. Swing into Spring with our list of the best garden hammocks.
Important Note: I’ve indicated the max carrying capacity of each hammock. When choosing your hammock, it’s best to consider that the ideal carrying weight of each hammock is slightly below what is advertised.
Most Comfortable: Colel Double Cotton Canvas Hammock
Hammock Display Size: 98” L x 59” W
Bed Size: 73” L x 59” W
This amazingly comfortable cocoon is excellent for curling up with a good book on a summer’s day.
This hammock is available in two color variations — the first is a warm color in red and orange stripes, and the second is a cool hue in blue and green stripes. Both color variations go well with any garden décor. The material is made of cotton canvas and is very breathable and comfortable during hot summer days.
To set up, you can choose to attach the hammock to a hammock stand or hang it between two trees. The product page has a step-by-step tutorial on how to hang the hammock using the bind method.
When you buy this hammock, you will also get: 2 anti-roll balance beams, 2 carabiners, 2 tie ropes, 2 wide belts, and 1 carrying bag. Setting up is easy but if you run into any difficulties, they have a customer support team available 24/7.
The hammock is advertised as a double hammock and that it can fit 2 people. In my estimation, it can fit 2 small to medium-sized folks or 1 full adult and one pet or child. However, I am doubtful it can carry 2 heavy adults.
Pros
Cotton canvas material is very comfortable, breathable, and strong
Aesthetic; the colors look great out in the garden or patio
Easy to hang
Easy to reattach even if you regularly take it down
Lightweight so it is easy to take with you on trips
Cons
A safe and comfortable load would be 300 lbs instead of the 450 advertised
Most Lightweight Hammock: ROOITY Double Brazilian Hammock
Bed Size: 95” L x 60” W
The ROOITY is your basic hammock. It is tied across two trees or alternatively hung across a hammock stand.
When you make your purchase, you’ll get the hammock with its strong loops, a carrying bag, and 2 nylon ropes. The hammock itself is very comfortable as it is made of 90% organic cotton and 10% polyester fiber.
Similar to the Colel, it is advertised to fit up to 2 people with a total load of 450 pounds. And again, we’d caution that 2 heavy people will not be a comfortable fit. However, the ROOITY way definitely has a bigger bed size than most of the hammocks on this list.
Pros
The hammock material is cotton and as such it is breathable and comfortable
Big bed size compared to other hammocks
As of writing, there are 7 colors available and all of them are very aesthetic
It is lightweight and can be easily reattached or taken on trips
The colors of the actual product are the same as the photos
Cons
There is no spreader bar
The fabric stretches a lot so some buyers have a hard time getting it to hang without touching the ground. The product page includes some useful guides though.
Best Family Hammock: Sunnydaze Family Handwoven Hammock
Bed size: 79” W x 90” L
Like the first two hammocks, the Sunnydaze is designed to hang between two trees or placed across a hammock stand. However, the material is made from weaving thick cotton cord. It is still as strong and durable as the other hammocks we’ve handpicked, but because of the weaving, there are many fantastic designs to choose from.
The manufacturer boasts of an 880 pound maximum carrying capacity. That should be enough for 2 adults or a gaggle of grandchildren. Again, we like to be cautious and expect a bit less than manufacturer claims. Still, the carrying load is quite impressive.
Pros
Handwoven; very strong and durable
Made of cotton material; very comfortable
Boasts a bigger carrying capacity than other hammocks
Four beautiful designs to choose from
Cushioned style gives excellent comfort
Cons
No bar spreaders
If you don’t look at the specs closely, you might mistakenly think that it is bigger than other hammocks. We’ve indicated the bed sizes of the hammocks so you can make your own comparisons.
Best Hammock Chair with Footrest: Chihee
At first glance, the Chihee didn’t look like it was anything special unless wrapping you up like a burrito qualified as such. Upon closer inspection though, I realized that I was very wrong.
This hammock chair is hung by a single suspension point, above a spreader bar. The bar has excellent design qualities, including two grooves that prevent the hammock’s loops from sliding off.
The whole thing is cleverly designed and can be used two ways. First off, it can be used as a simple swing chair. You can rest comfortably against the cushions and the hammock while your feet dangle off the ground. If you find that you want to lie horizontally with your feet up, you can unfurl the footrest. It’ll then function like a regular hammock. Either way that it’s used, it is supremely comfortable.
Aside from the 2 cushions, you even get a 10” x 8” inch pocket on the inside where you can stash your things like your glasses, phone, a book, or the TV remote.
When you buy a Chihee, you get the following: the Chihee hanging chair with footrest and metal bar, 2 cushions, 1 rope for hanging, 1 carabiner, and 1 drawstring storage bag.
