Feeling cheated out of spring? Maybe it’s time to take matters into your own hands and get a jump on the next season. Summer’s all about relaxation — think unwinding on a warm day with a cold drink. Think never quite getting around to the yard work. Think hammocks.

In Meso-America, colorful, handwoven hammocks were essential pieces of furniture, second in importance only to things like hunting tools. The Mayans were conceived in them, born in them, and died in them. In the US, where we have things like beds, catalogue companies, and weekends, hammocks are an indulgence with variations to fit nearly every budget or living space, from suburban mansion to Somerville triple-decker.

Got a spacious back yard? Go big, with Pottery Barn’s quilted version ($99), woven in this season’s vibrant espadrille-stripe pattern. You have the option of stringing it between two perfectly placed trees or attaching it to a sturdy wood stand ($249). And if you’re worried about keeping the sun out of your eyes, throw in a matching striped umbrella ($89).

For a little less color, go for the white cotton Pawleys Island Hammock ($125) at Restoration Hardware, which borrows its design and aesthetic from seaside South Carolina, circa 1889. A green steel stand ($20) or tree straps ($12) can be obtained for a little extra. As with Pottery Barn’s, Restoration Hardware’s hammock is available only by Web or catalogue order.

Those who want to take their leisure on the road might opt for sporty models like the Byer Amazonas Traveller ($19) at the new REI store, or Crazy Creek’s Crazy Crib ($24) at Wilderness House. The Traveller is made of parachute nylon, which means it’s light, packable, and fast-drying — it’s as big as a queen-size bed, but weighs less than a pound. Use the hanging kit ($16) to set up camp using a tree, an RV, or your porch. The Crazy Crib is also water-resistant and lightweight, and it comes with an optional tarp to create a complete personal shelter (or bear pi–ata).

But say sporty and suburban aren’t your scene. Say you’re a drama-club member who grew up to be a disaffected artist. There’s still a hammock out there for you. Visit Army/Navy-surplus store the Barracks for a no-frills jungle hammock ($38) in military drab, a little something the US developed along with rot-resistant boots in the run-up to WWII.

But enough about war; I’m CNN-ed out. Let the idleness commence. Forget the lazy days of summer — bring on the lazy days of spring.

Where to find it:

• The Barracks, 328 Newbury Street, Boston, (617) 437-1657.

• REI, 401 Park Drive, Boston, (617) 236-0746.

• Restoration Hardware, various locations; www.restorationhardware.com.

• Pottery Barn, various locations; www.potterybarn.com.

• Wilderness House, 1048 Comm Ave, Boston, (617) 277-5858.