What Size Hammock Do You Actually Need? A Real Guide by Space
2026-09-19 · 8 min read · Peace Emergency
Most people choosing a hammock skip the one question that actually decides whether they'll love it or never use it: does it fit the space, and does it fit them? Every Santa Luzia hammock we carry is handwoven to a similar family of dimensions, but the differences between models are exactly what decides whether it works on a small apartment balcony, between two trees, or as the centrepiece of a big backyard. Here are the real numbers, not marketing rounding.
The real range: what "one size" actually means
Across our full range, hammock length runs from 4.00m to 4.20m, and width from 1.55m to 1.90m. Weight ranges from 3.0kg to 4.0kg, and safe weight capacity runs from 140kg up to 200kg depending on the weave. That 20cm of width and 60kg of capacity is the difference between a hammock that's cosy for one person and one that comfortably holds two, or one adult who wants to lie diagonally.
Rule of thumb for hanging distance
A hammock hangs best with a gentle sag, not stretched drum-tight. As a starting point, the distance between your two hanging points (two trees, a stand, or wall brackets) should be roughly the length of the hammock plus 1 to 1.5 metres of slack. For our 4.00m models, that means a comfortable span of around 5 to 5.5 metres between anchor points. For the longer 4.20m weaves, allow closer to 5.2 to 5.7 metres. If your space is tighter than that, a hammock stand (rather than fixed points) lets you adjust the tension without needing that full span.
Small balcony or courtyard
If you're working with a narrow balcony or courtyard, prioritise a stand-mounted setup over tree-to-tree hanging, since it needs far less total floor width. Our narrower-width weaves (around 1.55m to 1.60m, such as the Zig Zag, Pajuçara Fuxico, or Xingu Solar) sit comfortably in a stand footprint without dominating a small outdoor space, while still giving full-length recline.
Backyard, two people, or a heavier build
For a backyard where the hammock is a genuine second seating area — for two people, or for anyone who wants real side-to-side room — look at the wider weaves. The Siri Degradê is our widest at 1.90m and also carries the highest rated capacity in the range, at 200kg. The braided Trancê models (Natural, Telha, Mostarda) sit at 1.65m width with 180kg capacity and a noticeably denser, more supportive weave, which suits taller or heavier builds particularly well.
Between two real trees
Tree-hanging is the classic way to use a Brazilian hammock, and it works with any model in our range — the deciding factor is simply the distance between your two trees, using the span guide above. Because every hammock here is handwoven cotton rather than parachute nylon, tree straps (not rope, which can damage bark) are the right way to hang it either way.
Quick comparison
| Model | Dimensions | Max load | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zig Zag | 4.00m x 1.60m | 140kg | Balcony, one person |
| Cult Iracema | 4.20m x 1.60m | 180kg | Backyard, everyday use |
| Trancê (Natural / Telha / Mostarda) | 4.20m x 1.65m | 180kg | Taller builds, dense weave |
| Siri Degradê | 4.20m x 1.90m | 200kg | Two people, wide backyard spot |
Every model page on this site lists its exact dimensions, weight, and load rating under Specifications — if you're still unsure which one fits your space, use our free Product Finder or send us your hanging-point distance and we'll tell you straight which weaves will actually work.