Some of my favourite summer memories involve me relaxing in the hammock in my parents' backyard. The hammock was hung between two trees in a quiet and shady nook at the back of the yard and allowed for daydreaming or napping in relative silence (for a yard in the middle of the city). For me, it's the ultimate backyard luxury but the same soothing swing effect is available in many other shapes and sizes. I've rounded up my top fives:
Hammocks
Clockwise from top left: Hammock Universe Eco-Friendly XL Bamboo Hammock Stand, Ikea Dyning Hammock, Urban Balance Wave
Obviously, traditional hammocks are still widely available and luckily, if your yard is tree-less there are a variety of hammock stand options like the eco-friendly, waterproof and humidity resistant Hammock Universe one above. I like the way Ikea's sturdy polyester hammock folds neatly when it's not stretched across your deck but if you're really looking to make a statement, the Urban Balance Wave is the way to go. Made from epoxy-coated aluminum with an all-weather pillow, it'll stand up to the elements all season long. Just make sure you hang it evenly or what's meant to be a relaxing snooze will be more of a balancing act.
Small Space
From left: Charleston Rope Chair, Brazillian Hammock Hanging Chair, Eustachio Relax Modern Hammock Chair
I think that these hammock chairs are great for small spaces like balconies, especially if you can figure out a way to hang them from above. Afraid the concrete of the balcony above might not hold your weight? There are stands available that are much smaller than the traditional hammock stand.
Okay, so the Eustachio elliptical recliner doesn't actually swing but it has the word hammock in the title, it's small and it has the same cradling qualities. It's outside of most price ranges at more than $3,500 but it's just so pretty!
The Air Chair
The patent must have run out on these hammock-like chairs years ago because they are everywhere and under a bunch of different brand names. The two most reputable-looking ones are Air Chair and Sky Chair and both claim to have come up with this suspended chair in 1973. While not the most aesthetically-pleasing outdoor seating, they are pretty comfortable.
Super Deluxe Sky Hanging Air Chair
Patio and Porch Swings
From left: Cedar Porch Swing, Sears Whole Home®/MD 'Huntington II' 2-person Swing, Urban Balance Expanse
Swings bring to mind movie scenes set on giant porches in the deep South or, to be honest, old folks homes. Luckily there are other options. It is possible to find a fairly classy-looking or even modern swing in the far North before you turn 90. The Sears swing in the centre is a surprisingly modern looking swing on a frame for unreliable porch ceilings and backyards but I really love the look of the classic cedar swing and the ultra modern Urban Balance (the cousin of the modern hammock, above).
Floating Pods
From left: Urban Balance Curve, Amazonas Globo Swing Seat, Anthropologie Knotted Melati Hanging Chair
I love these backyard, hanging evolutions of the 1960s pod or egg chair. The knotted version from Anthropologie is particularly reminiscent of the chair's original era. They're a great way to create a little hideaway without much room or you could create a grouping of the Urban Balance Curve for a swinging conversation area or even hang them around a table for suspended dining.
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