Classic Cotton Rope Hammock

It's thought classic cotton rope hammocks originated in Central America. The Mayans are generally credited with inventing the hammock more than 1000 years ago. By the time Columbus landed in the New (to him) World, hammocks were in widespread use by Caribbean, Central and South American natives.

The word hammock is believed to derive from the word hamaca from the Arawak language of the Taino Indians of Hispaniola (today's Haiti and Dominican Republic); and it translates roughly as "fishing net". Hammocks were and are a functional and creative solution to the need for tropical bedding that discourages infestation by snakes or other pests (most fall through the mesh), is cooling and hygienic (you can catch quite a good breeze swinging, with no sweat), takes minimal carry space when traveling or camping; and is yet quite comfortable.

The great thing is that you don't need to live in the tropics to enjoy hammocks! It's said that hammocks were once used in British prisons to help alleviate overcrowding. They were banned once it was discovered that the prisoners were making weapons from the hanging hardware (oops!). Hammocks have been used on ships since the days of Columbus. They were considered much safer than flat beds. Sailors slept more securely on rough seas in the hammocks as they could sway with the waves and not be tossed onto the floor. And during the American Apollo moon missions, hammocks were used in the lunar module.

A classic rope hammock is a net-like, hanging bed or couch that is suspended between two supports. You can hang it between two sturdy trees, or posts, or on a manufactured hammock stand. Laying in one makes you feel as if you're floating in air. They're dangerously comfortable and relaxing.

Hammocks can be made out of various materials, such as cotton fabrics, nylons or netted cord. They can be sewn, quilted, crocheted, macraméd, or woven.

There are two major classes of hammocks. The classic hammocks most often seen in stores and that people are familiar with are usually made from cotton rope and have spreader bars, often made of wood, at each end to keep the hammock open.
But there are non-spreader bar hammock styles, such as Nicaraguan, Mexican, Brazilian or Mayan hammocks.

Some folks won't try hammocks thinking they're too difficult to lie in; which is a shame. While spreader bar hammocks make for ease of getting in and out, hammocks are too often thought of as tricky for a newbie to balance properly and stay in. The trick is to lie at a diagonal across the spread hammock, corner to corner, to evenly distribute your weight. Non-spreader bar hammocks may have to be unfurled to sit in, but you're far less likely to pitch and fall out of one because they tend to enfold you. Indeed, Mayan, Nicaraguan and Brazilian hammock styles are most often used as indoor hammock beds.

Still not convinced? Try a hammock chair, or hammock swing. These are, as their names suggest, more conventionally styled furniture items that still have the renowned comfort of a hammock. They're perfect if you don't have the space to hang a conventional hammock. Hammock swings in particular are becoming more and more popular. See my module below on cotton rope hammock chairs for more info; or visit my blog All About Hammocks; http://hammocks.backyardutopia.com.

Hammocks come in a great variety of colors and patterns. You can buy hammocks for single person use, or for two (or more!). Choose what you like according to what you feel is most comfortable and matches your desired decor.

First, where do you want to use your cotton rope hammock? Hammocks can be used indoors or out. They're equally at home in your bedroom or sunporch as they are next to the pool, on your deck, or under a grove of trees. You can even hang a rope hammock in an arbor, gazebo or pergola.

If you plan to hang a cotton rope hammock outdoors, you may want to consider the effects of weather on its durability and wear. Hammocks made of natural materials like cotton or hemp are quite comfortable but susceptible to mold and mildew and will not last long exposed to the elements. Hammocks made of nylon, Sunbrella or Duracord will last longer outside; and are great next to the pool.

If you plan to use your new hammock indoors, feel free to choose cotton or any material you please. Quilted hammocks are warm and cozy on cooler evenings. Mayan hammocks are super strong and lightweight; but can be easily damaged by clothing buttons, zippers and sharp objects.

All hammocks can present a hazard to small children because they can become entangled in the hanging ropes and chains. Quilted, fabric and tightly woven cotton hammocks have an advantage of being somewhat safer as there are no holes for tiny feet or hands to poke through the hammock bed and become tangled or caught. NEVER allow children to play unsupervised around or on a hammock.

Then there's the question of hanging your hammock. A hammock stand for a spreader bar hammock is different than one for non-spreader bar types. This is because hammocks without spreader bars naturally hang with a bow or "dip" in the middle; and we just can't have our backsides dragging while we doze.... ;-) So the Nicaraguan, Brazilian or Mayan hammock must be hung higher from the ground than a spreader bar hammock.

Hammocks with spreader bars are generally hung 4 - 5 feet from the ground; non-spreader bar (Mayan, Brazilian, Nicaraguan-style) hammocks are hung at 6 - 7 feet from the ground.

Going camping, or to the beach? Want to use a hammock there? Check out portable hammocks, or camping hammocks. These are generally made of super-lightweight nylon for durability and ease of packing. You can pack a small lightweight Mexican or Mayan hammock as well. For camping, there are even hammock tents that shelter you from the elements and have mosquito nets to ward off pests.

Ultimately, choosing a hammock boils down to personal taste. What feels right for you? It's kinda like choosing a mattress for your bed - you need to test. So if there's a local store near you that has hammocks, try out a few and see how you feel. Once you identify a style, shop online for the best price and selection.

Don't think your place can accomodate a full size cotton rope hammock? No worries. You can always try cotton rope hammock chairs. They're super comfy yet compact enough to fit in an apartment or on a small patio. As you can see, they're chairs that are made just like hammocks with the same net-like material, or fabric; and they are supported at the ends by rope or cord. I can tell you from personal experience, they are wonderful! When I first tried one, the store owners just about had to evict me from the showroom.... You feel weightless, like you're floating on air, while sitting in one of these. They are fantastic to relax in, and on average they cost considerably less than a full size hammock.

Cotton rope hammock chairs are as stylish and comfortable in your family room as in your outdoor gazebo or hung from a sturdy tree. Some are meant to hang from hammock chair stands only, while others can be suspended from a ceiling beam, a sturdy tree branch or a stand. You can generally find rope hammock chairs where you buy hammocks. I strongly suggest that, unless you live by yourself, you buy two. Maybe there'll be one left for you to sit in and enjoy. Seriously. Cotton rope hammock chairs are THAT addictive.