Transform your balcony into a tranquil oasis with a hammock. Even the smallest spaces can become cozy and inviting if you choose the right hammock. While there are a few conditions where hammocks may not be suitable, such as extreme wind conditions, they can indeed be hung on apartment balconies.
For those in a hurry, the simple answer is YES, you can hang a hammock on your balcony, and our recommendation is the best hammock for this purpose. In this article, we will explore this topic in detail and provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
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Hammocks: Not Just for Camping or Backyards
Most people assume that hammocks are designed solely for outdoor activities like camping or as patio furniture in the backyard. However, hammocks can also be used indoors, including in your living room, bedroom, study room, and even on your apartment balcony. Regardless of the size of your balcony, there is a hammock that will fit perfectly. With so many variations available, all you need to do is measure the size of your balcony.
If your balcony is very small and can only accommodate seating, a hammock chair would be more suitable than a traditional sleeping hammock. Measurement is crucial here, so be sure to determine the size of your balcony accurately.
Most balconies are at least 8 feet or more, and we will assume that yours is of that size.
Understanding Hammock Vocabulary
Before we dive deeper into hanging techniques, let’s briefly go over the vocabulary related to hammocks. There are three main parts of a hammock that you should be familiar with:
- Eyes – These are the hanging loops used to secure the hammock.
- Scale Lines – These lines connect the eyes to the bed of the hammock.
- Bed – The part of the hammock where you sleep or relax.
It’s important to note that the hanging techniques discussed here are simple and not the only ones. By using hammock straps, carabiners, and ropes, you can customize and extend the reach of your hammock.
Hanging Techniques
Ceiling and Wall Beam
To hang a hammock on your balcony, you’ll need to drill two holes in the ceiling or wall beam. Insert an eyebolt into each hole, and then use a hammock strap, rope, or carabiner to link the eyes of the hammock. Ensure that the holes are parallel and that the distance between them is at least 10ft or 120 inches.
From an Overhead Beam
If your balcony already has overhead beams, you can securely wrap ropes around them and attach them to the eyes of the hammock. However, if you don’t have a beam, you can skip this technique.
A Hybrid Approach
Let’s imagine that you have one beam on your balcony and no other suitable support to hang your hammock. In this case, you can use a combination of the beam and an eye-bolt to hang your hammock. However, carefully measure the height and length to ensure a safe and comfortable hanging position. We’ll discuss the optimal dimensions for hanging your hammock later in this article.
Hammock Stand Compatibility
Most hammocks on the market are compatible with hammock stands. If space is not a concern for you, using a hammock stand on your balcony can simplify the hanging process.
Now that you know how to hang a hammock on your balcony, the next step is to determine where to place the anchor points.
Choosing the Right Hammock for Your Balcony
Before we delve into anchor point placement, it’s essential to understand the different types of hammocks available. Generally, there are two main types: single hammocks designed for one person and double hammocks that comfortably accommodate couples.
Your choice of hammock will depend on the available space on your balcony. If space is limited, a single hammock is recommended, while a double hammock is ideal if you have more room to spare.
When it comes to dimensions, there isn’t much difference in length between single and double hammocks. However, the width and height may vary. Since the weight on a double hammock increases with two people, it’s advisable to have more height for proper clearance.
(Hammock dimensions provided below are optimal for most hammocks, but remember, you can always extend the reach using ropes!)
Optimal Dimensions for Double Hammocks
- Optimal Distance from Ground: 24 in / 2 ft
- Width (between eyes): 120 in / 10 ft
- Optimal Height (of eyes): 60 in / 5 ft
Recommended Range for Double Hammocks
Not all environments will have the optimal dimensions mentioned above. To accommodate different scenarios, we have provided recommended dimensions that should work for most hammocks.
- Range of Width (between eyes): 96 in / 8 ft – 132 in / 11 ft
- Range of Height (of eyes): 48 in / 4 ft – 72 in / 6 ft
Please note that if you hang the eyes too close together, you should increase the height of the hammock from the ground level. For example, it is not possible to hang a hammock with a width of 8 ft and a height of 4 ft. Your measurements are likely to fall somewhere within the recommended range.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering buying a hammock for your apartment balcony, go for it! Hammocks can enhance the relaxation and comfort of your balcony space. To ensure a successful installation, remember to follow the checklist provided in this article.
For the best hammock selection and to learn more about creating a cozy outdoor retreat, visit the Ambassadeur Hotel.
