Rocking chairs evoke a sense of relaxation, whether you’re picturing a retiree on a front porch with sweet tea or a parent lulling a baby to sleep in a nursery. They’ve even been put in hotels, restaurants (ahem, Cracker Barrel), and airports to help us all feel a little more at ease.
But what about the rest of us? Don’t we deserve to experience this level of calm, even without a porch? Thankfully the rocking chair has received a much-needed makeover in recent years with a chair for every style.
The first rocking chairs appeared in the 1700s but became popular in the following century, especially the designs of German craftsman Michael Thonet, which are still highly sought-after. Since then, it has worked its way into American culture from artwork by Thomas Pollock Anshutz and Edvard Munch to television, including a memorable episode of HBO’s Girls.
If you’re looking for a rocking chair to add to your home, here are our recommendations.
The Scandinavian-inspired chair has sleek rails connected to the frame, with rattan caning on the seat and back. The armrests are set ideally so that you can balance a drink in your hand. It comes in black and natural wood finishes to coordinate with a bolster pillow. The chairs are priced so that you can buy two without breaking the bank.
This Swedish furniture giant’s Poang design has remained popular for over 40 years. The bentwood frame allows for a gentle rock with a soft leather seat, back, and headrest pad in multiple colors that can be swapped out for your changing design needs. It’s also protected by a 10-year warranty.
The rocking chair has had many famous fans over the years, including President John F. Kennedy. This became the commander in chief’s favorite chair after his doctor prescribed it to him to help soothe a back injury. Troutman Chair Co. from North Carolina has made handcrafted furniture since 1924, including the Official Kennedy Rocker, with its interlocking joinery and a woven cane back and seat. The chair also comes in a variety of wood finishes.
There’s a reason that the Eames chair is an American classic. The curved shape of the molded chair was first designed by Charles and Ray Eames and comes in a variety of colors, styles, and materials including recycled plastic. The “waterfall” seat design is made to reduce the pressure on your thighs and legs. The wood rails and wire struts make for a smooth rocking experience.
While it’s popular for nurseries, there’s no reason this design-forward rocker can’t go anywhere in your home. The seat is covered in a plush fabric with smooth oak legs for a seamless rock and armrests for total relaxation. The fabric is easy to spot clean in case of spills. Article has a free trial period and they run frequent sales so you might just get this chair for a bargain if you keep your eyes peeled.
The Danish-inspired Haverhill rocking chair has sleek and lacquered birch rails and arm rests with brass details. The seat and back are padded for added comfort and upholstered in oatmeal-colored linen. Settle in with a good book and spend your day rocking away.
Since 1875, the Brumby Company in Atlanta has made high-quality rocking chairs that are believed to be the oldest Georgia product still in continuous production. The chairs are crafted from the highest quality Appalachian Red Oak and built to last, meant to be passed down among generations. The seats and backs are hand-caned and the chairs come in eight options for stains and finishes.
Designed in (you guessed it) 1966 by Richard Schultz, this chair was created as a relaxing outdoor chair that you wouldn’t have to worry about being affected by the weather. It has a stainless steel and aluminum base finished in weather-resistant polyester coating with the seat and back woven in vinyl-covered polyester mesh with Teflon thread. The chair comes in four frame colors.
Thomas Moser dates back to 1972 and over the years has crafted chairs for presidents and the Pope alike. But it’s the rocking chairs that really set the company apart, with the stunning bentwood design inspired by the 1950s styles of Sam Maloof and sculptor Wharton Esherick. The Craftsman-style chair is made to order in the Maine workshop, with ergonomic curves in cherry or walnut woods.