How does the idea of unwinding after a long day at work with your favorite novel on a rocking chair by the fireplace sound? Do you sometimes find yourself wishing you had a rocking chair? Americans are very fond of the idea of owning a rocking chair. Most of them either own one or are in the process of getting one. What about you?
The origins of the rocking chairs date to the late 1700’s when someone decided to add skates at the bottom of the furniture, which was similar to a child’s rocking cradle. Since then they have become a necessity to most American homes because they are very practical. If you have decided to treat yourself with a rocking chair, there are few steps to follow to choose the right now.
How to choose the right rocking chair?
When you are deciding on your rocking chair, think about where you are going to put it, indoors or outdoors. If you place it indoors, you can get one made of light maple or yellowish oak. If placed outside you can go with a brazilian cherry or teak wood which is durable enough for the outside weather conditions.
Next step when choosing a rocking chair is the comfort, because rockers are also used for therapeutic purposes. President Kennedy for example. used his rocking chair for hours each day to relieve the pain of his back. His rocker was an Appalachian oak with steam-bent curved backrest and woven seat made of Malaysian rattan. Therefore when you are picking comfort pay attention to whether the rocker offers firmness and flexibility, whether there is comfortable elbow support, whether the armrests are long enough and whether it fits the whole back while supporting the lower back.
Next thing you want to do is check whether the rocking chair provides a smooth and even rocking motion without tipping. Sit in it and make sure you don’t feel like you are about to flip backwards while rocking. Also see if it only takes one push to keep rocking for some time or is it one of those that you have to push every second if you want to keep rocking. This step is important because the whole purpose of the rocking chair is for you to relax and apply the least amount of force possible.
Furthermore look at the construction of the rocking chair. There are techniques that have been used to provide strong and durable chairs to withstand everyday use. These techniques include interlocking joinery and using seven laminated wooden strips to strengthen each of the skis. Make sure that no glue is used in the construction.
Once you are done with the practicalities move on to the style of the desired rocking chair. Would you like a charming white wicker or a casual rattan? What about the back of the chair? Would you prefer a traditional horizontal, vertical or woven cane slats? Would you like the natural woodgrain or would you rather have it oiled, painted or varnished? So many options to choose for. Pick something that is most appealing to your eyes. It is all about preference here.
Rocking chairs have different prices and can fit anyone’s budget. From a 20 euros bid on ebay to 15,000 euros Maloof with a two-year waiting list and the ultimate rocking chair experience. What you pay is what you get, but don’t get discouraged and know that there is one for everyone. Just decide how much you are willing to spend on a rocker and look for something within that range.
Lastly you have two options when getting your chair. If you are handy with the tools you can assemble it yourself or you can have it delivered to your door already assembled and ready to use.
Follow these seven easy tips and you will find the right rocking chair for you - whether you are a delighted parent of a newborn, urban worker trying to relax after a long day at work or simply a couch potato wanting a comfortable seat in front of your favorite TV show. Good luck shopping and don’t forget to enjoy yourself in the process.
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