All about rocking chairs

A rocking chair is considered a universal solution for out-of-town recreation; it is often one of the symbols of comfort and peace. Modern manufacturers are ready to offer folding, forged and leather models of different sizes and configurations, traditional rattan options. For the laziest today, there are even chairs with an electric swing mechanism; they are actively used as accessories for children. However, the most popular is the good old classics: armchairs woven from a vine are beautiful, comfortable, not afraid of moisture and other atmospheric influences.

Before choosing a swing chair for your home, you should study all its features in more detail. The rocking chair can look fashionable and original, for example, as «Poeng " - the favorite version of the founder of IKEA.

Many people like the combo version of the chair with a leather seat and a wooden or metal frame. In addition, for summer cottages, you can purchase folding models or choose a plastic analogue of rattan, inexpensive and quite practical.

A rocking chair is a type of leisure furniture with a non-standard base design. Instead of the classic legs, it has a special shaped runner that allows you to swing back and forth in a sitting position. In some cases, a special mechanism on rollers or hinges is responsible for the pendulum vibrations.

The inventor of the rocking chair is not known for certain. According to some legends, Benjamin Franklin had a hand in its creation. - one of the founding fathers of the United States. However, there is historical evidence that chairs of this design were used until the 18th century. In English, the definition of rocking-chair appeared in 1766, but here, too, everything is not so simple.

Its modern, This piece of furniture got its familiar look thanks to the German carpenter Michael Tonet, who in the 19th century began to use the technology he developed for the manufacture of Viennese chairs in the production of rocking-chairs. The models he created were sold under the Thonet brand, made of bent beech and quickly gained popularity among the creative intelligentsia and aristocracy.

In the second half of the 20th century, modernist designers drew attention to the rocking chair. They replaced the classic design with runners with ring supports, similar in silhouette to the outline of an egg. The futuristic models were designed with plastic curved seats and massive wooden skis. Solid plastic models appeared, metal with leather seats. Today, the variety of the model range is limited only by the imagination of the designers of rocking chairs.

Modern models of armchairs with a rocking function can have a very different design, type of construction. It could be rocking chair with folding mechanism. Single-legged round armchairshaped like a bowl of an exotic flower, glider swing model without runners. Doesn't give up and timeless classic with footrest or footrest, soft seat.

Some models use upgrade elements - hinged soft covers and inserts, electric motors with a swing mechanism. Electronic rocking chairs or hinged models are no longer surprising. The most popular solutions are worth considering in more detail.

This category includes rocking chairs on arches or runners of the usual type. They can be variable or elliptical, and have different lengths. It is worth considering that the classic models of rocking chairs are recommended to be made according to the individual parameters of the owner. Otherwise swing amplitude will be insufficient or excessive, and the piece of furniture itself will be unstable, it may turn over.

A kind of glider chairs. They differ from their basic counterpart by the presence of a retractable footrest. Combined with an automated motion sickness mechanism, this model can be an excellent choice for feeding or putting your baby to bed. The adjustable backrest is also a significant advantage of the recliner.

Rocking chair from IKEA, which has become a household name in the design world. This model was first introduced to the world over 40 years ago in the form of the simplest piece of furniture. The Poeng rocking chair appeared later and from its first sales acquired the status of an iconic piece of furniture. She easily changes her appearance thanks to a variety of soft pillows and covers. The product was designed by Japanese specialist Noboru Nakamura.

Quiet rocking chairs with a fixed base that stands firmly on the floor. The design includes a pendulum mechanism that allows the seat to move freely. Such chair models are very popular among young mothers. They are used in the nursery for comfortable motion sickness of the baby in the arms of the parents.

Non-standard rocking chair, which is not installed on the floor, but is suspended by chains and anchorage, or has a double fixation with a support on a leg. In addition, there are models that are placed on a special frame. The very design of the rocking chair in a minimalistic design looks like an elongated hemisphere, inside which there are soft pillows. Increasingly, Egg armchairs are made of rattan wicker, perforated aluminum, polyamide fiber or plastic.

