Get that holiday feeling with your own hammock

When lying in your own hammock, you can close your eyes and pretend you are on a tropical island. Apart from saving yourself a lot of money and travel time, it’s the perfect way to relax after a long day. And don’t think you have to put it in the garden - you can also put up hammocks indoors. Next to hammocks that need to be fixed with rope, there are also hammocks with a stand available. There literally is no easier way to set up or move a hammock.

If you’re not a big hammock fan but are still looking for that sense of ultimate relaxation, a hanging chair may just be the thing for you. It allows you to unwind without having to lie back. Perfect when you want to read a book on a lovely summer day. Explore our full selection of hammocks on this page.

How to use a hammock

The classic hammocks are made from fabric and you can attach them to two solid points with some rope. They are quick and easy to set up and perfect for anyone needing some relaxation ASAP. At vidaXL, you can choose between the following hammocks:

• The original hammock: The signature hammock is made from textiles. Easy to put up with two sturdy ropes.
• Hammock with stand: Perfect for anyone who doesn’t have anything to hang a hammock from. Furthermore, this hammock is very easy to move.
• Outdoor hammocks: For true adventures, our webshop also carries outdoor hammocks. They are made from sturdy materials and come with a mosquito net.

For a classic hammock, you have to make sure you have two sturdy points from which to hang the hammock. After all, no one wants to fall out of their hammock. The perfect attachment points for hammocks are two sturdy trees. When you put up the hammocks indoors, you could use two hooks embedded in the ceiling.

If those solutions don’t work for you, there is always the hammock with a stand. The stand allows you to place the hammock wherever you want. It’s ideal when you want to be able to switch between lying in the sun and spending some time in the shade. Another reason for choosing a stand is the fact that you don’t need to attach it to anything.

The perfect hanging chair 

As mentioned, a hanging chair is perfect for everyone who wants to relax but prefers not to do it lying down. A hanging chair is perfect for reading a book while swinging back and forth. You can choose a simple hanging chair or get one with a footrest to create even more seating comfort. Apart from the hammock being perfect outdoors, it can also be a great addition to a living room or children’s room.

Take good care of your hammock

Naturally, you need to take excellent care of your new hammock. By taking good care of your hammock, you ensure that you can use it on a daily basis for many years to come. So, how do you take care of your hammock?

Well, first of all, you will want to protect it from abrasion. This means you need to consider where you hang your hammock. For instance, you want to make sure you can swing a little bit in it without it rubbing on the ground, hitting plants or anything else. Your hammock should be able to swing freely. If your hammock is outside, you also need to protect it from the elements by not leaving it outside in the rain or windy weather, as this can lead to excessive wear and tear.

Next up, you sometimes need to clean your hammock. Whether it’s used indoors or outdoors, there will inevitably be times when it needs a good scrub. Most hammocks can be washed by hand, but you naturally need to read the washing instructions for your hammock.

Another tip is to bring your hammock inside at night. Again, you want to protect your hammock from the elements, but you should also protect your hammock from moisture whenever possible. Therefore, we recommend bringing your hammock inside at night to protect it from dew. Also, never store your hammock when it’s wet. Allow it to dry fully. We also recommend that you store your hammock in a dry place over the winter season - it shouldn’t be stored in a damp shed. 

Lastly, just generally take good care of your hammock by taking off your shoes before climbing in, don’t smoke in your hammock and maybe enjoy your coffee somewhere else - chances are you will spill it when swinging in your hammock.

Hammocks are having a moment

Chances are you have seen a hammock at a friend’s house while camping, or maybe you already have one yourself and now you want a second one. No matter what, hammocks are really having a moment, and they are popular like never before. But how on earth did they become so popular worldwide, and how did they almost become the international symbol for relaxation and holidays? They are definitely more popular now than they were just ten years ago. 

There are probably several reasons why hammocks have gained massive popularity in recent years, but we believe that there are three main reasons that are driving up hammock sales across the globe:

• More outdoor enthusiasts and campers are bringing hammocks with them on their outdoor adventures
• The designs and materials have improved massively in recent years
• Generally, more people are just getting outside and enjoying nature

Moreover, hammocks are easy to bring along with you. You can easily chug your hammock in your car, and you’re good to go.

Hammocks: Just like a hanging bed

While hammocks are wonderful for lounging, rest and relaxation any time of the day, they are actually also great for sleeping in. And no, we’re not just talking about an afternoon nap in the sun. Recently, using hammocks as beds has become a bit of a trend, and there actually are several benefits of getting your beauty sleep in a hammock:

• It is said to help alleviate back pain by relieving pressure points
• People say they have better, deeper sleep and that they fall asleep faster due to the swinging motion 
• Thanks to better sleep, your focus and concentration increase 
• A hammock is more affordable than a bed

So if you are in need of a new bed, and you are on a limited budget, or you just want to try one of the latest trends, perhaps try sleeping in your new hammock.

The history of the hammock

Remember how we just said you could use your hammock as a bed? Actually, that is how they used to be used way back in the day. Hammocks were used as beds in order to keep people off the ground and safe from nighttime creatures. But let’s look a bit more at the history of the popular hammock. As mentioned, hammock sleeping really has been a way of life for hundreds of years in the jungles of South and Central America and the beaches of the Caribbean.

The very first hammock is believed to have been developed for sleeping by the native inhabitants of South and Central America. They were also commonly used in the Caribbean islands. The first hammocks were woven out of tree bark from the Hamack tree, which is obviously not really used as a hammock material anymore. So when did the hammocks make their way to the rest of the world? 

From the Caribbean to Europe

Hammocks became popularised in Europe by Christopher Columbus after he landed in the Caribbean in the 1400s. After that, hammocks eventually made it to the States as well. The hammock was named “hamacas'' by indigenous people because it was made from bark from the Hamack tree. When the Europeans adopted hammocks, they were eventually made into what we know as the hammock today.

The hammock quickly gained popularity in Europe, and they were used for sleeping on deck. The reason? Because the hammocks moved in sync with the motion of the ship, which reduced the risk of sailors being thrown onto the floor. In fact, sailors used hammocks to sleep on during World War l, World War ll, the Vietnam War and the American Civil War. And guess what? Hammocks were also used for sleep in space explorations in the 1960s. So the hammocks really have made it far and wide.

From tree bark to stylish material

Of course, today, hammocks are mainly used for relaxation, lounging and leisure, and especially the millennial generation loves them. Hammocks have also evolved a lot over the years, and today they are made of comfy, stylish fabric and come in various styles and designs. Furthermore, they are lightweight and portable, making them a real hit all over the world.

Get your hammock online at vidaXL

At vidaXL, we have a wide range of stylish and comfy hammocks in various sizes, materials, colours and designs. We are sure we have one you will love too. With such a huge selection, choosing your new hammock can be challenging. Not to worry. You are always welcome to contact our customer service. We will happily answer any questions you may have and help you find the perfect hammock for your home.