Hammock Chairs

A hammock chair hangs from a single point, ceiling beam, tree branch, or a freestanding stand, and holds you in a reclined, slightly wrapped position. Unlike a flat hammock that requires two anchor points spread apart, a chair needs just one fixing point and takes up a much smaller footprint. That's why they work well on balconies, in bedrooms, and in smaller outdoor areas where a full hammock wouldn't fit.

We stock rope, canvas, macramé, and padded styles. The right one depends mostly on where you're putting it and how long you plan to sit in it at a stretch.

Which style suits your situation

The material affects both comfort and how well the chair holds up outdoors. Here's how the main styles compare:

If you're putting the chair on an exposed deck in Queensland or coastal NSW, synthetic rope or treated polyester is the practical choice. Cotton and macramé look better indoors but won't last a full summer season outside without fading and weakening.

Hanging from the ceiling vs. using a stand

This is the first question most people get stuck on. Both work well — the right answer depends on your situation rather than one being objectively better.

Ceiling or beam mount

Needs a structural timber beam, concrete ceiling anchor, or a branch rated for dynamic load (not just static weight, when someone sits and swings, the load increases). For a 90 kg person, the fixing point should be rated for at least 200 kg to account for that dynamic load. Standard plasterboard ceilings without a beam behind them are not suitable without specialist anchoring.

The hardware matters as much as the fixing point. Use a swivel and carabiner rated for the weight — this lets the chair spin freely without the rope twisting and weakening over time. We stock swivels and carabiners and ceiling mount kits separately if you need them.

Freestanding stand

The stand option suits renters, anyone without a suitable beam, or people who want to move the chair between rooms or inside and outside. Most of our stands are steel and rated for 150–200 kg. The tradeoff is floor space — a stand typically adds 60–80 cm around the chair on each side for the base legs. On a small balcony that can be the deciding factor.

If you're buying a chair and stand together, check the stand is designed for a single-point hanging chair rather than a flat hammock — the attachment geometry is different. Our hammock chair stands are listed separately and specify which chair types they're compatible with.

Weight capacity

Our standard hammock chairs are rated at 100–120 kg for the chair itself. The ceiling or branch fixing point and hardware need to be rated significantly higher — as a general guide, at least double the maximum user weight, because dynamic load from sitting, spinning, and movement can briefly exceed the static weight.

For heavier users or anyone wanting more headroom, we carry heavy-duty models and frames rated to 150 kg and above. The weight rating is listed on each product page.

One thing worth checking: some cheaper chairs sold online list a weight capacity that applies only to the chair fabric, not the hanging hardware included. Our weight ratings cover the complete setup as sold.

Indoor vs. outdoor: a practical summary

Indoors: Cotton, macramé, and woven styles are all suitable. They feel better against skin for long periods and tend to look better in a home setting. Keep them away from direct sunlight through windows if you want the colour to last.

Outdoors, covered area: Canvas and cotton are fine if they're under a roof and can dry out fully between uses. A chair cover helps when it's not in use.

Outdoors, exposed: UV-treated polyester or synthetic rope only. Everything else will fade and weaken within a season in Australian sun. Even then, bringing cushions inside during heavy rain extends their life significantly.