This Underrated Seating Choice Will Turn Your Front Porch Into a Favorite Hangout Spot

A front porch is your home’s first impression, and nothing feels more warm and inviting than a setup inspired by a cozy-chic beachside resort.

Incorporating a hammock on your front porch will instantly elevate your outdoor seating area into an effortless spot to lounge on breezy summer days, and our experts are here to explain everything you need to know about adding one to your space.

Why Add a Hammock to Your Front Porch

We’ve all seen the classic bistro sets, rocking chairs, and benches on a front porch, but the soothing, soft sway of a hammock will instantly bring that vacation feel right to your doorstep.

And although front porch hammocks and more traditional porch swings can both provide a peaceful space to sit and relax, outdoor furniture expert Mike Fretto says there are a couple of big benefits making hammocks a more appealing choice.

“Front porch hammocks are a lot less common, so they have a unique visual appeal,” he explains. “Hammocks are also more easily removed and stored away than a swing bench. So, if a big storm is coming or you want to store your outdoor furniture for the winter, it’s a lot easier to take down a hammock and put it away.”

Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!

Picking a Front Porch Hammock

When it comes to selecting the perfect hammock, realtor and renovator Ginger Wilcox suggests taking the climate into account, and the potential for excessive sun or rain exposure should play a role in the types of materials you opt for.

“The comfiest materials usually need seasonal use or weather protection,” she explains. “Natural materials like cotton look beautiful, but need to be brought in during wet seasons. Look for rust-resistant frames and cushions with UV-resistant, washable covers”

How to Decorate Around a Hammock

After selecting and installing your new statement piece, the fun part begins: decorating the rest of your front porch to transform it into an oasis for reading and relaxation.

• When it comes to styling a front porch hammock, both of our experts love to build tropical atmosphere through greenery, and use hanging planters and pots of varying heights to hold porch-friendly plants.
• Wilcox recommends viewing your porch like an outdoor living room, and opting for cozy lighting and layered soft furnishings such as indoor/outdoor rugs, throws, and lanterns to emulate the feeling of a nook.
• Fretto advises leaving plenty of space between your hammock and decor pieces. Getting on and off isn’t always easy, so having an open surrounding area is essential.

How to Install a Hammock on Your Front Porch

Once you’ve decided on the best hammock for your front porch, you’ll need to find where to set it up. Every hammock’s instructions will vary—so our pros say to read over them carefully before getting started—but general installation steps are as follows:

1. Pick a spot. After reviewing your hammock’s instructions and safety guidelines, pick a place to install it. The spots where each end will be attached should be about 2 feet further apart than the hammock’s length.
2. Double check anchor sites. Check the area for wood rot and water damage, and look for studs to provide additional weight support if the hammock will be secured to a wall.
3. Install mounting hardware. If you’re using a ceiling beam, either wrap mounting straps or ropes around (which are often included with your hammock), or screw mounting hardware into place. If you’re using a wall, mounting hardware will need to be installed at least 4 feet above the floor into a stud, which you can locate with the help of a stud finder.
4. Attach the hammock. Once your ropes, straps, and/or hardware are in place, attach the hammock to each end with carabiners.