Hammocks

Picture your ultimate outdoor paradise, an idyll of relaxation right on your back doorstep. Chances are, you’re imagining a hammock in there. After all, these gently rocking slings - perhaps draped between a couple of palm trees - are the pinnacle of relaxation. But they aren’t limited to tropical beaches - you can transform your garden with your very own hammock right now!

Hammocks were first used for sleeping (hence why they are so easy to drift off in now). They were developed in jungles, by the Mayans weaving bark from the Hamack tree into a suspended bed to protect sleepers from poisonous animals on the ground. Even now, hammocks are favoured by adventurous travellers as a portable bed and way to escape creepy crawlies.

Discover more about swapping your bed for a hammock.

The classic installation method is to hang your hammock between two trees. The trees need to be sturdy enough to support your weight and (obviously) close enough together. Start by wrapping a rope securely round the trunk or stable branch of each tree, then attach these to the eyes at the end of the hammock with a knot or carabiner. You can also find fixing kits and straps to make this process even easier.

Rather than fixing to trees, you can also use poles and supports attached to a solid wall or wooden beam (perfect if you want to install inside). For ultimate ease, pre-built stands are available too.

Since the early days of the basic sling, many new varieties have come to the market. As well as the single version, you can opt for a double hammock if you’d like some company - or just a little more room to spread out. A new alternative are Cacoon hammocks, which are like hanging pods you can curl up in, relaxing in privacy and comfort.

If you’d rather sit than lie back, look no further than a hammock chair or even a swing seat. A chair is more of an upright sling or pod you climb in. Swing seats are benches fixed to a frame that allows them to gentle rock with your motion. Whichever you choose, they’re perfect for chilling with a good book in the garden!

Read more in our complete guide.