These are rocking chairs with a built-in massager function in the back or seat. The product is equipped with an electric motor, has a contact roller, vibration or point (shiatsu) effect. Chairs of this type are classified as medical devices.

The spring-loaded rocking chair is a version of furniture with a fixed base and a ring-shaped spring mechanism. The seat can be classic or in the shape of a rounded "nest". Such models are distinguished by increased carrying capacity, withstand loads up to 150 kg. The spring element is completely safe, this option is suitable for installation in a children's room.

A solid leather rocking chair or a modern model with fabric cushions, a soft eco-leather version or a rigid frame version. Any of these options can be used in the interior of a house or apartment, installed on a balcony, covered terrace. Modern manufacturers usually use natural or durable and practical man-made materials. It is worth considering the most relevant options in more detail.

Solid wood is an eternal classic that furniture manufacturers widely use in their products. Rocking chairs made of oak, beech, ash, birch, maple, red cherry look noble and respectable, they are easily selected for almost any interior solution. Solid wood lends itself well to processing, hand-made models are carved, tinted, varnished, inlaid with other materials. Such armchairs go well with different types of leather and textiles, they can complement the classic furnishings, country or modern style interiors.

A budget version of a rocking chair, distinguished by its practicality and laconic design. MDF is used as an alternative to solid wood. Tinted and wood-like sidewalls and armrests are complemented by soft fabric or eco-leather upholstery options. Products are cheaper than natural counterparts, they look modern and attractive. But MDF can hardly be called a completely environmentally friendly material, it is more fragile and fire hazardousthan solid wood or veneer.

The vine used for weaving furniture is a sturdy rattan tree that has been dried and processed. Scourges of various thicknesses are used for the frame part, for creating seats and chair backs. Such products are widely used in the interior of colonial-style country houses, on terraces and verandas of summer cottages. Rattan rocking chairs are used in combination with colorful decorative pillows, fluffy blankets and capes of various types.

Wicker furnishings look harmoniously with country and Scandinavian designs. Natural rattan is environmentally friendly, completely safe for health and the environment. Rocking chairs made of it weigh little, are practical to use, have a presentable appearance.

Metal elements - forged or chrome-plated - are most often used as frame parts, supporting structural elements. In high-tech style, such a base is combined with a plastic seat and back. In a forged frame, the rest of the elements are usually wooden, and the chair itself resembles a chaise longue.

In the manufacture of rocking chairs, a standard grid of sizes is used. The usual thickness of the side elements of the frame should be at least 30 mm, length - up to 140 cm, height - up to 120 cm.The drawers are made in sizes 80x15x2 cm.The seat has a length of about 120 cm from the headrest to the lower edge, width - 60-80 cm.

Popular styles for rocking chairs include several options can be noted.

• High tech. It is characterized by the use of a chrome base and a plastic seat. It can be a white or black vinyl chair, model with an aluminum perforated seat.

• Classic. Massive antique, antique armchairs are comfortable for adults, they look respectable and stylish. Modern models in a classic style are made from natural wood.

• Country. Designer rocking chairs in this style are woven from vine or rattan, complemented with bright pillows.

• Modern. Stylish rocking chairs in the trends of this design are made of plywood or MDF. They are distinguished by soft eco-leather upholstery.

• Loft. Rocking chairs in the spirit of laconic simplicity of industrial design are created from plywood or metal, complemented with simple fabric upholstery.

• Colonial. The traditional style of the era of the conquest of India and Africa. It is characterized by the use of rattan weaving, exotic decoration of furnishings.

• Scandinavian minimalism. A laconic style that can be easily combined with simple interiors without unnecessary pretentiousness. It is characterized by natural materials, lightness and grace of lines.

There are leaders in the production of rocking chairs. Wickerwork is made in Indonesia and other Asian countries. It is better to look for solid wood furniture from Russian, Belarusian or Italian manufacturers. There are several companies among the leaders.

• IKEA. The brand produces three basic rocking chairs. This is the Poeng of oak, beech, birch veneer - the most expensive and best-selling version. The "Overalt" rocking chair with a steel frame and a polyethylene seat, decorated in African style, is considered a budget chair. "Grönadal" is a more expensive model in eco-style with rattan weaving, runners and armrests made of solid ash.

