Choosing the Perfect Rocking Chair

Below are eight tips that should help you find just the right rocking chair for your home.

Placement
Is your rocking chair going to be indoors or outdoors? For indoor use you will want to look at rocking chairs made from either oak or light maple. They can be plain wood or have cushions. Good woods for outdoor rockers include the fragrant cedar, Brazilian cherry wood that has been painted, or the durable teak.

Comfort
Many people have received therapeutic benefits from rocking chairs, including President John F. Kennedy. President Kennedy is said to have had an Appalachian rocking chair constructed of oak and Malaysian rattan which had a steam-bent curved backrest. He would sit in it for hours to relieve his back pain.

Some questions to ask yourself when assessing the comfort of your potential rocking chair include: Do you find that the seat provides both support and comfort? Do you find that there is adequate elbow support? When you place your arms on the armrests do they feel as if they are wide enough and give you proper balance? Is there flexibility in both the seat and the back? Does the seat fit the entire back, while at the same time supporting the lower back?

Pitch
You will want to see if the rocking chair has a clean, smooth rocking motion. Do you feel as if you are about to flip over backward if you recline into the seat? Can you keep the chair moving back and forth for several minutes with one push, or do you need to constantly push to get movement?

Construction
Try to determine if the chair was made using techniques that are proven to give you years and years of everyday use. Stronger rockers will be constructed without the use of glue and will feature interlocking joints. Some of the strongest and most elegant rockers are made using the Maloof technique which utilizes seven laminated strips to strengthen the skis of the rocker.

Style
Rocking chairs come in a variety of different styles, so you will want to find one that fits the overall décor of your home. Some things to consider is whether or not you want your rocking chair bare or upholstered and what type of finish you would prefer, natural wood stained and oiled or paint. You will also want to think about the material that is used for the rocker, such as wicker, rattan, or wood. Another thing to pay attention to is the design of the back rest, would you prefer horizontal ladder slats, woven cane, or vertical slats?

Budget
What would you like to spend on your new rocking chair? The range is huge, with everything from a $20 eBay find to a $20,000 Sam Maloof rocker that comes with a two year waiting list. There are, of course, a whole lot of options in between these two numbers.

Assembly
How do you want your rocking chair to come to you, already assembled or in pieces? You can save some money on a new rocker if you are handy with tools and willing to do the assembly yourself.

These tips should help you find just the right rocking chair, no matter what your needs. Whether you are looking to relax in the evenings in front of the television or are up in the middle of the night comforting a new baby, you want a rocking chair that is both comfortable and attractive.

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