This is the ultimate guide to hanging your hammock indoors without damaging your walls or ceiling.

Although it might seem difficult at first, it's actually quite easy with the right tools and a little know-how. Follow our step-by-step instructions and you'll be relaxing in your indoors hammock or hammock chair in no time at all. There's not much that beats kicking back in a hammock in a bedroom or living room!

Here are all the best ways how to hang a hammock indoors no matter the brand or model.

Top Ways to Hang Your Hammock Indoors

Let's jump right into it. Here are the three main ways to safely hang your hammock indoors without damaging your home. Each method works well depending on the hammock model you use.

Install Hardware

One of the most popular ways to install a hammock indoors is by installing hardware in the walls or ceilings.

The main benefit of this method is the minimal footprint. Hanging from the walls or ceilings takes up much less space than most stands. The downside, of course, is the time, effort, and tools it takes to successfully complete the installation.

This suspension method varies widely in difficulty depending on your home. Often all it takes is using a stud finder to locate two appropriately strong wall studs that can support your total body weight.

Of course, not all wood wall studs are created equal. Some are not as strong as others due to factors out of your control like their age or humidity. Others might not have been installed correctly in the first place. Never hang a hammock from drywall - always locate a stud first.

Installing a hanging chair indoors is arguably more difficult. It requires finding a structurally-sound ceiling beam or joist that will safely support your body weight. Although you can use a stand for a hammock chair, installing hooks on beams or joists and using a chain is typically the best suspension method.

Although you can use a stud finder to locate the studs, screw or drill in hooks, and otherwise secure the hardware yourself, it's often best to seek professional help from a building contractor if you decide to go with this method.

We're not saying this to scare you! Plenty of people put in attachment hardware by themselves. We just want to warn you that an improperly hung hammock can cause serious damage to your home (not to mention that it can cause potential injury!).

Find Sturdy Anchor Points

An alternative to hanging indoor hammocks from a stud, beam, or joist is to locate other sturdy anchor points in your home.

Think of it the same way as you would hang a hammock outside. One of the most common ways to do this is by attaching the hammock to two trees with suspension straps. If you have two strong, sturdy features in your home (like an exposed ceiling beam or pillar), this option might work. It can also work well on decks and patios with railings or pillars.

However, just like with the install hardware method above, it's essential to ensure that the features you select are strong enough to support your body weight before use.

Use a Hammock Stand

A hammock stand is undoubtedly the easiest way to hang a hammock inside your home.

Not only does a stand eliminate the need for drilling into your walls or ceilings, but it's also portable. It allows you to quickly move your hammock from room to room (or even outside) as desired.

Although a lot of great hammock stands are available, the Mock ONE is easily one of the most portable models on the market today. It comes with a built-in stand for incredibly easy set up and take down.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Luckily, hanging your hammock isn't all that difficult, even if you choose to mount hardware in your walls or ceiling. All you need is a few simple tools and basic suspension hardware.

Suspension Hardware

Start with heavy-duty hardware that can hold your body weight. Remember to always install this hardware into studs by first using your stud finder. Several types of hardware will do the job, although eye bolts or screw eyes are a good option. J hooks and S hooks can also work depending on the layout.

Basic Tools

The next step in the process is to drill or screw in the suspension hardware. First, locate a structurally-sound stud with your stud finder. Remember to never anchor your hammock from a metal stud (like those often found in large apartment buildings). Next drill in your hardware. An electric drill and drill bit makes this step much easier.

Hammock Straps

Dedicated hammock straps are the best way to secure your hammock to the hardware. Secure these at the proper distance for the right amount of sag to achieve a comfortable lay. You might need to play around with the sag and height a little bit until you find the right hammock hang angle. If you don't have straps, you can use strong ropes or even chains as an alternative suspension system.

Stay Safe While Hammock Hanging 

If you decide to hang your hammock from the ceiling or walls, it's essential to follow a few safety tips. Here's what you need to do to make sure you don't damage your home or injure yourself!

Check the Structural Integrity

We've repeated it several times already but it can use repeating again: never hang a hammock on drywall alone.

It's important to always hang from studs, joists, or exposed beams. Not only that, but you should check the structural integrity of these materials before hanging. And just because you located a stud, doesn't necessarily mean that it is strong enough to support your weight. It's always best to check and double check your work so you don't damage your home or get injured.

Use Quality Hardware

Just as important as the structural integrity of the studs is the quality of the hardware that you use.

