Selecting The Ideal Rocking Chair

A rocking chair is perhaps the most comfortable type of chair available on the market. However, going to the store and buying the first rocking chair that you come across is not the right way to choose one. To ensure that you select a one that is perfect for you, here are some things that you need to consider:

1. How large should the rocking chair be? The size can only be judged by physically sitting in one. The height of the seat should be such that your feet are not dangling from the chair, neither are they completely bent at the knee when using the chair. What you want is for your legs to just about reach the floor. The width of the seat will affect your comfort. Make sure you aren’t stuck tight in the seat but there is some room to wiggle and shift positions. However, there should not be that much room that your hands cannot reach the side rests comfortably.

2. Intended space: The location where you will be placing your rocking chair directly affects what kind you will eventually buy. For instance, if the location is an indoor one, then a padded rocker is an ideal choice, as is one with multiple cushions. But the same rocking seat would be a disaster for an outdoor location as the cushions and padding would get spoilt due to the natural elements. Thus, for outdoor locations such as gardens, lawns, patios etc, you should choose rockers that are made from water proof materials, are durable, and strong enough to withstand natural weather conditions.

3. The curved rockers: The arched base which is characteristic of rocking chairs is called the rocker (even though the chair itself is also called a rocker). Essentially, this is the most vital component of any rocking chair as the rocker is what the rocking motion depends on. Thus, when choosing a chair, you have to ensure that the curved rocker is pitched correctly. This can only be done by actually sitting on the chair and using it. When you rock, the motion should be smooth and not jerky. You should feel safe and should not feel like the chair will tip over forwards or backwards with your weight. If you do feel like the chair will tip, or if it actually does, then it is definitely not the right rocking chair for you.

4. The rocking motion: The chair should be such that you can set it in motion with a slight push with your feet. One push should keep the chair rocking for at least a minute and not merely a few seconds. The back and forth motion should be silky smooth and not bumpy. Thus, only choose that rocking chair which provides a smooth motion continuously.

5. Is it comfortable? It may look very comfy and may come highly recommended by others, but if you do not feel right when using the chair, or if you have even the slightest bit of hesitation as to its comfort factor, then you should look at another chair. What may feel good for someone else may not necessarily be the same for you. So essentially, go with a rocker which not only looks right and is well made, but which also ‘feels’ right.

6. Safety aspects: While rocking chairs are extremely user friendly, there is some danger involved with the curved rockers. If you are not careful, you can have your feet crushed if caught under the rockers. Same goes for little children. Thus, if safety is a concern for you, more so with kids around, then you may choose a different type of rocker known as glider rockers. The base of such chairs is not curved but sits flat on the floor, thereby making them safer options.

7. Your budget: Rockers and gliders can be available for as less as a few hundred dollars and go up to thousands of dollars. Therefore, your budget will be a big factor when choosing a chair. A good way to save some money is to buy used rocking chairs. As long as the main rockers of the chair are in perfect condition, most used gliders and rocking chairs can be restored to look as good as new.

8. Your home décor: While safety and comfort are the two main criteria when selecting a rocking chair, you should take care to choose one that fits in with the décor in your home. No one will appreciate a monstrosity in the middle of the living room, even if it is a highly comfortable one. Thus, look around to find a rocking chair that fulfills your needs and is attractive looking.

9. Assembling the chair: Some rockers arrive fully assembled, and some have to be put together at home. If you are not good at following instructions and assembling things, you probably want one that is shipped completely assembled.

Thus, it is vital that you keep the above criteria in mind when choosing a rocking chair – if you want the perfect one of course!