Most quality rocking chairs are named after their makers, such as Sam Maloof rockers, Jenny Lind rocking chairs etc. However, one of the most stylish rockers to have ever been made – the Bentwood rocking chair – is not named after its maker but is more of a style of chair designing. Here’s a look at the unique features of Bentwood rockers that makes them so unusual and individualistic.

The Bentwood design is characterized by flowing and seamless forms, which result in an extremely lightweight product. This special design was first created by a man named Michael Thonet, who till date is regarded as the creator of the Bentwood process of chair making.

As the name Bent Wood suggests, the wood that is used to make the rocking chairs is bent in various ways so as to create one-of-a-kind rocking chairs. This wood is steamed first so that it is easy to bend and does not break in the process.

The back slats of Bentwood rockers are typically in the shape of an unending S. This provides superior comfort and support to your back. The seat of these rockers is usually dished out, which means that you get a deep rock with these chairs and not the gentle rocking motion that is felt with regular rockers. Although very comfortable and relaxing, the deep rock does make the rocking chair difficult to get in and out of. Thus, it is advisable not to use bentwood rocking chairs while you are holding a small baby or infant in your hand, or if you are an elderly person.

When buying a Bentwood rocking chair, you have a choice of hand woven bentwood rocking chairs or mass produced ones. The hand woven ones are much better in quality and also last longer. However, they are far more expensive than the mass produced ones. Here are some websites where you can get great Bentwood chairs in unusual designs:

- www.rockingchairs.com
- www.custommade.com