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 Rocking Chair
1. Size of the rocker: The first thing that you need to check is that this piece of furniture is the right size for you.
When you sit on the rocker, your legs should not dangle off the floor but should reach the floor comfortably. However, make
sure that your knees are not up against your chest, which will indicate that the rocking chair is small for you. Also ensure
that the sit is big enough so that you are comfortable, but not too big that your arms do not reach the armrests properly.
Your head should not rise above the back rest but should just reach the headrest.
2. Intended space: The location where you will be placing your rocking chair directly affects what kind you will eventually
buy. For instance, if the location is an indoor one, then a padded rocker is an ideal choice, as is one with multiple cushions.
But the same rocking seat would be a disaster for an outdoor location as the cushions and padding would get spoilt due to
the natural elements. Thus, for outdoor locations such as gardens, lawns, patios etc, you should choose rockers that are made
from water proof materials, are durable, and strong enough to withstand natural weather conditions.
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.
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4. Range of motion: Does the rocker 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 chair is right or not. Obviously you want to choose a rocker that has a smooth and continuous motion.
5. Personal comfort: A rocking chair may look very comfortable and may come highly recommended by others, but if you do
not feel right when using the chair, or if you have even the slightest bit of hesitation as to its comfort factor, then you
should look at another chair. What may be comfy for someone else may not necessarily be the same for you. So essentially,
go with a rocker which not only look right and is well made, but which also ‘feels’ like the one.
6. Safety aspects: While rocking chairs are extremely user friendly, there is some danger involved with the curved rockers.
If you are not careful, you can have your feet crushed if caught under the rockers. Same goes for little children. Thus, if
safety is a concern for you, more so with kids around, then you may choose a different type of rocker known as glider rockers.
The base of such chairs is not curved but sits flat on the floor, thereby making them safer options.
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, your budget will be a big factor 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. Your home décor: 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 décor 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.
So, choosing the ideal rocking chair will become a very easy task if you consider the above factors before making your
final choice.
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