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Hammocks
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HammocksHow do you spell relief? We like to spell it, H A M M O C K and once you’ve spent an afternoon lounging in one, we know that you’ll agree. Hammocks provide a true invitation to relax and get away from the stresses of everyday life. There are many who advocate the importance of finding time on a regular basis to unwind, slow down the pace and find a little solace. Many vacationers are introduced to the peace that a hammock can bring when spending a week at the beach or mountain retreat. Once they enjoy the comfort and sheer pleasure of lying on a hammock, they decide to purchase one for their own homes. As a consequence, the hammock industry has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. Hammocks also provide the perfect way to relax and enjoy the sites and smells of your garden or patio area. With so many joining the home décor bandwagon, many are turning to hammocks to provide not only added seating, but also incredible design to garden living areas. Don’t stop there; many others have brought the hammock indoors to brighten up a teen’s room, the recreation room or family room. Hanging a hammock indoors brings an interesting focal point to any room. Hammocks are nothing new. They have been around for over 1,000 years and were first conceived and developed by the Mayan Indians living in the Yucatan Peninsula region of Mexico. Today Mayan hammocks remain a top seller and they hail from Mexico and Central America. But Mayan isn’t the only popular imported versions. You can readily find beautiful hand-woven hammocks from Brazil and Nicaragua and most other South American countries. There are three basic types of hammocks. Each comes in a myriad of vibrant colors and weaves. The first type are rope hammocks, which are generally made with cotton or polyester rope. Rope hammocks are perfect to hang between two trees or to place on a stand. They are known for their comfort. As a guide, the smaller the spaces between the ropes, the more comfortable it will be. Some people prefer to use a pad or blanket on top of the hammock so that they don’t get the waffle effect on their body. When they do, they miss out on one of the rope hammock’s greatest assets, which is the natural ventilation that comes from the ropes open-weave pattern, an important feature in hot and humid climates. Most rope hammocks will support up to 450 pounds, which makes them very sturdy and durable. A cotton rope hammock should be treated with a protective spray in order to protect it from mold and mildew, especially when the weather is hot and humid. Synthetic rope holds up better and doesn’t require the protective spray. But most agree that cotton provides the most comfortable option. Fabric hammocks offer a popular choice, because they are low maintenance. Quilted fabric, cotton or mesh are the most popular styles available. Fabric hammocks are closed weave, providing a strong surface. But when temperatures soar, the closed weave can cause some discomfort. Many of the fabric options come from Brazil. Fabric hammocks are light weight and much easier to move or set up than rope styles. But when they get wet, they absorb the liquid unless you’ve selected one of the synthetic fabrics that repeal moisture. The fabric hammock is great on the deck, in the yard, or by the pool. The final category is the string hammock, which was the original hammock developed by the Mayan Indians. Their web-like design is still hand-woven today. The string hammock is very flexible, yet incredibly supportive. The open weave provides for perfect ventilation. Because they are extremely lightweight they are often used by backpackers, hunters, hikers and anyone wanting a portable hammock. H A M M O C K not only spells relief, it also spells the perfect invitation to relax. So pick one out today and head out to enjoy your own mini-vacation—even if it only lasts for half of an hour. |
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