The hammock is perhaps one of the most predominant symbols of summertime leisure in North America. A gorgeous beach scene isn't the same without a hammock swaying between two palm trees. The good news is, you don't have to be at the beach or wait for two sturdy trees to grow to enjoy your own slice of paradise in your outdoor or indoor hammock. Hammock stands come in a variety of styles and allow you to put of your hammock in your home or back yard without the use of trees or posts. A free-standing hammock stand allows you great versatility in hammock placement. Move your hammock from the back yard to the sun porch as the seasons chance. Or adjust your hammock stand to follow the shade on a hot summer day.

Hammock stands come in a variety of materials. One is sure to blend in with you indoor or outdoor décor style. Wood hammock stands need to be weatherproofed from time to time, but look beautiful sitting on a deck or patio. Another option is steel hammock stands for a more modern look and less maintenance. Or you can opt for a wicker stand that will also hold up well in the outdoors.

Stands come in many shapes and sizes. The more standard looking stands feature a squared "U" shape resting on two cross bars. For a more dramatic look, try a stand with a wide sweeping arc. If you plan to use your hammock on the road, a tailgate stand that attaches to your trailer hitch can make an excellent companion for camping or tailgating. Also, tri-pod stands are perfect for your hammock chair and excellent for saving space while still enjoying the benefits of a hammock.

If a hammock stand won't fulfill your space needs, consider wall or ceiling mount hardware. While a more permanent solution for placing your hammock, these are great options if your hammock or hammock chair is going in a bedroom, living room, or sun porch where you don't plan to move it.

Setting up a stand is a great alternative to trying to find two perfect trees to string your hammock between. And if you do have two trees large enough and the correct distance apart, good for you! But you may still want a hammock stand to afford you versatility in arranging your hammock with your other yard furniture. So the next time you envision swaying on a hammock in a warm summer's breeze, just smile and know you don't have to go to the beach to enjoy the relaxing benefits of a hammock when you have a stand for your hammock right in your own home or backyard.