Types of Hammocks: Rope, Fabric, Freestanding and Swing Seats Explained
Few pieces of outdoor furniture are as relaxing as a hammock. But “hammock” covers a surprisingly wide range: woven rope beds strung between two trees, freestanding teak frames, hanging egg chairs and three-seat garden swings. This guide walks through the main types of hammocks and hanging seats, what each one is good for and how to choose one that suits your garden.
You can see our current range in the hammock collection and the swing chairs collection.
Types of hammocks by material
Rope hammocks
The classic cotton or synthetic rope hammock has an open weave that lets air through, which makes it the coolest option on a hot day. Synthetic rope, such as polypropylene or outdoor-grade polyester, holds up to sun and moisture far better than cotton and doesn’t rot if it stays outside.
Fabric hammocks
Fabric hammocks use a solid sheet of canvas, Textilene or outdoor fabric. They are smoother to lie on and won’t leave a pattern on your skin, but they are warmer than rope. For outdoor use, choose a solution-dyed fabric so the color doesn’t fade.
Quilted hammocks
A quilted hammock has two layers of fabric with padding in between. It is the most cushioned option, a bit like a floating mattress, and works best in a covered spot where it won’t get soaked.
Woven Mayan and Brazilian hammocks
Mayan hammocks are woven from thin threads in a fine net and are meant to be lain in diagonally, which lets your body lie almost flat. Brazilian hammocks use a tighter cotton weave and are often decorated with fringes. Both are soft and beautiful but better suited to covered porches than open gardens.
Types of hammocks by structure
Spreader-bar hammocks
A wooden or metal bar at each end holds the hammock open and flat. They are easy to get in and out of and look neat, but they are less stable than a hammock that wraps around you.
Gathered-end hammocks
Without spreader bars, the hammock gathers at each end and cradles your body. This is the most comfortable and secure style for napping.
Hammocks with stands
If you don’t have two trees in the right spot (most LA gardens don’t), a hammock with its own stand is the practical answer. The stand can be placed anywhere: on the lawn, on a pool deck or on a terrace.
Ethimo’s Patio self-supporting hammock takes this further. Its FSC-certified teak frame and textured metal base are the architecture, so it looks like a piece of furniture rather than equipment. Tuuci’s Air Lounge + Wave Stand uses a sculptural curved base inspired by maritime bending techniques and works just as well at a resort pool as in a private garden.
Hanging chairs and swing seats
If a full-length hammock takes up too much space, a hanging chair or swing gives you the same gentle movement in a smaller footprint.
Hanging egg and nest chairs
A single-person seat hung from a frame or a beam. Atmosphera’s Nest armchair has an epoxy-painted aluminum frame and hand-woven polyethylene mats that are waterproof and washable. It works well on a balcony or in a corner of a covered terrace.
Swing lounge chairs
Ethimo’s Allaperto Swing is a natural rattan lounge chair on a swinging frame, designed for spaces that move between indoors and outdoors.
Porch swings and garden swings
A porch swing seats two or three people and is ideal for evenings with family. Ethimo’s Swing porch swing is the classic version. Gandia Blasco’s Nao-Nao garden swing, designed by Yolanda Herraiz, reinterprets the traditional three-seat garden swing in aluminum and nautical fabric. The Arena swing is another modern option.
How to choose a hammock
- Where will it go? Between two trees, on a stand, or under a covered porch? This decides whether you need a stand and which materials will survive.
- Sun or shade? In full sun, choose rope or a breathable fabric and solution-dyed colors. In shade or under cover, quilted and cotton hammocks are fine.
- How many people? Most hammocks are designed for one or two adults. Garden swings seat three.
- How much space? A freestanding hammock with a stand needs around 10 feet of length plus room to swing. A hanging chair needs a few feet of clearance all around.
- How will it look? A hammock is often visible from the house. A teak or aluminum frame that matches the rest of your furniture looks intentional rather than temporary.
Hammock alternatives for lounging
Not every garden needs a hammock. If you want to lie down outdoors, an outdoor daybed gives you a large, stable surface that more than one person can share. Our daybed buying guide covers sizes and styles. A chaise lounge or a pair of sunloungers is better by the pool, and a rocking chair gives you gentle motion in an upright seat. We cover rockers in our rocking chair buying guide.
Making the hammock area comfortable
- Add a few outdoor cushions in a performance fabric. Our guide to outdoor cushion fabrics explains which ones hold up.
- Put an outdoor rug underneath so getting in and out is comfortable barefoot.
- A small side table within reach holds a drink or a book.
- If the spot gets strong afternoon sun, add a cantilever umbrella beside it. Our patio umbrella guide explains sizing and bases.
Caring for a hammock
- Bring fabric and cotton hammocks inside or cover them when not in use for long periods.
- Rinse synthetic rope with fresh water from time to time, especially near the coast.
- Check ropes, hooks and hardware at the start of each season.
- Oil teak frames once or twice a year if you want to keep their honey color, or let them weather to a silver gray.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of hammocks?
By material: rope, fabric, quilted and woven Mayan or Brazilian hammocks. By structure: spreader-bar, gathered-end and freestanding hammocks with their own stands. Hanging chairs and porch swings are close relatives.
What type of hammock is most comfortable?
Gathered-end hammocks, which cradle the body, are the most comfortable for napping. Mayan hammocks, lain in diagonally, let you lie almost flat.
Can I put a hammock in a garden without trees?
Yes. Freestanding hammocks such as Ethimo’s Patio hammock or Tuuci’s Air Lounge + Wave Stand have their own frames and can be placed anywhere.
Can a hammock stay outside all year?
A hammock made from synthetic rope or outdoor fabric on an aluminum, stainless steel or teak frame can stay outside in the Southern California climate. Cotton and quilted hammocks should be covered or brought inside.
Where can I buy a luxury hammock in Los Angeles?
Visit our Los Angeles showroom or browse our hammock collection online. Contact us for finishes and availability.
