The first time I bought a hammock chair, I had this vision: me, curled up with a book, gently swaying in my lounge like I was on holiday. What didn’t I picture? Standing under my ceiling, drill in hand, second-guessing everything. Where does it go? Will it hold? What if the whole thing rips out and I end up on the floor?
If you’ve been wondering how to hang a hammock chair, or more specifically, how to hang a hammock chair from the ceiling, then you’ve had those same doubts. The good news is: it’s absolutely possible. But, and this is important, it’s only safe if you do it the right way.
How to Hang a Hammock Chair: Start With the Spot.
Before anything else, you need to figure out where.
-
Inside the house: A corner by the window is dreamy. Bedrooms work too, especially if you want that “reading nook” vibe. Just make sure you’ve got space to swing a little without crashing into the wall or your lamp.
-
Outside: Porches, pergolas, and verandas are perfect. I’ve seen people use tree branches too — which looks great in photos, but only if the branch is thick, strong, and alive (dead wood = disaster).
Think of it less like placing a chair and more like hanging a swing. You don’t want it right next to things you’ll bang into.
How to Hang a Hammock Chair From the Ceiling: The Scary Part (But Not Really)
This is the step that makes most people nervous. And honestly, fair enough, you’re literally hanging yourself from the ceiling. But here’s the key: you’re not attaching it to plaster or drywall. That stuff won’t hold anything heavier than a poster. You need a ceiling joist or beam.
Here’s what I learned:
-
Find the joist. Use a stud finder (they’re cheap). No joist, no hammock chair.
-
Check it’s solid. Most ceiling joists can take around 100–150 kg. But if you’re unsure, ask a builder or a handy friend.
-
Use real hardware. No coat hooks, no random screws from the shed. Get a heavy-duty eye bolt or ceiling hook made for swings or hammocks.
Once you know you’ve got a solid beam and proper gear, the fear drops away.
What You’ll Need (Don’t Start Without These)
I made the mistake of starting with half the tools. Trust me, do it right from the beginning:
-
Stud finder (so you’re not guessing).
-
Drill with bits (slightly smaller than the hook/bolt you’re using).
-
Heavy-duty eye bolt or hook.
-
Carabiner or quick-link connector.
-
Rope or chain for adjusting the height.
-
Wrench for tightening.
-
Optional: a swivel piece, if you like spinning without twisting the rope.
Step-by-Step: How to Hang a Hammock Chair From the Ceiling
Alright, here’s the part where you actually do it:
-
Mark your spot. Once you find the joist, pencil where the hook goes.
-
Drill a pilot hole. Small hole first, so the bolt goes in smoothly.
-
Insert the eye bolt. Twist it in, then tighten with a wrench until it’s rock-solid.
-
Add a rope or a chain. Loop it through, secure it with a carabiner.
-
Hang the chair. Clip it on.
-
Test gently. Sit down slowly, wiggle around a bit. If it doesn’t budge, you’re good to go.
I still remember my first “test sit.” It felt a bit like testing a rollercoaster seat. But once it held, the relief was instant.
How to Hang a Hammock Chair: Don’t Forget Comfort.
Once it’s secure, you’ll want to play with height. A good setup is when your feet just touch the floor while seated. That way, you’re not dangling awkwardly, but you’re not scraping the ground either.
If you really want to level it up, use a swivel. It’s optional, but it lets you spin smoothly, and honestly, it makes the chair way more fun.
How to Hang a Hammock Chair Outdoors
Outside, it’s the same basic idea, but you’re usually dealing with beams or branches instead of joists.
-
For pergolas or porches: drill straight into the beam and use a heavy-duty hook.
-
For trees: no drilling. Use a thick strap that won’t damage the bark.
The bonus outside is more swinging room. The downside? Weather. Rain and sun will wear out fabric quickly, so bring the chair in when it’s not in use.
What If You Can’t Drill?
Some people (especially renters) don’t want to mess with ceilings. That’s fair. In that case, a hammock chair stand is your friend. They’re sturdy frames that hold the chair without needing any bolts. Downsides: they take up more space and don’t look as “built-in.”
Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made a few of these myself:
-
Anchoring into plasterboard. Nope. Doesn’t work. Don’t even try.
-
Using cheap hooks. The kind meant for hanging pot plants isn’t built for people.
-
Hanging too close to the walls. Fun until you swing sideways into plaster.
-
Skipping the test. Always ease in gently first.
How to Hang a Hammock Chair and Make It Yours.
Once the hard work is done, the real fun starts. Add cushions, throw in a blanket, and maybe put a small side table nearby for your coffee. Indoors, it can become your reading spot. Outdoors, it’s your sunset lounge.
For me, the hammock chair quickly became the place I’d go to reset after work. A bit of sway, a book in hand, and suddenly the day didn’t feel so heavy.
Final Thoughts: How to Hang a Hammock Chair From the Ceiling
So yes, you can hang a hammock chair from the ceiling, and no, it’s not as scary as it seems.
The main things to remember:
-
Always attach to a solid joist or beam.
-
Use heavy-duty, weight-rated hardware.
-
Adjust the height so it feels natural.
-
Test carefully before fully sitting.
Once it’s up, you’ll have a seat that feels more like an escape. Learning how to hang a hammock chair from the ceiling isn’t just about tools; it’s about creating a little retreat in your own space.
And trust me, once you’ve sat in it with a book or a drink, you’ll wonder how you went so long without one.