30 Backyard Hammock Ideas for a Serene Space

By
Helen Andriatsitohaina
Helen's Photo
Helen Andriatsitohaina
Helen Andriatsitohaina has been writing about home design for over four years. She is also a digital nomad, always eager to discover different interior styles from across cultures.
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Published on 09/12/23
Striped Hammock In Home Backyard

Anastasiia Krivenok / Getty Images

If there’s one thing you need to elevate your leisure time, it’s a hammock—the ultimate lounging accessory. Kicking back with a magazine, sipping on a refreshing drink, and taking a siesta on a gently swaying hammock on a sunny afternoon? Count us in. 

Below, we’re sharing 30 of our favorite backyard hammock setups, which are sure to spark some inspiration for your own outdoor retreat. Because everyone’s styles and gardens are different, we included tons of great ideas, from simple DIYs to maximalist havens to space-friendly options and plenty more. 

  • 01 of 30

    Magical She Shed

    Magical She Shed

    @herzenstimme / Instagram

    Ever thought of turning the outside of your shed into the ultimate entertaining space? Here, a newly built wood deck makes room for a floor pouf, pallet bench, rolling table, and of course, a hanging chair. Finishing touches—such as twinkle lights and candles—bring it all together, making the setting laid-back by day and magical by night.

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  • 02 of 30

    Monochrome, but Make It Playful

    Black And White Hammock Setup

    @stylingmyhouse_ / Instagram

    Sure, black-and-white outdoor themes are classy, but throw a hammock into the mix and they become playfully chic. We are particularly drawn to this space by @stylingmyhouse_ for its varied yet cohesive patterns—see how the tassel hammock, rug, and pouf complement each other? And with a fuzzy pillow beneath your head and a drink within reach, canceling plans doesn’t seem too bad.

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  • 03 of 30

    A Zen Oasis

    Garden With Hammock And Many Plants

    @rossleegardener / Instagram

    If you’re lucky enough to have a lush backyard, you might as well make it as usable and relaxing as possible. Nestle your hammock among flourishing plants to create a peaceful hideaway for quiet time. Even better if you add a water fountain for natural soothing sounds!

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  • 04 of 30

    Fun for Two

    Duo Hammock Swing

    @emilygurklis / Instagram

    Hammocks are universally fun, so it only makes sense to hang two if you’ve got kids, a significant other, or often have your friends over. Take a cue from the photo above and include a few garden chairs so everyone can join in on the fun. 

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  • 05 of 30

    A Portable Solution

    Black Fringed Hammock In Contemporary Garden

    @sheffieldsemi1930s / Instagram

    Whether you live somewhere with unpredictable weather or don’t have trees to tie your hammock to, your best bet would be a free-standing hammock. One of its major advantages is flexibility—you can set it up in the garden when the sun is out and move it to shelter when it gets a little too chilly.

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  • 06 of 30

    A Casual Seating Ensemble

    Neutral Exterior With Rope Hammock

    @ann.living / Instagram

    Normally you’d think of hammocks as standalone pieces, but that’s not the case here. Interior decorator @ann.living used a rope hammock to tie together her neutral exterior, and the result is nothing short of welcoming. Besides, adding a hammock to your outdoor living room will surely encourage you and your family to spend more time outside. But the question is: who gets to sway in the hammock?

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  • 07 of 30

    Go Vintage

    Vintage Bamboo Hammock

    @bauhaus_py / Instagram

    Vintage lovers, your hammock doesn’t have to look contemporary or boho-chic if that’s not your thing. Instead, you can opt for a bamboo stand and layer the hammock with ruffled, floral fabric to lounge in vintage style.

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  • 08 of 30

    A Cozy Little Nook

    Hanging Chair In Small Nook

    @renata_veto / Instagram

    Who says you need a large backyard to create a hammock oasis? Even an itty-bitty corner on your patio or porch can be transformed into a relaxing space with a hammock-style chair, a few pillows, a blanket, and green buddies.

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  • 09 of 30

    Not Your Average Hammock

    Cushioned Blue Hammock

    My Pocket Designer / Photo by Grey Crawford

    Let’s face it, rope hammocks aren’t the comfiest to nap in. But a cushioned one? Absolutely perfect. Most outdoor cushioned hammocks are weather-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about them fading or getting moldy over time. Other than that, the only downside we could think of is oversleeping because of its soft pillowy feel…oops.