• Secret De Maison. French brand supplying colonial style rocking chairs from Indonesia. Premium products made of natural rattan look attractive, suitable for use in the interior or on a glazed veranda or terrace. Product prices are higher than the market average.

• CampingGroup. Russian company founded in Chelyabinsk in 2000. Its products are focused specifically on the organization of a comfortable stay. The company specializes in the production of solid wood rocking chairs and high quality plywood. Models for the home are available with fabric upholstery or eco-leather upholstery. The main names are Garda, Veneto, Malta, Tyrol, Villa, Rhodes.

• Vinotti. Polish furniture company specializing in the creation of furnishings in the spirit of Southeast Asia. Product design is developed in Europe, and rocking chairs are manufactured in India, Indonesia, China. The assortment includes a wide selection of classic and original designer woven products from natural rattan.

• "Mebelik". Russian company that produces different types of home furniture. The product range includes armchairs and glider poufs with a self-balancing mechanism. In addition, the brand produces classic rocking chairs from furniture plywood with a soft seat and eco-leather upholstery.

When choosing rocking chairs, you need to pay attention to a number of important parameters.

1. Age restrictions. The baby model should be equipped with special harnesses and safety boosters. For older children, a transformer is suitable, which can be modified as the child grows. For adults, you need to choose rocking chairs based on their weight category with a margin of 10-15 kg from the maximum permissible load.
2. Appointment. For the home, you should choose furniture based on the design of the room. For the dining room or hall, options from solid cedar or dark cherry are suitable; more solid models of oak, beech, maple are chosen for the living room. On the balcony, veranda, open terrace, it is worth picking up lighter wicker or metal furniture with linen inserts or other combined materials.
3. The presence of a transformation mechanism. Folding chair models are convenient for long-term storage in winter. It is better to use them as a summer cottage, picnic or camping.
4. Stability. The distance between the runners of the rocking chair must be such that it does not tip over, even if it is rocked violently.
5. The elasticity and rigidity of the seat. Optimum performance should be such as to provide a comfortable fit.Optional removable cushions or overlays can be added to enhance comfort.
6. Reliability of connections. All frame elements must fit snugly together. The structure must be reasonably robust to withstand heavy use. A slight squeak is quite acceptable at the first time after the start of operation, if it does not pass after the expiration of time, we can talk about a factory defect.
7. Design features. Comfortable armrests, an additional footrest, a comfortable seat depth - all this is important during the operation of the rocking chair.

IKEA rattan designer armchair in the living room space. Such an element harmoniously fits into the eco-style aesthetics. Pure natural colors, natural textures of materials look quite harmonious in combination with live greens.

Minimalistic design solution - rocking chair made of painted solid wood. The frame is complemented by a set of soft pillows, the color scheme exactly matches the other furnishings. It is the perfect addition to a cozy modern living room or bedroom.

Stylish rocking chair with chromed metal frame. A light cape made of faux fur adds elegance to the design and makes it a part of the overall interior composition.

According to most buyers, the purchase of a rocking chair can be called a truly significant event. Of course, buying such an accessory is optional. It is precisely a luxury item that makes life more comfortable and convenient. Fans of retro style choose traditional armchairs made of solid natural wood, noting that they give a unique feeling of comfort and relaxation.

The model's chair also deserves the best reviews. Poeng from IKEA... Among modern rocking chairs, it evokes the greatest admiration for its ergonomic design, stylish design, and high quality workmanship. The model comes with removable covers and pillows, and its appearance fully corresponds to the Scandinavian ideas of hygge - a life of pleasure.

No less popular with buyers and wicker rocking chairs... If natural rattan is used in the premium segment, then budget models are made from its synthetic substitute. It is they who are actively produced today in Asian countries, and consumer reviews of such products are quite positive. It is noted that such models look no worse than natural ones, they serve for a long time and are not afraid of atmospheric influences.

How to make a rocking chair with your own hands, see below.