Whether indoors or outdoors, a rocking chair is a perfect complement to a relaxing evening. There are many types of rocking chairs on the market, which is great because you can find one that suits your style and home design. However, this makes the selection process long and confusing.

That’s why we spent hours searching for the best rocking chairs and found five different products. Each is the best in its class and comes with different designs, colors, and features.

 

1. Haotian Comfortable Rocking Chair

The Haotian is an indoor rocking chair that perfectly complements rooms with a neutral tone. It is made of birch wood and PU leather. The main feature is the five-way adjustable footrest and side pockets for storing objects or books.

The Haotian is the indoor relaxation chair par excellence because all the extra functions are added to its functionality. You can sit and relax while keeping your TV remote control or tablet tidy in the side pockets. In addition, the anti-scratch layer helps protect your floors, keeping them in good condition.

We don’t like that the Haotian rocking chair is very low. It can be off-putting, especially for tall people. We recommend that you do not touch it if your height is over 6 feet.

Five-way adjustable footrest

The chair has five different angles to make your feet comfortable. Flip the footrest over, slightly upwards or upwards. Either way, you’ll find an angle you like while you rest or keep your legs in the right position to fall asleep without them being stiff when you wake up.

Plus, the large padding helps prevent scratches at the bottom of the chair and protects your floor.

Stable frame

The frame is made of birch wood and is thick enough to support up to 330 pounds of weight. Although the frame weighs 22.05 pounds, which is not the easiest to carry, it was designed for indoor use. In addition, it has no protective coating.

PU Leather

PU is fake leather and is known to be a good quality material for furniture. If you are looking for a surface that is easy to clean, this is a good choice. You can wipe it off when it gets dirty or disinfect the surface. Water does not penetrate either, thanks to its natural water-repellent properties.

Side pockets

On the right side is a pocket large enough to carry books, magazines, shelves, or other devices. Keep the remote control in the pocket, and you’ll never lose it or have to move from your seat to change channels.

 

Pros :

• Very comfortable
• Multiple inclinations
• Easy to clean
• Storage pockets
• Comes with detailed assembly instructions

Cons

• Discreet design

 

 

2. Delta Children Lancaster Rocking Chair

Whether you’re adding to your nursery or planning to put it in your man cave, the Delta Children Lancaster rocking chair is sure to impress you. It’s fully upholstered, water-resistant, easy to clean, and glides effortlessly back and forth. Moreover, it is available in three neutral colors that blend well with any interior design.

The best quality of the Delta is that it has a fully upholstered look. This allows it to integrate perfectly with other decors and makes it a “hidden” rocker. The added coils and padding also make it perfect for nurseries because you won’t have any trouble sitting on it for long periods.

The only Cons we found is that it does not have a full swing. You’ll be able to swing back and forth a little bit, but not like a full rocker would. That’s why we only recommend it to those who want the look of the furniture rather than using it as a rocking chair.

 

Waterproof fabric

The chair has been upholstered with LiveSmart fabric. This fabric prevents water or other beverages from seeping in and can help repel other small particles such as dirt, grime, and dust.

Sturdy construction

A rocking chair must be solid if you want to swing in it daily. Fortunately, the chair has a durable construction and a wooden frame. The frame is then covered with thick padding that adds to the structure and elegance of the chair.

Extra comfort

The chair has been designed for your comfort. The seat cushions have thick springs that help keep the chair soft and supportive, providing long-lasting comfort.

Multiple colors

Each rocking base is made of wood, but the fabric is available in three neutral tones: linen, sisal, and mist. Such a design helps to create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere.

Dimensions and weight

The chair is not as compact, so you may need to make room before buying it. It is 30.8 x 348 x 34.8 inches and weighs approximately 50 pounds.

 

The pros :

• Water-resistant
• Durable and stable
• Comfortable and supportive
• Neutral colors
• Easy to clean

Cons :

• Takes up space
• It doesn’t swing completely
• Look on Amazon.com

 

3. Windsor rocking chair

Grandparents used to use these types of rocking chairs until they became old-fashioned. This is the traditional type which is characterized by an all-wood construction.

You will be able to use it indoors and outdoors because it adds a touch of style and makes an amazing conversation piece. On top of that, some improvements make it more comfortable and resistant.

If you are looking for a traditional-style rocker that can be placed indoors or outdoors, you will be satisfied with Windsor. It features a beautiful design that will catch the attention of your guests because it looks like it was handcrafted and passed down through the family.

The Cons we found is that the chair doesn’t last long. It generally wears out and breaks after a few years of daily use.

 

The ornate elements

The chair has beautifully sculpted curves, contours, and legs. Each section of the rocker has been hand-carved, adding to the uniqueness of the chair. In addition, it has a slightly turned arm and foot that add to its ornaments and personality.

