Lifestyle··3 min read
The Weekly Crave: Heavenly Hammocks
This week we are craving slow afternoons, warm breezes and the gentle sway of a hammock. Here is how to bring that feeling home.
Welcome back to The Weekly Crave, our regular round-up of the things we cannot stop thinking about. This week it is heavenly hammocks. Picture palm trees, a thatched parasol, white sand and nothing on the agenda except a book you will probably not finish because you are too busy dozing. That is the dream.
Most of us cannot decamp to a tropical beach every weekend, but we can steal a little of that feeling for our own gardens, balconies and even living rooms. Here is our guide to hammocks for the garden and beyond.
Why we are craving heavenly hammocks
There is something about a hammock that forces you to slow down. You cannot really work in one. You cannot sit upright and check emails efficiently. You simply lie back, let it cradle you, and sway. In a world of busy weekends and endless to-do lists, that enforced idleness feels like a luxury.
Hammocks also have a wonderful sense of place. They conjure up beach shacks, holiday verandas and lazy summer afternoons. Hang one in the garden and suddenly a patch of lawn feels like an escape.
A hammock is a holiday you can hang between two trees.
Choosing hammocks for the garden
Not all hammocks are created equal, and the right one depends on how and where you want to use it. The main types are:
- Fabric hammocks. Made from woven cotton or canvas, they are soft and cosy and often come with spreader bars to keep them flat and open.
- Rope hammocks. The classic open-weave style, airy and breathable on hot days, and very much the beach-house look.
- Woven hammocks without bars. These wrap around you like a cocoon and are wonderfully comfortable for curling up.
- Hanging chairs. A good option for smaller spaces or anyone who prefers to sit up and read.
Think about materials, too. Natural fibres feel lovely but need to be brought inside in wet weather; synthetic weaves tend to cope better with the British climate. Whatever you choose, follow the manufacturer's guidance on weight limits and fixings.
Where to hang your hammock
The perfect spot combines shade, a bit of privacy and something nice to look at. Two sturdy, healthy trees are ideal, but plenty of gardens do not have them conveniently spaced. Free-standing hammock frames are a practical alternative, and they let you move the hammock around to follow the sun or the shade.
A few tips for hanging:
- Check your supports. Trees, posts and walls need to be strong enough to take the load safely; if in doubt, ask a professional.
- Mind the sag. A hammock that is slung with a gentle curve is usually more comfortable than one strung tight.
- Keep it low. Hang it at a sensible height so getting in and out is easy and falls are less of a worry.
- Protect the trees. Wide straps are kinder to bark than thin ropes.
Bringing beach life indoors
Hammocks are not just for the garden. In a loft, a conservatory or a generously sized bedroom, an indoor hammock or hanging chair can create a playful reading nook. Pair it with a pile of cushions, a woven rug and a few plants, and you have your own little retreat. Just make sure any ceiling or wall fixings are properly installed and rated for the job.
If you want to extend the holiday mood to the rest of your outdoor space, think about lanterns, a simple outdoor table for drinks and a soft throw for when the evening cools. Something homemade to eat helps too; our favourite summer bake is the Nigella Lawson almond cake recipe, which travels beautifully from kitchen to garden.
The art of doing nothing
Ultimately, a hammock is less about furniture and more about permission: permission to stop, rest and simply enjoy being outside. We wrote about this idea more broadly in why it is important to take your pleasure seriously, and we stand by it. Rest is not a reward you have to earn.
So this week, whether you are swinging between palm trees or two apple trees at the end of a London garden, we hope you find a moment to lie back, look up and let the world drift by. Heavenly hammocks, it turns out, are as much a state of mind as a thing you buy. For more inspiration from our archive, browse Swedish charms for ideas on relaxed, natural living.
Questions readers ask
What type of hammock is best for the garden?
It depends on how you will use it. Fabric hammocks with spreader bars are cosy, rope hammocks are airy on hot days, and synthetic weaves usually cope better with damp British weather.
How do I hang a hammock without trees?
A free-standing hammock frame is the easiest option. It can be moved around the garden, and it avoids the need for strong fixing points.
Can you use a hammock indoors?
Yes. Indoor hammocks and hanging chairs make lovely reading nooks, as long as any ceiling or wall fixings are properly installed and rated for the load.
