9 Steps To Finding The Perfect Rocking Chair

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. Rocking Chair Sizes 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. Where are you going to place the rocker in your home? 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. 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 chair 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 rocking glider 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. How much are you willing to spend? If money is no object, 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. Your home dcor: While safety and comfort are the two main criteria when selecting a rocking chair, you should take care to choose one that fits in with the dcor in your home. No one will appreciate a monstrosity in the middle of the living room, even if it is a highly comfortable one. Thus, look around to find a rocking chair that fulfills your needs and is attractive looking.

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.

Thus, it is vital that you keep the above criteria in mind when choosing a rocking chair if you want the perfect one of course!

Rob Barnes writes for My Rocking Chairs, a consumer guide dedicated to helping you find the perfect rocker, from styles like childen's rocking chairs to brands like Dutailier gliders.