Rocking chairs have made a resounding resurgence in the furniture and home improvement world and this has greatly been attributed to their great and unique design not to mention the comfort they offer. Long gone are the days when the rocking chair was grandma’s spot while she was knitting. It has quickly come to be known the kind of chair for everyone that knows what comfort at its best looks and feels like. Even children have not been left behind in the best rocking chairs craze which makes the topic of rocking chairs even more thrilling and luckily, there is plenty to know about the rocking chairs and their history is just as rich as the comfort they have to offer.
Even though rocking chairs are generally comfortable, this does not mean that you can simply up and go to the store and grab the first one your eyes land on. There is a lot that goes into making an informed buy and ensuring that you put your money to some good use. Getting a great rocking chair requires you to have proper and sufficient information that allows you to appreciate greatness when you face it and above all, spot great and high quality most comfortable rocking chairs. Keep in mind that there is more to this than simply getting a high quality chair. You want to get a chair that even you will appreciate. This is even more so the case when you are looking to buy a classic rocking chair. Before you start getting goosebumps and wondering if you should really get that comfy rocking chair, you should know that this guide will offer you everything there is to know about the best rockers and turn you into a rocking chair guru in no time.
What are rocking chairs?
It would be best to first understand what rocking chairs are and how they came into being. After all, knowing the history of something makes it even more valuable. Typically rocking chairs are a kind of chair that is mounted on rockers or springs that allows it to move back and forth in a smooth and soothing motion. Emphasis has to be place on the smooth and soothing motion considering there are also massaging chairs that come with their own kind of movement.
Even though the invention of rocking chairs has always been accredited to Benjamin Franklin, the first rocking chair was built in the year 1710 which was done by tying two ice skates to the chair and by then he was just about four years old which is evidence that someone should get the heap of that praise. Unfortunately, this chair had to wait until 1787 before it could find a place in the dictionary for use. However, once this happened it opened plenty of opportunities for the rocking chairs. Initially, they were exclusively meant for two or more people and because of their palliative properties, these people would more than often be a mother and a child, a nurse and an elderly patient and so forth. They were also largely constricted to mental institutions because of their ability to induce napping and calm the patients and also made appearances in the homes of the sickly. Simply put, adult rocking chairs at their youngest were largely restricted to taking care of the weak and they did quite the job.
However, seeing how they had slowly and surely nursed the young and the old alike back to health, it was just a matter of time until the 19th century when the rockers were finally embraced by a new generation that was looking for more leisure and pleasure and the comfort that these chairs offers was more than enough for a great number of the growing middle class at the time. Since their inception and through the mountains of change that they have gone through overtime, there is one thing that has remained quite unique. All along, rocking chairs have remained distinctly American and continue to boast of this impeccable fact to date as they spread across their world like a wild fire. As you would expect, rocking chairs in the current times are nothing like their counterparts. Presently you can even get a rocking chair and ottoman which only makes them even more comfortable let alone having the padding alone.
Types of rocking chairs.
The first hurdle in buying comfy rocking chairs is being able to identify the type that will best suit what you would like to use the chair for. Currently rocking chairs are a far cry from what they were in the past. There is more to choose from and the designs are more daring. As such making the right decision can feel quite strange with so much variety. Looking at the different types of chairs that are currently available will definitely make it much easier for you to pick one that will definitely fit the purpose.
Types of rocking chairs
Adult rocking chair
Adult rocking chairs are perhaps the hardest to pick from. They are quite diverse and come in all shapes and sizes. The only difference between these and those that are meant for children is the fact that they are larger. The applications that adult chairs can be put to are diverse and are only limited by the build and the materials that have been used for a particular chair. Even though the adult hardwood rocking chair is not necessarily a type of rocking chair but it is worth mentioning since it helps in the decision making process.
Outdoor rocking chairs.
Outdoor rocking chairs deserve to have their own section. While they might also come in a variety of designs, one thing is very critical when it comes to picking the proper outdoor rocking chair. This is the material that has been used in its making. Ideally, hardwood and steel are good options considering that the chair is constantly exposed to the harsh elements of the weather and hence they need a material that will be able to withstand the harshness. Metal and hardwood have usually been preferred for this. Even though eventually they will lose the war, they are quite resilient.
