After a hard day at the office, or working in the garden, there’s often no more comfortable way to unwind than by relaxing in a rocking chair. What better way is there to de-stress, then by rocking in front of a fire with a good book.
With a history tracing back to the early 18th century, this style of chair has stood the test of time. Legend has it that the original invention can be attributed to Benjamin Franklin, and the chair has been associated with status and class ever since. Usually a single-seater chair, the curved glider rails attached to the bottom of the legs mean you can rock backwards and forwards effortlessly under your own weight.
It’s still an old classic, and an antique rocking chair would make a very desirable collector’s item – but many styles have brought it bang up to date. Traditionally, the chairs were hand crafted out of woods such as wicker, cedar, teak and oak, but these days modern manufacturing techniques allow styles to be fashioned out of a wide range of materials. Plastic and metal rocking chairs are perfect for use in the garden, their maintenance free construction allowing you to leave them out in all weathers, turning your porch or patio into a new haven for comfort. If you would prefer more traditional wooden rocking chairs, look for ones made from either teak or cedar, the high oil content in the wood will act as protection against the worst of the weather, but you should expect some simple maintenance once a year – a gentle sand and re-oil, should see you though. Double-rocker chairs make a perfect replacement for a traditional garden bench, so two can unwind in comfort taking in the last of the evening sun. You can even buy an aluminium folding rocking chair and take it to the beach! Rocking chair cushions are the perfect accessory to make your beautiful chair more comfortable.
A rocking chair makes a perfect addition to a nursery – the gentle rocking motion while sitting in the chair with a child in your arms is a great way to sooth the baby to sleep. Perfect for new parents struggling to get their new baby to sleep through. When the child gets a little older, a mini-rocker will be great fun for them to sit in – no more running around the house, a parents dream!
So, with many styles and designs, manufactured from a wide range of traditional and practical materials, there’s sure to be a rocking chair to suit your needs. Whether it’s a simple Amish rocking chair, or a more modern version, there are plenty to choose from online.