What is a Rocking Chair?

A wooden rocking chair is a type of chair with curved pieces of wood on the bottom of both sides. These curved pieces, also known as rockers, join the legs on each side. The rockers only touch the ground at two points which lets the chair swing back and forth when you shift your weight.

In simple terms, these are the types of chairs with rockers on the bottom. These chairs are famous for relaxation. They also carry many health benefits for young children, adults and elders as well. The rocking motion created by the chair makes the body healthy and helps with mental fatigue.

A wooden rocking chair stands ahead as a favourite when choosing from the types of rocking chairs because of their variety of benefits. The DZYN Furnitures wooden rocking chairs are made from Teakwood, which is a magnificent type of hardwood for many reasons that you can read about in our detailed article. Other than the wooden rocking chair, there are options of plastic, metal, and synthetic resin rocking chairs available but, teakwood is the best material for a rocking chair when it comes to durability, aesthetics, strength and resistance to pests and termites.

Origins of the Wooden Rocking Chair

The wooden rocking chair was an idea that craftsmen discovered from a piece of furniture that has been used throughout history- a rocking cradle. The rocking cradle was so important to mothers because they could rock their newborns to sleep without keeping them in their arms for the whole day. This genius idea was used by woodworkers while making wooden rocking chairs.

European countries were known to be the makers of most types of chairs like the Windsor chair. However, rocking chairs are an exception. The rocking chair has its origin in the USA. Benjamin Franklin was known as the inventor of rocking chairs in 1710. But there are still many questions about who designed the wooden rocking chairs and when they were made. 

In the evolution of the design of the rocking chairs, Michael Thonet, in the 1800s, was the first woodworker to discover a process of curving wood using heat. 

The words ‘rocking chair’ were first spoken as a common lingo in 1766 according to Merriam-Webster.  

In the beginning, wooden rocking chairs were used by mothers with their kids just like the rocking cradle. However, later on in the 1950s, it was used by men and women to relax. A notable person who made the the use of rocking chairs famous is John F, Kennedy, one of the former presidents of the United States of America. He used rocking chairs because it helped reduce his back pain. 

The first rocking chairs were just regular wooden chairs without armrests attached to the rockers. It continued to evolve into the wooden rocking chair we know. Wooden rocking chairs then became a luxury furniture piece that was known for its comfort because of an American artisan/craftsman by the name of Sam Maloof. 

Using amazing craftsmanship to upgrade the comfort and design of the wooden rocking chairs that come with a rocking chair cushion, an option to add a footrest and other intricate details, DZYN Furnitures makes wooden rocking chairs that elevate your home. 

Uses of Wooden Rocking Chairs

Wooden rocking chairs started as part of the garden to sit. As people realized how relaxing it was, it started coming closer and closer to the house. It was kept in the veranda or front porch and soon the living room or personal bedroom. 

The most important highlight of the rocking chair is how it relaxes the mind and the body. The rocking chairs imitate the rocking motion that mothers perform to calm their children and actually have multiple benefits for all ages. 

It acts as a calming agent for adults and is connected with reducing anxiety, depression and stress. Sitting on the rocking chairs is said to improve blood circulation. It also helps with muscle stiffness and spinal decompression, leading to improvement in arthritis and especially back pain. The movement helps also keep the cardiovascular system of seniors active and helps them stay healthy. It is also great for rehabilitation because your body goes with the rocking motion with minimal to no stress at all.

The wooden rocking chair today is popular for taking afternoon naps as the rocking motion helps you fall asleep quicker. There are some articles stating wooden rocking chairs help reduce insomnia and help you get deep sleep. DZYN Furnitures also has a wooden rocking chair variant that features a foot rest that is perfect for power naps or deep sleep.

The gentle swaying of rocking chairs is also said to improve concentration and better memory. People often read or listen to music on rocking chairs because the gentle swaying reduces the fidgetiness that often appears when you’re sitting for a longer period of time.

Rocking Chairs of the 21st Century

Mostly, rocking chairs have had a similar design and purpose. As you keep reading, you'll see that there are many different types of rocking chairs that we will talk about below. But first, here are some of the best wooden rocking chair designs of this generation. 

Rocking chairs with Cushion- These rocking chairs feature an upholstered rocking chair cushion that is very comfortable and can be separated from the chair itself. This makes the rocking chair usable for different purposes and people. The rocking chair offers a sturdy wooden backrest, with an option for added soft support for a more comfortable sitting experience. The design makes cleaning the chair simple, as both the rocking chair and cushion can be cleaned separately. 

Reclining rocking chairs- These rocking chairs take comfort to the next level. This wooden rocking chair offers various resting options of a recliner chair along with the gentle swaying of the rocking chairs. One can rest in a lying down position while rocking at the same time.

Swivel rocking chairs- These new-age rocking chairs are slightly different from regular wooden rocking chairs. These chairs usually have a single base at the bottom connecting all the legs. This creates a front and back as well as a side-to-side movement that is a very smooth circular motion.

