9 Quick Tips To Choosing A Rocking Chair


by Rob Barnes - Date: 2006-12-29 - Word Count: 867 Share This!

One cannot choose the right rocker just by looking at it. There are many things that have to be taken into account and considered before you settle on the one chair that is made just for you. Read on to know what these things are.

How To Choose A Rocker

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 backrest but should just reach the headrest.

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 rockers: The curved base of the rocking chair is somewhat confusingly also known as the rocker. This is the most important part of the chair, without which it would not rock properly. When buying any rocking chair, make sure the rocker is pitched properly. You can do this by sitting on the chair and rocking it to and fro. If you get a feeling that the chair might tip over, then the rocker is not pitched properly. However, if you can rock comfortably, and there is no danger of tipping over even when you use it as a recliner, then the pitch of the rocker is perfect.

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. The comfort factor: The rocking chair 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. Do you have small children in your home? You may wonder why this matters when it comes to choosing a rocking chair, but the safety aspect of a chair depends on this answer. For instance, if you do have kids in the house, then there is the fear of their little toes getting caught under the rockers if they are not careful. In such a situation, you will be better off buying a glider instead of the traditional rocking chair. However, if there arent any kids in your home, then safety is not a primary concern and you can thus go in for the regular rocking chairs with their unique curved rockers.

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. Decor of your house: After ensuring the comfort and the safety factor of the rocking chair, 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. Kind of assembly: Some chairs are shipped to you fully assembled, whereas some have to be put together at home. Thus, if you are not good at following instructions and assembling things, you may want to choose one that is delivered completely assembled.

So, choosing the ideal rocking chair will become a very easy task if you consider the above factors before making your final choice. Rob Barnes writes for My Rocking Chairs, a consumer guide dedicated to helping you find the perfect rocker, from styles like swivel rocking chairs to brands like Stickley rocking chairs.


Related Tags: furniture, rocking chairs, rocking chair, gliders, rockers, chairs

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