Indoor rocking chairs
This is where the types and designs of rocking chairs are quite diverse. The security and safety that is offered by a roof have allowed designers to think outside the box when it comes to indoor rocking chairs which is why there are plenty of options that range from the vintage to the more contemporary designs.
Traditional rocking chair
The traditional rocking chair is just that. Traditional. It has plenty to offer and comes with a simple design that is quite appealing not to mention the curved rockers that help the chair move back and forth. The best thing about this kind of chair is the fact that it is less expensive but quite durable. It is a result of high craftsmanship but because of the simple design, the chair is more affordable than some of the other options that are available and is also generally easier to maintain. Because the chair does not have any moving parts, wear and tear and breakage is kept to a minimum hence its durability. However, you will have to put up with the lack of flexibility and the excessive space consumption that comes with the chair which is otherwise a great buy.
Glider rockers
Glider rockers are more of the modernity that has been injected into the rocking chairs. While the traditional options use curved legs to rock back and forth, the gliders are slightly different and use a series of swivels and levels for the rocking motion on a flat plane instead of having an arc. The best thing about this is the fact that this motion requires far less space compared to the traditional chairs and they are definitely more comfortable. However, because of the hefty mechanism that is used to move these kinds of cool rocking chairs, they tend to be more expensive and are more prone to damage compared to the traditional options. Regardless if you are the tech person and loves something that has moving parts, the extra bucks that you have to pay to get a glider rocker will definitely be worth it by far.
Spring rockers
The motion of the spring rockers is that of the traditional rockers. The only difference is, for this type of rocker chairs, a set of springs is used to achieve the rocking motion. The springs are enclosed in a box which protects against accidents like getting fingers and paws of pets caught in between. The mechanism in these kinds of rocking chairs is much simpler and less costly and hence they cost less than the glider chairs. However, they tend to be heavily padded and upholstered which drives the price back up but they are less liable to damage which makes them much easier to maintain compared to some of the other types.
Swivel rockers
Usually, swivel rockers do not come as a standalone rocking chair. Instead, it is a mechanism that is added to the glider or spring rockers and one that ensures that you are able to get an extra motion added to your cool rocking chair. It is the same mechanism that works in office chairs that is thrown into the rocking chair. However, because of the complexity of the mechanism, there are greater chances of damage and breakage not to mention the higher cost of purchase. But the comfort that such chairs offer the passenger makes it all worth the trouble.
Reclining rockers
Just like the swivels, these do not come as a standalone rocking chair. Instead, they complement the spring and gliders. By releasing the catch, the chair is able to move to one or even a couple of more comfortable positions. However, in most instances, releasing the catch will deactivate the rocker but more for your safety as this helps to avoid leaning too far and overbalancing backward. Typically, this gives you more flexibility and definitely more comfort but you have to pay a higher price tag to enjoy this features not to mention that the chairs that fall under these categories tend to be less durable.
Rockers with Ottomans
If you are a lover of mid-century furniture, then you have heard of the very famous Eames chair with ottoman. Needless to mention the fame of the chair, the comfort it offers does all that on its own. The good thing is, you can also have your rocking chair and ottoman and experience the same comfort. There are plenty of benefits that would come with this purchase among them being the utter comfort that the chair is able to achieve but a greater price tag is the set back that you have to suffer. Regardless, the comfort offered by this tag team is well worth the price by far.
While these are the primary types of rocking chairs that you will find, there are a variety of designs that you can choose from that vary far and wide. Some of the designs that you can choose from include the contemporary that is ideal for those that are looking for a cutting-edge design, the Danish modern that has simpler and more subtle designed, streamlined designs that have very distinct edges, classic modern, shakers which resemble some of the classic American rockers as well as Thonet Bentwood and the Avant Garde designs that seem to pay a lot of attention to the design of the chair. Ideally, the choice in this case is very wide with the only limiting factor being how wild you would like your big rocking chair to be.
Children rocking chairs
Yes, the kids are in on the fun and comfort as well. However, since children are not very picky with the kind of chair they would like as long as it can rock, the types of kids’ rocking chairs are not as many as those of the adults. But then again, even if the child would prefer one of the other varieties, the only differing factor is the size hence it is possible to get a kid’s rocking chair in one of the other types that feature in the adult category. It is essential however to make sure that you have the right chair for your child to avoid accidents. In some instances, it is also wise to let the child choose the most comfortable rocking chair for them. After all, they will be the ones using them so it is great to let them choose one of their liking.