Always use heavy-duty, top-quality hardware for hanging your hammock. It should be strong enough to support at least 300 pounds, if not far more. After you screw in eye hooks and other hardware with a drill, attach your straps and give them a firm tug to test the tension strength.

Proper Distance Between Attachment Points

While setting up your indoor hammock, make sure that you install the anchor points the proper distance apart from each other.

Think about it just the same way as you would setting up a hammock between two trees outdoors. At the same time that you don't want these points too far apart, you also don't want them too close together.

The right height depends on your preferred sag. You want a sag angle that is comfortable to lay in, somewhere around 30 degrees is perfect. Luckily, with many hammocks come with straps that are fully adjustable. You can adjust this suspension system to change the lay angle without moving the anchor points.

Don't Hang Too High

Hang the hammock at a height that is comfortable to climb on into. Too high and it will be difficult to get in and out. Too low and you'll be too close to the floor. You can adjust the suspension straps to achieve the ideal height, although finding the right height is easiest by putting in the attachment points at the right height to start with.

Invest in a Quality Hammock

Just as important as top-quality hardware and suspension materials is a top-quality hammock.

The best hammocks for hammock hanging are lightweight and durable. Always buy from a trusted manufacturer so you can trust the integrity of the hammock during use.

We list several of our favorite hammocks below, including our top-choice: the Mock ONE.

Test Hammock Before Use

Don't just jump right into your hammock as soon as you set it up. Test it out first to make sure that not only is it set up correctly, but that you put in all the mountain hardware correctly as well.

A good option is to put some heavy objects (such as books or dumbbells) in the hammock first. See how it responds to this weight before getting in yourself. The next step is to sit on the edge with your feet on the ground. If everything is still secure, you can fully enter the hammock and lay down.

Our Favorite Indoor Hammocks

Not all hammocks are created equal. Some are much better than others. Here are a few of our favorite models from our guide to the best indoor hammocks for 2020.

Mock ONE

The Mock ONE is hands down one of the best ways to relax in a hammock in your home. It comes with a built-in stand for easy setup and take down. It's lightweight and completely portable, so it's just as easy to bring to the beach (it comes with a storage bag with carry handle) as it is to use in the house. Best of all, it's incredibly comfortable and even has built-in pillows on each end!

Hammock Sky Brazilian Double Hammock

The Hammock Sky Brazilian Double Hammock is a bright, colorful hammock at a reasonable price. It's made from a soft woven fabric that is breathable so you stay cool during use. As a double hammock, it's large enough for two people to use at once. Or, wrap yourself in the extra fabric and relax in your comfortable cocoon! Unlike the Mock ONE, this hammock doesn't come with a built-in stand, so you'll need to buy one separately or anchor from your walls.

Vivere Double Cotton Hammock

Another bright, colorful two-person hammock, this one from Vivere is perfect for all your indoor hammock hanging needs. It's very spacious and comfortable. It's large enough to fit two people at once. Although it does come with a very strong and durable stand, it's not the most compact or lightweight, somewhat limiting its portability. Vivere hammocks are still a fantastic option for indoor hanging!

Indoor Hammock FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions (and answers!) about hanging an indoor hammock:

Q: How much weight can an indoor hammock hold?

A: The amount of weight your hammock can hold depends on two factors. First, the hammock itself. Your hammock will come with a recommended maximum capacity from the manufacturer. The second factor is your suspension method...namely, how much weight your stand or anchor hardware is capable of supporting. Most hammocks are able to easily support at least 300 pounds.

Q: Is sleeping in a hammock bad for you?

A: It depends on the model. With the right hammock, it can be completely comfortable and healthy. Our guide to sleeping in a hammock has tips on how to get a good night's sleep while hanging.

Q: Can you hang a hammock from studs?

A: Yes, you can hang a hammock from studs. Just make sure they're not metal studs. We dive into this suspension process in more detail above. Remember to never attempt to hang your hammock in drywall alone.

Q: Can I hang a hammock from the ceiling?

A: Yes, you can hang a hammock from the ceiling. In fact, this is the go-to method for a hammock chair. Remember to always anchor your hardware in secure joists or beams. Screw in eye hooks with a drill. An alternative is to buy a special stand that suspends your hammock from above rather than at the ends.

Let Us Know Your Tips!

Now, we want to hear from you!

What's your go-to way to hang a hammock indoors? Do you prefer a stand, placing anchors, or using other sturdy attachment points? What have you done to ensure your setup is safe and secure?

We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!