The Many Varieties of Hammock Swing

If you took a quick glance at a hammock swing, you might think you were looking at some sort of a medieval torture device. You wouldn't get the warm connotation of someone relaxing outside with a lemonade; instead, you might think the lounger was being shackled to a machine that was designed to bend limbs the wrong way. Interestingly enough, the hammock swing is actually quite comfortable, despite what it might look like.

The hammock swing comes in several different varieties. Some of those varieties—the simpler models—look like a rope weave hammock or a cloth hammock folded in half, with a sort of basket in the middle, where the lounger can sit. These models are often the least expensive, but are still quite comfortable.

The hammock swing model that looks like a torture device is sometimes referred to as an “air chair.” These models consist of an actual bucket seat made out of cloth, combined with an elaborate system of rope supports, cloth coverings, and wooden bars. Rather than being a single piece of fabric, this “air chair” is similar to a floating adjustable chair with an ottoman.

Additionally, a number of hammock swing models appear to be chairs rigged up by roping. These models are often called “hammock chairs”; and are generally composed of cushions upholstered with some sort of synthetic fiber, such as polyester or acrylic.

Hammock swing models will range in price significantly. The most expensive model is generally the “air chair,” which can often cost as much as $200. Less expensive models include simple “hammock chairs,” “Mayan hammock chairs,” which are brightly-colored folded models, and “Brazilian hammock chairs,” which are also brightly-colored, but have a cloth backing. These models can often be as cheap as $50, but will usually run you close to $70.