Now that you’re well aware of the different types of rocking chairs that are available and how they differ from each other, you are more likely to pick one that suits fits the bill. It is also important to consider where you would like to put the chair and consider if you have enough space before settling on a particular type to help you avoid the inconvenience of having to shift everything in the house just to fit in one chair.
Why you should think of getting a rocking chair
With your 101 crash course on comfy rocking chairs, you are now conversant with rocking chairs, where they came from and the different types and designs that you can choose from. But, why should you even consider buying one? Other than the fact that they feel really nice to rock on and are a great addition to any living room space. Do you get anything essential with your investment other than the relaxation of the rocking motion? Luckily the answer to this is a resounding yes. There are so many other reasons why buying a rocking chair would be a great advantage.
Rocking chairs have been proven to have immense health benefits that include reducing the blood pressure and slowing down respiration. The rocking motion has a soothing effect that helps high blood pressure patients to relax and be less dependent on medication which is a great plus to their health.
Rocking chairs also help to work the body, muscles, and tendons especially those around the thigh, feet and even ankles. As a result, the user stays fitter. It also helps to work the muscles around the abdomen especially for those that use the traditional rocking chairs that do not have any mechanism. The movement that helps the chair keep rocking works the core muscles helping them look toned and improving their physique.
Research has also shown that using a rocking chair helps to reduce pain and causes the body to release endorphins that elevate the mood of the user allowing you to have a happier and less stressful experience.
The benefits of rocking chairs do not end there. They are also great for helping people that want to lose weight. Sure, sitting around is the main reason why so many people are gaining weight but with rocking chairs, it is a proven fact that by the motion of the chair, the user is able to burn up to 150 calories per hour. It is a great way of losing weight while benefiting your mind body and soul as well.
It also adds to the impressionable nature of your living or your outdoors. This is a benefit that you cannot afford to overlook. Rocking chairs usually come in very peculiar and interesting designs that are bound to capture the attention of you guests and without a doubt do offer plenty amazement especially to those that have not seen an actual one before.
After seeing the benefits that a rocking chair offers both to you and your home, the question is no longer about if you should buy one but when you should get it. Before making that decision, to enjoy the benefits that rocking chairs offer, there are a number of things you have to consider. This way you get to enjoy the benefits these cool rocking chairs have to offer and minimize on the intrusion. This little buying guide should walk you through the entire process and ensure that you get a great traditional rocking chair or contemporary rocking chair.
How to buy the best rocking chair
When it comes to buying the best rocking chair, there is no doubt that it will be an uphill task. This guide is not going to make it much easier but it is going to make the process more worthwhile. Just like in buying any other kind of appliance, you have to be thorough with your research before making the purchase to make sure that you do not get anything that is less the value that you are spending. This is regardless of whether you’re buying the traditional rocking chairs or the country rocking chair. Being critical and precise with your purchase will ensure you get a chair that will serve you longer and fit better in your home. Once you have made your decision about getting the chair:
Consider the amount of space that you have
The last thing you want is to get a chair that will not fit where you have planned. So the first thing that you should do is measure out the available space. Remember that some types of the comfortable rocking chair like the traditional options require more space for rocking and some others like the rocking chair with footrest will eat up more placement space. Because of this, you have to make sure that you have the proper space for the kind of chair that you would like. Alternatively, you could consider your chair of choice based on the amount of space you have.
Where would you like to use the chair?
Indoors, outdoors, in your child’s nursery or in the living room? There are a number of places where you could place your rocking chair and with each different setting, there is a specific type of rocking chair that would be best suited for that environment. If you want to be able to use the chair outside as well, you might want one that has been made from hardy materials less it starts showing signs of ageing too soon. If the chair will be used by the child, you want one that has the appropriate height for the child to easily hop on and off without any problems and if it is for a nursing mom, it should be safe enough for her to get off the chair with the baby in her hands so it should have some sort of mechanism to stop the rocking.
What’s your budget?
