Discover the Comfort & Health Benefits of Modern Rocking Chairs

By Ava Brown, December 4, 2020

A rocking chair is a staple of modern homes, often treasured for generations and restored. Adding one to your home can improve comfort and benefit your health in many different ways. Unsurprisingly, rocking chairs have been around for a long time now, with the first dating back to 1710. Since then, they have seen a lot of changes and have spread throughout the world. Today, there are many styles of rocking chairs, in a variety of colours and made from different materials. Designer rocking chairs can fit into different environments, from living rooms to modern nurseries. You want a chair that will be comfortable and last a long time, and the following are some of the most common styles of rocking chairs you can choose from.

Different Styles of Rocking Chairs

The rocking chair emerged in the 1700s, but its design idea is based on rocking cradles and goes back to ancient times. Originally, it was intended as outdoor furniture, but it quickly made the transition to a beloved piece of indoor furniture. Many associate rocking chairs with fond childhood memories of precious moments with their parents or grandparents. With the onset of modern designs and material technologies, they have come a long way, so today you can find designer rocking chairs that suit any home’s needs and aesthetics.

Traditional

This type of rocking chairs is characterized by curved legs that serve as the mechanism that rocks that chair back and forth. It’s the oldest type of rocking chairs, and one of the most popular, but keep in mind that it usually requires a large amount of floor space in order to be functional.

Glider

The glider rocker uses a mechanism of levers and hinges, so the chair rocks back and forth on a flat plane. It’s a comfortable rocking chair and takes up a little space. A model that has upholstered rather than open work sides is preferable for keeping hands and feet away from moving parts.

Spring

Spring rocking chairs are a combination of traditional and glider rockers. They rock back and forth supported by mounted springs. The mechanism is a bit complicated and most designers prefer hiding it beneath a box at the base of the chair.

Swivel

This type of rocking chairs is using a mechanism which allows for rocking on more than one plane of motion. It’s usually constructed from rattan, including a protective screen around the metal-spring base. The swivel rocking chair will not only rock back and forth but can swivel from side to side.

Upholstered Seat on Solid Wood Rockers

This is a classic design and can fit well almost any décor, from vintage to chic and modern. An upholstered seat on solid wood rockers can blend with the rest of the furnishings effortlessly.

Reclining

As the name suggests, this type of rockers allows you to recline the back of the chair. It’s a combination of the best of two worlds, though very often, for safety purposes the rocking and reclining functions can’t be used at the same time.

Rocking Chairs with Ottomans

Putting your feet up can be beneficial if you’re sitting for long hours as it can improve circulation. Rocking chairs with ottomans are a great choice and you can find ottomans and rocking chairs  designed to work together. Same like the chair, the ottoman will rock when you move it.

Benefits of Rocking Chairs

For many, the rocking chair is more than just a piece of furniture. Aside from the stylish appearance, your rocking chair can provide several health benefits, such as the following.

Relaxation

Rocking is relaxing. It releases endorphins in the brain and can significantly improve your mood and reduce stress.

Soothing Effect on Babies

It doesn’t take a parent to know that rocking has a soothing effect on babies. It helps to calm them down and get them to sleep easily. Additionally, rocking can promote parent-baby bonding and according to some researches, it can enhance emotional, social, cognitive and motor development in children.

Speed Up Recovery Time after Surgery

A rocking chair can be beneficial for new mothers who have given birth by caesarean section as some studies suggest that it can speed up recovery time. This is said to be the case for people recovering from different kinds of surgery as well.

Battle Arthritis and Back Pain

Using a rocking chair may help to ease back pain and the symptoms of arthritis. It may sound hard to believe, but rocking increase blood flow, thus sending more oxygen to the joints. The slight physical exertion, on the other hand, can help to build up strength and flexibility in the knees.

These are some of the health benefits of modern rocking chairs and there are many others that you can discover while rocking and watching TV, reading a book, or simply taking a nap. For chilly climates, add a soft throw or blanket that is always there to bundle up in, and you’re ready for the cold winter nights.

How to Choose a Designer Rocking Chair for Your Home

The comfort of your rocking chair is a matter of personal preference. Most rockers are made to be cosy, so you may want to pay more attention to décor when buying a designer rocking chair as it should fit seamlessly into your living space.

If you’re looking for a rocking chair for a new mother, it’s a good idea to start looking early, so you can have it ready to go when the baby arrives. Always select a rocker based on your room’s current design, whether it’s a nursery, therapy, social space or general use. And of course, check the measurements to make sure that it will fit into your intended space.