Best garden hammocks to help you relax outdoors
The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
With summer arriving any day now, it’s the perfect time to turn your outdoor space into the ultimate serene retreat; a place where you can kick off your shoes and fall into a good book in style.
The best outdoor hammocks are the ideal place to start - after all, they’re specifically designed for the art of lounging. And don’t think for a second that a small garden or lack of trees rules you out. There are plenty of outdoor hammocks that come complete with stands which can be easily stored when not in use.
Design-wise, there’s a style to suit every taste. Want to create a laidback, boho space? The likes of La Redoute and Maisons du Monde have got sandy hues, fringing, and macrame covered; head off to exotic, far-flung destinations whose tropical prints and rich colours have got us reaching for the cocktails. Over at Wayfair, Argos and Amazon, there’s striped coastal chic in spades.
Meanwhile, if you like things to be a little bit more fine and Scandi, John Lewis, Ikea and Not on the High Street have muted greys and clean lines all wrapped up.
If you’re a first-time hammock owner, you may have some questions about your potential new purchase. We’ll do our best to answer them:
How to hang a hammock
Got a hammock swinging between two palm trees in your mind’s eye? The good news is you don’t need to be an expert or have the knot-tying skills of a sailor to do it. You may think they can only be used outdoors, but hammocks can be hung indoors between walls or ceiling beams using special hammock fixings - perfect for relaxing when the weather isn’t playing ball.
Hammock stands vs hanging on a tree: what to consider
Hammocks can be suspended between two trees, or you can attach them to a frame instead, giving you more freedom of where to hang them. If you have just one tree in your back garden, you can attach the other end of your hammock to a Madera Post, a type of tripod that can be pegged to the ground to offer tautness for your swinging bed.
If you’re hanging your hammock in the garden, make sure it’s at least two feet off the ground when you’re in it, to ensure it’s easy to get in and out of. Use hammock straps on mature trees - these can be wrapped around trunks without causing damage.
Can you machine wash a hammock?
As long as your hammock is made out of fabric, there’s no reason it can’t be machine-washed to keep it clean. Use a mild detergent and put it through a medium/ gentle spin. The best part is you can hang it back in position outside to dry. Bring the fabric indoors when it starts to get cooler to protect it for longer.
Are hammocks ok for your back?
The lack of structure may seem like hammocks will run riot over your posture, but hang correctly, they actually take pressure off joints. Napping in one puts the body into a natural position that some find incredibly comfortable. They key is all in the set-up: making sure you have plenty of sag (but not too much), raising the foot end higher, and sleeping diagonally are all recommended hammock tips from the Scout Life website.
We’ve rounded up our favourite outdoor hammocks below so you can get lost in a lazy daze all summer long.
See our favourites below
VonHaus Hammock with Stand
Lazy summer days have never looked so good - or affordable - thanks to this brilliant budget-chic hammock. The 100 per cent cotton blue and white stripes are nautical (but very nice), and the steel powder-coated stand is easy to assemble and move.
B&Q Outsunny Outdoor Garden Hammock Swing
No mature trees to hang your hammock on? Worry not, as there’s a host of options that come equipped with their very own handy stand. This stylish number is an elegant piece crafted with honey-hued larch wood and a cream canvas to stretch out on. It manages to be elegant while also being extra-strong, so it’s the perfect place to hang out à deux if that tickles your fancy.
Graham and Green Recycled Cotton Hammocks
Kick back and bask in the British summer sun. A wonderful gift for partners and parents in need of some R&R, Graham and Green’s recycled hammocks are a sustainable pick for the eco-conscious. Crafted from cotton and recycled denim offcuts, the hammocks come with a pine wood frame hand-crafted in El Salvador. Simply hang from two trees, sit back and relax.
Happy Zen Ecru Handwoven Outdoor Hammock
Conveying easy-going boho beach vibes, this is a hammock that knows it’s a looker. Featuring an ecru-coloured base and matching fringing detail, it promises to update your outdoor decor, where coastal chic meets tropical climes. Get that holiday feeling every time you step outside for a well-deserved break.
Double Cotton Hammock With Steel Stand
One of the top-rated options on Amazon, this double hammock serves up room for two, or extra space for one, on a stylishly striped canvas fabric. The set comes with everything you need for a quick and easy assembly on your terrace or in your garden, creating a beautiful spot to soak up some rays. Rock on.
Available in multiple colours. Quick delivery available.
Jonny’s Sister Personalised Hammock With Stand
A personalised hammock is the perfect gift for the gardener in your life (or anyone who loves spending time in their private oasis). Handmade in Somerset, this is made from soft, heavy cotton and comes with a wooden spreader at both ends to keep the hammock taut and open and a metal stand so there’s no need to worry if there aren’t any trees. Just add a colour-burst velvet or linen cushion, and that’s summer sorted.
Argos Metal Hammock
Need a frame with a stand but don’t want to break the bank? This is the perfect option. Easy on your purse but not light on style, it boasts a chic, striped hammock with a robust, weather-resistant frame. It’s simple to assemble and put away, and the fabric can be removed for washing or storing in winter. Sold.
La Redoute Bregnac Hammock
Transport yourself to LA without leaving your own garden with this Palm Springs-worthy outdoor hammock. The chic dark shade, the fringed tassels and the woven style ooze an easy breezy Bohemian chic. Grab a copy of ES Mag, whip up a martini, hop on, feet up, and you’ll be California Dreamin’ in no time…
VOUNOT Hanging Chair with Cushion
Summer breeze, makes you feel fine… Especially when it’s wafting over you while you gently sway the day away in your stylish new swing chair. With a Palm Springs-style macrame finish, the cream colour, and the tassels, a little piece of laidback boho-luxe for your garden.
Chair Hanging Rope Swing
This hanging hammock/rope swing combination is fashioned in beautiful rainbow stripes. If you find getting in and out of hammocks an unbearable and impossible task, yet envy those who are able to doze off in one on a warm summer’s evening - we’ve found the option for you. More stable than others on the market but just as comfortable, this swing chair will be your best friend during those warmer months. Did we mention that it’ll be a lot easier to drink a glass of rosé from?