The space and the use of the chair should give you a grim picture of the kind of chair that you would want to have. As such you should be able to craft a budget. While doing this, as much as you do not want to spend too much and cripple your finances, you should also be careful not to allocate too little and end up with a chair that does not mean much after all cheap is expensive in the long run.
Type of chair
Once you have your type of budget set, then you can think about the type of country rocking chair that you would like. The space and use should have trimmed down the options for you in the event that you did not have a particular one in mind. While some of the designs are quite impossible to resist like the rocking chair with footrest you should keep in mind the amount of space you have unless you would like to move everything around the house to create more space for the chair. You also have to consider the visibility of the chair. If it is going to be the center of attraction in your room or the living room, you need to settle for a killer design that will not disappoint the eyes that wander over it.
Understand the rocking chair technology
Gone are the days when the rocking chair would be attached to rockers and you had to actually move for the chair to move. If you are a sucker for technology, there are plenty of options out there that would satisfy your thirst like the gliders, spring and even the swivel rockers. The choice is up to you. You should remember that such technologies however do come at a higher price tag but the luxury and comfort that they offer is unbeatable.
Research and read reviews
Once you have settle on a couple of options, you have to make sure that you research far and wide on what to expect with each chair. Keep in mind that each option has its ups and downs and as much as you might not want to hear of the downsides, it is better to be forewarned than to be ambushed when something unexpected happens to the chair. Rocking chair reviews also allow you to know how to best care for your chair and ensure that you are able to make the most out of it. It might help to read the reviews of other customers that have used the same pieces in the past. This is usually because these are unbiased and allow for the best possible insight on the chair.
Consider the build and the material
You have to be categorical about the materials used on your chair. For the frame, the hardy the material the better, it allows the chair to last longer. However, you do not want steel on your hardwood floors as it will scratch them. The material that goes on the padding is also equally important especially with matter to cleaning. It is not wrong to go for a padded free rocking chair but it is a good idea to make sure that if it comes with padding you are able to clean this easily. Removable pockets are a great favorite since you can just shove them in a washing machine.
Added features
There are plenty of features that are incorporated in modern day rocking chairs like heated chairs, massage options and even the ability to recline. Because of this, it is much easier to find a chair that does exactly what you want it to do. You have to consider the extra features that you would like your chair to have for better service.
Safety
In most instances, there are chances if you buy the chair and there is a child in the house, they will want to get on the chair. It is just how children are. Instead of forbidding them from getting on the chair, you can make sure that the chair is safe enough of them. Also ensure that it has plenty of sitting space so you can have them over and share some quality time.
Try it out
If you’re going to buy it, then you better make sure it feels right before you pay for it. Sit on it and try to take it for a ride and get the feel. If you plan on buying it online, you can simply head out to the store and try out theirs. Of course you would have to pretend you want to buy one but this move could save you a lot of trouble. Once you find the perfect rocker chair for you, make the purchase in an instant and be ready to enjoy the comfort.
Even though this comprehensive guide does a lot to guide you in the right direction, it would be even better to have a couple of reviews that would help you get a great starting point not to mention the fact that they could also be great candidates in your search for the perfect rocking chair.
Top 5 Best Rocking Chairs 2018:
1. Coaster Southern Country Plantation Porch Rocker Review
Where better to have your rocking chair other than at your porch. It offers a great blend of the outdoors, fresh air and the soothing effect of your rocking chair. This classic wooden rocking chair offers the best possible experience courtesy of its feature set.
Even though some assembly might be required for this indoor rocking chair to be put together, it is a great fit for your living room and its simple design makes it ideal even for the first time buyers that might not know a lot about rocking chairs. The item also feature some free replacement parts which is quite the consolation for those that might mess up the assembly and require to have some of the parts replaced. The traditional non-padded design is also a great place that gives the chair a great aura and does not compromise on the comfort of the user. It is definitely a great chair to have if you are not too demanding of your chair.
The simplicity of the chair makes it quite easy to clean, it is easy to maintain and quite durable especially considering the fact that it does not have any moving parts hence less likely to breakdown.
However, it does consume a lot of space like any other rocking chair does and does not have the flexibility that is offered by some of the other options like the swivel rockers.
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2. Coaster Rocking Chair with Carved Detail Review
Yet another great entry chair that is precisely ideal for indoor use with a great finish and an even better design. It has plenty of features to offer resonating to plenty of benefits for the user and definitely value for money.
