Best hammock

For ultimate relaxation in the garden, a hammock is what you need. Suspended above the ground and gently rocking you can drink in the view, and listen to the birds. A hammock can be slung between trees, but if you don’t have the right supports, you’ll find those with their own bases in our selection. You can pick from bold, colourful designs or quieter versions, too. Find your favourite right here.

Make the most of downtime or a staycation with this stylish hammock. It comes with its own stand, so it’s suitable for gardens without supports like mature trees. The stand also means you can position it wherever you want rather than being limited in location, so you can enjoy a little sun or cooling shade as you prefer. The cotton fabric is breathable for comfort, and it can be washed in cold water when required. The hammock can fit two people, although I have to confess to preferring not to share. It comes with a carrying case so you can stash it neatly away at the end of the day.

If you love the idea of chilling out in a hammock but want to keep your spending down, check out this design. Made from soft canvas for comfort and in classic stripes, in bold shades, it will feel good and look great. You can use it in the garden or pack it into the carry bag to take on trips out or a holiday. It’s just 20 by 38 centimetres when folded down, so it won’t take up much luggage space nor hog your storage when you’re back home. Be mindful that you will need supports to attach it to. 

If you want a hammock that can be used in your garden at home or on camping trips, this version fits the bill perfectly. It even comes with a mosquito net so you can keep biting insects at bay whether you’re on your holidays or sleeping out in your own plot when it’s too hot to stay inside. It’s light to carry, too, at under 1 kilogram. This design isn’t as decorative as some of our other choices because it’s a travel hammock, but it’s highly practical and strongly made from parachute nylon. I like that it takes just three minutes to set up, so you can get comfortable in a hurry.

Another of the hammock plus stand combinations in our round-up also has a carrying case where you can stash everything for storage. Putting it up is a piece of cake as it doesn’t require any additional tools, and this job doesn’t take long to do. It fits two with a maximum weight capacity of 181.4kg, so you can choose to be sociable or lounge solo. 

I think the striped fabric looks great, although it’s better for those who want a palette of colours that’s understated rather than eye-catching. With a fabric made from cotton plus synthetic fibres, it’s designed for durability. Take it down when it’s not in use, though, so you can keep the stand in tip-top condition.

If you’re searching for a hammock that won’t have you rolling over, take a look at this design. It has spreader bars to keep it flat and avoid the problem. The canvas fabric is breathable, too, making this a choice that’s high on comfort. I’m a fan of the bold striped design, which is the perfect complement to beds and borders filled with summer blooms in fiery shades. The hammock can fit two, although you’d lose out on the roominess. Pack it into the canvas bag to take with you on day trips and holidays.

Don’t have room in your plot for a hammock but love the idea of a suspended seat? Then try this hanging chair instead. It will take up less space, but you’ll still be able to enjoy swinging from support. The macramé design can be hung from a strong branch, or you can invest in a stand, and the seat is designed to cradle you as you kickback. I think this is a chair with bags of style and the perfect complement to a contemporary or more traditional garden.  

Our verdict

However modest your plot, there’s a hammock that will fit right in. Our favourite is the Vivere denim double hammock, which comes with its own stand, avoiding the need for strong trees or other supports. It fits one or two people, and it’s a good looker as well.

If you’re after a hammock that you can use in your own garden but take away on camping trips as well, the Covacure camping hammock can do double duty. With a mosquito net, it will keep the bugs from biting while you’re snoozing.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously – testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Why trust me?

In my experience as a garden writer, a hammock is a wonderful addition to any plot and a fabulous way to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labour, so I'd recommend adding one of these to your selection of garden seating.