Types of Rocking Chairs

Besides the rocking chair designs mentioned above, there are different types of rocking chairs. Modern rocking chairs come in a variety of designs to serve different purposes. Modern craftsmanship and woodwork have helped bring innovation to this invention. This innovation is because rocking chairs have gone from being used by farmers, labourers, and wives to the 9 to 5 office-going adults, seniors, and children.

There have also been changes in the craftsmanship over the years. The first rocking chairs were handcrafted. The process was then changed to a production line by Michael Thonet.

Traditional wooden rocking chairs- This is an age-old rocking chair design that reminds us of our grandparents. It is a reliable furniture piece and is generally made from sturdy wood, providing a rocking motion with the help of curved wood that is fixed on the bottom of both sides of the chair. While rocking chairs can be designed using metal, plastic, wicker, or resin, the wooden rocking chair is trusted and widely preferred. The wooden rocking chair is made using softwood or hardwood to make it sturdy, and provide durability, and confidence to enjoy the swaying motion. The rocking chairs are also aesthetically pleasing because of their natural wood colour. Wood is also naturally warm and resistant to weathering and time makes it very comfortable and the preferred choice for a long-term investment.

Outdoor rocking chair- This wooden rocking chair or other material rocking chair is designed specifically to be out in the open air. These types of chairs are usually of highly sturdy materials. While wooden rocking chairs may be heavier than others, it is naturally resistant to weather conditions. Wooden rocking chairs made from Teak are naturally resistant to decay, loss of colour, and other dangers of the outside environment. HDPE is a synthetic that is used in making outdoor rocking chairs. This material makes it similar to a wooden rocking chair as it is very sturdy. Resin is another material that craftsmen use in making outdoor rocking chairs. But, if you want a rocking chair that is durable, beautiful, and resistant to pests and termites then teakwood is the perfect material for wooden rocking chairs. Teakwood only requires low maintenance.

Upholstered rocking chair-  This chair is a huge improvement from the usual wooden rocking chairs that we know and love. A rocking chair cushion is the main point. It adds to the comfort that you feel when rocking to and fro. These types of chairs are very beneficial because you can enjoy long hours relaxing without feeling discomfort. The rocking chair cushion is available for the backrest, armrest, and even the footrest if included. It is also very aesthetic and elevates the decor of a home. Some upholstered rocking chairs also come with a satin matte finish that adds a luxurious touch to the wooden rocking chair. 

Different Materials Used for Making Rocking Chair 

Wood- People commonly buy wooden rocking chairs as it is the oldest rocking chair type that everyone knows. Wood is a material that is heavily used when making rocking chairs because it is so strong and sturdy. There are different types of rocking chairs in the market that can be used differently.

People sit on rocking chairs with the main purpose of enjoying the gentle movements, so it only makes sense that famously strong wood is used in making them. Teakwood is the best and most reliable material for a rocking chair. 

Teak wood has secret oil that lets it resist harsh weather, rot, and decay, but still maintains its natural beauty. This means that you can keep wooden rocking chairs placed outside without any issues. Because it is made from trees, the beautiful texture of a wooden rocking chair will captivate you. Since it is reliable, wood is a go-to for making rocking chairs.

Metal-  Metal rocking chairs are sturdy and portable. They often look sleek in design. Since they are made from metal, these chairs can balance sturdiness and being lightweight. It is generally made from wrought iron, steel or other similar materials. 

A big difference between the metal and the wooden rocking chairs is this- the metal rocking chair is versatile. You can adjust its parts to suit you. You can choose to change the height of the chair and where the armrests should be. These chairs can be made with a rocking chair cushion. The main and biggest problem with these chairs is that they can catch rust after some time.

Plastic- Plastic rocking chairs are one of the most affordable types of rocking chairs. They are very common in homes because of the price. Even though they are lacking in comfort and durability, they are resistant to weather issues, weigh very little and do not need much maintenance. 

Fabric- Fabric rocking chairs are the most portable types of rocking chairs. They can be used for picnics, barbeques and other fun activities. These chairs offer simplicity. They are great for outdoor usage. These chairs are made of fabric, so they are not very sturdy. These rocking chairs can be good but for some occasions. 

Teakwood- the Premium choice for Rocking Chairs

Out of the various hardwoods that are available, teakwood stands out as the best choice for those looking for a premium wooden rocking chair. If they are carefully sourced like how we do at DZYN Furntiures, the teakwood of premium quality has qualities that make it last for a long time. Teakwood furniture is a great choice for long-term investments as you can rest assured about its quality. As mentioned before, teakwood naturally protects itself from rot, decay, and weathering. The wood also has a natural shine and its texture gives off luxury and class. The luxurious wood paired with sleek designs produces exceptional rocking chairs that can beautify any room it is placed in.

Where to keep a Wooden Rocking Chair 

You can place the rocking chair in any part of your house whether it is a bedroom, living room or garden the chair will serve its purpose beautifully. Parents can place them in the child’s room to help them sleep. You can also make the rocking chair part of the living room so that you can have a place to rest after working so much. They can also be placed outside on the veranda or in the garden to peacefully enjoy nature while rehabilitating your body with the rocking motion.