This single-person hammock is rated for 330 pounds. The cotton/polyester blend ropes do stretch slightly, but it’s minimal.
Pros
Breathable cotton seat
Comes assembled with a metal bar that provides stability and structure
Feet support is foldable so you can either sit or fully lie down
Very durable and strong
Comes with extra accessories like the 2 cushions and inside pocket
Many beautiful colors to choose from
Cons
It may be a bit awkward getting into it or out of it if you have the foot rest unfolded all the way; best to have it folded first
The pillows aren’t the best quality
Best Aesthetics: X-cosrack Hammock Chair with Lights
A unique structured square design isn't the only thing that makes the X-cosrack a standout garden hammock. It also has 39 feet of LED lights (that's over 120 separate LED lamps).
It doesn’t cramp your style looking for an outlet, as the lights are powered by three AA batteries. Of course, take caution if you leave your hammock out for long periods, as harsh sunlight and rain can damage these lights.
Its handmade cotton ropes are decorated with small tassels, which lends to its chic boho design. It can be hung on a single point, so you can rotate 360 degrees — or by two points so you can swing back and forward. This versatility makes it one of the best garden hammocks.
Pros
100 percent handmade cotton and iron construction
Unique square design
Included LED lights
Cons
Lights are included, but you need to put them on yourself
Best Macrame Swing: Sorbus Hanging Chair
“#BohoChic” is what your friends will tag when they gather in your hippie-den. This Sorbus chair is made of mesh and tassels, to compliment your bohemian style, and is available in several colors.
I love its circular style, which is supportive, like a chair. It definitely lets you swing and rock, but not lay back for a nap.
The mesh is doubly made, not just with a solid rope but with thinner ropes macraméd together in a pleasing diamond style. Because of the tight and secure weave, it doesn’t drag and stretch as much as other models. It’s tear-free, due to the superior construction. The weave mesh is rated for 265 pounds so it is definitely for a single person.
Ideal for rainy climates when you don’t want to constantly launder or bring in your canvas model, this model is also great for hot weather. The 100 percent cotton is great for the environment and your budget.
Pro-Tip: To make this swing more secure upon installation, I highly recommend getting more rope from the hardware store.
Pros
Mesh fabric is great for hot weather
Chair is sturdy and comfortable
Includes cute tassels for decoration
Looks very aesthetic both indoors and outdoors
Great for teens, toddlers and kids’ bedrooms
Solid metal framework
Cons
You can get leg marks from the mesh. You can make this chair more comfortable with a blanket and some pillows.
Best Hammock Chair: Patio Watcher
The Patio Watcher is a twin of the Chihee. They are both hammock chairs with footrests. When the footrest is folded, you can sit and swing on the hammock just like any playground swing (but prettier). When the footrest is unfurled and spread out, the chair transforms into a full hammock and you can lie down comfortably.
After some trial and error, I realized that the best way to get in and out of these hammock chairs is to first get in with the footrest folded. If you decide that you want to lie down, then you can spread out the extra material with your feet. Later, when you want to get out of the hammock, you fold the footrest again so that getting out of it is easier.
It is very very comfortable and the metal bar gives structure to the hammock. It lets you have ample space to relax without the canvas material closing in on you. Overall, this is a great chair to have in your garden patio during summer or even indoors in cold weather.
This hanging chair can carry up to 330 lbs weight, but as always, take that with a grain of salt and consider the max weight to be a bit under that.
Pros
Stellar design; love how you can transform the chair to either sit on it or lie in it
Strong and durable
Cotton material is comfortable and breathable
Metal bar gives the chair stability and structure
The hammock comes with a 9x9 inch side pocket where you can stow away your glasses, mobile phone, book, or other small items
Cons
The freebie pillows aren’t the best quality
There are only 3 color variants compared to the Chihee which has more
Most Affordable: Anyoo Garden Hammock
Bed size: 7ft L x 5ft W
The Anyoo is one of the most popular garden hammocks online. This is likely because of the low price point, the satisfactory customer feedback, and the huge variety of color options.
Just like our other hammock options, the Anyoo can be secured between two trees or hung on a steel hammock stand. However, it may not work on all hammock stands as the material is stretchy.
When you buy an Anyoo, you get: the hammock, 2 carabiners, 2 nylon straps, and a storage bag. The photo above shows you what accessories it comes with.
If you need an affordable hammock for one-time use like camping or a beach trip, or if you want to buy the kids their own hammock without spending too much, then this is an excellent option. In fact, buyers are happily surprised with the quality of the item.
Pros
Affordable price
Good quality for its low price; good value
Roomy, sturdy, and very comfortable
Easy installation
Cons
No spreader bar
May not fit well on all hammock stands because the material stretches a lot
Why Is a Hammock Right for Me?