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  • 10 of 30

    A Back Deck Paradise

    Deck Decorated With A Hammock And Plants

    @the.hectic.eclectic / Instagram

    Don’t know what to do with your long, narrow deck? Follow @the.hectic.eclectic’s lead and turn it into a stylish retreat. This deck is filled with character from top to bottom, featuring a fringed hammock, a striped rug, tall plants, colorful pillows, wicker lanterns, and even vine lights.

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  • 11 of 30

    Your Garden, Your Rules

    Vegetable Garden With Hammock

    @endless_hacienda / Instagram

    If you’re feeling proud of your vegetable garden, there’s no reason why you can’t relax in it. We love how @endless_hacienda’s hammock seamlessly blends in with her vegetable patch instead of sticking out like a sore thumb.

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  • 12 of 30

    A Secluded Haven

    Hanging Hammock Chair In Forest Garden

    @lindblomsgront / Instagram

    Here’s the perfect idyllic setting for introverted nature lovers. Just one hammock chair suspended from a tree branch and a side table to set drinks and snacks as you curl up with a good book—talk about life in the countryside!

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  • 13 of 30

    Dreamy Cottage Garden

    Cozy Hammock, Lounge Chairs, and Greenhouse In Garden

    @villa.pax / Instagram

    Speaking of country life, @villa.pax’s beautiful garden has everything you need to decompress—a cozy hammock, lounge chairs, and lots of greenery. Lucky for her, the garden features a pair of sturdy trees to tie a hammock between, while offering some much-needed shade on sunny days.

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  • 14 of 30

    DIY Hammock Posts

    Purple Hammock Between Two Posts

    @diy.dummies / Instagram

    No suitable trees? No problem. Make your hammock a permanent feature in your yard by concreting two posts into the ground, just like @diy.dummies did here. Then, secure the hammock in place with metal hooks, and voila!

    Tip

    Make sure you measure both the hammock and its intended location before pitching the posts. A good rule of thumb is to make the distance between the posts about 2 feet longer than the total length of the hammock. This ensures that the hammock is neither overly taut nor too droopy.

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  • 15 of 30

    Add Shade

    Striped Hammock Below Shade Sail

    LynMc42k / Getty Images

    There’s nothing worse than lying in a hammock, only to get a headache from the beaming sun. The solution? A shade sail that provides ample coverage in an open space.

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  • 16 of 30

    A Hammock Garden Upstairs

    Gray And White Balcony With Hammock Chair

    @easyinterstyle / Instagram

    If a balcony is the only slice of outdoor space you have, don’t waste it away with basic chairs. Enjoying fresh air from a swaying hammock sounds way better. In her balcony, blogger Fatma of @easyinterstyle stuck with a simple white and gray palette and sprinkled tasteful accessories here and there to make the little exterior look like an extended version of her interior.

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  • 17 of 30

    Poolside Lounging

    Net Hammock Beside Pool And Garden Flowers

    Ginkgo Leaf Studio

    Can you think of a better post-swim activity than lazing on a hammock? It’s hard to top that! A hammock by the pool makes for a great spot to dry off after a swim and soak up some sun in complete bliss.

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  • 18 of 30

    French Country Galore

    Green Striped Hammock

    Bruno Andreu

    This hammock setup is actually located in the French countryside, which explains why it pulls off the style so effortlessly. To achieve a similar look, pick a softly patterned hammock (preferably in muted greens, blues, or yellows) and echo the colors with pillows. A vintage armchair, a hanging planter, and a wicker basket give the outdoor nook charming character.

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    Hammock Bed

    Hammock Bed With Wood Stand And Canopy

    @melissatyefisher / Instagram

    If you need a little extra space and stability, a freestanding hammock bed would be your best bet. It offers plenty of room to stretch out or hang out with a loved one. Plus, some models—like the one shown here—come with canopies for shade protection. Although quite the investment, these types of hammocks are made for long-term use, suitable for both indoors and outdoors, and boast an impressive weight capacity.