Durable frame

Hevea wood is a tropical hardwood that respects the environment and keeps its shape. Windsor uses a medium brown stain to create a unique finish to give it a distinguished look.

Easy assembly

The chair will have to be assembled and comes in several parts. However, it is not so difficult to assemble. Luckily, the chair comes with instructions to guide you through each step.

Dimensions and weight

The dimensions are 24.5 x 36.5 x 43.5 inches, and he weighs 39.7 pounds.

 

The pros :

• Traditional style
• Blends well in any home
• A good and gentle rocking movement
• Easy assembly
• Durable and comfortable
• Provides adequate back support

Cons :

• Short lifespan
• No cushions

 

 

4. Lakeland Mills Cedar Log Rocking Chair

Lakeland Mills offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor rocking chairs. The cedar rocking chair is made from insect and weather-resistant white cedarwood. It gives it a unique look of lumber and is perfect to be placed on your front porch.

The wide seats are perfect for those who have a larger statue or want a little more space. Also, it gives you enough space to add pillows, cushions, or a blanket to sit on.

The only problem is that the assembly will take at least an hour and is a bit complicated. In addition, the rocker has no shock absorber, which can cause lower back and back pain after a while.

A solid framework

The whole chair is made of high-quality cedarwood. It is known for its durable properties and is somewhat resistant to certain environmental factors.

All the wood comes from sustainable sources and already grows on wood farms.

Attractive design

As for the design, it is similar to the Adirondack chairs and includes a large seating area. This gives you a little more space to move around or place pillows.

Controlled rocking

The swing is also very smooth and controlled, which you won’t find in many other rocking chairs. It glides gently back and forth and when your feet stop, so does the chair.

Dimensions and weight

The entire chair is 42 x 31 x 41 inches in size and weighs approximately 41.2 pounds. It’s a little larger and heavier than other rocking chairs, but that probably is because it’s made of natural wood.

 

The pros :

• Beautiful and natural
• Large seating areas
• Sustainable
• A soft swing
• Made in the USA
• Easy assembly instructions

Cons :

• Long assembly time
• No padding

 

 

5. Child’s colonial rocking chair Gift Mark

Last on our list is the best rocking chair for kids. It’s a nice little rocking chair that can be placed inside or outside. The Gift Mark works on handcrafting all of his lullabies, giving them a distinct style and making each one unique.

The chair has been painted in pure white, which allows you to paint over it. If you want it to match your children’s room, consider painting it with a wood stain.

The biggest disappointment is that the chair is not designed to be comfortable because they make it for children. You could try throwing a cushion or pillow on it, but that leaves little room to sit. We recommend it only for toddlers or young children.

 

Handmade by hand

Each section of the chair has been made and sculpted to perfection. The design is similar to the ones you would find over 100 years ago, with sanded frames to prevent the wood from splitting.

Increased durability

The chair is incredibly sturdy and uses hardened screws and bolts to hold it in place. This ensures that you can use it for years to come and may even have a chance to pass it on to the next generation.

Easy to assemble

The necessary tools and instructions are in the box when purchasing the Gift Mark chair. It contains simple instructions that will allow you to assemble the chair in one hour.

Dimensions and weight

The chair is 17.8 x 12.8 x 24.8 inches and weighs 2.2 pounds. It is therefore easy to pick up and carry and light enough for children to move around.

 

Pros :

• Beautifully handmade
• Quick installation
• Light
• Perfect for children
• A gentle rocking movement

Cons

• No padding

 

 

Buyer’s Guide

This section will present some purchasing considerations you should know before buying a rocking chair.

If you keep these key elements in mind, then you can’t go wrong in choosing one.

Types

Rocking chairs come in various shapes, sizes, and models. All in all, you’ll have difficulty choosing if you don’t know what each type of chair does. That’s why we’ve created a list of five types of rocking chairs that we commonly see on the market.

The traditional rocking chair

The first type is a conventional rocking chair with curved legs and armrests. It is generally the most economical and tends to be made of real wood. With this type of chair, you get a full range of rockers, but they tend to become uncomfortable.

Glider rocker chair

A glider rocker chair resembles a recliner and looks like a medium upholstered seat. However, it has levers and hinges to help control the rocking motion. You can find compact versions, but they tend to cost more than traditional ones.

Spring-loaded rocking chair

This is a mix of traditional rockers and a glider. It swings back and forth, except it is placed on mounted springs and does not swing entirely back and forth. The only problem is that there is a wide variety of styles and models. In addition, they tend to cost the most because of their complicated engineering.

