Hammocks

Autumn. The very word conjures up colorful images, comforting impressions and cool feelings of a restful season. With the cooler temperatures that autumn brings, now is the perfect time to finally realize the relaxation you have been promising yourself all through the summer months. And what better place to relax than in the great outdoors.

When choosing outdoor leisure products, things to consider include comfort, color and durability.

Trends in Comfort

Trends come and go, but in the area of comfort for the outdoors, one item has been in fashion for over 100 years. Neither new nor splashy, the traditional hammock is the symbol of outdoor leisure recognized by all.

“No other outdoor furnishing can provide the comfort that a hammock does with its ‘floating on air’ design,” states Laurie Rudd, creative director of The HammockSource, manufacturers of Hatteras Hammocks and The Original Pawleys Island Rope Hammock. “The comfort of a hammock is found in the construction of either the hand woven rope style that hugs the body or in the fabric beds made of quilted layers.”

With the major improvements to the comfort of weather resistant ropes and fabrics, a current trend is extreme durability coupled with the softness of natural fibers. One example is DuraCord fiber. Although man made, this fiber is fade, stain and mildew resistant and repels water. The best part: its as soft as cotton.

Trends in Color

Color is not often the first thought, but today’s hammock is not your grandmother’s cotton rope hammock. “Colors are exploding in various hammock styles including ropes and fabrics,” states Ginger Woodard, PhD, associate professor in the College of Human Ecology at East Carolina University. “With the advancements in non-fading solution dyed yarns, colorations are unlimited.”

“This autumn, hammock color trends include cool blues and natural warm honey browns. Vibrant yellows and reds are also showing up taking their cue from the changing foliage. Making a comeback this season are silhouette design fabrics with high contrast black and off-white creating floral to geometric patterning. Outdoor also continues to welcome the olive greens matched with warm deep burgundy,” states Rudd.

Trends in Durability

Autumn is best enjoyed in the out-of-doors. However, life outside for furnishings can be harsh no matter the season, making durability the goal of all outdoor leisure products. In a hammock, these include everything from the hanging chain to the materials that make up the bed of the hammock.

“Zinc plating over heavy duty steel is preferred for long hammock life,” states Bill Russo, president of Nags Head Hammocks, of N.C. and S.C. “This finish keeps the installation of the hammock safe as well as long lasting.”

Wood components are trending toward naturally durable outdoor woods such as cypress or Brazilian teak, known as Cumaru. “The trend in ropes or fabrics for outdoor durability include designer materials like the DuraCord, that can withstand the elements while also being easy to clean with a bleach and water solution,” states J. R. Pelletier of internet retailer, The Hammock Company.com. Low maintenance is a priority in outdoor products year-round.

Trends in Relaxation

Autumn is the perfect time to lie back, relax and watch all the beauty and wonder of the season unfold. A hammock makes for the perfect vantage point for this and by following the latest trends, you will realize enjoyment that will never go out of style.

For more information visit www.hatterashammocks.com; www.nagshead.com; or www.thehammockcompany.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

---

EDITOR’S NOTE:

For a listing of area retailers to contact with regard to further comment or for advertising opportunities call toll free (888) 261-1885, ext. 241 or contact lrudd@thehammocksource.com.

With spring comes the desire to start fresh and clean house of all that is stressful. It is the season for lying back and compiling a plan for bringing elements of comfort into your life starting with the great outdoors . . . your backyard.

The number one element of comfort when beginning in the outdoors is a hammock. This crafted item has been created with the sole purpose of providing comfort. But, a hammock is just a start. From there, many other elements of comfort come into play including scent, touch, motion, as well as personal and natural comforts.

1. Comforting Use . . .

Choose a hammock that can provide not only unlimited comfort, but also long lasting life in the elements. “Hammocks today are crafted of various types of materials that are durable in the outdoors as well as decorative with soothing colors and coordinating accessories such as pillows for even greater comfort,” states Laurie Rudd, creative director for The HammockSource, manufacturer of Hatteras Hammocks and The Original Pawleys Island Rope Hammocks. Whether it be backyard, poolside, or lakeside, the use of a hammock enables you to find comfort unlike that provided by any other outdoor furnishing.

