Create your ultimate relaxing escape with these 9 backyard hammock ideas!

Create an idyllic retreat with this fun outdoor accessory.

hammock hanging in manicured backyard — PHOTO: BOB STEFKO

It doesn’t get much better than an afternoon nap in a hammock, being rocked to sleep by a gentle breeze to the sound of rustling leaves. Whether it’s freestanding or stretched between two trees, a hammock is the perfect addition to your outdoor space and is guaranteed to be the comfy spot everyone fights over.

Hammocks come in various styles, sizes, designs, and price points, providing plenty of options to choose from. Some are lightweight and easy to pack, which makes them a great choice for a camping trip in the great outdoors. Others have elaborate handmade tassel details for a beautiful decorative addition to your sunroom. And others are double-wide, waterproof, and make for a relaxing reading spot under the shade of a tall tree. Add this fun outdoor accessory to your own backyard to create an idyllic retreat to enjoy for years to come.

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Macramé Hammock

hammock with quilt and pillows — BETTER HOMES & GARDENS / ADAM ALBRIGHT

To recreate this dreamy hammock scene in your own backyard, you’ll need two sturdy trees that are up to 14 feet apart. Most hammocks are 10 feet long and have ties at either end to secure them to trees. Or you can weave thick rope through the loops as done here. Woven macramé details add a boho-inspired decorative touch to your backyard and pastel throw pillows and a cozy quilt are perfect accessories for an outdoor nap.

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Screen Porch Hammock

covered deck with hammock and patio furniture — BETTER HOMES & GARDENS / BRIE WILLIAMS

Hammocks aren’t just for the outdoors. Hang one in your screened-in porch and enjoy a book and some ice-cold lemonade whether the sun is out or it’s pouring rain. Depending on the insulation of your porch, you can relax in the hammock year-round. This setup achieves the best of all seasons. A woven hammock features a spreader bar so that it doesn’t bunch up. It’s secured to hooks installed in load-bearing columns to ensure it doesn’t fall. In the event that you need extra space, simply take the hammock off the hooks and remove it when guests are over.

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Freestanding Hammock

hammock hanging in backyard — BETTER HOMES & GARDENS / BOB STEFKO

Just because you don’t have any large trees in your yard doesn’t mean you can’t have a hammock. This oasis-like backyard features a freestanding hammock with curved metal posts to hold it in place. The double-wide woven green hammock blends right in with the surrounding greenery and feels like an organic part of the outdoor space. Use posts secured in the ground or a hammock that comes with its own stand if you’re limited by a lack of trees.

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Boho-Inspired Hammock

artsy back porch decor with balcony and hammock — BETTER HOMES & GARDENS / ERIN KUNKEL

A stunning macramé hammock brings a boho-inspired feel to this deck. It fits in beautifully with a deep rattan daybed, round stone table, and mixed patterns to create a casual outdoor space. The backyard hammock is hung on two deck posts for stability, but the placement also provides shade for comfort and a quiet resting spot slightly removed from the hub of conversation. Lush hanging and potted plants surround the hammock to evoke the feeling of being surrounded by nature at a faraway retreat.

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Sunroom Hammock

red, white, and blue striped hammock and mini table — BETTER HOMES & GARDENS / ADAM ALBRIGHT

Hang a hammock in a sunroom for use throughout multiple seasons. This striped red, white, blue, and turquoise hammock pops against an all-white space for a fresh, relaxing feel. A matching turquoise side table provides a spot to put down a drink and a book, while colorful throw pillows add comfort and carry on the color scheme. Hang a hammock from hooks attached to load-bearing walls or posts and remove it and roll it up for easy storage when not using it or when the space is needed for another activity.