9 Steps To Finding The Perfect Rocking Chair


by Rob Barnes

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:

Selecting The Ideal Rocking Chair

1. Size of the rocker: The first thing that you need to check is that this piece of furniture is the right size for you. When you sit on the rocker, your legs should not dangle off the floor but should reach the floor comfortably. However, make sure that your knees are not up against your chest, which will indicate that the rocking chair is small for you. Also ensure that the sit is big enough so that you are comfortable, but not too big that your arms do not reach the armrests properly. Your head should not rise above the back rest but should just reach the headrest.

2. Where will the rocking cair be placed? The answer to this question will determine what type of rocker you need. For instance, if the chair will be placed in a bedroom, you need it to be decorative as well as comfortable. If the fireplace is where the chair will go, then you can expect to spend hours in it. In such cases, extra padded chairs and those with cushions will serve you best. For outdoor locations such as patios, porches, lawns etc, you should buy a chair that is approved to be used in wet weather conditions.

3. Pitch of the rockers: The curved rocker at the bottom of the chair is what makes it so unique. The motion of the chair as well as its safety when using it depends on the pitch of the rockers. To test the pitch, sit in the chair and rock forward and backward. If the motion is not jerky and feel is smooth, the pitch is correct. Another thing to look at is that there should not be any danger of the chair tipping in the front or back. If you feel like you cannot recline completely as the chair will fall backwards, then the chair's pitch is off.

4. Range of motion: Does the rocker have a smooth back and forth motion? Are you able to keep it going for a couple of minutes with a single push, or do you have to push the chair every few seconds? The answers to these questions will determine whether the chair is right or not. Obviously you want to choose a rocker that has a smooth and continuous motion.

5. Comfort: It should be absolutely comfortable for you. Your hands should reach the armrests comfortably and should fit on them properly. The seat should have a downward slope and should support your lower back too. In addition to being firm, the back and the seat of the rocking chair should be flexible. In other words, if you are not 100% comfortable on the rocking chair, do not buy it.

6. Rocking chair safety: There is no doubt that rockers are very comfortable, but they can be dangerous as well. There is a possibility of feet and toes getting stuck under the rockers, especially those of small children. Thus, if you do have children in the house, you may want to consider buying a glider as it is a safer choice because it does not have any curved rockers.

7. How much do you want to spend? Rockers and gliders can be available for as less as a few hundred dollars and go up to thousands of dollars. Thus, 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 glideers and rockers can be restored to look as good as new.

8. Decor of your house: After ensuring the comfort and the safety factor of the rocker, you need to look at its design and style. Since the rocker will have the pride of the place in your home, it should look the part as well. So make sure the chair you choose compliments your home dcor and does not look out of place in your beautiful home.

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.

By answering the questions asked above and by keeping the above criteria in mind when choosing a rocking chair, you will definitely be able to find a rocker that fits you like a glove, is extremely comfortable, looks good in your home, and serves you for years to come.

About the Author

Rob Barnes writes for My Rocking Chairs, a consumer guide dedicated to helping you find the perfect rocker, from styles like cedar rocking chairs to brands like Shermag gliding rocking chairs



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