Hammocks

199 items

Welcome to NOVICA's Hammock homepage! Enjoy exploring unique hammocks handcrafted by artisans around the world. Discover hundreds of rope and fabric hammocks, including Mayan hammocks, double hammocks and hammock swings from Central America, Mexico and Brazil.

The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

+ - Will water damage my hammock?

While occasional exposure to water will not damage a hammock, excessive contact can lead to mold and mildew. Nylon hammocks are more weather-resistant than cotton hammocks; and hammocks with wooden stretcher bars may suffer damage from moisture to the wood bars if left outdoors. Most important for hammock care is ensuring that a hammock is properly dried after getting wet. For hammocks without spreader bars, it is useful to place a stick or broom across the width of the hammock to hold it open and ensure proper drying.

+ - How do I clean my hammock?

It is important to read all care instructions for your specific hammock. Some hammocks can be machine washed in cold water with mild detergent. Simply remove spreader bars, shake excess dirt and debris from the hammock, and tie end strings. Place the hammock in a pillowcase to minimize damage to the fabric. To hand wash, place it in a bathtub with cold water and mild detergent. Scrub and rinse until refilled bath water runs clean. For hammocks without removable spreader bars, lay the hammock on a flat surface and use a low-pressure hose and mild detergent. Always hang your clean hammock to thoroughly air dry before re-using or storing.

+ - What are hammocks made of?

Hammocks can be made from a variety of materials. The most traditional is cotton, which is lightweight, comfortable, and easily transportable. Rope (both cotton and polyester) is also a popular material for hammocks. Typically, they use spreader bars, which make them breathable in warm climates. Some hammocks are made of nylon, which is very lightweight and resistant to outdoor elements, such as mildew and mold.

+ - Are hammocks bad for my back?

On the contrary! Hammocks that have been properly set up can reduce pressure on your spine and minimize tossing and turning that often leads to back problems. Furthermore, the gentle rocking associated with hammocks can activate your vestibular system and enhance relaxation. Those with pre-existing back problems should always consult a physician before engaging in any activity that causes discomfort.

+ - How do I hang my hammock?

Hammocks can be hung from trees, posts, walls, or hammock stands. Healthy trees (12"/ 31cm diameter or larger) can support hammocks with the use of eyebolts. If you do not have access to healthy trees or simply want an alternative, well-footed posts (4 x 4 or greater) are one option. The timber should be weather-treated hardwood (not soft wood), without cracks or wood rot. Secure walls (not hollow) or secure joists are other alternatives.

+ - Can hammocks damage trees?

Hammocks that have not been properly set up can harm or kill trees. A hammock should never be secured to a sapling or a tree that cannot accommodate a persons weight. Tree damage primarily occurs when a hammock has been tied to a tree using cord or rope, which destroys the trees bark and subsequently exposes it to infection, insects, and environmental stressors. While eyebolts drill directly into the tree, they do not leave exposed openings in the bark because they are filled with the eye-hook. Often a tree will even produce sap around the hole to further seal any gap between the hardware and the surrounding bark.It is possible to purchase tree straps that can be used to suspend a hammock from trees without doing the trees any harm. Such straps can be found at hammock stores and many sporting goods stores.

+ - What is the difference between a single, double or triple hammock?

Single hammocks are intended for use by one adult only, with a maximum weight capacity of 250-300 lbs. Double hammocks can be used by up to 2 adults, with a maximum total weight capacity of 450 lbs. And triple hammocks can be safely used by up to 3 adults, with a maximum total weight of 550 lbs.

+ - Are hammocks safe for kids?

Hammocks provide a fun and relaxing experience for children, but they should only use them when supervised by an adult. Children can become entangled in hammock strings or ropes, resulting in injuries that can be severe, such as strangulation. Additionally, hammocks can sometimes be unsteady and children may not have the balance or coordination to enter or exit the hammock without falling. To prevent these potential problems from occurring, it is imperative that children be attended to at all times while using a hammock.

+ - What is the origin of the hammock?

While today, hammocks are used for relaxation and leisure, 1,000 years ago, they served a different function. Ancient Mayans are believed to have originally used them as protective beds. Hammocks elevated early users from the ground, where poisonous snakes and insects were a threat. They kept sleepers cool in warm climates and were easy to transport and set up. It is rumored that when Christopher Columbus glimpsed the benefits of the hammock to the Taino people of the Bahamas, he capitalized on the opportunity and brought them back to Europe.

Hammocks by Style

Top Hammock Categories

Cotton Hammocks

Brazilian Hammocks

Mexican Hammocks

Central American Hammocks

Striped Hammocks

Solid Hammocks

Featured Reviews

Cotton rope hammock, 'Uxmal Mulberry' (triple)

CONNOR

Mar 26, 2026

Felt like I was receiving a Gift.

How beautiful well made this hammock was. Am above and beyond please and happy. Such quality with so much love placed into it. Could not recommend enough.

Backyard Hammock

Cotton String Hammock

Hammock Camping

Hanging Hammock

Indoor Hammocks

Mexican String Hammock

Hammock, 'Cool Lagoon' (double)

Barbara

Dec 10, 2020

Lose yourself in the blues

Most colorful and comfortable hammock! Napping in a slight breeze brings back island and Baja vacation days.Definitely recommend!

Relax

Hammock, 'Royal Pheasant' (single)

Kristie

May 31, 2020

This Hammock is amazing!

We live in it! My husband and I fight over who gets to lay in the hammock- I guess I’ll have to buy one for myself!

Hammock

Featured Artist

Maya Artists of the Yucatan Hand-crafted Mayan hammocks

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The Maya preferred to sleep and rest in hammocks. They considered the hammock to be like the loving embrace of a mother.

Long before the Spanish arrived upon the coasts of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Maya preferred to sleep and rest in hammocks. They considered the... read more

HGTV Magazine Features NOVICA Items in their Best Summer

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How and Where do I Hang my Hammock?

I'm sure you've lounged in a hammock at some point by the beach, pool, or while camping but did you know that... read more

Outdoor Sanctuary: The Hammock Swing Chair

I have been daydreaming of having a hammock style swing chair for so long I can't remember. One of my favorite... read more

Relax! Have Fun! It’s Summer!

Its summertime the time for action movies, barbeques, and reading trashy novels at the beach. Whatever your... read more

Fall Into A Warm Hug This Season- Handmade Mayan Hammock

.single.postid-4146 .entry-media { display: none; } My childhood was full of modest delights. It was a time... read more

Linking Central American Women Business Enterprises with the

As part of our mission to empower artisans and small businesses, we are pleased to share with you the news... read more

5 Ways to Mix Global Home Dcor into Your Patio Space

You would think it could be easy to find amazing cultural pieces at the few yard sales or flea markets... read more

Summer Entertaining Essentials

I have always been a fan of dinner parties, especially in warmer weather. There's nothing better than sitting... read more

Outdoor Lounge: Manaus Majesty Hammock

I am beginning to put together a little outdoor lounge area in our backyard. This space is FAR from being... read more

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