The black wood rocking chair is finished has some carved detail that gives the chair a sense of depth and makes it more appealing and is finished in a brown shade. This makes it ideal for a great deal of home décor themes and has plenty taste in it. It is perfect for your living room and the walnut finish gives it an even more appealing look that is definitely bound to offer a richer experience.
The item comes with some replacement parts that are free just in case it so happens that you might need them and the vintage look is quite easy to maintain and clean. Because of the finish and the material used in the building, the wooden rocker chair is quite durable and has plenty to offer.
On the other hand, it does require some level of assembly which might be a concern for those that do not have any DIY skills and the seat is not padded. Also, because of the vintage design, it takes up quite some space especially when rocking.
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3. Greendale Home Fashions Standard Rocking Chair Review
If you’re looking for the most comfortable rocking chair that incorporates that traditional design with modern comfort, this white wooden rocking chair is definitely the best choice for very many reasons.
It is among the best white porch rocking chair and thanks to its color, it does not attract too much attention unnecessarily. It also features reversible cushions that allow you to use them twice as long before they need to be cleaned. For complete comfort, the cushions of this outdoor wood rocking chair are filled with polyester to ensure better comfort and reduced irritation of the skin.
The cushions happen to be one of the greatest benefits of this chair has to offer because of the utter comfort they offer. Also not much assembly is required and its color will fit in with just about any theme and home color which makes it easier to pair with the other homes.
Unfortunately, the covers of the cushions are not removable which puts a chokehold on cleaning and the chair does not have a very sturdy build that would allow it to be left outdoors.
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4. Baby Doll Bedding Heavenly Soft Adult Rocking Chair Review
Yet another vintage design with a touch of modernity. There is simply nothing not to like about this chair and the best part about the baby doll rocking chair is the comfort that it offers. With that said, here are some great features of the chair that you might find very intriguing.
The chair is fitted with cushions which are filled with polyester fiber that makes the chair more comfortable and even better is the fact that the cushions are machine washable which makes keeping the chair clean a breeze in all aspects. It has also been strategically designed to consume less space when rocking which solves a mighty problem with most rockers that have a traditional approach.
The smaller requirement for rocking space is definitely a plus for this particular chair and the fact that the cushions are machine washable is also quite an advantage. It is super easy to maintain and quite portable so you can have it in a couple of different places in the house as you please.
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5. Coaster Mission Style Rocking Wood and Leather Chair Rocker Review
Comfort meets style and class with this one of a kind leather rocking chair. It features some of the best building materials and a great design that improves on the sturdiness of the chair and its ability to deliver in the long term. If you are looking for a statement chair, this could be it. It has plenty of power going for it and its design is just breath taking.
This mission style rocking chair has been built to stand out in your living room for all the right reasons. The build and design are breath taking with a brown finish that matches the brown leather on the padded areas. It also features a wide sitting space that is ideal for comfort with plenty of stability on the base.
The sheer size of the chair is a big plus. The chair also has a low design that makes it much safer for kids to hop on even without the supervision of parents and the leather finishing makes it much easier to clean so it is one of those chairs what will offer plenty of benefits for the user.
With the large build, you will need even more space to fit the chair in and even more space when it comes to rocking. Also, the chair does not have some of the modern features like flexibility of movement and hence is relegated to just being a mission rocking chair.
As much as rocking chairs are becoming more of a craze in the world of comfort, understanding your kind of chair and how you should be able to benefit from it should allow you to get more out of the chair and make a more informed choice while making the purchase. This guide offers everything you will need from the basics to the more intricate designs and types of rocking chairs. It is all up to you to take and heed the advice and enjoy rocking chairs in a new way.
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Conclusion
There is a comprehensive guide on rocking chairs that no one has ever told you about. As a matter of fact there’s really nothing solid on how to get the best rocking chair on the internet. This is as deep as it has never been. If you know what these great seats of comfort can offer you, then I’m sure you’ll be getting to your shop and purchasing one for yourself in no time. Take note of the reviews given here they could really be your best choice by the way. You can purchase through our Amazon affiliate site for the best deals and prices. Adios till then–Get shoppin for the best rocking chair in 2017!