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How to Hang a Hammock Indoors Without Drilling (4 Alternatives)

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Hammocks are a great way to get some relaxation.

Hammocks are typically attached between trees or on frames outdoors. But nothing stops you from using them on your porch or indoors.

If you intend to use your hammock indoors, you won’t have trees to hang it. So, you will have to find other attachment points to work with; this may mean drilling.

But if you do not want to drill, you do not have to. Below, we discuss how to hang a hammock indoors without drilling.

Dark-haired girl dressed in pants, sweater and warm slippers reads a book lying in a hammock

How to Hang a Hammock Indoors Without Drilling (4 Alternatives)

Hang From an Interior Ceiling Beam

Hanging hammocks from a ceiling beam is like hanging them from a tree branch. In both cases, you do not have to drill; you just need to wind hammock tree straps around a horizontal support – in this case, the ceiling beam.

When in top condition, beams can carry a lot of body weight.

So, before strapping your hammock to your ceiling beam, ensure it is strong enough to support the hammock and your body weight. If you don’t, you may end up damaging the beam and getting injured.

One upside to hanging your hammock from a ceiling beam is that the hammock becomes like a part of the house itself.

Besides that, hanging a hammock from a ceiling beam is pretty straightforward. All you need for installation is the hammock and tree straps or a hammock strap kit – you do not even need any unusual tools.

Attic interior design idea with hammock

Pick the Right Beams

Pick the most suitable beams in the best location. The one you choose should have enough space between it and adjacent beams.

If the distance between beams is too short, the hammock may hang too loosely. Conversely, the hammock may hang tightly if the gap is too large.

Install the Straps

Once you find the most fitting beams, simply install the straps like you would on a tree.

If you are not familiar with strapping hammocks to trees, follow these steps:

  1. Wrap the strap around the beam.
  2. Feed one end of the strap through the hole in the other end of the strap so that it drops and hangs from the beam.
  3. Then fix the carabiner or S-hook to the hanging end and attach it to one side of the hammock.
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the other side of the hammock.

While the beam should be strong enough to hold a lot of body weight, ensure the strap is sturdy too.

Get a Complete Indoor Hammock Kit

The most straightforward way to hang a hammock indoors without drilling is to get a complete indoor hammock kit.

We say hanging a hammock with a complete indoor hammock kit is straightforward because you do not have to bother about the sturdiness of an existing structure.

All you have to do is get the stand of the indoor hammock kit and assemble it.

But then, putting the hammock stand together may not always be straightforward.

Sometimes, the instructions for setting up the stand are not so clear, so it could be a hassle. But in most cases, the instructions are easy to follow.

As a bonus, these kits typically include all the tools you may need, so you do not have to bother gathering any extra tools.

Young man relaxing in hammock at home

Apart from a possible complication in the instructions for installing your hammock stand, indoor hammock stands use a lot of space.

In fact, this is why many people opt not to buy them. But then, many hammocks come with the kit, so even if you do not buy one, you have it for when you change your mind.

So, in conclusion, hammock stands take up a lot of space. However, they seem to be optimal for using hammocks indoors. For one, they are easy to move around, and in general, installation is a breeze.

Hang Them From Posts or Columns

If you have vertical posts or columns in your home, you can hang your hammock from them. This method mimics hanging hammocks from trees.

Just like when hanging hammocks down from ceiling beams, all you need is a tree strap kit and the hammock.

Young beautiful Caucasian woman smiling happy resting on a hammock

Unlike the rough surfaces of trees, your vertical posts and columns have smooth, straight surfaces. So, you may have trouble keeping your hammock in one spot.

Basically, since posts and columns are smooth, chances are your hammock will slip as you use it, especially if not installed correctly.

To use posts for hanging your hammocks, they must be sturdy and have enough space between them.

Install the Straps

As with the roof beam method, simply install the straps and the hammock like you would on a tree.

