A piece of furniture for contemplation, if one can say so. But also one of the most flexible furniture thanks to the ability to fold and be transported to where the needs or the whim take us. And yet, the thousand virtues of the hammock are not relegated either to its adaptability or to the most obvious feature to offer an improvised lounge perfect for relaxation. Let’s consider its ergonomic nature, perhaps the most unrecognised: the hammock allows for a rest that is able to adapt perfectly to the needs of the body, preserving the health of the spine and the good functioning of the circulation.
The essentials: 15 of the best hammocks
Suspension and release but also comfort and transformability. These are the characteristics that make the hammock an atypical type of furniture, a hymn to nomadic life in the open air, perfect to solicit a magnificent abstraction from time.
Glass fibre reinforced polyester, Dacron. Dimensions 114 x 260 x 20 cm.
Leather, steel, microfiber, aluminium and brass. Dimensions 345 x 40.0 x 98 cm.
Steel and textilene. Dimensions 180x 243 x 80 cm.
Aluminium structure, dimensions 196 x 400/490 x 193 cm.
Nylon, polyester. Dimensions 140 x 100 cm.
Structure in fibreglass, upholster in calfskin. Dimensions 79.5 x 135 x 82 cm.
Nylon rope, golden brass, leather. Dimensions 75.0 x 210.0 x 75.0 cm.
Fabric Wefts in Rope yarn, tubular knit Chain Outdoor in colors matched to the fabric, stainless steel suspension system. Dimensions 400 x 125 cm.
100% Cotton. Dimension 366 x 130 cm.
Plywood, rubber..
Cordura, nylon. Dimensions 50 x 30 x 15 cm (backpack).
Wool and cotton.
Wool and cotton.
Sisal.
Polyester. Dimensions 270 x 325 x 325 cm.
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- Giulia Zappa
- 21 July 2020
It is among the populations of Central and South America that the hammock was born as a practical invention to overcome the adversities of the climate: attached to tree trunks, it represents an inventive solution to allow you to sleep in the cool, sheltered from insects and snakes that populate the soil. It was Christopher Columbus, it is said, who brought back to Europe the custom discovered in America, introducing it since the first voyage back as a bed for sailors, saved from a night rest that without any comfort used to take place on the ground, in a very unhealthy promiscuity between men, animals and dirt.
The most classic model of hammock, initially made from a derivative of agave leaves, the sisal, but now almost always made of cotton, is still largely produced between the Yucatan Peninsula and Colombia, at best respecting ancestral craft techniques. And yet, this world-famous archetype has given rise over the years to an explosion of models, including industrial productions with new, technological materials, together with new configurations and typologies, such as for example the free standing mode or the countless components that can enhance our comfort and experience. What doesn’t change, however, is the only feature that keep on distinguishing it from its many competitors: the complete suspension from the ground, which goes together with the oblivion of the world's problems and concerns.
A hammock that cannot be folded up, but thanks to the unique oval ring in reinforced polyester, it takes the form of a real outdoor furniture: designed to offer an ideal ergonomic support for sleeping, Leaf can accommodate up to 2 people. The ropes inside the structure can be replaced individually, ensuring greater product longevity.
Conceived for the Objets Nomades collection that the French luxury brand Louis Vuitton has been building over the years around the theme of nomadism and transformable furniture, The Hammock stands out for the particular weave of long leather strips stopped by 786 rivets, a reinterpretation of high craftsmanship savoir-faire that gives the hammock a new pattern.
Foldable if required, its self-supporting double ring tubular steel structure can be used outdoors as well as indoors. The fabric inserts, including the upper one that works as a sunshade, can be removed thanks to special zips.
Rocking with an aluminium structure and a high density polyethylene woven rope, it offers itself as a suspended space with the appearance of a collective nest. A small integrated side table ensures a support surface that can rotate 180 degrees.
Maximalist expression of the hammock by virtue of the imposing thickness of the threads and the depth of the black colour, it stands out for the knitted weave that charactherizes numerous dresses and accessories produced by the duo composed of Desiree Heiss and Ines Kaag.
A vitalist re-interpretation of the tropical theme so dear to the two Brazilian brothers, Cocoon stands out for its high handcrafted finishes including in particular the treatment of the leather, which is smooth on the outside and quilted on the inside.
A happy encounter of materials and shapes such as metal rings, richly woven polyurethane mesh, leather cushions and gold coloured metal clips, Swing Chair stands out for the graphic character that comes from the balance between its heterogeneous components.
Completely made of fabric, Farniente comes to life from the encounter between the different colours of the textures, a distinctive feature of Paola Lenti's furniture research.
Ode to the sensory component of the materials, the hammock designed by Studioilse is distinguished by the choice of natural short chain fibers spun by hand without bleach or dyes.
The result of an assembly between boomerang shaped plywood modules and rubber spacers, Wood Hammock questions the expectations related to the performance of the materials through the identification of a new ergonomic comfort.
A contemporary evolution of the transportable hammock, Nomad Hammock can be folded into a hiking backpack where personal items can also be stored. It is made of Cordura, a waterproof material that also guarantees full ventilation.
Designed as a thesis at the Design Academy in Eindhoven, Maka is the result of an exercise in revitalizing traditional Colombian hammock production techniques through the design of new geometries.
A small shelter adaptable to green spaces as well as the city, this small suspension cocoon made with a very thick wire combines the techniques of spinning and knitting to enhance the protective and welcoming appearance of the material.
Presented as an installation at Design Miami District in 2019 along with other objects produced by Mexican artist Fernando Laposse, the hammock - developed in collaboration with fabric designer Angeka Damman - is made of sisal, a fiber obtained from agave boiled in a substance obtained from cochineal to take on the specific pink color. The production process is thus a sustainable paradigm that avoids the use of plastic and polluting dyeing processes.
Light triangular structure to be hooked to trees, Tentsile hammocks can be completed by components that transform them into real hanging tents. Side by side, they can give life to a light and completely reversible agglomerate.