How to Hang a Hammock Chair Indoors

Hammock chairs are comfortable and versatile, and they are a great way to save space in a small living area, or make a wonderful statement in your interior décor. But hanging them can be a challenge, and you don't want your chair to come unexpectedly crashing down. Here's how to hang a hammock chair indoors.

Tools to Hang a Hammock Chair Indoors

In most cases, a person can hang a hammock chair by themselves, if they have the right tools and equipment. In order to hang a hammock chair indoors, you will need:

• The hammock chair
• A ladder high enough to reach your ceiling
• A drill driver
• Mounting or hanging hardware, including bolts, screws, and the like
• A suspension system, unless your hammock chair already comes with ropes, chains, webbing, or some other system and is ready to hang
• A stud finder
• Measuring tape
• It's also a good idea to wear safety glasses when drilling upward over your face.

Hanging a Hammock Chair Indoors: Before You Begin

Perhaps the hardest part of hanging a hammock chair indoors is finding out where you will put it. There are a number of things to consider:

Where are your joists? In order to hang a hammock chair indoors, you need to hang it from a ceiling joist. That will give you the structural support you need to suspend the weight from. However, your joists may not be in the ideal part of the room for your hammock chair to fit nicely with the rest of the décor.

Note: Do not hang an indoor hammock chair from metal joists. Metal studs can be damaged when heavy objects are hung from them, so only hang hammock chairs from wooden joists. It's also worth mentioning that stud finders don't work on popcorn ceilings, so to find a joist you may need to measure 16 inches, then use a slim nail and hammer to see if you hit wood.

How much clearance do you need? In most cases, a hammock chair needs about two feet of clearance from the ground, but you may want to adjust that for your height. Remember that hammock chairs hang lower when they are carrying weight. You will also need clearance from a wall or other objects, since the chair will swing when it is being used.

Do you have quality hardware? Remember that your hammock is only as strong as everything you use to hang it. Your screws, eye bolts, chains, and other components need to be strong and durable. While some people simply hang a hammock chair from an eye bolt, it is not the safest solution.

It's always best to choose a swiveling mounting system so that your hammock chair can rotate in place, rather than binding. It's a good idea to choose an all-in-one kit like this one  so you know you have everything you need.

Do you need to tie knots? Check your hammock chair's suspension system. In most cases, they will be pre-tied with loops or carabiners for hanging. If your hammock chair needs you to tie ropes in knots in order to hang it, it may be best to use carabiners or chains unless you already know how to tie secure knots.

How to Hang a Hammock Chair Indoors

To hang your hammock chair, follow these steps:

• Locate a ceiling joist. Using a ladder and a stud finder, measure 16 inches across your ceiling from the wall, and run a stud finder over the area. If it doesn't light up, try 24 inches. Once you know whether your joists are 16 or 24 inches apart, find the joist where you will hang your hammock chair and mark it with a pencil.
• Mark the position and drill your pilot holes. If you are using a mounting kit, follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you are using an eye bolt or D ring, drill your pilot holes. Make sure you are drilling into wood.
• Secure your bolt or ring to the ceiling. Tug on it and make sure there is no looseness or movement in the attachment points.
• Add the rest of your hardware and hang your hammock. Tug on it firmly and look at all the connections for any unwanted movement.
• Test the height. While you still have the ladder set up, either sit in the hammock, or place some heavy objects in it to make sure it is the correct height. If it isn't the correct height, make the adjustment.
• Enjoy your hammock chair!

How to Hang a Hammock Chair Indoors without Hardware or Drilling

If you are concerned about the safety and stability of your ceiling attachments, don't have a conveniently located ceiling joist, or simply want a more versatile option, you may want to hang your hammock chair from a stand instead.

The advantage of using a hammock chair stand like this one is that there is no drilling or installation required, so it's perfect for renters. It also allows you the flexibility to place a hammock chair anywhere you want it, or to move or remove it more easily. With a hammock chair stand, you can also take your hammock chair outdoors when you want to.

Conclusion

Hammock chairs are fun, comfortable, and attractive. It's a great way to add flexible seating and save space in a home. With the right tools and hardware, you can easily and safely hang one from your ceiling in no time. It's a simple DIY project that can be done in under an hour. Or, if you want a more rent-friendly, flexible alternative, hang one from a freestanding stand and place it where ever you want it.