2. Comforting Scent . . .

By positioning your hammock next to a flower bed or patio pot brimming with such varieties as lavender, peonies, freesia, or any stress relieving fragrance, you will soon feel your cares soothed away. Positioning your hammock in a garden setting is easily accomplished with the addition of a hammock stand. “Various hammock stand styles are available as well as wheel kits that can make moving your slice of comfort to any relaxing location easy,” states Chuck Sineath, president of Nags Head Hammocks.

3. Comforting Touch . . .

Hand-woven rope hammocks can provide body-hugging comfort. This tactile soothing feeling gives great comfort while molding to the exact shape of the user. Hammocks, unlike patio chairs, offer the ability for full body lounging and quilted hammock styles also provide a “floating on air” feeling.

4. Comforting Motion . . .

Even before birth, movement has been known to be soothing. In a hammock, a gentle sway or rocking provides that element of motion. “Hammock accessories today include such items as a hammock rocking kit, states J. R. Pelletier, manager of internet retailer TheHammockCompany.com. “With such a kit, movement can be provided even when a soft breeze is nowhere to be found.”

5. Comforting People . . .

Family and friends are always a source of comfort. Lying back in the hammock with a loved one, sitting still for the first time in who knows when will provide comfort for your heart. The stresses of the day won’t seem as important from the vantage provided in a hammock.

6. Comforting Naturally . . .

Nature itself, such as that found in your own backyard, provides comfort with its soothing sights and sounds all around you. Lying still to enjoy them is the secret. Place a comfy hammock pillow under your head and relax your shoulders, your neck, all the way to the top of your head. Total comfort can be yours.

Achieving these elements of comfort can be realized in any size backyard setting. And with the purchase of one of the many sizes and styles of hammocks available today, your spring-time home improvement project may just end up improving more than just your outdoor spaces.

For more information about hammocks or hammock accessories, contact: www.thehammocksource.com or www.nagsheadhammocks.com, or www.thehammockcompany.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

TV commercials and magazine or Internet ads featuring hammocks often show someone lying in one under palm trees with an orange sun in the sky. That image, obviously, is designed to create a certain mood in the potential buyer. But it is only successful because there’s a lot of truth in it. Hammocks are great.

Though you may not always be so fortunate as to enjoy one near a sunny beach with a refreshing drink at hand, lying in a hammock is indeed a great pleasure. The material and distinctive geometry have been in use for centuries in Central and South America. They know a thing or two about how to have a fine siesta.

But even strung up between two trees in the yard, or on a hammock stand on the porch, a hammock can be a thing of beauty. They come in hundreds of individual designs, which have a variety of colors, material and shapes.

Some follow the Mayan tradition of being woven loosely to allow plenty of air flow and lots of stretch. Others are more like the Brazilian design, which use a tightly woven wide strip of cloth to form the bed. Spreader bars, though not part of these traditions, are sometimes used (an adaptation of the Polynesian method). They thread through or attach to the support ropes and turn the banana shape into a rectangle.

But whether thread or cotton strip, nylon or linen, curved or flat, they all offer a delightfully relaxing experience. Even a simple rope hammock can offer a cool, comfortable rest. With a wide mesh and very stretchable thick twine, they’re a great way to stay refreshed and enjoy a summer day.

Campers or backpackers have yet another style. Made from strong nylon, often with mosquito nets or rain tents, a camping hammock can be a great alternative to a standard tent. They typically tie up to trees, keeping occupants off the ground and away from insects or snakes.

But before you can use one, you have to construct one. Fortunately, that’s now easier than ever. Tree straps make hanging a hammock a job that only takes a few minutes. For those without conveniently placed and spaced trees, hammock stands offer a strong, simple-to-assemble support.

Along with a variety of styles of support, there are dozens of handy and decorative hammock accessories available. Pillows, cup or glass holders, replacement springs and much more are low-cost and simple to order.

They’re not only comfortable to use, but attractive furniture as well. And keeping them looking fine requires only modest care. A simple washing from time to time and a bit of polishing or spraying to coat the support will keep them looking new. Many stands are available in fine, elegant woods and some simple maintenance will make them shine.

Then when you’re done with the care and re-hanging, you can crawl back in, grab that drink and imagine you’re on some tropical isle with a cool breeze blowing. After all, you deserve a reward for all that hard work.