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    Use What You Have

    White Folding Chair Beside Hammock

    @amongbearsandstars / Instagram

    You certainly don’t need to spend a lot to create a chic hammock spot. Make like interior thrifter @amongbearsandstars and use a folding wooden chair as a side table and add a kitchen tray to hold outdoor essentials. You could also grab a blanket and pillow from the bedroom instead of buying new ones

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  • 21 of 30

    Aqua Theme

    Hammock With Blue Pillows Beside Swimming Pool

    Nathalie Priem Photography

    Here's another example of using a hammock to make a swimming pool even more enjoyable—but this time with a theme. Not only do the blue pillows and blanket match the pool, but they also bring a refreshing pop of color and pattern to an otherwise neutral surrounding.

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  • 22 of 30

    Under a Pergola

    Hammock Under Pergola With String Lights

    @our_beautifuldestination / Instagram

    If you already have a pergola in your garden, there’s your hammock stand right there. The only thing to do is drill two holes about four feet above the ground, insert eye bolts, and secure them with washers and nuts. You can then hang the hammock up with S-hooks and maybe decorate the top with waterproof string lights for a cozy ambiance in the evenings.

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  • 23 of 30

    Picnic-Perfect Addition

    Salmon Hammock Wit Tassels

    @lovelydarlingspicnic & @shop.amacka / Instagram

    Picnicking in your backyard can be fun, especially when a hammock is involved. Here, @lovelydarlingspicnic went all out with this picnic setup and included everything from a stylish fringed hammock and mini table to pampas grass and colorful accent pillows.

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  • 24 of 30

    Cool Drinks Ahead

    Striped Hammock Beside DIY Drink Cooler

    @moxiehome / Instagram

    We love the idea of not needing to go inside for a refill, because who wants to do that? Instagrammer @moxiehome repurposed an old copper pot that she got at a garage sale into a drink cooler, which is just perfect for summer entertaining outside. Keeping in the theme of easy lounging, she DIYed a wood stand to keep the drinks within arm’s reach from the hammock.

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  • 25 of 30

    A Fairytale Retreat

    Floral Hammock Porch

    @thewifestyles / Instagram

    Rather than decorating her hammock scene with the usual string lights, @thewifestyles went for artificial flower garlands, and we’re obsessed. You can choose faux flowers in any color you want to either complement your exterior or add an element of contrast. And if you feel like the area needs a bit of illumination, use rose lights instead.

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  • 26 of 30

    A Veranda Playground

    Veranda With Hammock And Swing

    @naturalgarten / Instagram

    Why settle for one hammock when you can have them all? This serene veranda by @naturalgarten features hooks all over the ceiling to accommodate a hammock, a hanging chair, and a swing all in one place. The best part: each of these seats can be removed whenever extra space is needed.

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  • 27 of 30

    It’s All in the Details

    Maximalist Hammock Setup

    @theresa_gromski / Instagram

    This backyard hammock is what maximalist dreams are made of. It has color, pattern, texture, and tons of personality. More is more in this scenario, so don’t be afraid to go big with accessories—we’re talking lots of lanterns and cushions and maybe even add a showstopping Balinese parasol like @theresa_gromski did here. The key, though, is to maintain a cohesive palette to avoid an overly chaotic look.

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  • 28 of 30

    An Inviting Dirt Yard

    Cozy Hammock In Dirt Yard

    @kristymasarorealestate / Instagram

    If you’ve been holding off on placing a hammock in your dirt yard, here’s your sign to reconsider. A cozy hammock arrangement is a guaranteed way to transform a dirt patch from uninspiring to irresistible while making good use of the space until you’re ready for a makeover. Until then, we advise keeping a no-shoes-on-the-hammock policy.

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  • 29 of 30

    Simplicity at Its Best

    Hanging Wicker Chair In White Porch

    The Home Consultant Inc.

    If your interior style leans minimalist, why not continue the same aesthetic outside? Here, a wicker hanging chair serves as an unfussy focal point in this almost all-white porch. And with less visual clutter, it makes for a nice spot to focus and think clearly. You can always layer a few pillows on the seat for added comfort and support.

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    The All-In-One Gazebo

    Varied Seating Options In Wood Gazebo

    @wildrosecountryhome / Instagram

    Because all types of seating are welcome in a gazebo, Jenn of @wildrosecountryhome outfitted hers with armchairs, a 2 seater sofa, a chaise lounge, and a hanging hammock chair. We also love that she installed lighting and curtains, ensuring this outdoor living space remains functional and inviting at all times.

13 DIY Hammock Ideas