Hammock haven

Some options for swinging away on a summer's day

Summer has finally arrived and it's always best to be outside on a beautiful day. Of all the outdoor furniture pieces on my "must-have" list, the hammock remains my No. 1 choice. What could be better than swinging away on a lazy afternoon with a cool drink and a good book? If you don't happen to have a property filled with trees to hang one, that isn't a problem. Many of today's hammocks hang from attractive stands you can place just about anywhere. Here are a few suggestions of hammocks to share with the entire family, for yourself and everything in-between.

The headdemock: You won't want to go to work once you have this hammock from Fatboy. We picked this one up from Kit Interior Objects and love it. No need to fight over who gets this hammock as it easily accommodates two adults. It is easy to assemble, comes with a sturdy frame and smooth sturdy fabric.

It's large, but fits easily into my small yard and backyard courtyard. According to Fatboy, you only need to take one swing on the Headdemock and "you'll feel like you're sipping a coconut on a sunny beach in Hawaii listening to the ukulele." I can attest to the hammock's comfort. It really does make for a very relaxing afternoon – or morning.

The pillowtop: Another self-contained hammock, this classic piece by Hatteras Hammocks comes complete with a beautiful hardwood hammock stand and a deeply comfortable (allweather) pillow top hammock. This is another choice that feels more like a bed than your traditional hammock. The classic black stripe is also a great design choice for a clean, contemporary look. I would call this one a perfect choice for the design savvy bachelor.

Le beanock: This company makes the most decadent hammocks on my recommended list. You will need a sturdy place to hang this one as it is not a self-contained hanging hammock. Part beanbag and part bed, the Le Beanock hangs from sturdy chains that easily shorten for your needs. A full complement of sizes is available. This one has simple styling to suit any décor, and is the go-to hammock for designers and the hipster set.

The canyon fringe: Perhaps your style leans a bit more bohemian than clean and contemporary? In this case, I would recommend the Canyon Fringe hammock from Anthropologie. This colourful hammock comes complete with fringe and tassels. Definitely a hammock for one, the styling will add a beautiful boho touch to your yard or front porch. Summers are short here in Alberta, a good hammock is a great way to spend more time outside.

Tagged: Guest Column | Summer