While you may think of hammocks as beachside loungers, the suspended seating has evolved into stylish furniture for a variety of spaces.
"Hammocks, pods and swing chairs make it easy to add fun and cozy hanging seating to your home,” says Maria Hunt, market editor at Houzz, which offers a variety of swaying seating options. “We're seeing the Houzz community incorporating these styles into both interior and exterior spaces of their homes.”
Outdoors, Hunt says hammocks can add loungy seating to everything from a contemporary patio to a coastal cottage deck, while indoor hanging seating options could include a woven basket chair in the corner of a sunroom, a transparent bubble chair in a modern loft, or a comfy reading hammock in a child's room.
“A hammock says relaxation in the summertime. Now, people are making the indoors as comfy as the outdoors,” Hunt says. “When you hang up a hammock it's like creating a little patio in the middle of your living room.”
DIY one of these hammocks or hanging chairs to add relaxed seating to your outdoor space this summer — and when the weather changes, bring it indoors to enjoy. Not sure you have the right trees or ceiling beams to support suspended seating? Hammock stands and swing chair stands can solve any logistical issues.
Striped linen hammock
A summery striped linen fabric creates the perfect vibe for this simple hammock. Just create sturdy “sleeves” at each end of a rectangular piece through which to thread rope to tie to your trees or posts. Get the instructions at Going Home to Roost.
Two-tone sail rope hammock
This nautically modern hammock is woven out of sail rope in a geometric pattern that’s stronger than the seating’s traditional weave. You can make it in a lazy afternoon: The repetitive action of weaving this hammock is almost as zen as laying on it. Get the instructions at Design Milk.
Canvas hammock chair
This sweet retreat can be made in only one day. Paint your own custom design on a piece of canvas and gather its sides with heavyweight rope attached to a sturdy dowel rod to create a seat that looks equally impressive indoors and out. Get the instructions at A Beautiful Mess.
Hanging macrame chair
Use the skills your Grandma taught you to macrame this boho-chic hanging chair. Fashioned from clothesline and a hoola hoop, you can craft this unique seat while watching some classic 1970s TV shows for a truly authentic experience. Get the instructions at Classy Clutter.
Fringed drop cloth hammock
Transform a canvas drop cloth into a lightweight and cozy hammock by embellishing it with grommets, rope, and fringed trim. Add a pillow and you’ll be napping al fresco in no time. Get the instructions at The Merry Thought.
Ellen Sturm Niz is a New York City-based editor and writer with a passion for home design. Follow her on Twitter and Pinterest.