How to Choose the Best Rocking Chair?
Table of Contents
Top Best Rocking Chairs Based on Reviews and Price
Why You Need Rocking Chairs?
Rocking chairs are fantastic pieces of furniture found in many homes today. They are comfortable, relaxing, aesthetic and fun. Above all, they are renowned for their health benefits – pain therapies, especially. It was even reported that former POTUS, John F. Kennedy, resorted to the use of rockers for his back pain.
There is nothing like coming back from a long day at work and sitting in a rocking chair on which you can kick back and relax. It’s the perfect furniture to sit in with your baby in your arms, to cradle with him until he falls asleep. There are many precious moments that we can experience thanks to the rocking chairs. If you want to buy one, here are some tips for getting the best.
Top 8 Factors to Consider When Buying a Rocking Chair
#1 Traditional or Sliding Rocking Chair
First, you need to decide whether you prefer a traditional rocking chair or a sliding chair. Traditional rocking chairs are classic chairs with two curved pieces instead of legs. Meanwhile, sliding chairs are mechanical furniture that mimics the feel of a rocking chair, but that move back and forth on a flat surface.
Each variant has its advantages and drawbacks. With a traditional rocking chair, there is no great risk of annoying dysfunction or squeaking. On the slides, the movement is generally smoother. But the mechanical parts must be covered, and the decorative options are more limited because the seat is always padded.
Traditional rocking chairs can be made from many materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and wicker. If you choose wood, you will have to choose between several kinds and colors. The padding also offers many options: fabric, leather, suede or any other material commonly used in the manufacture of chairs.
#2 Look at the Measurements
What’s in the product photos may look bigger or smaller in reality. So, always ensure the length, width and height align with your space. That way, you won’t get any surprises. Hence, it is important that in the reviews of these types of products, you clearly find all these measures. Knowing the accurate measurements will help you avoid surprises.
Also, depending on the type of rocking chair, check other measures such as the length of the seat to the floor, the backrest, the headrest, the legrest, the armrest, etc. The clearer you have it, the better.
#3 An Indoor or Outdoor Rocking Chair?
Indoor rocking chairs are different from outdoor rocking chairs. They don’t have the same materials.
While indoor rocking rockers can have just any type of upholstery – foam and the cover materials – outdoor rocking chairs are made of materials that can withstand the inclement weather.
Some types can fit into a more casual, classic, rustic, modern or vintage atmosphere. That way, your rocking chair will fit perfectly with your decoration. If you’re looking for the all-weather rocker for use in your patio, gazebo or terrace, consider those made of wicker. If you want models that have fabrics, then they have to be outdoor fabric materials.
#4 Wood or Metal Materials?
Below are some of the most popular materials used in making rocking chairs. We will go specific on the types of materials:
Natural woods stand out for their beauty and warmth. Ash, birch, or beech are highly prized for their natural hue. Similarly, wicker or chestnut stand out for their flexibility.
Let’s not forget that traditionally, the curved legs of this type of chair, as well as the backrests, can be built with very flexible woods. However, as in any wooden chair, the wood of other trees is used. The use of pine, oak, walnut, acacia, cherry, elm, bamboo is classic. But also the most exotic precious woods such as ebony, teak or mahogany can be used.
When we think of another type of more modern rocking chair, we have to talk about metal. This is used to create a good ergonomic design. Although fewer rocking chairs are made of bronze, we do easily find iron and stainless steel rocking chairs. There are also the lightweight folding aluminum rocking chairs.
- Plastic, Leather and Other Materials
As this type of chair evolves with the times, you may see those made of plastic in the frame or structure. Leather and leatherette, and rattan are used in the upholstery, as well as all types of fabrics; natural types such as cotton; or synthetic, such as canvas, plain or printed. All this contributes to a greater wealth of designs, shapes, colors, and textures.
#5 Style: Modern, Vintage or Old-Fashioned Rocking Chair?
The unique designs of the various rocking chairs are always in fashion. You can find many types according to their styles. These include:
Supported on a wooden or metal foot, it has a cozy design with proven efficacy to provide comfort, relaxation, and placidity to those who use it.
A rustic style rocking chair is for you, in case you love the natural texture of wood, the natural color of ash, beech or birch. Don’t think about it! Although this outdoor-type rocking chair is frequently placed on the porch or in the garden, a rustic-style living room is perfect. Surely you have already thought of a more suitable place!
If, on the contrary, you are a fan of colonial-style rocking chairs, there is no doubt that you like the most refined furniture. Do not doubt that polished and bright, well-varnished wood will delight you and your guests. Also, if you wish, you can combine the dark tones with lighter tones of the armrest or backrest.
Of course, there are modern rocking chairs. Style and comfort can go hand in hand. Who says otherwise? The design of a modern rocking chair will add more value – our pet will love it. They are characterized by the versatility achieved thanks to the mixture of materials, textures and cold and warm colors.
#6 Easy Assembly and Folding Rocking Chairs
When you receive a rocking chair purchased online, it usually arrives disassembled. An important criterion to ensure is that it is easy to assemble. Also, the instructions must be quite clear.
On the other hand, a rocking chair can take up little space and even be easily stored is a point to consider. A folding rocking chair is ideal for space problems. Now, thanks to the use of materials such as lightweight aluminum, we can have foldable chairs. If you are going to buy one of these, ensure that the folds are of good quality. With a rocking chair of this type, your house can shine in all its splendor with a modern, sophisticated, minimalist or practical style.
#7 Easy to Wash and Hypoallergenic Cover or Upholstery
This is a great feature to consider if it is a rocking chair of great use. If you have children at home or if you will use it a lot, it is much better to go for an easy-to-wash fabric. This will increase the durability and hygiene so that your rocking chair can always look like new.
A washable and hypoallergenic cover will make your maintenance experience easier. Because the rocking chair can be stained with fluids from the baby, it is important to choose an easy-cleaning fabric. In this sense, microfiber and other fur-like materials are an excellent option.
On the other hand, if you have problems with an allergy to certain dyes, check that the cover is made of natural and breathable fabrics. It is easy to find cotton covers that meet these characteristics.
#8 Ergonomic Design
How many times have you discovered that after sitting or driving in certain chairs, you get sore? Some can even bring about cervical or lumbar pain. That is because the spine did not have a correct posture.
The ergonomic design of a rocking chair is therefore essential if you want to maintain the health of your spine. In fact, asides the baby-rocking functions, the main function of rockers is to remedy pain and help you relax.
The type of seat, the curvature of the backrest, its inclination, the height of the armrest, the thickness and the shape of the headrest influence the postural health. Our advice is to keep this point in mind. Your rocking chair should improve your health and increase rest.
A good rocking chair for moms and babies should allow enough support. This helps the mother to get up easily after breastfeeding, without disturbing the baby if he or she had fallen asleep.
In addition, it is advised that the chair has a locking mechanism. This helps the armchair not to slide while swinging or when standing up. Make it adjustable or reclinable. Not everyone has this option, but the feeling of security is greater with these benefits.
Wrapping Up
Many types of materials of different quality can be used to make rocking chairs. The most used for its beauty and consistency, are wood and metal. The variety of woods used is almost infinite. Quality materials are the basis of the durability of the rocking chair. The chair’s level of ergonomics, style, and upholstery materials are also an important factor.
Rate This Article
