Need to buy an indoor hammock... help!

December 17, 2005 7:49 AM

Who makes a kickass indoor hammock? Who sells a kickass indoor hammock (online or, preferably, in Toronto)? What makes an indoor hammock kickass? What should I look for and what should I avoid? Thanks!
posted by dobbs to Shopping (11 answers total)

I think part of what makes a hammock good or not is how easy it is to mount. Being able to hang a hammock indoors requires finding either two wall studs or two ceiling joists to be able to afix the hammock. Usually, you screw in a relatively large bolt, perhaps with an eye on the end on which to tie the hammock.

If you can find a place that supplies an easy way to hang the hammock indoors, then you're on your way. (Unless you're getting a free standing frame.)

I remember once sitting in a "Sky Chair" which was a hanging chair with optional footrest. Not exactly a hammock, but really comfortable. They claimed it was easy to hang from a joist.
posted by achmorrison at 8:19 AM on December 17, 2005

I like Mayan hammocks, indoors or out. The prices at that link are a little steep (google around and buy from a Mayan endeavor; their economy needs it), but look at their pictures - you lay perpendicular to the stand/hangpoints, and the larger models will hold several people comfortably.

Those hammocks are all the furniture the (modern-day) Mayans use in their homes - crib, chair, sofa, bed. They're immensely comfortable and come in gorgeous colors. If you're going to use a stand, you'll need one of the extra-long ones, as the hammocks are quite long and it takes some distance to keep them from dragging the ground when you're in them.

Getting in and out takes some practice, but once you've got it down it's easy. I got hooked after several days of napping, reading, and general beach-gazing in one in Mexico this summer.
posted by Lyn Never at 8:34 AM on December 17, 2005

I think the type made of cloth are better, smooth,no snags
no grid marks on your skin.
posted by hortense at 8:53 AM on December 17, 2005

If your walls aren't appropriate for hanging a hammock, you can always buy [or build yourself] a frame. I did the latter,
and ended up with a wooden frame somewhat like a loft that holds a hammock underneath. It's worked very nicely, and it was easy to put together. Be aware that you'll need a pretty large space for the hammock, though. Even most of the smaller rope hammocks [the sort without bars] are fairly long; if you don't budget enough space, the hammock will sag ridiculously. I got my hammock off of eBay, so I can't recommend a store, but I would suggest avoiding hammocks with spreader bars. They're much less comfortable than normal rope and fabric hammocks.
posted by ubersturm at 9:26 AM on December 17, 2005

I can attest to the Mayan hammock. The only downside is that they don't really take long-term weather effects well, but since this is for indoor use, that doesn't matter. Go for it.
posted by phrontist at 10:16 AM on December 17, 2005

Oh, and this is the proper posture.
posted by phrontist at 10:18 AM on December 17, 2005

Hammocks? My goodness, what an idea. Why didn't I think of that? Hammocks! Dobbs, there's four places. There's the Hammock Hut, that's on third. There's Hammocks-R-Us, that's on third too. You got Put-Your-Butt-There? That's on third. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot... Matter of fact, they're all in the same complex; it's the hammock complex on third.
posted by sour cream at 11:42 AM on December 17, 2005

You don't know nothin'. It's the hammock district, and you forgot the best one: Mary Ann's Hammocks, because Mary Ann gets in the hammock with you! Just kidding, Mary's great.
posted by intermod at 12:39 PM on December 17, 2005

You guys beat me to the obligatory Simpsons reference, good work. :)
posted by smitt at 3:31 PM on December 17, 2005

Response by poster: Thanks for all the help, folks!
posted by dobbs at 8:28 AM on December 18, 2005

Maybe consider getting a Sky Chair -- they work fairly well indoors.
posted by fourstar at 12:54 PM on December 18, 2005