  1. Wind each strap around a post.
  2. Thread the end through the loop on the strap.
  3. Attach an S-hook or carabiner to the end of each strap.
  4. Then attach the straps to each end of the hammock.

When tying the straps to the posts, ensure you tighten them. This will keep them from slipping off while you are in the hammock.

Alternatively, you can ensure the hammock does not slip by cutting small notches into the part of the posts you intend to attach the straps.

The notches will offer the straps some resistance against the pull of gravity. If the straps sit in the grooves, they will not drop down readily.

Modern interior of children bedroom bed with wardrobe and hammock

Hang Them From Existing Eye Screws in Your Ceiling

If you already have eye screws in your ceiling, hanging your hammock indoors should be a breeze.

All you need is the eye screws and an attachment for the hammock. This could be a rope or chain with carabiners or S-hooks.

If you choose to hang your hammock from your ceiling eye hooks, ensure the ceiling is at least 8 to 10 feet tall. This way, you can suspend the hammock from the ideal height (about 18 inches above the floor).

If you are hanging your hammock to eye screws with a rope, you can do it in two ways:

Attach the Rope Directly to the Eye Screws

To do this:

  1. Run the rope through the eye screw.
  2. Then fasten it with two or more half-hitch knots (one half-hitch knot is unsafe).
  3. Tie the other end of the rope to one of the attachments of the hammock.
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the other hammock attachment.

Attach the Rope to the Eye Screws Using S-Hooks or Carabiners

Attaching the rope to the eye screws using S-hooks or carabiners follows a similar process as above.

  1. Instead of running the rope through the eye screw, attach it to an S-hook or carabiner.
  2. Then hang the S-hook or carabiner from the opening of the eye screw.
  3. Attach the S-hook or carabiner to the hammock.
cute laughing young redhead lady lies on hammock indoors

Before Using Your Hammock

Of course, you shouldn’t just jump into your hammock immediately after installation. Test to see if the hammock setup is firm enough to support your weight.

Tug the Strap, Rope, or Chain

First, tug the rope, strap, or chain firmly. Do this repeatedly until you are sure they are secure.

Once you are sure that the rope, strap, or chain is secure, you are ready for the next step.

Test the Hammock Itself

Before getting in the hammock, test its structural integrity and weight capacity by piling some weights in it.

You can place some heavy books or heavy jugs in the hammock. Then observe for any irregularity.

If the hammock seems to hold, try sitting on it lightly, keeping most of your weight on your feet. Then gradually get in it fully.

Room interior with hammock and stylish decorations

Reasons to Hang a Hammock Without Drilling

Here are seven reasons to hang a hammock without drilling:

  1. If you live in a rented apartment and the owner is against drilling.
  2. If you cannot find a stud that can support the weight of your hammock.
  3. If you cannot find a stud or beam to drill into in the spot you want your hammock.
  4. If you do not want to ruin the aesthetics of your home by drilling.
  5. If you are trying to avoid drilling expenses.
  6. If you are unsure how to drill and hang a hammock.
  7. If your walls or ceiling contain asbestos, drilling is not safe.

What to Consider Before Hanging Your Hammock Indoors

Before hanging your hammock indoors or buying it all, consider the following factors:

The Size of the Hammock

Before you buy or hang your hammock, consider the size.

While the largest-sized hammock may hold enough space for you, does your house have enough space for it?

If the answer is no, you probably should get a smaller-sized hammock or create extra space for the hammock.

Where You Intend to Hang the Hammock

White hammock in front of the house

The porch is typically an ideal space for hanging a hammock.

Without a porch, you’d have to hang the hammock inside your house. But if you do this, ensure that there are no fragile items around the hammock.

Since hammocks dangle, they can swing and knock your fragile items to the ground.

Hanging Style

Consider where you intend to hang the hammock and decide the most suitable hanging style.

If the roof beams are readily accessible and in top condition, you can suspend the hammock from the ceiling.

If posts or columns are available in your house, you could also hang the hammock from them.

But if you cannot use roof beams or posts or columns, you can use a hammock stand.

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