Calm. That’s what I associate with hammocks. The gentle rocking, almost like being on the sea. The swaying — back and forth, it's like there’s always a gentle breeze.
The Hammock Effect
There is a reason hammocks are so peaceful. It’s the vestibular stimulation effect. It stimulates, you guessed it, the vestibular system — which is just a fancy word for your sense of balance. Gentle rocking back and forth activates this. Vestibular stimulation has been shown to help children with autism and ADD. (1)(2)
It’s the same reason that babies fall asleep when you drive in the car, or place them in an automatic rocker. That is why hammocks can be great for kids with lots of energy and perfect for adults who want to absolutely relax.
Better Sleep
In addition to being calming, some studies have shown that sleeping on an oscillating surface increases sleep benefits. You fall asleep faster, and experience longer stages of deep sleep. (3)
Sleeping and relaxing, with your head slightly elevated, has also been shown to help breathing. When you sleep in a hammock, you’re gently curving instead of forcing your neck up with a pillow. You’re also forced to sleep on your back, and the gentle cocooning of a long hammock keeps you in the perfect sleeping position. (4)
What Are the Best Features of Garden Hammocks?
When researching the best garden swinging hammocks, I had some requirements it had to meet. They were all important to my list. The best features of these chairs include:
Solid construction
Easy to hang
Aesthetic matching
Solid Construction
Any hammock should feel good. It should also feel solid. You know what I mean — when sitting down, I don’t want to worry that the chair can’t support me. Look for good materials, heavy fabric for canvas models and thick rope for mesh.
Any metal pieces must be thick and well constructed. If your hammock includes a spreader bar, make sure to test it on its own first. Inspect for damage, as user reviews report this is the main piece that experiences breakage.
Easy to Hang
A good hammock should feel safe and secure. After all, you’re hanging in the air. Falling, even a short distance, can be painful.
Some hammocks come with the necessary hardware to get you swinging, if you plan on attaching to a ceiling.
However, in a garden you have so many options! Hang from a tree limb, provided it’s solid. You can also purchase a hammock stand — which is usually a round base with a curved post. These are particularly effective for single point hanging chairs.
In any case, for safety, I would recommend using something heavy to test your hanging skills before you yourself test it out. A few big rocks from the garden, or a bucket filled with water can show you any issues before your hammock siesta.
Aesthetic Matching
Personally, this can be the most important feature. Who cares if your hammock is comfortable if it's ugly and doesn’t match your carefully planned garden? Luckily, there are so many varieties that you’ll find one to complement your space.
A true “hanging chair” is meant for gentle relaxation — it’s where I would choose to drink tea in the morning and meditate. It is bohemian and totally Instagrammable.
Different Styles of Hammocks
While all hammocks can be relaxing, you have to choose the one that's right for you. There are a few varieties that all have their benefits — and of course, drawbacks.
Chair Swing
A chair design is more of a swing than a hammock, truth be told. However, many afford you the luxury to lean back a bit and still be relaxed. Often featuring a solid metal tube as a base, they can be circular or square.
If you’re pressed for space, then a chair may be right for you. They take up far less real estate than a longer model and most often hang from a single point.
Rope and Macrame
Materials are what make many hammocks match decor. A rope or macrame model can come in lots of shapes, but what is important is the construction. Look for solid, thick rope or thinner ropes that are woven together.
Since rope can be uncomfortable, you may want to accent your hammock with some throw pillows or a pad on the seat.
Canvas Fabric
Washable, supportive and in just the right color. Canvas has lots of benefits! You can have a broad range of styles with solid fabric models. They are often padded, and usually washable.
One downside is that they can get far dirtier than rope models, so make sure you brush off any dust and leaves before you lay down in your gorgeous white sundress.
Care and Keeping of Your Hammock
Looking after your mesh hammock is essential. A cotton weave can easily develop mildew if left unattended. A fully mesh model can be put into a garment washing bag and machine washed, though use a mild detergent. Lay flat to dry — do not put in the dryer (especially if your model has metal rings).
Canvas models also need care. Don’t let it stay outside and dirty the whole year through. Some of the best garden hammocks are washable, either in a machine or by spraying them with your handy garden hose. I also like to scotch guard my fabric ones, just to prevent issues.
In Conclusion
A garden swinging hammock is a great way to relax: in your garden, on the porch or even in your home. For outdoor use, I highly recommend the Colel or the ROOITY.
If you want the best garden hammock that can double as a chair and a napping cocoon, try the Patio Watcher or the Chihee.
Now if you’re on a budget and are hesitant to spend too much on a hammock you might not use too much, then try out the Anyoo. I bet you will enjoy it so much you’ll end up using it more than you think.
Make sure you hang your hammock securely and choose one that has quality construction and aesthetics to match your style.