Swivel rocking chair

A swivel rocking chair uses a full rocking chair but has a padded relaxation chair on top. These chairs can swivel in either direction and are more comfortable than your generic rocking chair. Although, due to the wide variety of models, they tend to be expensive but well worth the investment.

Reclining rocker chair

The last type is the recliner rocker, a combination of a rocker and a recliner chair. It often doesn’t have a full range of motion and tends to focus on reclining elements. However, we recommend them to those who need a safer seat.

 

Durability

Each rocker has its lifespan, making it difficult to determine the exact lifespan of each chair. Generally, you can expect most wooden frames to last up to five years if they are well maintained and used regularly. Other chairs, such as recliners, swivels, and indoor chairs, tend to last a lifetime but wear out over time.

Appearance

The look is also different depending on the type you choose to buy. You can ideally find a wide range of aesthetic rocking chairs, from modern to traditional. You can find either type online if you are looking for a hand-made wooden chair or a fully upholstered seat.

Comfort

Comfort is the main factor you want to watch out for because many rockers tend to ignore it. Any cushion, spring, or padding is the key to sitting down and relaxing. If you choose to invest in a traditional rocking chair, a camping chair, or an event chair, also make sure to check if the armrests are padded.

Weight

The weight can vary from two to 50 pounds depending on the materials used. Wood, iron, and steel tend to produce heavier rocking chairs, and the addition of upholstery makes the chair even heavier. It depends on the size of the rocking chair, the materials used, and your intention to move it.

Price

Although choosing one of the cheapest rocking chairs can be tempting, you’ll soon regret your choice when the chair frame breaks. You get your money’s worth, meaning the price reflects the chair’s strength. Although you don’t want to overdo it, choose a chair that costs no less than $50 because they are the most stable.

 

How to build a rocking chair

Building a rocking chair requires precision work and patience because you will have to build each piece by piece. They make beautiful gifts, and if they are well done, they can be passed on from generation to generation.

Although we can’t write down the whole process, we can give you two different video guides that list the steps. The first video is from French River Springs, and it demonstrates the entire process of how he builds rocking chairs from scratch.

The next video is from Chop With Chris, who guides you through building your rocking chair, including choosing the type of wood. His tutorial is excellent for beginners or those who don’t have much experience in woodworking.

How to know how old a rocking chair is

There are hundreds of rocking chairs that are brand new, that have been refurbished, or passed down from generation to generation.

First, check that all the upholstery, joints, and bolts are securely fastened. You may be dealing with a refurbished or newly manufactured rocking chair if they look solid. If you look closely, you should be able to tell by the color and shade of the wood. If it’s made of real wood, you probably have an older chair, especially if the wood is starting to crack.

Generally, it may be a few decades old if you can see wood splinters, cracks, or other damage. Once a wooden chair is seven years old or older, you will see signs of damage. Modern rocking chairs begin to rust after three to five years.

 

How to upholster a rocking chair

Each rocking chair is different, making it a little more challenging to learn how to upholster a rocking chair fully. However, we can provide a detailed video to guide you through the steps. Here’s a video from Now That I’m a Mother: how to stuff your rocking chair by DYING your rocking chair slipcover.

How to paint a rocking chair

Painting a rocking chair is not that different from painting your walls. You will need a weather-resistant primer, coating, or powder, and then the color of your choice. If you work with metal frames, you will have trouble applying paint.

If you use wood, you may need a wood stain or frame primer before applying the final coat of paint. Always paint outside in a large open space so that you don’t have fumes in your home.

• Clean the rocking chair by wiping it with mild soap and water or other disinfectant wipes. If you have removable cushions, you can remove them and wash them by hand.
• Next, take a primer or wood stain and apply it to the entire frame.
• Let dry for 6 to 24 hours.
• Once the coating is dry, you can take the weather-resistant powder and apply it over the primer.
• It may take a few coats, but as long as you follow the instructions on the box, it shouldn’t be a problem.
• Once it’s dry, continue by applying your last coat of paint. Wait for the last coat to dry for 24 to 48 hours before taking it home.

How to Repair a Squeaky Rocking Chair

We all know that rocking chair sound that drives us crazy. It’s best to apply a little lubricant or oil to the joints to prevent this from happening. Even if you work with a wooden rocking chair, it will inevitably dry out and start to crack.

That’s where the oil comes in handy. You can find wood oil or other chair lubricants at your local hardware store and apply them once a year.

 

Verdict

As you can see, there are many rocking chairs, making it difficult to choose just one. We believe the best rocking chair should be the Delta Children Lancaster Rocking Chair.

It is solid, compact enough to be installed in your home, and slides effortlessly back and forth. The extra padding and neutral colors make it a great addition to any living space.