Your Guide To Rocking Chairs

Of the millions of inventions that have been made over the centuries, rocking chairs are perhaps the most significant of all inventions that make a home more comfortable. Standing for hours on end can really tire you out. In such a situation, any chair will look very appealing so that you can get off your feet and relax. And if that chair happens to be a rocking chair, there certainly cannot be anything better, can it?

Rocking chairs (sometimes called rockers) first made an appearance sometime in the 1700s, although no one knows exactly when. Stories also abound that Benjamin Franklin is the inventor of the rocking chair, while others suggest that he did not invent the chairs but was one of the earliest owners of one. But, regardless of who actually invented these amazing pieces of furniture, there is no doubt that rockers are the most comfortable of all types of chairs available today.

A rocking chair is different from other chairs in that it has its legs mounted onto rockers (curved bases), which make it possible for the chair to rock. The rocking motion of the chairs makes it sway forwards and backwards, thus providing a very even and steady motion that helps the occupant of the chair to relax.

Rocking Chair Features

Rockers: The main component of a rocking chair is its rocker. This curved base is what is responsible for the swaying motion of the chairs. The rockers have to be designed and built with great care so that a smooth rocking motion is achieved, but at the same time there is no danger of the chair tipping over. Rockers can be a little dangerous as there is scope for peoples’ feet or toes getting crushed underneath. However, many current designs incorporate the use of springs which helps to negate this danger. Since this is the most essential feature in a rocking chair, the chair is often referred to as a rocker as well.

Backrests: The backrest of a rocking chair is designed so as to provide adequate lumbar support to the occupant of the chair. It is slightly angled so as to increase comfort, but not too much that a person feels they will tip over.

Legs: The legs of a rocking chair are much shorter as compared to regular chairs so that they can be mounted onto the rockers perfectly.

Armrests: Rocking chairs are available with or without armrests. However, since armrests make the rocker more comfortable, it is best to choose a rocker with armrests.

Types of Rocking Chairs

Indoor chairs: These chairs are designed to be used inside homes. Indoor chairs usually feature cushions on the chairs so that the rockers can be matched to other furniture and aspects of home décor. Wicker and wood are the two materials that are the most popular.

Outdoor rocking chairs: Such chairs are perfect for use in the garden, patio, porch, lawns, or in an open terrace. Apart from wood, plastic and aluminum are the other materials used for outdoor rocking chairs.

Other types of include gliders and children’s rockers. With the many different types available in the markets, choosing a rocking chair can be a difficult choice. However, if you pick from the leading brands such as Dutailier, Brooks, Mission Oak, Amish, Ultramotion, and LL Bean among others, you can be guaranteed a great buy.