Rocking Chairs: A Legacy Of Leisure

By Gabriel J. Adams

Rocking chairs are a common item we associate with mothers, gently rocking their babies to sleep. We also associate them with the elderly, leisurely enjoying the early morning or the sunset on their porch. Most rocking chairs are made with fine woods, and last for centuries. Rocking chairs are common family heirlooms.

Rocking chairs have become very common. They come in a variety of styles and designs. Some of them are painted and others have only the natural wood finish. You will find them for young children, backyard lawn furniture, elegant front porch features, and still used in nurseries for quiet times with your baby.

The older models of rocking chairs featured very high backs and thin slats. They were hand carved from quality wood. Antique rocking chairs are worth a great deal of money. The Gungstol and the Windsor were both introduced in the 1700’s, today they are worth thousands of dollars depending on the shape they are in as well as the type of materials used.

The early 1800’s saw the introduction of rocking chairs that didn’t have arms. They were well received by people who found them much easier to get in and out of. It was also easier to share the rocking chair with someone else. However, many people loved the first design, so the arm rocking chairs continued to be manufactured as well. Around the 1840’s, rocking chairs began being made with machines rather than by hand. The Salem rocking chair was introduced at this time, featuring a lower back.

Wicker rocking chairs were introduced in the 1860’s. They were cheaper than wooden rocking chairs, but they weren’t nearly as durable. They did sell well though because the wicker could be twisted into a variety of designs. One of the most valuable wicker rocking chairs from this era features an American flag that was weaved into the design on the back of the chair.

We have seen many varieties of rocking chairs through the years, and they are still well loved by people of all ages. You can purchase them at retail stores, furniture stores, and get them passed down to you from family members. Some manufacturers specialize in making custom, handmade rocking chairs. You can find out about them on the internet.

Opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the view of Childrens Rocking Chair / Kids Rocking Chair which the author would like you to visit.

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 A Rocker For Any Age

by Victor Epand

Rocking chairs have survived the test of time for many generations and a million sleepless nights. They come in fine wood, soft supple upholstery, and some are even woven and then painted.

Yes, they all, each and every one of them, find a way into someone's memory, which is a pleasant moment of the past, and a safe refuge for the future. Rocking chairs have rocked new mothers with one day old babies, healed broken hearts, and wounded pride, and then eased the pains of getting old. Whether you place a rocking chair on the back porch, front porch, near a fireplace, or really anywhere in your home, then it will inevitably find its way into the hearts of everyone who lives there.

A rocking chair will become the place where a day's frustrations are soothed, plans are made, and goals dreamed about. Aw, and the stories that have been related by someone as they gently rock to the rhythm of peace and tranquility. A person just cannot stay angry and uptight while they rock, which is its probably some great scientific principle, but tensions are dissipated and anger is subsided. You may start out vigorously rocking, but soon the proper motion is attained to bring spirits back and bring life to the right mode that is relaxed and peaceful.

The walls of resistance do not stand a chance when any matter is discussed while rocking and possible arguments will often lose their sting. You see, rockers are not made for just men or just women, they are for anyone who wants to take a respite from daily turmoils and leisurely, then be able to return to a better frame of mind. A person's religious or political affiliations can be discussed, but never argued and while you may or may not see the other person's point of view, while rocking, they are entitled to their thoughts.

These fine pieces of furniture never really die. They will just nestle themselves into future generations and rock future sleepy babies, feverish children, exuberant teen-agers, and wise parents and grandparents. The very wrinkles of a very bad day are always neatly ironed out and laid to rest for a while, while rocking. Smiles come easily and even laughter will find its way to the surface. Conversations can utilize words or not, depending on the rocker's mood. Sometimes just a nod of the head will suffice.

History knows the wisdom of a rocking chair, and the arms of each chair have been caressed and held onto for dear life. Destiny waits in the wings for the right opportunity to make use of the splendid things that happen when someone rocks in a rocking chair. The world would probably be a much better place for every one if only our world leaders could discuss future world matters while rocking and fine relationships might develop and be perpetuated with a handshake and a nod while rocking. Oh, if you are lucky enough to have one with a gentle squeak, then it is just a wonderful extra.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for home goods, home supplies, home automation and security. Follow these links to find the best rocking chairs, home supplies, and home automation and security.
Article Source: A Rocker For Any Age

9 Quick Tips To Choosing A Rocking Chair

by Rob Barnes

A rocking chair is perhaps the most comfortable type of chair available on the market. However, going to the store and buying the first rocking chair that you come across is not the right way to choose one. To ensure that you select a one that is perfect for you, here are some things that you need to consider:

Choosing A Rocking Chair

1. How big should the rocking chair be? The size can only be judged by physically sitting in one. The height of the seat should be such that your feet are not dangling from the chair, neither are they completely bent at the knee when using the chair. What you want is for your legs to just about reach the floor. The width of the seat will affect your comfort. Make sure you aren’t stuck tight in the seat but there is some room to wiggle and shift positions. However, there shouldn’t be that much room that your hands cannot reach the side rests comfortably.

2. Location of the rocking chair: Where you wish to place your rocker will also determine which type of chair you buy. If you want to use it indoors, then you can choose one that has a padded seat or cushions. However, if you want to place the rocker in your lawn or patio, or any kind of outdoor location, make sure you buy one that is tough and can bear the natural elements. Cushions and padded seats are obviously a no-no for outdoor rockers, unless they are made from materials that are water resistant.

3. Pitch of the rockers: The curved rocker at the bottom of the chair is what makes it so unique. The motion of the chair as well as its safety when using it depends on the pitch of the rockers. To test the pitch, sit in the chair and rock forward and backward. If the motion is not jerky and feel is smooth, the pitch is correct. Another thing to look at is that there should not be any danger of the chair tipping in the front or back. If you feel like you cannot recline completely as the chair will fall backwards, then the chair's pitch is off.

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. Comfort: It 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. The safety factor: If you have small children in your home, you should ensure that the rocking chair is safe for them. The curved rockers can crush tiny feet and toes, thus you may want to look at gliding chairs that do not have curved rockers but have gliders that rest completely on the floor. These are safer with children around.

7. Your budget: Rockers and gliders can be available for as less as a few hundred dollars and go up to thousands of dollars. Therefore, what you are willing to spend will be a major consideration when choosing a chair. A good way to save some money is to buy used rocking chairs. As long as the main rockers of the chair are in perfect condition, most used gliders and rocking chairs can be restored to look as good as new.

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 décor 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.

So, choosing the ideal rocking chair will become a very easy task if you consider the above factors before making your final choice.

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.

Article Source: 9 Quick Tips To Choosing A Rocking Chair