Find the Perfect Rocking Chair in 9 Quick Steps
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.
Choosing A Rocking Chair
1. Size of the rocking chair: Firstly, you need to make sure that the chair is properly sized for you. What do we mean by that? Well, for starters, when you sit on the chair, your legs should touch the floor easily and should not be left dangling off the rocker. If your legs do not reach the floor, the rocker is too big for you. On the other hand, if your legs are touching the floor but your knees are practically to your chest, then the chair is too small for you. Therefore, choose a chair which allows your legs to reach the floor, but just so. Another thing to check is that the seat is big enough to seat you comfortably, but not so much that the armrests are too wide apart and you have trouble resting your arms on them. And for the backrest, it should be so high that your head is reaching the head rest but not rising over it.
2. Indoor or outdoor rockers: There are some rocking chairs that are made for indoor use, some that can be used outdoors, whereas some that can be used inside as well as outside your home. Thus, before choosing a rocking chair, be clear about where you intend to put it. Indoor rockers are the ones with cushions and padding, whereas outdoor ones obviously dont have them. Those rockers that can be used in any location are the ones that have cushions and extra padding, but which are made from materials and fabric that is weather proof.
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. The rocking motion: Everyone knows that the motion of the chair should be smooth and continuous. But did you know that you should not have to rock the chair every few seconds? Yes, thats right. A rocking chair that has the complete range of motion will keep going for a couple of minutes with just a single push. So, that is what you should be looking for.
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. 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. How much are you willing to spend? If money is not a concern, you should consider buying an exclusive hand crafted rocking chair made by one of the many people who are masters at their craft. It may set you back by thousands of dollars, but every penny will be worth it. But, if you are on a budget, you can still find a comfortable rocking chair for few hundred dollars, albeit not a branded one, unless you decide to buy used.
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 house.
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 swivel rocking chairs to brands like Stickley rocking chairs.
Rocking chair
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